Experts in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector have advocated sustainable policies to ensure sustainable shipping and the long-term health and productivity of its blue economy. This is even as the country continues to harness its potential.
The experts spoke at the 6th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference which held at the University of Lagos on Wednesday.
The Conference had the theme: “A Blueprint for Sustainable Shipping: The Significance of the Nigerian Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy”.
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According to Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group, the maritime industry needs to be strategic and decisive about sustainability as well as exploiting the range of business opportunities that the blue economy presents.
Afolabi said that there was the need for Nigerians to take seriously the issue of policies and stringent regulations that would support environmental protection, economic efficiency, and social responsibility.
”There are diverse opportunities in the industry beyond the traditional shipping and port operations.
“The newly-created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has to expand its scope to provide policies and regulations that will guide investors’ foray into areas like coastal tourism and renewable energies.
“This, however, must be done in a sustainable manner that will protect the ocean ecosystem and provide benefits for the coming generations,” he said.
Similarly, renowned Maritime Lawyer and keynote speaker, Dr Emeka Akabogu, represented by Mr Victor Onyegbado, harped on the importance of achieving sustainable shipping as a nation.
Akabogu said that this was through ethical conduct, improved port operations and adequate legislation within the industry.
According to him, it is imperative to achieve this system in order to build a maritime industry that is functional, providing resources that transcends generations.
”Sustainable shipping is the backbone of a resilient and thriving global economy. We all know that shipping carries the bulk of world trade and it encompasses practices that ensure long-term health of our oceans while meeting the economic and logistical demands of global trade.
“The significance of the Nigerian Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is not only timely but also crucial as we navigate the evolving dynamics of the global, regional, and sub-regional maritime industry.
“This ministry is pivotal for innovative policy development and sustainable practices that will drive Nigeria’s maritime sector forward,” Akabogu said.
Examining the state of the nation’s maritime ecosystem, Akabogu reiterated the need to draw up innovative approaches and diversified economic activities to drive growth and sustainability.
Also, the former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Temisan Omatseye, emphasised the digitisation of the industry as well as the development of a national maritime strategy.
He noted that developing key performance indicators would have a positive impact on human capital development and service delivery.
”We need to move away from where the sector is dependent on human beings and begin to be a bit more AI-compliant in our processes.
“The industry is also due for a national maritime policy that will provide the roadmap for its development.
“Right now, Nigeria does not have an approved national maritime policy, which says clearly what our policies are, and also powers what we call a national maritime strategy,” Omatseye said.
