By Our Correspondent
Lagos, April 10, ’25 (TNZ) The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is moving toward integrating road, rail and inland waterways connectivity to the ports.
TheNewsZenith reports that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the planned integration during the third Maritime Transportation Industry Breakfast.
The Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) organised the breakfast on Wednesday in Lagos.
TheNewsZenith reports that the event’s theme is “Prospects for Accelerated Growth and other Matters Arising.”
The director of Maritime Services in the ministry, Dr Mercy Ilori, represented the minister on the occasion.
Oyetola said the integration would enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of marine transport.
According to him, the development of the port community system is another initiative the ministry is undertaking to accelerate the sector’s growth.
He said the system was an electronic platform to centralise and automate processes for stakeholders in the sector.
“The electronic platform would reduce processing time and ensure seamless coordination among stakeholders.
“It will also enhance ease of doing business at our nation’s ports.
“The ministry is also implementing the Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) certification exercise to align with global conservation efforts and regulations.
“This would allow fishers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability,” TheNewsZenith quotes Oyetola as saying.
According to him, the initiative will open doors to new markets that prioritise eco-friendly products. It will also ensure better prices and demand for their catch.
“The ministry will strengthen the regulatory frameworks, enhancing the capacity of local fishers and encouraging private sector participation in modern aquaculture techniques.
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“This is to ensure the long-term viability of the industry.
“We are engaging relevant stakeholders to finalise the arrangement for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).
“The fund will improve the capacity of indigenous shipping firms,” the minister said.
Oyertola further noted that the maritime sector has been the mainstay of global trade and economic development.
“This is because it accounts for over 80 per cent of global trade volume with large oceanic potentials estimated to be worth over $1.5 trillion annually.”
Oyetola announced that the ministry and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) had begun a modernisation programme with Apapa and Tincan Island ports.
The pilot projects will ensure the reconstruction of existing and dilapidated port infrastructure for improved vessel and cargo turnaround time.
Speaking earlier, the President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, Mrs Funke Agbor, said the association remained committed to supporting policy frameworks that underpin a thriving maritime industry.
Agbor noted that the association would continue supporting the industry through advocacy, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement.
“We will continue to contribute to the sustainable development of our maritime and blue economy sector,” she said.
She remarked that maritime transportation sits at the heart of global trade and economic integration.
“It has an expansive coastline, a strategic geographic location in Nigeria and a growing interest in the blue economy,” TheNewsZenith quotes her as saying.
She said NMLA conceived the idea of a breakfast forum as a platform to foster dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. (TNZ)
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