Group Urges Increase Investment, Infrastructure At Seaports

The Sea Empowerment Research Centre (SEREC) has called for increased investment on infrastructure and operational facilities including ports and harbours in the nation’s seaports.

He said increased investment at the port will lead to the Ports’ growth and efficiency.

The Centre in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP signed by its head of Research, Eugene Nweke, called on the federal government to address the challenges in order to make the nation’s ports competitive and efficient.

According to him, the inadequate investment on infrastructure and operational facilities including ports, harbours, and terminals, is another significant challenge that should be addressed.

“Like in previous years, the industry also faces environmental challenges, including marine pollution, which has caused degradation to the environment and its ecosystem.

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“Furthermore, the industry faces challenges related to regulatory compliance, with inconsistent enforcement of regulations and bureaucratic inefficiencies hindering effective maritime operations and investment.

“Stakeholder are in high spirit that with the repeal of the Nigeria Shippers Council Act of 1979, and passage and subsequent enactment of the Act, the metamorphosed body will provide the desired and requisite economic and central regulatory functions and adequately fill in this omitted gap, which was lacking pre and post ports concessions in 2006,” he added.

However, he said the shortage of skilled workforce, including seafarers, marine engineers, and experts in maritime logistics and management, is also a significant challenge.

As observed, he hinted that internal politics, avoidable distractions and lip service were common scenes in this sector, while concerns on the dearth in the workforce age, which is not hiding its near consequences, continues to grow.

“Unfortunately, this sector ( seafaring marine engineers and marine and logistics experts) is the main industry cooking pots that guarantees industry growth and sustainability. Also, noted here, is the challenge occasioned by poor mentorship (an enduring industry human capacity re-engineering) programme.

“To move forward, the Nigerian government needs to pay more attention to the maritime sector and its affairs to boost the economy. This can be achieved by deliberate investing in infrastructure, including ports and terminals, and enhancing safety and security measures.

“The government also needs to address the issue of regulatory compliance and ensure that regulations are enforced consistently and efficiently. In this instance, the funding of the newly reinforced industry economic regulator by the government cannot be overemphasised,” he explained.

Additionally, he said  the industry needs to develop a skilled workforce, including seafarers, marine engineers, and experts in maritime logistics and management.

This he said can be achieved through training and development programmes, as well as collaborations with international organisations and institutions.