Barr Chris Ebare (Former Chairman, Institute of Chartered Ship Brokers)
Well, my expectation for the Nigerian marine and blue economy is for the Ministry to reposition the industry and meet international standards; particularly on the ship and vessel emissions that complies strictly with the prescription of the IMO. Most importantly, bring in more experts into the maritime industry to measure up to the world standards.
Secondly, the Nigerian Port Authority should reenergize their PPP departments and stretch out more partnership, particularly to some foreign companies. They should rehabilitate and stretch our seaports. So that Apapa port and others can receive more vessels. So that vessels that are normally berthed in the international water can have access to the port and more revenue will be coming in into the Nigerian ports.
Dr. Segun Musa (Deputy National President, Air and Logistics, NAGAFF)
My expectations are: more robust engagement between the state actors and genuine relevant state and non- state actors. The government should improve the access road infrastructure that would ease movement of traffic and dislodge the illegal blockages by security agencies for the purposes of extortion. There should be uninterrupted customs servers to prevent unnecessary clearance delays and frustrating storage charges. NIMASA should release the audited account of the Cabotage vessel finance fund collection from inception and commence genuine disbursement. The government should provide finance support to genuine freight forwarders to be able to compete favorably with foreign counterparts.
Otunba Sola Adewumi (NISA President)
We are not expecting much, because the expectations for last year were not met. It is quite unfortunate that we have the same story all the time. The CVFF that was promised last year has not been disbursed as well as so many promises and policies that are yet to be put in place. We do not expect much, but we are hopeful that things will change this year, if the government is willing
Engineer Bob Yousuo (National President, Nigerian Merchant Navy)
Tinubu’s administration means well for Nigerians. Things might be tough, but we are passing through it. You know, it is not easy to change something that has been condemned. When you miss a channel, you will definitely come back before you can go to the right channel. I believe Tinubu’s administration will do well. Things will get better. I just urge all Nigerians to do what is right. One man cannot change the entire system. Let us change our way of doing things and let us do what is right. We should have that positive mindset, that Nigeria will be better. Nigeria will be great. All hands must be on deck to ensure that things get better. I strongly believe that this year will be much better than next year.
Frank Obiekezie (National Secretary, AREFFN)
As a freight forwarder, I believe that the starting point is to ensure that the CRFFN stabilizes and most likely other things will fall into place. Most policies affecting freight forwarders in general are being led by the policies made by the agencies and the ministry. We need to organize freight forwarders to discharge the functions of freight forwarders appropriately and the starting point is the CRFFN. The associations have to come together to ensure we speak with one voice and trade facilitation is done seamlessly. We should not be so concerned about our individual associations, but the overall interest of services. With the humongous revenue target for Customs, there will be more difficulties. There is so much high risk. These are the things we have to get together, take a stand and work on for the new year.
Bala Muhammed (General Secretary, AMATO)
My expectations for the industry in 2025 are as follows: Full implementation of ports automation system with e-tag and terminals access barriers in line with global best practices to enhance traffic orderliness and sanity, eliminate artificial gridlock, call up racketeering, extortion, terminal/Ports congestion, shunting and cross-crossing of trucks. Expanded frontiers of Nigeria’s trade facilitation for the progress of our national economy. Also, we expect increased efficiency in Ports/Terminals operations to reduce cargo dwelling time. Implementation of Port Community System and National Single Window to accelerate timely evacuation of cargoes, eliminate corruption and reduce long cargo dwelling time.
Captain Thomas Kemewerigha
To be sincere, I don’t believe anything will change. This is because 2026 is a political year and most of the political gladiators are just there to conserve money to secure better positions for 2027. And if you look at it, the political institutions also affect the maritime institutions, because politicians are the helm of affairs. This year, they will try to build some sanity into the system. But from next year, they will lose value for the job and look for money to go into politics. But for me this year, how far have we gone with the IMO seat? We’re in trouble. So, I don’t see anything different. This year, I don’t see any much improvement from the maritime sector, because all the requests of the stakeholders have not been met. They will play along as usual and next year they’re going to politics. I don’t expect anything different from the past this year.
Francis Omotoso (Registrar, NAGAFF Academy)
For me, the year 2025 is all about consolidating on the advancement that have been made so far and the strategies that have been mapped out by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The Minister should advance the blueprint and the road map to ensure all-round development of the maritime industry.
The government has already shown us the roadmap from the perspective of the Nigeria Customs Service through the recent revenue target.
