The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, says the modernisation of seaports remains a top priority for the Federal Government.
Oyetola said this on Thursday in Lagos at an interactive session with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
The minister recalled that the Federal Executive Council last week approved the award of contract for the modernisation of the Western Ports (Lagos Port Complex, Apapa & Tin-Can Island Ports Complex) with a completion period of 48 months.
According to him, the procurement process for the modernisation of the Eastern Ports is being fast-tracked.
“The goal is to ensure that our port system collectively becomes the transhipment hub for the sub-region. When the modernisation is completed, the draft of our port will be 16 metres to 17 metres.
“It (draft) is currently 12 metres to 13 metres. This will allow bigger vessels to berth and reverse the revenue loss to neighbouring ports of Tema, Lome and Cotonou.
“These port rehabilitation projects by NPA are expected to generate over 20,000 jobs,’’ the minister said.
He, however, said that to bridge the infrastructure gap, the ministry is promoting Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to attract private sector investment in port modernisation and channel dredging.
Oyetola said that such investment could also include areas like automation, inland waterways development, ferry/cruise services, cargo handling equipment deployment, terminal operations, and technological innovation.
He said; “Additionally, we are extending necessary support to private investors to encourage participation in greenfield port projects such as Badagry, Ilaje, Olokola, Agge, Ibaka, Burutu, Snake Island, Bakassi, Deep Sea Ports as well as the development of river ports and jetties across the country.’’
The minister said that Inland Dry Ports were also being developed across the country to enhance trade facilitation.
He explained that these ports served as cargo handling and clearance hubs, improving logistics efficiency and easing access to international markets.
Oyetola noted that in furtherance of Nigeria’s improved international posture in world maritime governance, the country had proposed a bid to contest election into the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.
According to him, Nigeria will be contesting in Category C during the 34th IMO Assembly, scheduled to hold in London between November and December.
He said that President Bola Tinubu had approved it and the IMO had been duly notified, while the ministry had begun the preparatory processes.
“The ministry, in concert with its agencies, has also constituted a National Fleet Implementation Committee to establish a private-sector-led national flag carrier.
“This initiative aims to create employment, reposition the maritime sector and generate revenue for the government,’’ Oyetola said.
The minister stated that in concert with Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the ministry had engaged stakeholders to finalise arrangements for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).
“NIMASA is working on this and has almost completed the process,’’ he said.
The minister noted that the ministry and its agencies worked as a team to deliver on the lofty mandates given and had recorded significant achievements.
“The vision is for the ministry to ensure that the country’s marine resources are harnessed sustainably to position Nigeria as a premier maritime nation. .
“In partnership with African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the Kingdom of Norway, we have concluded the development of Nigeria’s National Blue Economy Strategy document.
“Also, with the support of International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and WorldFish, we have finalised the Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy,’’ he said.
The President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Eze Anaba, said the ministry had the potential for sustainable development, job creation and economic growth of the nation.
Anaba said that as gate keepers, editors played crucial roles in shaping public discourse.
He was optimistic that the interactive session would come up with innovative solutions that would propel the marine industry forward.
