Against the backdrop of the fall in price of crude oil in the international market and fall in the revenue generation of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) has asked the Federal Government to pay more attention to the maritime industry to shore up its dwindling revenue. This was even as the shipowners agreed to send a proposal to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari on how to raise revenue from the maritime industry.
At the General Meeting of the association held in Lagos yesterday and presided over by its Acting President, Alhaji Aminu Umar, the shipowners said that the maritime industry is the best alternative sector to shore up revenue for the Federal Government to make up for the shortfall from the oil and gas sector.
Top on the agenda of the proposal to be sent to the government, according to the association, is the implementation of the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act 2003 otherwise known as the Cabotage Act.
The NISA members enjoined the Federal Government to enforce total implementation of the Cabotage Act for the growth of the maritime industry and for employment generation.
NISA Acting President, Alhaji Aminu Umar reiterated that the association would engage the new government of General Muhammadu Buhari on how to turn around the fortunes of the shipping sector.
The association’s General Meeting was well attended by a good number of its members including the Founding President, Chief Isaac Jolapamo.
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