Nigeria Shipping, Logistics Sector Worth $3bn - NIMASA DG

Abiola Seun |

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dukuku Peterside has disclosed that the shipping and logistics subsector of the maritime industry worth over $3 billion.

Speaking at the 8th Annual Conference and General Meeting with the theme, “Local Content in Nigerian Maritime Industry: Policies, Implementation, Challenges and prospects,” organised by the Nigerian Institute of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA) in Lagos, Dakuku said the Nigerian economy derives most of its income from the oil and gas sector, which requires huge shipping and logistic services.

Dakuku who was represented by Head, Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standard, Capt. Sunday Umoren stated that oil and gas resources from Niger Delta region accounts for over 90 per cent of Nigerian export and foreign earnings, and over 70 per cent of total Nigerian revenue.

According to him, in recent years, offshore oilfield developments have been moving towards deeper water and more remote offshore areas, adding that most of these fields are located in water depths of over 1,500 metres, which which were once thought impracticable to develop economically.

However, he said currently, there are numerous oil production and storage platforms operating in Nigerian waters making the role of the Marine Engineers and Naval Architects crucial in the Nigerian economy.

He added, “Your congregation of marine experts have been trained to deliver professional services that are crucial in the socio-economic activities of our nation. In that role, you form an important part of the necessary resources required to keep the shipping industry and offshore facilities in top functional state.

“The importance of skilled Engineers to maritime industry cannot be overemphasized as you work to ensure that all mechanical and electrical components of these mobile and immobile facilities remain operational at all times. It is imperative to note that our collective determination and the way we go about executing our jobs and activities must earn us positive assessment in the comity of nations.This can be achieved only by developing ourselves to actualize our potentials.”

He hinted that Marine Engineers and Naval Architects have a strong role in making the nation’s coastal and inland water transportation functional and reliable.

He stressed that effective and competent Naval Architects and Marine Engineers create the enabling environment for staunch maritime assets and safe navigation, which in turn increases maritime traffic and enhances revenue generation for the Government.