By Seun Ibiyemi

As Nigeria continues to harness the potential of its maritime sector, experts have advocated for sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health and productivity of its blue economy.According to various experts who spoke at the sixth edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference held at the University of Lagos, Nigeria needs to take seriously the issue of policies and stringent regulations that support environmental protection, economic efficiency, and social responsibility.

According to Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group, the industry needs to be strategic and decisive about sustainability as well as exploiting the range of business opportunities that the blue economy presents.

He said: “There are diverse opportunities in the industry beyond the traditional shipping and port operations. The newly-created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has to expand its scope to provide policies and regulations that will guide investors’ foray into areas like coastal tourism and renewable energies.

This, however, must be done in a sustainable manner that will protect the ocean ecosystem and provide benefits for the coming generations.”

Renowned maritime lawyer and keynote speaker, Dr. Emeka Akabogu, who Mr Victor Onyegbado represented, harped on the importance of achieving sustainable shipping as a nation, through ethical conduct, improved port operations and adequate legislation within the industry.

According to him, it is imperative to achieve this system in order to build a maritime industry that is functional, providing resources that transcends generations.

“Sustainable shipping is the backbone of a resilient and thriving global economy. We all know that shipping carries the bulk of world trade and it encompasses practices that ensure long-term health of our oceans while meeting the economic and logistical demands of global trade.

“The significance of the Nigerian Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is not only timely but also crucial as we navigate the evolving dynamics of the global, regional, and sub-regional maritime industry. This ministry is pivotal for innovative policy development and sustainable practices that will drive Nigeria’s maritime sector forward”, he stressed.

Examining the state of the nation’s maritime ecosystem, Akabogu reiterated the need to draw up innovative approaches and diversified economic activities to drive growth and sustainability.

He further explained that this was particularly important for the Ministry to consider as there are several other non-shipping stakeholders within the industry.

On his part, the former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Temisan Omatseye emphasised the digitization of the industry as well as the development of a national maritime strategy.

He noted further that developing key performance indicators will have a positive impact on human capital development and service delivery.

“We need to move away from where the sector is dependent on human beings and begin to be a bit more AI-compliant in our processes. Two, the industry is also due for a national maritime policy that will provide the roadmap for its development. Right now, Nigeria does not have an approved national maritime policy, which says clearly what our policies are, and also something that also powers what we call a national maritime strategy”, he stated.

The Conference, themed: “A Blueprint for Sustainable Shipping: The Significance of the Nigerian Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy” featured key discussions and interactive sessions amongst experts, industry key players, and students alike.

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to investigate allegations of exploitative and predatory pricing practices by foreign businesses operating in Nigeria, particularly in the aviation and oil sectors.

Recall that the motion, moved by Rep. Babajimi Benson, noted that international business ethics and standards require businesses to operate in a fair, healthy, and efficient manner, promoting economic efficiency and protecting consumer interests.

However, some Nigerian businesses have suffered unfair competition and business relations with their foreign counterparts.

“As soon as Air Peace Airlines commenced the sale of their tickets at a lower price, other airlines dropped their prices far below that of Air Peace Airlines, supposedly with the intention of frustrating Air Peace Airlines’ London route operations,” Benson said.

He also alleged that Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals Company is being frustrated by International Oil Companies in Nigeria through denial of crude and unfair business practices.

The House urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to halt the unfair business practices and mandated the relevant committees to investigate the circumstances surrounding the predatory pricing practices and report within four weeks for further legislative action.

“We are worried that these acts of unfair and unfavourable businesses have led to the closure of some erstwhile thriving businesses that provided better alternatives to Nigerian customers at cheaper prices.

“If left unchecked, Nigerian businesses like Air Peace Airlines will continue to suffer these unfair competitive practices that will adversely affect their operation and the ability of customers to get quality services at affordable prices,” Benson added.

By Dennis Udoma, Uyo

Disturbed by the rising unemployment population in Akwa Ibom State, Governor UMO ENO on May 20, 2024 opened the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC), located on Km 26, Ikot Ada Idem in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, near Uyo with immediate effect.

The Governor’s action followed with the inauguration of a 7-Man Governing Council, led by the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics in the University of Uyo, Professor Enoidem Burma USORO as the Rector.

Since then, the school management has been working assiduously in line with the Government mandate; recruiting personnel and opening up admissions to prospective students.

The centre, formerly a Technical College, was scrapped 20 years ago, but later revamped into a skills acquisition hub to produce technical manpower to meet world class needs of our industries by former Governor Udom Emmanuel.

That Vision, to provide a one-stop-shop for world class, cutting edge, and needs driven technical skills training, leadership, and entrepreneurial training; combined with a Mission; to leverage experiences, equipment, processes, and strategic partnerships for the developmental and strategic needs of Akwa Ibom State, is vigorously being pursued by Governor UMO ENO for the benefit of the people of the state and beyond.

While applications for admission into the various faculties such as; Iron, Steel and Metal Fabrication; Wood Technology; Automobile and Mechanical Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Automobile Body Works; Hotels; Civil Technology and Information and Communication Technology (ICT); Websites Design and Agricultural Studies etc is ongoing, the centre will also provide mentorship, entrepreneurial programmes and career fairs for public collaboration.

The training programmes, according to the Communications and Branding Manager of DASAC, Mr. Joseph Udoh, would be opened to students category by category.

For category A: University graduates who may wish to undergo soft/technical skills training for a duration of 3 months.

Category B: Secondary School leavers would undergo 6 months training.

Category C: Holders/Non holders of First School Leaving Certificate would be trained for 9 months as the case may be, and at the end, students will undergo NAPTEP, City & Guilds and other relevant proficiency examinations.

He said the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center being affiliated to the University of Lagos will carry out the supervision of all the skill training programmes for quality assurance.

The essence of the skill programmes, he noted is to equip trainees with necessary skills that would enable them develop themselves into entrepreneurs and employers of labour, who would be engaging in economic ventures without necessarily waiting to be employed.

“Government would at the end of the day, minimise unemployment and encourage entrepreneurship by helping people to be on their own and self-sustaining.”

Also speaking, the Register of DASAC, Mr. Aniediabasi Udofia commended the State Governor, Pst. UMO ENO for establishing the centre saying, he is desirous of resetling the youths with skills that would make them become better people in the society tomorrow.

Mr. Udofia told NewsDirect that while applications for admission are on, the Governor had promised to sponsor 5 persons per the 31 Local Government Areas for training at the Dakkada Center, urging politicians and well-meaning Nigerians to borrow a leaf from the  State’s Chief Executive by sponsoring their Wards/supporters to learn trade that would last them a life time than issuing them with motorcycles and cash.

Meanwhile, a Lagos based Non Governmental Organisation, VCare for Development Foundation (VCDF), is exploring opportunities  in DASAC, Akwa Ibom State in areas of mutual benefit.

The Group, during their visit to the Rector, Prof. Enoidem Usoro led by Mr. James Ode on Tuesday discussed cooperation and assessing the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center programme.