LAGOS – Some operators in the maritime industry on Monday in Lagos urged government agencies to consider the opinion of stakeholders before implementing policies.
They made the suggestion at a one-day National Workshop on Public Private Partnership (PPP) Strategy for Infrastructural Development and Modernisation in the Nigerian Maritime Sector.
The workshop was organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The Chairman, Oil and Gas Free Zone, Dr Chris Asoluka, said that if stakeholders were given proper recognition, it would give them the opportunity to develop the industry.
“The issue of job creation is going to be made possible when the indigenous shipping industry is functioning perfectly in Nigeria if the presidency becomes more interested in it,” Asoluka said.
He said there was need to adopt a time frame for major milestones on maritime industry modernisation and master plan.
Another stakeholder, Mr Cornelius Obi, Executive Director, Cabotage Department of NIMASA, said there were many agencies regulating government policies in the maritime industry.
“NIMASA has established four point agenda to enable it to achieve its set objectives in implementing government policies,” Obi said.
Mrs Ifeyinwa Akelere, Chairman, Nigeria Chamber of Shipping, said there was need for stakeholders to always dialogue with regulators for proper implementation of policies.
She regretted the inability of the sector to participate in the economic summit that took place recently in Nigeria.
Another operator, Mr Greg Ugbuefi, urged NIMASA consider bringing the seafarers who had gone for training abroad to have their sea time training in Nigeria.
Ugbuefi said that the maritime university that was recently commissioned in the country would produce more experts to tackle the challenges in the maritime industry.
He advised NIMASA to collaborate with indigenous ship owners in training the seafarers.
He also said that NIMASA should provide the experts that would teach students in the university, while the indigenous ship owners should be responsible in training the seafarers. (NAN)
