Reps Ask Federal Govt To Harness Potentials In Maritime Sector, Revive Anambra Seaport

The House of Representatives has urged the federal  government to take pragmatic steps to diversify the economy by harnessing the great potentials in the Maritime Sector and ensuring that the challenges hampering the growth of the industry are effectively dealt with.

It also asked the federal government to revive the abandoned Oseakwa Seaport in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State in order to reduce the pressure on existing seaports and checkmate over-dependency on petroleum as well as boost the nation’s economy.

The House further urged the federal government to include the construction of Oseakwa Seaport and dredging of Orashi River in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State in the 2024 budget estimates.

These resolutions were reached, following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Paschal Agbodike from Anambra at plenary yesterday.

Presenting the motion, Agbodike said Nigeria’s GDP growth is mainly dependent on the contributions of the oil and gas sector, hence there is a critical need for diversification of the country’s revenue base.

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He also noted that the Maritime industry provides the government with the right platform to diversify the economy, and if properly harnessed, it has great potential to generate huge revenue from both L

local and international transportation.

The lawmaker noted that: “At an event organised by the Joint Body of Nigerian Seafarer’s Professional Group to commemorate the 2023 World Seafarers Day, Seafarers stated that the Nigerian maritime industry has the potential to generate $100bn annually if properly harnessed.

“Oseakwa Sea Port at Ihiala local government area of Anambra State established before Nigeria’s independence and was a major route for transportation in the old Eastern region, but it became moribund after the civil war.

“Compared to the Lagos Seaport which is 60 nautical miles to the Atlantic Ocean, Oseakwa Seaport is only 18 nautical miles to the Atlantic Ocean, which, by implication, is a closer and more viable route for shipping goods from China and other countries. The Oseakwa seaport has the capacity to handle over 35 per cent of marine business in Nigeria.

Agbodike expressed concern over  the abysmal neglect of the sector as both its potential to create jobs and contribute to the country’s GDP are lost, just as foreign operators smile home with billions of dollars yearly that could have accrued to local operators and government’s coffers.

“Also concerned that the country’s ports are currently classified among the worst ports in the world due to challenges such as delay in import/export processes, traffic congestion, poor access roads, safety and security concerns, infrastructure deficits and logistics shortcomings among others.

“Cognizant that the maritime sector embraces all related business activities ranging from off-shore economic activities such as fishing, salvage, towage and underwater resources to on-shore economic activities such as port activities, maritime transport (shipping), ship construction, repairs and maintenance activities as well as the enterprises involved in carrying out these activities.

“Also cognizant that a practical and holistic plan is required to address the issues bedeviling the industry. The Oseakwa Seaport, when revived, will create over two million jobs, directly and indirectly, in marine business, oil and gas, power, education, housing, agro-food industry, entertainment and tourism among others, thus generating huge revenue and boosting the nation’s economy,” he added.