By Gabriel Agbeja, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
According to the United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP), the annual economic value of the ocean is estimated at $2.5 trillion.
Experts say ocean and sea covering more than 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface feeds the living, regulate climate, and generate most of the oxygen the living things breathe.
They explain that ocean provides nutrition, medicines, mineral and renewable energy resources as well as supporting jobs in fishing, seafood, leisure and science.
They observe that the ocean is the original “super-highway,” that links economies together and transport goods and people all around the globe.
However, Nigeria benefits little from the global blue economy due to inefficiency in port management system.
There is also lack of effective participation of Nigerians in shipping transportation subsector; difficulties in navigating the country’s inland waterways due to depth issues amongst others.
The House of Representatives in December said Nigeria’s seaports receive barely 10 per cent of West African imports out of 60 per cent destined for Nigeria, while others are lost to neighbouring countries.
Rep. Julius Ihonvbare and Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka made the statement at the joint sponsored motion on “Need to Investigate Gaps and Loss of Opportunities in the Maritime Sector” at the resumption of plenary.
According to the law makers, the country loses $7 billion in revenue revenue annually due to the inefficiencies and poor management of the nation’s ports.
Presenting the motion, Ihonvbare said it was unfortunate that the Nigeria was unable to provide adequate infrastructure and reduce pressure on Lagos ports.
They also wondered why the Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Koko ports could not be developed as a haven for importers in the region.
He said that the lack of adequate infrastructure and capacity in the growing cargo and maritime business was a significant issue.
“The maritime sector is crucial for the Nigerian economy`s survival which can increase the nation`s revenue and indeed the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Nigeria’s seaports receive barely 10% of West African imports out of 60% destined for Nigeria, a significant economic loss due to poor management and inefficiencies, estimated to cost $7 billion annually, “ he said.
An environmental expert, Mr Ephraim Awaji, said in a forum recently in Abuja that the maritime transportation in Nigeria represented a complex structure.
According to him, such complex structure is a reason why Nigeria’s seaports do not receive imports meant for the country and as a result of shallow waters.
He said the country’s transportation system, in many ways, provided a number of inter-related and inter-connected activities.
He listed examples to include ship harbour that was pilotage, dredging, provision of berth, maintenance of navigable channels among others.
Awaji mentioned ship port interface loading and unloading of cargoes, freight and services also port land interface delivering cargo to and from the connected hinterland.
“These different functions require different strategies, approaches and organizations. However, their relationship must be seriously considered in Maritime Transportation Policy and Planning responses.
“Hence, efficiency or inefficiency of maritime sector affects import and competitiveness of export.
“Furthermore, directly and indirectly, the maritime transport sector is a large employer of labour both skilled and unskilled.
“This is if indirect employment generated through the maritime sector such as insurance, customs, haulage, clearance and logistics, storage, sorting out the incoming and outgoing cargo, among other value-added activities are considered, “ he said.
Awaji, who stated that Nigeria had a great potential for an extremely buoyant maritime industry, however, said that Nigeria’s maritime transport system ought to operate efficiently and resourcefully to achieve the feat.
The Minister of Marine and Blue economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola promised upon resumption of office that dredging of inland waterways would be prioritised to fully harness their economic benefits of the country’s waters.
Oyetola said such move would enable mother ships to berth at Nigerian ports, thereby drawing in huge revenue for the country thereby growing the economy.
According to him, apart from Lekki Seaport, no other port has the depth to enable berthing, resulting in delay and increase cost of cargo transportation in the country.
“In connecting Nigerian inland water routes, dredging is key in navigation of ships or enablement of transportation in all seasons.
“Dredging is also key to solving Nigeria’s flood menace. The country’s water ways have been overthrown by sediments particularly sharp sand.
“We have a scenario where Nigerian water ways are filled up by sharp sand forcing water to look for alternative route for while moving, causing havoc to both lives and properties along the way.
“ To this effect, the importance of inland waterways dredging cannot be overemphasized, particularly in tackling flood cases in Nigeria, “ he said.
An Oceanographer, Mr Olorundara Michael, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that navigable inland waterways would save transportation cost, facilitate trade and stimulate economic activities.
He also said navigable inland waterways would reduce the effects of emission currently being experienced on the road transportation.
According to him, the Federal Government should develop and enforce a comprehensive policy framework for the development and management of inland waterways.
Michael canvassed for Public- Private-Partnership (PPP) to boost investment in infrastructure and service delivery for efficiency and innovation.
“Government should provide technical assistance to small-scale operators to enhance their capacity and compliance with regulations.
“Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its inland waterways, boosting economic growth and improving the efficiency and sustainability of its transport network through strategic investment in the maritime sector.
“Nigeria, being blessed with an extensive coastline and abundant water resources, possesses a vast potential within the blue economy that remains largely untapped, “ he said.
As agreed by a vast number of stakeholders in the maritime sector; by fully embracing the blue economy, Nigeria stands to gain numerous advantages.
According to them, there will be an opportunity for economic diversification and reduction of reliance on crude oil for national income.
The blue economy, which is still a new sector in the country, will help in creating avenue for sustainable economic growth, creating new job opportunities and attracting foreign investments if well explored. (NAN Feature)
