The national chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects, NIMENA, Dr Daniel Tamunodukobipi, has stated that Nigeria’s maritime industry holds the potential to contribute an impressive $44 billion annually to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
Dr Tamunodukobipi emphasised the need for collective efforts to advance national maritime regulations as a key step toward unlocking this economic potential.
He made this remark during the 13th Annual Conference of NIMENA, held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders in the maritime industry gathered to deliberate on the theme, “Advancing National Maritime Regulations for Shared Prosperity.”
The conference provided a platform for industry leaders to discuss strategies for optimising the maritime sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy through improved regulatory frameworks.
He said, “We must work together to advance national maritime regulations and unlock the industry’s potential.”
The chairman of the South-South Steering Committee, George Okoroma, emphasised the critical role of regulations in ensuring safety within the maritime industry.
Speaking during an interview, Okoroma highlighted that effective regulatory frameworks are essential for preventing accidents and fostering the growth and sustainability of the industry.
He said, “We must regulate engineering practices to prevent accidents and ensure the industry’s growth.”
Also, during his presentation on “The Cabotage Act and the Role of Waivers in the Advancement of the Nigerian Maritime Industry,” the executive director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Jibril Abba, explained that the act aimed to promote local content and capacity building in the maritime industry.
Represented by his assistant, Stephen Opara, Abba emphasised the need to promote local content and capacity building in the maritime industry through the Cabotage Act.
“Act is designed to prevent foreign domination of our trade and encourage indigenous capacity building,” he said.
On his part, the keynote speaker, Andrew Aligbe, noted that effective regulations are essential to unlocking the industry’s potential, saying, “Maritime regulations are the backbone of a robust, sustainable, and inclusive maritime industry.”
The maritime conference focused on innovative strategies for enhancing safety compliance, leveraging technological advancements in naval architecture, and driving economic growth through maritime financing.
Stakeholders at the event highlighted the immense potential of Nigeria’s maritime industry, which could contribute an estimated $44 billion annually to the nation’s GDP.
They expressed their commitment to advancing national maritime regulations as a critical step toward unlocking this potential and fostering collaborative growth in the sector.