Nigeria owns none of 5,000 vessels that visit seaports annually — Akinola

By Seun Ibiyemi

Maritime expert, Dr Bolaji Akinola, on Tuesday, said Nigeria is losing millions of dollars annually to lack of ocean going vessels to lift its crude, refined petroleum products and other general cargoes .

Speaking on a television program monitored, Dr Akinola, stated that of the 5,000 vessels that visited Nigerian seaports annually, none belongs to Nigeria.

He, however, bemoaned  Nigeria’s absence in the lifting of Nigeria crude oil out of the country and importation of refined petroleum products into the country.

According to him, the country should have a strategic plan to ensure that within the lifespan of the administration, Nigerians are able to own vessels and lift 10 percent of freight originating in and out of the country.

“Nigeria loses a lot of money from international trade. With the movement of crude oil out of the country and importation of refined products and other foods into the country, an average of 5,000 vessels come into Nigeria and none of the vessels belong to a Nigerian. Imagine if we have a strategic plan to say out of the 5,000 vessels trading, we will ensure that within the life span of the administration, Nigerians are able to do 10 percent.”

Furthermore, he said, “For the government to actualise trillion dollar benefits anticipated from the blue economy, mere rhetoric won’t suffice. There is a need for alignment of purpose.”

He proposed that by investing in port infrastructure, streamlining regulating processes and improving operational efficiency, Nigeria can revitalise its inland and coastal shipping sector and reduce trade imbalance and promote inclusive economic growth.