By Obiabin Onukwugha
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has harped on the need for African countries to develop its maritime sector, using technology advancement tools and techniques.
The President also urged African leaders to prioritise the blue economy, stating that it holds the key to Africa’s prosperity.
Tinubu spoke at the 43rd Annual Council of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) conference in Lagos on Monday.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, highlighted the critical role of the blue economy in the collective prosperity of African nations.
He said that Africa’s Blue Economy presents the continent with untapped opportunities for growth and development.
The president also underscored the significance of technological advancement in the sector, emphasising that automation is crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of ports in the global maritime industry.
He particularly highlighted the importance of the Port Community System, which serves as a precursor to the implementation of the National Single Window as an essential tool in streamlining port operations.
He pointed out that full automation is the way forward if African ports are to remain competitive on the international stage, saying seamless and efficient cargo handling is vital for port competitiveness in the African context.
He further stated that despite national boundaries, the waters serve as a natural source of connectivity and that the region’s shared destiny and challenges require collaborative efforts.
He said: “We must acknowledge the maritime sector as a central driver for the sustainable development of our nations.
“As a government that believes in the necessity of infusing information technology into public management to aid transparency and ease business processes, we are giving the Nigerian Ports Authority all the backing necessary to fast-track the operationalization of the Port Community System.”
Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello Koko, also call for regional cooperation in the maritime sector.
He noted that the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are substantial and urged African leaders to work together to eliminate trade barriers and harness the opportunities for the collective prosperity of respective national economies.
He said “The opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are substantial. We must work together to eliminate trade barriers and harness these opportunities for the collective prosperity of our respective national economies.”
He praised the PMAWCA for its role in promoting ports’ cooperation, while assuring that the Nigerian Ports Authority’s is committed to partnership and support for policies and action steps that will be discussed during the conference.
He added that the 43rd PMAWCA conference, with its focus on the Blue Economy and the significance of regional cooperation, has set the stage for a crucial dialogue on how African nations can unlock the potential of their maritime resources.
He therefore urged delegates from West and Central African countries, alongside international observers, to exchange ideas and insights, with the shared goal of enhancing trade facilitation and spurring economic growth in the region.