FG stresses need to upgrade port facilities

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The Federal Government on Thursday reiterated the need to invest and upgrade port facilities, building capacity to ensure Nigeria remains competitive in the global arena of seaborne trade.

Addressing participants at the 2024 World Maritime Day celebration, which was held in Lagos, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stated that Nigeria must re-examine the safety and security challenges that confront her maritime sector, particularly in the context of new technologies and alternative fuels that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from ships.

According to Adegboyega Oyetola, “It is my pleasure to deliver this keynote address on the occasion of the 2024 World Maritime Day (WMD) celebration.

“Over the years, World Maritime Day has been a catalyst for transformative initiatives and policy advancements among member governments and the maritime community, fostering excellence in the sector. Each year, the global maritime community rallies around a theme set by the IMO Council. This year, 2024, the theme is “Navigating the Future: Safety First.”.

“As we embrace this moment, we must re-examine the safety and security challenges that confront our maritime sector, particularly in the context of new technologies and alternative fuels that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from ships. To safeguard both shipping safety and operational efficiency, it is imperative that we invest in upgrading our facilities and building capacity to ensure Nigeria remains competitive in the global arena of seaborne trade.

“In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy is taking proactive measures to enhance the maritime sector by embracing emerging technologies and fostering innovation to drive growth.

“Key among the initiatives of the Ministry are the digitalisation and automation of port operations to enhance safety, security, and efficiency, as well as performance optimisation to reduce costs and increase reliability, and the adoption of innovative practices to propel our industry towards sustainable development.

“As you are aware, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is investing heavily in port modernisation to reduce inefficiencies, lower operational costs, and improve safety in our ports. This process is being financed through public-private partnerships (PPP) arrangements.”

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, stated that the partnership with the Mission to Seafarers and the consequent development of the Seafarers Centre are a testament to the agency’s relentless commitment to maritime sector human capital development.

In the words of the NPA MD, “Beyond the fanfare, there is a need for every stakeholder here represented to arise from this celebration with a stronger commitment to take actions that create a better world for these distinguished calibre of men and women who power the maritime sector.

“Cognisant of the impact of the seafarers who propel the maritime sector on our port ratings, the Nigerian Ports Authority in 2023 urgently reconstructed and fully equipped the Mission to Seafarers facility in Lagos to regional best-in-class status to provide shore leave for seafarers.

This is in recognition of the necessity for this special category of men and women who spend weeks on end holed up with only workmates for the company to get on shore to interact and access the internet to contact family, seek welfare, secure medical or psychological support if needed, and have a break from the work environment.

“The partnership with the Mission to Seafarers and consequent development of the Seafarers Centre is a testament to our relentless commitment to maritime sector human capital development.

“Realising that automation is the linchpin of port efficiency, the Nigerian ports are at conclusive stages of the deployment of the Port Community System (PCS), which actually sets the pace for the operationalisation of the National Single Window Project of the Federal Government.

“This is in addition to the comprehensive modernisation of Ports infrastructure and equipment to enhance competitiveness.

Indeed, making global port operations healthier, safer, and more secure whilst actualising the other noble objectives of the World Ports Sustainability Programme rests heavily on our shoulders as policy framers, investors, and stakeholders in its broadest ramification.”

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, explained that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has been at the forefront of these efforts, working tirelessly to improve navigability, safety, and accessibility across our vast network of rivers and lakes.

“In Nigeria, we have made significant strides in the maritime sector, especially in enhancing our inland waterways infrastructure and services. The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has been at the forefront of these efforts, working tirelessly to improve navigability, safety, and accessibility across our vast network of rivers and lakes. Our initiatives have not only facilitated trade but have also provided alternative transportation routes that ease congestion on our roads.

“However, as we celebrate our successes, we must also confront the challenges that lie ahead. Issues such as pollution, climate change impacts, and inadequate infrastructure require urgent attention. It is imperative that we adopt innovative solutions and engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders to address these pressing concerns effectively.

“I urge each one of you, the government officials, industry leaders, academics, and civil society, to join hands in promoting sustainable practices within our maritime sector. Let us work together to create policies that protect our waterways while fostering economic development. By doing so, we will ensure that future generations inherit a thriving maritime industry that continues to serve as a backbone for trade and commerce,” the NIWA MD stated.

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