The Secretary General of the Merchant Seafarers Association of Nigeria, (MESAN); Capt. Alfred Oniye, has advocated for tax breaks for shipbuilders, subsidies for green shipping initiatives, and investments in modern port facilities and workforce development as crucial measures to stimulate growth in the maritime industry.
He emphasized that production, not taxation, is the key to unlocking the sector’s potential. Speaking at a recent conference, Capt. Oniye noted that while taxation is necessary for maintaining maritime infrastructure, excessive taxes can deter growth and make ports less competitive. Oniye cited Singapore’s success story as a testament to the power of production.
He said despite having minimal natural resources, Singapore has become one of the world’s busiest ports due to its focus on efficient port operations, advanced shipbuilding, and a favorable business environment.
He informed that Singapore’s production-centric approach has attracted investment, spurred innovation, and created a thriving maritime ecosystem.
In contrast, he said countries that rely heavily on taxation risk stagnating their maritime industries, driving away business and decreasing traffic. High costs and bureaucratic red tape can lead to a vicious cycle of increasing taxes and decreasing revenue, ultimately harming the industry and the nation’s economy.
Oniye urged the federal government to create policies that incentivize production, such as tax breaks for shipbuilders, subsidies for green shipping initiatives, and investments in modern port facilities and workforce development.
He said by prioritizing production, the maritime industry can navigate towards a more prosperous and sustainable future, creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing global competitiveness.
He stressed the importance of production in driving growth in the maritime sector, while calling for a shift in policy priorities to support this vision.
