Vessels acquisition, lack of cargoes plaguing Nigeria’s maritime industry — Ship owners

The newly inaugurated President of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Mr. Sonny Eja has stated that ship acquisition and access to cargoes are multifaceted issues plaguing shipping in Nigeria

Speaking at the weekend during the inauguration of the new executive of SOAN, Mr. Sonny Eja said that his administration will work assiduously to deliver benefits to all members and protect collective interest, while equally focusing more on policy advocacy, constructively engaging the relevant government agencies/parastatals on policy formulation and implementation as it affects the shipping sector and indigenous ship owners.

According to the SOAN President, “I am indeed honoured and humbled to be President of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria and I thank you for the confidence reposed in me and my team to pilot the affairs of our association for the next two years.

“This great association was established in 2015 as a non-profit organization, which serves to promote the interests of Nigerian Shipowners and operators. Representing over 50 ship-owning companies with a combined fleet size of over 150 vessels (ranging from PSVs, AHTS, Tugs, MPSVs, FSIVs, Tankers, Barges, Crew boats, security vessels, etc), SOAN plays a pivotal role in various sectors of the maritime industry, including oil and gas, dry bulk and wet cargo shipping.

“Over the years, SOAN has actively contributed to government policy formulation, facilitated seafarer development activities, and fostered international partnerships within the industry.

“As I assume the responsibilities of the presidency, I am acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we must navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving landscape, surmount the multifaceted issues plaguing shipping, especially – ship acquisition, and access to cargoes, and positioning SOAN to maximise shipping potentials in an era where maritime sector is displacing oil as the federal government’s priority as demonstrated by the creation of a distinct Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

“Since we assumed office, we have had a number of strategic engagements with critical industry stakeholders including; The Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, top management of both Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Similar fruitful engagements have also been held with the leadership of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Shipping Ltd as well as the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS). We equally attended the 2023 Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit (CTIS) which was held in London.

“While this administration will work assiduously to deliver benefits to all members and protect our collective interests; we will equally focus more on policy advocacy, constructively engaging the relevant government agencies/parastatals on policy formulation and implementation as it affects the shipping sector and indigenous ship owners.

“The Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy is valued at between $296billion to $300billion with potentially 50 million jobs and these numbers are projected to rise year in, year out. Therefore, harnessing the Blue Economy could be a game changer for this nation, and ship owners must be at the heart of this drive for economic growth via maritime.

“Job creation, food security, renewable energy resources, balanced foreign trade, and stable forex, are just some of the benefits of a well-optimized Marine and Blue Economy for Nigeria; but SOAN and the entirety of Nigerian ship owners will need solutions through the disbursement of Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund (CVFF), mutually beneficial relationships with the various categories of industry stakeholders, especially NIMASA, NNPCL, Dangote Group, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), NCDMB, NUIMS among others.”

“As we navigate this leadership journey, I promise that it will be an all-inclusive one because I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.”