By Bisola Adeyemo
The Federal Government has assured to maximally support and ensure that a workable plan is established to take maritime sector to greater heights.
Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo said this at the National Executives of the Council of Maritime Union Association (COMTUA) on Friday in Abuja, while addressing the various challenges bedevilling the maritime sector.
The National President of COMTUA, Prince Adeyinka Aroyewun said the meeting was to bring to the notice of the presidency the various challenges faced by stakeholders in the maritime sector.
Part of the issues raised with the Vice President, was illegal extortion of levies from operators, unjust delay by law enforcement agents, high cost of diesel and spare parts, poor road infrastructure and inadequacies on the part of terminal operators, shipping lines, and gridlock among others.
“It may not be possible to catalogue all the issues bothering our segment of the industry in this singular address, but it is evident that all is not well with our business. Rather than becoming part of the problems, we have resolved to always endeavour to be part of the solutions to the various maladies in our industry.
“The association urged the Federal Government to look into the activities and qualifications of the terminal operators, shipping lines and other agencies with stakes in the industry for proper monitoring as well as keeping them alive to their duties.” Aroyewun said.
In his response, Prof Yemi Osinbajo said the greatest concern of the Federal Government was to enhance the process of doing business in the maritime industry.
He stated that the federal government would proffer lasting solution to the problem of the maritime sector in the country.