The Federal Government has made public the progress it has made in establishing a new national shipping carrier for the country.
It stated that the significant progress made towards the refloating of a national shipping carrier signaled a major step in strengthening Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Since the Nigeria National Shipping Line (NNSL) became bankrupt more than two decades ago, Maritime Bits checks revealed that efforts by successive governments to resuscitate it or set up a new one have not yielded the desired results.
The most recent effort was by the President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration. It is on record that Buhari’s Minister of Transportation, Right Hon. Rotimi Amaechi for eight years did everything in the books including setting up committees and embarking on trips overseas but did not deliver on the resuscitation of NNSL or the setting up of a new national shipping carrier.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola made the disclosure during his ministry three-in-one stakeholders’ engagement and performance retreat in Lagos, where he outlined ongoing efforts to boost indigenous shipping capacity.
“I am pleased to inform you that we have made significant progress toward the refloating of a national shipping carrier,” he said.
Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola in a statement quoted Oyetola revealing that the government has secured the interest of leading international partners, including AD Ports Group and DP World to collaborate on the initiative.
His words: “We have secured the interest of reputable international partners who are collaborating with us to bring this vision to fruition.”
The statement which was made available to Maritime Bits also quoted Oyetola saying that the new national carrier will play what he called “a critical role” in reducing dependence on foreign shipping lines.
According to the minister, the new national carrier will also retain maritime value within the Nigerian economy, and creating employment opportunities for Nigerians.
He linked the initiative to other strategic interventions, including the imminent disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) which is aimed at empowering indigenous ship owners.
“By empowering local operators, we are strengthening national capacity and positioning Nigeria for greater participation in global shipping,” he said.
Stakeholders at the event described the move as a long-awaited development that could significantly improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade.
