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Prospects of a cruise ship port in Nigeria’s blue economy 11 Jul 2025

Introduction

Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline along the Gulf of Guinea positions it as a prime candidate to capitalise on the global blue economy, valued at $24 trillion annually, or 5% of global GDP. The blue economy encompasses sustainable use of ocean, sea, and coastal resources for economic growth, job creation, and ecosystem health, with maritime tourism, particularly cruise tourism, as a key driver. 

The global cruise industry, serving 34.6 million passengers in 2024 and projected to reach 37.7 million in 2025, generated $168.6 billion in economic impact in 2023, supporting 1.6 million jobs. 

Despite Africa’s cruise market growing by 21.6% in 2024, West Africa remains underserved, offering Nigeria a unique opportunity to establish a cruise ship port. This article explores how a cruise port could transform Nigeria’s maritime industry, enhance its blue economy, and drive sustainable economic development, drawing on global cruise trends and Nigeria’s maritime potential.

The Global Cruise Industry

The cruise industry’s robust growth provides a blueprint for Nigeria’s maritime ambitions. In 2024, 43% of cruise passengers visited the Caribbean, followed by the Mediterranean, while Africa’s 387,500 passengers underscored its untapped potential. The industry’s economic multiplier effect is significant: 69% of passengers stay one or more nights in port cities, and 60% return to destinations first visited by cruise, amplifying local spending. 

Nigeria’s coastal cities, such as Lagos, with proximity to cultural and historical attractions like Badagry and the Lagos arts scene, could emulate this model. A cruise port requiring 750 metres of berth to handle one large (e.g., 4,700 passengers) and one mid-sized ship simultaneously could target 500,000 – 1 million annual passengers by 2035, mirroring ports in emerging markets like Dubai.

Also, sustainability is a cornerstone of modern cruising, aligning with Nigeria’s environmental goals. By 2028, 72% of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)’s fleet will connect to shore power, reducing emissions by up to 30% per ship call, and 50% of new ships will use LNG or methanol. A Nigerian cruise port equipped with shore power and waste management systems compliant with MARPOL Annex V could attract eco-conscious cruise lines, enhancing its competitiveness. 

Moreover, the industry’s focus on younger demographics (average age 54.3 in 2024, down from 57 in 2019) and multi-generational travel (30% of families cruise with two or more generations) aligns with Nigeria’s youthful population and growing middle class, promising strong domestic and regional demand.

Economic Impacts

A cruise ship port in Nigeria, strategically located near a major commercial airport (e.g., within 30 – 45 minutes’ drive), would catalyse economic growth through diverse revenue streams, leveraging the maritime industry’s infrastructure and workforce. Key impacts include the following:

Revenue Streams: Passenger fees, like head taxes and port charges, could generate stable income, with global averages of $20–50 per passenger. A marina for 200–300 yacht slips, targeting the $40 billion global yacht market, would attract affluent visitors, yielding rental fees. Commercial leases for waterfront retail, dining, and hotels, combined with shore excursion commissions – of $100–300 per passenger – would boost local businesses. Shore power usage fees and vessel services, including tugs, pilots, and mooring, would further diversify income, supporting port operations.

Job Creation: The cruise sector could create over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, mirroring ports like Miami. Roles in hospitality, maritime navigation, waste management, and tour operations would employ Nigeria’s youth, with 94% of women seafarers globally working in cruising, offering gender-inclusive opportunities. Training programmes, as outlined in CLIA’s Oceans of Opportunity report, could upskill workers, enhancing competitiveness.

Tourism and Local Economies: Cruise passengers’ spending on pre- and post-cruise stays (60% stay pre-embarkation, 54% post-disembarkation) would drive demand for hotels, restaurants, and transport in cities like Lagos. Shore excursions to cultural sites could distribute economic benefits to artisans and communities, fostering inclusive growth.

Infrastructure Development: The port’s requirements – 50 acres of land, navigable channels, and access roads – would spur investments in dredging, road networks, and utilities. The Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) experience with Lekki Deep Seaport’s $1.5 billion financing demonstrates capacity for such projects, potentially through public-private partnerships (PPPs).

These impacts align with Nigeria’s blue economy goals, articulated by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to diversify from oil-dependent maritime activities (e.g., cargo shipping) toward tourism and sustainable resource use. Synergies with regional assets like Lekki Deep Seaport could position Nigeria as a West African maritime hub.

Transforming Nigeria’s Maritime Industry

A cruise port would redefine Nigeria’s maritime industry, currently dominated by cargo and oil exports, by integrating tourism into its economic framework. Specific areas of transformations include:

Maritime Infrastructure: Developing 750-metre berths and navigable channels would enhance port capacity, benefiting both cruise and cargo operations. Investments in tugs, pilots, and scanning machines, as recommended by Ships & Ports (2025), would improve trade facilitation and safety, aligning with IMO standards.

Regulatory Framework: Collaboration with ministries, including Marine and Blue Economy, Transportation, and Environment and agencies like Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, would strengthen regulations for cruise operations, including licensing, safety, and environmental compliance. This supports Nigeria’s bid for a Category C seat on the IMO Council, showcasing maritime leadership.

Workforce Development: The cruise industry’s global workforce of 300,000 seafarers offers a model for Nigeria. Training in hospitality, navigation, and green technologies, e.g., shore power maintenance, would create a skilled maritime workforce, reducing reliance on foreign labour and enhancing economic sovereignty.

Sustainability Leadership: By adopting cleaner technologies like LNG/methanol engines and shore power, Nigeria could lead West Africa in sustainable maritime practices, addressing global concerns about cruise-related pollution (77% of marine pollution from ships, per industry critics).

Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Establishing a cruise port faces challenges, but strategic measures can ensure success. The challenges and the strategic measures to address them include:

Environmental Concerns: Cruise ships’ environmental impact requires robust waste management and shore power infrastructure. Nigeria can adopt CLIA’s sustainability practices, such as advanced wastewater treatment, and engage communities through awareness campaigns.

Infrastructure Gaps: Nigeria’s ports lag behind global standards, necessitating $1–2 billion in investments. PPPs, as used for Lekki Deep Seaport, can attract private capital, while transparent concession agreements, per Ships & Ports (2025), would incentivise upgrades.

Regulatory Coordination: Inter-ministerial collaboration is complex but critical. An MOU with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy can streamline approvals and align policies.

Market Competition: Competing with established African ports like Durban requires marketing Nigeria’s unique cultural and coastal attractions. But partnerships with global cruise lines, e.g., Carnival, Royal Caribbean, can enhance visibility.

Conclusion

A cruise ship port in Nigeria would be a game-changer for the blue economy, transforming the maritime industry through economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development. By leveraging global cruise trends – 37.7 million passengers in 2025, $168.6 billion impact – and Nigeria’s coastal assets, the port could generate diverse revenue, create over 10,000 jobs, and position Nigeria as West Africa’s cruise hub. With strategic investments, regulatory support, and partnerships, Nigeria can unlock its maritime potential, contributing to the $24 trillion global blue economy and cementing a legacy of economic resilience and global leadership.

Joy Dimka is Senior Legal Officer at the Nigerian Shippers' Council.