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The future of Nigeria is here. But, it remains unstable, full of motion without advancement, unfulfilled promises, and dashed hope. The maritime sector of the nation’s economy is glaringly struggling to find its feet, even as the ‘Africa’s giant’ celebrates 60 years of independence.
Indeed, stakeholders in the industry disclosed that commemorating the Diamond Jubilee only amounted to celebrating failure. Although the sector has recorded some achievements over the years, they fall below expectations, given the huge potential. Corruption, greed and policy inconsistencies by successive governments have become a clog in the wheel of shipping development in Nigeria.
Other maritime nations, which had the same background with Nigeria, have since risen to become giants in all facets of maritime development. Countries like Malaysia, Brazil, and South Korea, have today grown to become shipbuilding nations. Other African nations such as Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco are also doing well, while Nigeria’s shipping sector struggles to find its feet.
President, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero, told The Guardian the 60 years of independence is not commensurate with the development in the maritime industry.
He said: “The maritime sector has failed over the years and it has not fared any better. We have one of the most expensive ports. Our system is too laborious. The processes are cumbersome. You will find out that everything about the port is not working well.
“You will discover that NIMASA is just moving from one programme to another programme. Look at the Shippers’ Council, they are just jumping up and down; NPA is just adjusting, and the Customs is only about revenue and no more trade facilitation.
“So, the sector is not faring well and that is so sad. There is supposed to be a holistic reform to reposition the industry and make it contribute better to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” Amiwero said.
The Vice-President, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Kayode Farinto, said the industry had been stagnant with no significant progress, while importers and clearing agents had continued to suffer.
