FG Makes Case For Port Facilities Upgrade At WMD

…As NPA, MAN, NIWA Speaks On Key Achievements

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, Thursday canvassed increased attention for the upgrade of the nation’s port facilities as a pathway to ensure that Nigeria remains competitive in the global arena of seaborne trade.

Rector MAN Effedua , rear, in a handshake with Comrade Adeyanju, PG MWUN and others at the event in Lagos

Oyetola who was speaking at the 2024 World Maritime Day celebration held at Eko Hotels and Suites Lagos, said Nigeria must re-examine the safety and security challenges that confronts her maritime sector, through the deployment of new technologies and adaptation of alternative renewable fuels aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by ships.

The minister who was represented by a director in the ministry said, “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.”.

2nd to right, Vice President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Segun Oduntan and MD Easy Deal Global Ltd, OKkhosimhe John at the event.

“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.”

H explained that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government is poised to continue to provide enabling environment for the industry to grow and flourish.

“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 is 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 enjoined stakeholders to raise the bar in supporting the seafarers, describing seafarers as a critical organ of the marine and blue economy.

He said NPA will continue to lead efforts aimed to building and sustaining the necessary partnership with the Mission to Seafarers project for the eventual development of the Seafarers Centre.

“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.

“Cognizant 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.”

On his part, Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd), said safety has always played a central role in the development of cadets and students, as he listed critical achievements that have since returned the Academy to the global map of discussion.

He said the Academy has not only been revived but to the extent it currently stands shoulder-to-shoulder with world leading counterparts, noting that the Academy has begun to attract foreign patronage and partnership.

“You will recall that in 2017 when l was called upon to speak during the WMD, l shied away because back then, sincerely there was nothing on ground to show. Today, things are different; the Academy has bounced back fully. It is not only functioning as a respectable maritime training institution, it is presently one of the leading maritime academies worldwide; you can quote me anywhere.

“We have achieved a lot in the last six years, now, we have the best educational facilities comparable with other maritime institutions in the world. So many critical learning facilities have been put in place. Unlike before,  the Academy now has four working Simulators, one of which is a multi-functional classroom simulator, can seat up to 30 trainees at the same time, and it has about eleven other simulators embedded in it; it is multi-dimensional.

“We have remodeled cadets hostels to accommodate just two to a room unlike before when about 18 cadets occupied one room. All our classrooms and lecture theatres are smart, and our laboratories and engineering workshops are well equipped.”

He continues: “The Academy security architecture has been enhanced with fantastic surveillance equipment and men of the Nigerian Navy and three other security outfits are spread over the nooks and crannies of the Academy.”

“I have visited many maritime academies in Europe, Asia and America, all very highly rated but l can tell you that even the training simulators they have are not as modern as our own. We have additional edge with qualified lecturers taking our cadets on sea simulation training. So your academy is today a world leader, already attracting foreign patronage.

“Thanks to our supervisory ministry of marine and blue economy, thanks to NIMASA, NPA and the OPS all of who have continued to support and partner with us.”

Also speaking, Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji explained that the NIWA has been at the forefront of efforts to improve navigation safety, as well as helping to create accessibility across the nation’s vast waterways.

“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.”

The NIWA boss said he was willing to partner with stakeholders to improve service efficiency, safety and security of lives and goods within the marine transportation network.

“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.”