The executive secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Pius Akutah, has declared that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy, has begun to develop a policy framework that would raise the economy from less than half a billion dollar base to a trillion dollar in the next four years.
Akutah, who made this known at a one day Seminar on “Understanding the Structure and Functions of Regulatory Agencies in the Port System” organised by the NSC, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, noted that the Blue Economy Policy is the government’s hope to achieving the set target.
Akutah who was represented by the Zonal Coordinator, NSC, South-south Zone, Jeremiah Okoliko said that the Ministry is currently developing a holistic new policy document for Blue Economy with issues of Port efficiency as its major focus. To achieve this target, he noted, hindrance to efficient port operations are being identified and speedily removed and this is the reason why regulatory agencies in the port system must be able to understand its regulatory functions and work towards achieving results.
“There is no doubt that the initiative will relieve the unnecessary bottlenecks in release of cargoes and enhance seamless operations to the benefit of Port service providers and users,” Akutah said.
He further explained that the issue of freight differentials by cargo vessels and airlines coming to Lagos route, ports and Eastern route, Ports, identified lack of jobs and insecurity on Eastern waterways are the major cause, but assure that the Ministry of Blue Economy is not resting on its oars to addressing the menace to guarantee rounded efficiency in port business in the country.