FG To Revitalise National Shipping Line Through PPP – Oyetola

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, digitalize and automate all levels of ports process and procedures to ensure seamless, access to service, devoid of human interaction; establish 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 Minster 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.