The Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Commodore Duja Effedua (rtd), has called for a significant expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure to enhance the country’s position in global trade. Speaking at the 2024 Maritime Lecture Series in Oron on Tuesday, Effedua highlighted the need for state-of-the-art facilities and modern technologies to accommodate larger vessels and increase cargo capacity.
Effedua, represented by Kelvin Okonna, Director of Specialised Seafarers, said that improving the nation’s maritime infrastructure would increase efficiency, lower operational costs, and make Nigeria more competitive in the global shipping industry. He also pointed out that Nigeria’s maritime sector, which handles about 80% of the country’s international trade, is currently hindered by a lack of skilled manpower and weak regulatory frameworks. Despite these challenges, Effedua expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential to serve as a hub for regional and international trade.
In a related discussion, Emmanuel Maiguwa, President of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria Alumni, urged the country to adopt Smart Port systems. According to Maiguwa, leveraging advancements in technology could address issues like congestion and delays, transforming Nigeria’s traditional ports into highly efficient and resilient infrastructure.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
