Decades after the collapse of the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL), the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed the readiness of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to relaunch the Shipping Line (NSL) through Public Private Partnership (PPP).
Speaking in Lagos, the minister said the creation of NSL will expand the nation’s domestic shipping fleet and expand the growth of the sector.
According to the minister, the plan for the national shipping line will be private-sector driven, apparently in recognition of the fact that the former government-owned Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) failed and was liquidated in 1995.
The minister disclosed that in the past year, Nigerian territorial waters and that of the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) have been very safe.
According to him, the ministry has recorded zero incidents of piracy and maritime terrorism for more than one year.
“This achievement was reinforced by the procurement of seven 13m armoured patrol boats for flag, port and coastal state operators”, he said.
He further noted that the world shipping community has been full of commendation for this effort, saying with improved security and safety on Nigerian waters and GoG, the chances of Nigeria clinching the category “C” seat in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) have been brightened.
He pointed out efforts at seaport infrastructure upgrade involving the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to rehabilitate the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, adding that this was to ensure that port facilities remain efficient.
The minister also disclosed that the current administration has finalised the launch of the national policy on the Blue Economy.
The minister said the policy document will set out the goals, objectives and strategies of the sector for the next decade.
“We have finalised and set for the launch of the National Policy on Blue Economy. This document will set out the development goals, strategies and initiatives for the sector for the next 10 years to generate revenue and create jobs.”
The minister, who also spoke on the development of infrastructure and connectivity, said plans to develop deep seaports in Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Ondo, Rivers and Bayelsa are still in top gear.
“The ministry facilitates the ongoing development of critical maritime infrastructure in the country such as deep seaports to be developed at Ibom, Badagry, Ondo and Bonny, Snake Island, Agge, etc through PPP and the completion of other inland dry ports at Jos, Bauchi, Ijebu Ode, Ogun.’
“Also, digitalise and automate all levels of port process and procedures to ensure seamless access to service, devoid of human interaction; establish an electronic port management system (Port Community System).
“Streamline the activities and operations of all government agencies at the ports, implement the President Executive Order on Ease of doing business; Implement the ICTN, execute all necessary activities required to get accepted to Category C of the IMO,”
Speaking on maritime safety, the minister said the administration is poised to make the waterways navigable through the identification, marking and removal of wrecks in the nation’s territorial waters.
“Improve the navigability of the waterways through wreck identification, marking and removal, install global maritime distress and safety system equipment in all the rescue sub-centres across the country”.
On Indigenous shipping development, ship Building and maintenance, the minister said there are plans to disburse the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) and facilitate access to additional funding for vessel acquisition by the Indigenous shipping companies.
Akutah Meets Stakeholders, Demands Collective Effort To Sanitise Maritime Sector
The executive secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Dr. Akutah Pius, has emphasised the need for a collective effort to sanitise Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He made this call during a stakeholder meeting held at the Council’s Headquarters in Lagos.
Dr. Akutah acknowledged the significant contributions of investors to the nation’s economy and assured that the Council will exercise its regulatory mandate to ensure the sector’s growth.
He also emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to address challenges and proffer lasting solutions.
Key issues raised during the meeting include: the need for Automation in port operations, Container Deposit Refund, Objective Decision-Making, extortion on port access roads and high freight rates.
Responding, the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, commended the NSC for bringing stakeholders together.
Dantsoho, who was represented by the general manager, Office of the MD, Adekunle Oladipo, assured that the NPA would look into the issues raised and provide a submission.
He also confirmed approval to execute a 15 per cent increase in charges, which will be used for port infrastructure development.
The meeting, which brought together representatives from various sector groups, including shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, consolidators, truckers, shippers’ associations, manufacturers’ associations and government agencies, demonstrated a collective commitment to addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s maritime sector and promoting its growth and development.
BPE Commends APM Terminals For Advancing Port Efficiency, Trade Growth
The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has commended APM Terminals Nigeria for its commitment to the core objectives of Nigeria’s port concession program and its contributions to enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency at the nation’s seaports.
LEADERSHIP reports that as a leading port operator, APM Terminals manages Nigeria’s largest container terminal at the Lagos Port Complex Apapa. It also owns and operates the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) at Onne Port, Rivers State, as well as an Inland Container Terminal in Kano.
However, speaking during a working visit to APM Terminals Apapa, the director-general of BPE, Ayodeji Gbeleyi, praised the company’s operational excellence, particularly its commitment to safety and environmental standards.
He commended APM Terminals for its work environment and the dedication of its workforce, noting that the staff appeared passionate and excited about their roles.
He further reaffirmed the federal government’s support for APM Terminals, stating that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to making Nigeria a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
Gbeleyi assured that the government would continue to support concessionaires like APM Terminals to ensure collaboration in achieving this vision.
The CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, highlighted the company’s significant investments in port infrastructure since acquiring the concession for the Apapa container terminal in 2006.
Klinke emphasised that the terminal now serves as a critical gateway for imports and exports in West Africa, operating with a focus on safety, efficiency, and reliability.
He disclosed that APM Terminals has invested over $435 million in infrastructure and process improvements, including the implementation of an automated gating system to enhance security, yard expansion and modernisation, acquisition of state-of-the-art cargo handling equipment, and comprehensive training programs for its workforce in Apapa.
Klinke also reaffirmed APM Terminals’ commitment to supporting the federal government’s push to diversify Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings through increased non-oil exports.
He explained that the company had expanded its yard capacity to accommodate the growing volume of export cargo, a move that has improved efficiency, reduced waiting times, and streamlined operations.
Over the past four years, the terminal has recorded steady growth in non-oil export cargo, rising from 53,000 TEUs in 2020 to 94,000 TEUs in 2023. In addition, the terminal has enhanced its barge capacity, gate access, and dedicated export lanes to further shorten turnaround times for export containers.
Looking to the future, Klinke revealed that APM Terminals is planning an additional substantial investment to redevelop and enhance infrastructure at the Lagos Port Complex Apapa.
The CEO said the company is working closely with the government to proceed with its long-term expansion plans. He emphasised that APM Terminals is fully prepared to invest in the necessary infrastructure and remains aligned with the government in its efforts to promote national development goals.
Shippers’ Council ES Bags Best Regulator Award
The executive secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Akutah Pius, has bagged the Best Regulator Award of the Year 2024.
The award was presented to Shippers’ Council’s boss, Akutah at the Top 10 Magazine Man of the Year Award ceremony held over the weekend in Abuja.
The Best Regulator Award recognised Akutah’s outstanding leadership and contributions to regulatory excellence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
According to the organiser of the award, Akutah’s efforts have significantly impacted the industry, promoting efficiency and growth.
Other notable, distinguished awardees at the ceremony included Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who received the Man of the Year Award, and Chief Mrs Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, who was honoured as Woman of the Year.
This recognition underscores Akutah’s dedication to promoting excellence in Nigeria’s maritime sector and his commitment to effective regulation.
