Nigerian shipowners have highlighted the substantial economic losses incurred by the country’s maritime sector, estimating an annual loss of around N1tn due to inadequate infrastructure. Greg Ogbeifun, the immediate past president of the Shipowners Association of Nigeria, shared this concern during a national discourse organized by Maritime Nigeria Limited in Lagos. He emphasized the comprehensive impact of the losses, encompassing infrastructure, human capacity, and cargo carriage.
Ogbeifun, who is also the CEO of Starz Marine and Engineering Limited, urged the private sector within the shipping subsector to establish platforms facilitating the realization of sector policies. He commended the decision to separate the maritime industry from the Ministry of Transportation, recognizing President Bola Tinubu’s initiative.
The President of the Nigerian Indigenous Shipowners Association, Sola Adewunmi, represented by the Public Relations Officer of NISA, Gbolahan Adu, called on stakeholders to actively involve the younger generation in the maritime sector.
Kelvin Kagbare, the convener of the Discourse, expressed opposition to the establishment of universities and institutions in maritime and transportation during his welcome speech.
