Oyetola Orders Probe into Local Barge Operators' Marginalization

On Monday, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Governor of Osun State, directed the Nigerian Shipper Council to investigate claims regarding the marginalization of local barge operators in Nigeria's seaport operations. This directive follows allegations that certain foreign interests are undermining local businesses by creating operational bottlenecks and providing preferential treatment to foreign-linked entities at specific terminals.

Oyetola expressed that if left unchecked, these actions could significantly weaken local capacity and disrupt the competitive balance within Nigeria's maritime logistics chain. He reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to protecting local investments and maintaining fair competition in the maritime sector.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Bolaji Akinola, emphasized the need for an impartial investigation into these claims, highlighting that anti-competitive behavior that disadvantages Nigerian businesses will not be tolerated. The government aims to engage stakeholders to address sector challenges and strengthen the maritime blue economy as a driver of national growth and job creation.