Nigeria’s port concession renewals are facing renewed uncertainty as several terminal operators whose contracts have expired—or are about to expire—continue to operate without clear renewal agreements.

Industry stakeholders say the delays are increasing investment risks, with some operators reportedly scaling down or pausing capital projects because they cannot plan for the future. The dispute is also drawing speculation that the renewal process may be influenced by politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, though the claims have not been substantiated.

According to available records, a number of terminals under review include ENL Consortium Terminals C and D in Apapa, where extensions reportedly lapsed in 2021 and remain unresolved. Other affected operators mentioned include Ports and Cargo Handling Services in Tin Can Island, Josepdam Ports Services, and Port and Terminal Operators Nigeria Limited in Port Harcourt—each with initial concessions that expired in 2021 and later received five-year extensions expected to lapse in 2026.

Operators connected to 2006-era concessions, including those in Warri, are also nearing the end of their renewed terms, adding to the current uncertainty. However, the report notes that APM Terminals Apapa is not among the affected operators because its concession runs from March 2006 to March 2031. Other terminals in Onne, Warri, and Calabar are also said to have longer concessions extending into the 2030s.

Data cited in the report suggests that at least eight of the 27 port concession agreements have already expired. Despite this, the Federal Government has reportedly allowed some operators to keep working through interim arrangements and short-term extensions while a more comprehensive renewal framework is being developed.

Allegations of political influence have gained traction mainly because of the prolonged delays and limited transparency. There are also concerns that some operators may not have their concessions renewed, with the government reportedly considering re-bidding or re-allocating certain terminals—particularly where performance issues or breaches of agreement are alleged.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is reportedly probing port concession agreements spanning nearly two decades, aiming to reassess compliance, performance, and value delivered. The Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Bolaji Akinola, said work on concession renewal is ongoing and that renewals will be granted soon, though no clear timeline was provided.