A maritime expert and Chief Executive officer, Kammy Marine Services Limited, Charles Okorefe has charged the federal government to put in a place maritime policy for strategic planning so as to move the industry forward.
The expert also noted that there is need for a think tank for strategic planning, saying that it has made the maritime industry to grow but not fully developed as expected.
A maritime expert and Chief Executive officer, Kammy Marine Services Limited, Charles Okorefe has charged the federal government to put in a place maritime policy for strategic planning so as to move the industry forward.
The expert also noted that there is need for a think tank for strategic planning, saying that it has made the maritime industry to grow but not fully developed as expected.
Okorefe made this known in Lagos on Tuesday at the launch of a book titled: "Maritime Capacity Development in Nigeria" writen by Mr Francis Ezem a maritime correspondent with National Mirror newspaper.
The maritime expert noted that inadequate manpower in the areas of seafaring and technical know how is a major bane that needs to addressed by the government adding that the enactment of relevant laws , such as the Nigeria Coastal and Inland shipping Act law is of essence.
He said that the maritime sector needs lethargic implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the Cabotage law and that employment of Nigerians to man these agencies and institutions are needed.
Okorefe who is also a lecturer with Certified Institute of Shipping (CIS) further pointed out that because of the ingredients needed for future growth and development of the maritime industry, there is need to review the critical provision of the Cabotage law.
He urged the federal government to further reverse of Nigeria international trade from Free On Board (FOB) basis to Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF).
He further commended the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its sustained effort to train seafarers, but he also raised fears over the non availability of a national carrier.
The expert reiterated that without sea time experience for the cadets, there is a huge problem for the maritime industry and development of its manpower.
He said that the establishment of a national carrier should serve training and commercial purposes in order a strike a balance.
He also called on the need for a formation of watertight advocacy group to constantly put government on its toes on policy implementation in the maritime sector.
Meanwhile, author of the book, Francis Ezem said that the lapses in the industry prompted him to write the eight chapter book as a means of correcting some of the shortcomings.
He said his background as a maritime journalist coupled with his academic qualification in the transport sector gave him the exposure to be able to identify the grey areas in the industry and to also proffer solutions to them.
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