BY GODWIN ORITSE
LAGOS State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola has decried the state of the Nigerian maritime industry which he said has become comatose and called on operators to revive it for the growth of the nation’s economy.

Fashola who stated this at the just concluded Nigerian Maritime Exposition (NIMAREX) noted that exposition should serve as a pointer to the way forward considering the importance of the sector to the survival of the nation.

He also stated that it is high time operators thought outside the box and proffer permanent solution to the present state of the sector.

His words “It is sad to note that the maritime sector in Nigeria which is a $500billion business has been left untapped and unexploited

“Unfortunately, most of it is in foreign hands, because we lack the capacity to compete effectively through the ownership of adequate equipment and the required manpower or expertise.

“I am aware of the existence of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund”
The Governor also lamented the required impact of the fund in the shipping sector in the generation of employment.

“What impact has it made to the fortunes of local investors in the shipping and maritime sector of our economy in creating wealth and generating employment.

“Has the Cabotage Act 2003 and the Nigerian Content Act 2010 made the desired impact on the maritime industry” he queried

He explained that it is the realisation of the Unique position of Lagos that the administration embarked on various reforms in all sectors wit a view to making Lagos the haven of business activities and a destination of first choice for investors.

“In the past few years, we have invested heavily both in terms of men and materials, to ensure that we build a new Lagos that is business friendly, environmentally enchanting and a place to live and work without stress”.

He urged the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency bring about necessary legal mechanism and institutional reforms that will trasform the industry and make more attractive and viable for local investors to compete effectively with foreign shippers in the affreightment of the nation’s crude.

Meanwhile, the Planning Committee under the leadership of Mr Greg Ogbeifun has advocated for the Ministry of Maritime Affairs so as to harness the potentials of the sector