RismadarVoice Reporters
October 22, 2026
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has reportedly approved new channel management arrangements for four major Nigerian seaport corridors in a move aimed at improving maritime navigation, vessel access and port efficiency.
The arrangements cover the Lagos, Bonny, Calabar and Escravos channels, with changes expected in the companies responsible for maintaining navigable waterways and supporting shipping operations.
The development was disclosed by a former General Manager of Marine and Operations, Captain Ebubeogu Ihenacho, during the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners.
According to Ihenacho, the approvals involve changes to the management and ownership structures of some existing channel management companies, including Lagos Channel Management Company Limited and Bonny Channel Management Company.
He explained that the four major maritime corridors would operate under separate management arrangements involving the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and designated private-sector operators.
For the Lagos port corridor, a new management company has reportedly been approved, with changes expected to its corporate identity and ownership structure.
Although the identities of the proposed operators have not been officially confirmed, industry sources indicated that a Belgian company could assume responsibility for managing the Lagos channel.
The Calabar Channel is expected to operate under Calabar Channel Management Company, while Bonny Channel Management Company is also reportedly undergoing ownership restructuring.
In the Warri port corridor, Ihenacho disclosed that China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and two other companies had received approval to establish a consortium for managing the Escravos Channel.
He said the consortium would form a special-purpose vehicle in partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority to oversee the channel’s operations.
The Escravos Channel is particularly important to maritime activities in Delta State because it provides access to the Warri port corridor and supports commercial shipping and industrial operations.
Effective channel management typically involves dredging, hydrographic surveys, navigation monitoring and maintenance activities designed to ensure that vessels can move safely through port approaches.
Industry stakeholders have repeatedly identified channel depth, navigational safety and infrastructure maintenance as important factors affecting the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
The proposed management arrangements could support improvements in vessel access and port operations, depending on their implementation and the capacity of the appointed operators.
However, the financial terms, contract durations and full identities of the companies involved have not been publicly detailed in the information available.
Further clarification from the Federal Government and the Nigerian Ports Authority will be necessary to establish the full scope and implementation timetable of the arrangements.
