The Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) has called for serious need to reposition the maritime industry to compete with other sector of the nation’s economy.
This call was made yesterday by the NPCC Chairman, Otunba Kunle Folarin at the inauguration of steering committee for the proposed roundtable on the maritime sector and port industry.
Folarin said the industry needs to be refocused by the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari because it had been faced with series of problems over the past two decades. The committee will also set an agenda for the incoming administration.
“We are aware of the challenges which have faced the maritime industry in the last two decades and the effects that have manifested in the decline and in some instances decay of both operational modes and infrastructures.
“There is no time more appropriate than now to address this situation and work towards re-engineering the entire sector to be competitive, productive and provide a strategic alliance with other sector of the economy.
“I am confident that the calibre if those who are here are capable and posses the cognate expertise that will rescue and refocus the sector to the future which will truly transform the nation and fully maximise it’s potential.
“This committee will also deliver on its dreams and desires of a vibrant and economic leadership in the continent and indeed in the maritime world,” Folarin said.
Members of the steering committee who were drawn from various segments of the maritime industry include Chairman, Shipping Association of Nigeria, Val Usifo; former Sole Administrator, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Engr. Olu Akinsoji; former Managing Director of Eastern Ports, Felix Ovbude; former Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State, Prof. Bamidele Badejo; Managing Director, Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited, Captain Mohammed Bashir; CEO Ships & Ports Communication, Bolaji Akinola; President, President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Prince Olayiwola Shittu; President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Eugene Nweke and former Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Tayo Ogungbemile among others.
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