The Nigerian maritime industry is on the cusp of becoming a major economic powerhouse, with projections indicating a potential contribution of over $44 billion annually to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This was disclosed by Daniel Tamunodukobipi, Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA), during the 13th Annual Conference of NIMENA held in Port Harcourt.
Speaking on the industry's potential, Tamunodukobipi emphasized the vast opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime sector, which, if harnessed effectively, could significantly boost global trade, drive economic development, and foster international collaboration.
George Okoroma, Chairman of the South-South Steering Committee, underscored the importance of robust national maritime regulations in unlocking these opportunities. He called for strategic policy implementations that would promote safety, enhance local content, and solidify Nigeria's position in the global maritime economy.
Executive Director of Maritime Labor and Cabotage Services, Jibril Abba, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the pivotal role of the Cabotage Act in safeguarding indigenous interests. "The act is designed to prevent foreign domination of our trade and encourage indigenous capacity building," Abba stated. He further stressed the need for continued investments in capacity building to ensure shared prosperity within the sector.
With the right framework and focused efforts, Nigeria’s maritime industry is set to become a cornerstone of national economic growth and global trade partnerships.
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