By Roland Ekama
A former Director , Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC),Mr. Moses Fadipe has advised the federal government through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to pay special attention to the maritime industry towards the upliftment of the nation’s economic.
Fadipe who was the former Coordinator General, Port Standing Task Team (PSTT) in his book” Nigeria and Global Maritime Industry”, noted that the sector has developed over time but added that there are still compelling reasons to further improve the Industry to attract potential investors to enhance economic concerns.
According to him, government is yet to tap from the numerous resources that the blue economy, saying the maritime industry can provide the needed revenue to addressing burning issues affect the country.
He said both Nigerians and foreign investors are ready to invest in the sector but that the policies surrounding businesses have been discouraging.
He affirmed that:”Interesting,the Nigerian maritime industry has developed over time, but there are still compelling reasons to further improve the Industry to attract potential investments to enhance the country economic development.
The former PSTT boss further urged the government to amend some its policies to encourage foreign participation in maritime trade adding that such moves would generate more revenue to grow the economy.
Fadipe stated that:”As a major exporter and importer of goods to and from other countries,it is critical for Nigeria to support and pay more attention to maritime issues, as country cannot achieve its full potential unless the government takes into cognizance how the industry influences the economy.
“Aside addressing the above listed challenges , existing legislations should be amended to create more room for foreign participation in the industry, as that is a sure way of generating more revenue in the industry “, he noted.
Since the exit of Fadipe as the PSTT boss, government is yet to find a replacement, even as industry watchers have called advocated for him to be engaged until a substantive replacement would be made.
In his book, he advised the government to empower the NSC for mor funding in furtherance for PSTT to perform better.