The Federal Government said it is planning the development of deep seaports in the country in its efforts to boost the maritime sector.
Transport Minister, Senator Idris Umar, who stated this at the just concluded Nigeria Maritime Expo 2014 (NIMAREX) at the weekend said the project, when completed, would accommodate mega ships whilst checking congestion at the existing sea ports in the country.
According to him, government’s plans to ensure 24 hours port operations and 48 hours cargo clearance can only be attained if efficiency of the port system is greatly improved. He said that the Federal Executive Council had already approved the development of the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos under a Public-Private-Partnership arrangement, adding that the project will equally create employment.
Also speaking at the event, the Director General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, said Nigeria has made tremendous progress in the maritime sector, especially in the area of capacity building and infrastructural investment.
He added that the agency via its National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) has trained about 3,000 seafarers in various areas of maritime.
He also said the protracted issue of piracy is being addressed, adding that NIMASA and other security agencies are deeply involved in the anti-piracy battle.
“We’ll take the Nigerian maritime sector to the destination we’re craving for,” he said.
Mr President and the Transport Minister are working towards this and we at the parastatal level are implementing various programmes. In NIMASA, we’re encouraging local content as enshrined in the Cabotage Act. We acknowledge various challenges confronting us but they are made to spur us to greater achievements”, he said. It will encourge local content, promote Cabotage Act. Challenges meant to spur us to higher heights. There is a silent revolution in the maritime industry and it will crystallize soon”, he said.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hassan Bello, urged stakeholders to cooperate and collaborate to take the sector to the next level, adding that maritime sector remains a major vehicle that will bring about the needed dividends of maritime to Nigerians.
