The Sea Empowerment Research Centre RGT has identified the shortage of skilled workforce and poor investment as part of the challenges the nation’s maritime sector faced in 2024.
The group stated this in its New Year Bulletin titled, ‘A critical review of the Nigeria maritime industry (performances and issues) in 2024,’ obtained by The PUNCH over the weekend.
He said that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has been working to improve the country’s maritime safety and security as well as efficient port operations.
Nweke stressed that the agency has achieved some milestones, including the passage of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Bill into law, the establishment of integrated national maritime surveillance and security infrastructure, and sustainable implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.”
According to him, despite these efforts, a review of the year 2024 shows that the Nigerian maritime industry still faced significant challenges, including “corruption, inefficiency, and limited resources.”
“One of the major challenges is the issue of safety and security with piracy, sea robbery, and illegal bunkering, which are still prevalent in Nigerian waters,’ he said.
Nweke, who is also a former national president of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, added that in tackling these challenges, NIMASA, in strategic partnership with the Nigerian Navy, exhibited professional commitments and administrative will in changing the narrative within the year.
He, however, added that stakeholders look forward to the sustainability of this feat and other regulatory drives.
“Noticeably, the inadequate investment in infrastructure and operational facilities, including ports, harbours, and terminals, is another significant challenge that needs to be addressed. There were incidences of occasional port congestions recorded in 2024, which is not too good for Nigeria’s global image. The shortage of skilled workforce, including seafarers, marine engineers, and experts in maritime logistics and management, is also a significant challenge,” he explained.
Nweke noted that the industry also faced environmental challenges, including marine pollution, which caused degradation to the environment and its ecosystem.
He highlighted that the industry faced challenges related to regulatory compliance, with inconsistent enforcement of regulations and bureaucratic inefficiencies hindering effective maritime operations and investment.
Nevertheless, he advised that to move forward, the government needs to pay more attention to the maritime sector and its affairs to boost the economy.
This, according to him, could be achieved by a deliberate investment in infrastructure, including ports and terminals, and enhancing safety and security measures.
“The government also needs to address the issue of regulatory compliance and ensure that regulations are enforced consistently and efficiently. In this instance, the funding of the newly reinforced industry economic regulator by the government cannot be overemphasised,” Nweke advised.
He pointed out that the industry needs to develop a skilled workforce, including seafarers, marine engineers, and experts in maritime logistics and management, adding that prompt funding is apt.
“This can be achieved through training and development programmes, as well as collaborations with international organisations and institutions,” he said.
