In a compelling call to action, the Federal Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged maritime stakeholders to take concrete steps towards implementing the actionable strategies outlined in Mr. Moses Fadipe’s latest book, which he has hailed as a “Prosperity Document” for the maritime sector.
Speaking during the book presentation of the latest literary work titled “Nigeria and Global Maritime Industry,” authored by the National Coordinator of the Presidential Port Standing Task Team (PSTT), Mr. Moses Fadipe in Lagos on Thursday, the Minister underscored the transformative potential of the book, emphasizing the need to move beyond reading commentaries to taking tangible actions in the maritime sector.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mr Olayinka Olusanya however called for a commitment to implementing the recommendations outlined in the book for the collective benefit of the nation. He stressed the importance of translating ideas into action, emphasizing that writing, editing, and publishing should be followed by a dedicated effort to put the proposed strategies into effect.
Oyetola lauded Fadipe’s work as more than just a commentary, but a comprehensive “prosperity document” designed for thorough research, reference, and practical consultation. He assured the audience that the book offers substantial value, urging stakeholders to actively engage with its content.
The Minister set an ambitious target of generating N1.5 trillion in the maritime sector before the first quarter of the year. While acknowledging the challenge, he expressed confidence that with collective determination of all government agencies in the port, the target is not only possible but achievable.
In his closing remarks, Oyetola commended the PSTT under Mr. Fadipe’s leadership, recognizing their contributions to the advancement of the maritime sector.
“Mr Fadipe’s book provides for all platforms to be on deck by ensuring the book is not just a comment, but a prosperity document which can be researched, referenced and profitably consulted. I can rest assured that you will get value from it. Beyond writing a book, editing and publishing, we should go to the next level of ensuring that we implement everything that he has put in place and written down for the overall benefits of this nation.
“Fadipe is a value added citizen of Nigeria. The book will add value to the maritime sector. It is relevant in giving a breath of life to the present economy. We must collectively rally round the sector through the policies and programmes the government is putting place to help us drive this sector so that every Nigeria will have access to efficient service delivery.
“In order to add value to the Gross Domestic Product and economic growth, it is expedient that the Nigerian maritime sector be given a keen attention, so that Nigeria itself won’t just do the talking but actionalize the talking” Oyetola said.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah Ukeyime expressed admiration for Fadipe’s impact on the PSTT, emphasizing the unprecedented heights to which he has elevated the activities of the team. He specifically commended Fadipe’s efforts in addressing the complexities within the port corridor, describing them as transformative measures to enhance efficiency and promote trade in the country.
Ukeyime informed that the new book is a reflection of Fadipe’s 30 years of dedicated service to the nation, while emphasizing its role as a valuable resource and material to propel the maritime sector forward.
The NSC boss also rallied all stakeholders, including those who may have retired, to contribute their wealth of experience to move the industry forward. Recognizing the economic challenges and the need to proactively contribute to national GDP, Ukeyime stressed the importance of leveraging past experiences to propel the economy forward.
“It is no longer talk and talk. This is action time. Over the years we have seen the need to develop the sector of the economy to add to our national GDP. Most works that have been done have added much but not to the extent which we require. This is the time for all of us to put our hand on deck.
“For those of us who have tirelessly worked in this sector, you may think you have retired. We are calling all of you back to work, so that we can move the industry forward. The economy is bleeding. We need to be very proactive in terms of moving this economy forward and your past experiences are needed to move the economy forward” Ukeyime noted.
During the review of the book, the Chief Executive Officer of Convention on Business Integrity (CBi), Mr Soji Apampa lauded the book as a symphony of knowledge contributing to the advancement of the maritime sector.
Apampa described the book as a harmonious composition consisting of five parts, contributing valuable insights to the tracing of maritime industry history, Fadipe’s career evolution at the Nigeria Shippers Council, his personal experiences, challenges faced during his tenure at the PSTT, and pivotal reforms in Nigeria’s ports.
In a call for continuity, Apampa encouraged the management of the NSC to uphold the legacy left by Fadipe stressing the need for relevant government agencies and stakeholders to provide continuous support, both in terms of funding and collaboration, to the PSTT. This, according to Apampa, is crucial for the sustained achievement of the PSTT’s mandate, extending beyond Fadipe’s tenure.
On his part, the author of the book and South West Director of the NSC, Mr Moses Fadipe expressed gratitude to everyone who has contributed immensely to the success of his career and particularly their contributions to the book.
Fadipe rehearsed his personal experiences and challenges faced during the execution of his mandate at the PSTT, portraying a vivid picture of the realities within the maritime landscape. He however called on all stakeholders to embrace the content of the book by taking sustainable actions derived from it for the development of the maritime industry.
The event was graced by: Former Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority and CEO of NSC, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, Former Executive Secretary of NSC, Dr. Kingsley Usoh, Former National President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Shittu Olayiwola, former Acting Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa, Representatives from SIFAX Group, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) as well as royal fathers were also in attendance.
