*Oyetola Lists Achievements
The Chairman of Sifax Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi has advocated for an overhaul of infrastructure at the nation’s seaports.
Afolabi who stated this at the 7th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) conference which took place at the University of Lagos recently noted that the provision of the relevant infrastructure at the ports across the country was the bedrock of an efficient port system that will tap into the enormous potentials of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
His words: “Nigeria’s blue economy is a sleeping giant. We have untapped potentials along our vast coastline that if harnessed responsibly, can create new jobs, strengthen our ports, attract investments, and safeguard our environment for future generations.
“Infrastructure is at the heart of this transformation. Modern, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure will drive efficiency and competitiveness in our ports and maritime corridors.”
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola who was the special guest of honour at the event used the occasion to enumerate some of the key reforms by the Federal Government to reposition the maritime industry as a pillar of national development.
According to him, the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy provides a coordinated framework for opportunities in ports, fisheries, ocean governance, marine biotechnology, renewable energy, and coastal tourism.
He revealed ongoing projects such as the Western Ports rehabilitation programme, reconstruction of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports, and the planned revival of the national carrier through a public-private partnership model.
Oyetola stressed that sustainability must guide all infrastructure modernisation efforts with emphasis on energy efficiency, carbon reduction and waste minimisation.
Nigeria’s improved maritime security was also spotlighted by Oyetola as one of the key areas of progress by the Ministry.
He noted that the country has recorded zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters for three consecutive years, thereby stabilising the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) and attracting global commendation.
He also confirmed Nigeria’s ambition to secure a Category “C” seat at the forthcoming International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council election, a move aimed at shaping global maritime standards.
Oyetola who was a former governor of Osun State called for greater collaboration with the academic community in the areas of research into frontier technologies such as marine robotics.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that TAAM is an annual event organized by Sifax Group in collaboration with the Maritime Forum, University of Lagos.
Besides attracting stakeholders in the maritime industry and beyond, it has over the years grown into one of Nigeria’s most respected platforms for maritime discourse, policy reflection and industry networking.
