Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming a maritime load centre in the West and Central African sub-region can only be realized when port facilities meet international standards for efficient operations,
the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hon. Emmanuel Jime has asserted.
Jimeh made this assertion at the breakfast meeting organized by Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN), in Lagos last Thursday.
According to him, Nigeria’s aspiration to become the maritime hub for the sub-region should instigate the development of her port infrastructure to meet global standards.
Jimeh, who was the special guest of honour, condemned the current mode of cargo evacuation in Nigeria which is focused on the road network alone, adding that this was not the sustainable way of delivering port services in other parts of the world.
“The inland waterways and rail linkages are the significant parts of port operations that should come together for the nation to achieve the ultimate objective of ranking as a premium, proper maritime nation,’’ he stressed.
The NSC boss also noted the need for Nigeria to strengthen its weak regulatory framework at the ports to make the country’s ports more attractive to global trade.
Administering the oath of office on the 9-man newly elected MARAN executives led by Mr Godfrey Bivbere as President, Jime thanked the foremost maritime reporters association for the warm reception accorded him when he was appointed the CEO of NSC, and the cordial working relationship existing between his organisation and the association.
He commended MARAN for the initiative to host a breakfast meeting on the deplorable state of infrastructure at Tin Can Island Port, which has generated a robust discourse aimed at addressing the issue.
He promised to synergize with the association in its quest to address issues that are germane to the industry’s growth.
The Executive Secretary requested that the leadership of the association should make him an integral part of its future planning for programmes as it makes his work easier as the nation’s Port Economic Regulator.