A former Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho has called on the Federal Government to create policies “specifically directed towards creating opportunities for Nigerians” in the maritime sector.
The foremost Master Mariner and ship owner said opportunities abound in the nation’s maritime industry despite global economic challenges.
“I mean the maritime industry has been challenging for operators but there is no shortage of activities and opportunities in the sector. As long as people continue to trade, they would continue to require the use of ships, the use of ports.
“Unfortunately, I do not think that Nigerian operators have been getting a fair share in terms of optimising these opportunities. There is a need for government policies to be specifically directed towards creating opportunities for Nigerians,” the former Minister was quoted in a newspaper as saying.
Captain Iheanacho also asked the government to ensure that only tested professionals are appointed into leadership positions in the industry.
“Summarily, we have to put square pegs in square holes and round pegs in round holes. We need to desist from having politics influence things like this else, we will keep pandering like lost souls,” he said.
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