The Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) is set to unveil a new book detailing the achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in the maritime industry.
In a statement jointly signed by the President of SCAN, Yusuf Babalola and Chairmperson, Book Presentation Committee, Shulammite ‘Foyeku, the association said the book titled Footprints of President Muhammadu Buhari in the Maritime Sector will be presented to the public on Friday in Lagos.
According to the statement, the book highlights some of the bold measures taken by the present administration to address the numerous challenges and infrastructural deficits facing the sector, and how these efforts have helped in repositioning the nation’s maritime sector to grow the economy.
“Over the decades, the Nigerian maritime sector has been beset with the challenges of both soft and hard infrastructure deficits.
“To make the port and the maritime domain a hub of maritime activities, the present Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari has introduced the policy of Ease of Doing Business at the port.
“It has also embarked on the rehabilitation of Wharf Road, among others, which had been a nightmare to port users over the years; and procured speed patrol boats for the Nigerian Navy to combat oil thefts and other maritime crimes.
“The administration also acquired tug boats for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and is constructing a rail line from Lagos to Ibadan for evacuation of cargoes from the ports.
“Other efforts aimed at repositioning the maritime industry include the dredging of the Escravos channel in the Niger Delta, restructuring of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron and ban on importation of rice to promote food self-sufficiency.
“More improvements have equally been recorded in both policies and infrastructures geared towards more efficient services and improved revenue generation under the present administration.
“It is in the light of the above that we are determined to bring to the front burner the giant strides the present administration has recorded in the nation’s maritime industry, which will be unveiled at the launch of the book,” SCAN said in a press release issued weekend.
The association said the book presentation will be hosted by te Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, while the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman, is Guest Speaker.
The book will be reviewed by the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hassan Bello and the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside.
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