Matthew Otoijagha
The Senate Committee on Marine Transport and the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT) have called on stakeholders to join the government in its recent efforts to pay more attention to the development of the maritime sector as it has enormous resources that can boost the economy of Nigeria.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Ahmed Sani Rufai, stated that, “One of the reasons we are here is to bring the parliament to the stakeholders and discuss the progress, challenges and the way forward for the realization of a robust maritime sector in Nigeria.’’
This assertion was made in Lagos at a one day maritime stakeholders’ assembly organized by the committee in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
The committee chairman listed some maritime industry-related bills under consideration in the National Assembly, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (Act repeal and re-enactment) Bill 2016; Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018; Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage Act) Bill, 2018; and Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Bill 2018.
He said the committee will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that every bill relevant to the growth of the maritime sector got the required attention and legislative backing within the shortest time possible.
On his part, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, noted that the Federal Government was committed to the growth of the maritime sector, but said this could only be achieved through proper legislation.
Amaechi, who was represented by the Director, Maritime Services of the FMOT, Mr. Galadenchi, also pledged the commitment of the ministry to partnerships with the Senate and industry stakeholders to enable the Nigerian maritime sector fully realize the enormous opportunities within it.