The minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi yesterday said that investment in agriculture, mining, solid minerals and manufacturing alone cannot bring about the required economic self reliance if the maritime sector remains a mere appendage.
He disclosed this yesterday at the celebration of 2016 World Maritime Day tagged: “Shipping Indispensable to the World held in Lagos.”
The minister in his keynote address stressed that for Nigeria economy to be self reliant, the maritime industry must not remain a mere appendage in a foreign dominated shipping industry.
He also disclosed that government was committed to assisting genuine investors to access Cabotage Vessel Financing Funds (CVFF).
He said, “Investment in agriculture, mining solid mineral and manufacturing would not bring about the required economic self-reliance if the maritime sector remains a mere appendage in a foreign dominated shipping industry.
“Government is equally committed to assisting genuine investors to access the CVFF in other to boost investment in shipbuilding and repairs.”
He also stated that effort were at advanced stage to facilitate the establishment of a national carrier to be spear headed by the private sector.
“This when established is believed to address multiple challenges in the shipping industry such as check capital flight, create more employment opportunities for our youth, provide opportunities for seatime, training of graduate cadets as well as enforce resurgence in the ship building and repairs sub sector of shipping.”
Amaechi also restated the government commitment to explore single window project to reduce revenue leakages.
“We are committed to exploring the single window project and ensuring that the various operational processes of the maritime sector such as vessel reception, cargo handling and clearance among others become automated to reduce revenue leakages.”
He continued, “The gap in manpower development would be addresses by upgrading capacity building institutions to provide the needed professionals and skilled personnel to run the industry.”
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