The Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Calabar Branch, Dr. Aniefiok Iton, has urged Nigeria and other nations along the Gulf of Guinea to formalize their maritime trade activities. She emphasized that this transition is essential to maximizing the vast opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Dr. Iton made these remarks during a two-day conference titled “Promoting Coastal Maritime Trade with Littoral Countries Along the Gulf of Guinea,” held recently in Calabar. The event brought together maritime experts, transport practitioners, academics, and government officials to deliberate on strategic frameworks for strengthening regional trade integration.
During the technical session, Dr. Iton described the maritime sector as a critical pillar for economic growth, regional cohesion, and revenue generation across the continent. However, she pointed out that widespread informal trading activities along Nigeria’s waterfronts and border communities continue to deprive the government of substantial revenue due to a persistent lack of proper documentation and regulation.
She noted that many local traders and operators currently lack a full understanding of the formal legal processes required for international maritime operations. Consequently, the conference was designed not only to create awareness but also to provide practical training for stakeholders to help them transition into a structured economic framework.
By formalizing coastal trade, Dr. Iton explained, regional governments can significantly improve operational efficiency and competitiveness. Proper documentation allows authorities to monitor trade flows more effectively and generate much-needed revenue, ensuring that coastal states like Cross River benefit directly from the wider AfCFTA market.
Beyond policy changes, the CILT chairman called for sustained investment in human capacity development. She insisted that continuous professional training and collaboration are the only ways to keep pace with the evolving logistics sector. To this end, the institute is currently in discussions with various state ministries and agencies to promote programs that attract young people to careers in the maritime industry.
Dr. Kingsley Ekwere, Rector of the Marine and Ocean Academy and a lead speaker at the event, highlighted the strategic global importance of the Gulf of Guinea. Spanning nearly 6,000 kilometers from Senegal to Angola, the region is a vital artery for commerce. He stressed that unlocking its potential requires stronger connectivity, improved security, and modern port infrastructure to serve as the engine for AfCFTA-driven trade.
Dr. Ekwere also issued a warning regarding global maritime shifts. He noted that as geopolitical tensions and piracy affect traditional routes like the Strait of Hormuz, global attention is increasingly turning toward the Gulf of Guinea. This shift presents a unique opening for African coastal nations to position themselves as a globally competitive trade corridor.
In their closing remarks, stakeholders at the conference collectively called for increased investment in coastal transport systems, maritime education, and regional security cooperation. They concluded that only through a unified and formalized approach can the region transform its maritime potential into tangible economic prosperity.
