The maritime industry in Nigeria has witnessed a decline from its glorious past, prompting stakeholders to seek answers to the challenges facing the sector.
This was the focus of discussion at the PortNews Summit 2024, where stakeholders gathered to proffer solutions to the anomalies in the industry.
In his welcome address, Mr. Wale Oni, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of PortNews Newspaper, highlighted the achievements of the Nigerian maritime industry in the past.
He noted that the industry flourished under the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), with the National Shipping Line (NNSL) having about 30 vessels in its fleet.
However, Oni lamented that the industry has lost its glory, with Nigerian operators becoming mere onlookers. He questioned the impact of the port concession, which has seemingly impoverished Nigerian freight forwarders and terminal operators.
The summit aimed to address these challenges and find ways to introduce and sustain a mutually beneficial working relationship between Nigerian terminal operators and the concessionaires of the country’s huge port terminals.
Stakeholders, including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, are expected to provide insights and suggestions on how to revamp the maritime industry and restore its lost glory.
