By Abbas Nazil
The Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA), Eferebo Sylvanus, has observed that Nigeria’s maritime sector has the potential to generate over $40 billion for the country annually if properly regulated and supported by research and development initiatives.
Speaking after his election as chairman during an Extraordinary General Meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Sylvanus expressed concern over the sector’s underperformance due to what he described as poor regulatory standards and weak enforcement mechanisms.
He said these challenges have caused Nigeria significant revenue losses, emphasizing the need for stricter regulation and prioritization of research and development.
Sylvanus reaffirmed his commitment to addressing these issues by transforming NIMENA into a critical player in the maritime sector.
He announced plans to establish an international journal for publishing research activities aimed at solving maritime challenges in Nigeria and the sub-region, contributing to Africa’s overall development.
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The chairman expressed the institution’s readiness to collaborate with regulatory agencies, policymakers, and other key stakeholders to enhance the sector’s performance.
“NIMENA cannot exist in isolation,” Sylvanus noted, adding that such partnerships are essential for raising the body’s status and boosting the maritime industry’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
The immediate past chairman of NIMENA, Daniel Tamunodukobipi, commended the transparent election process and urged the new leadership to build on existing initiatives to ensure safer waterways.
He advocated for public enlightenment campaigns to educate Nigerians about the institution’s activities and for partnerships with relevant government agencies to develop and maintain codes and standards that strengthen the sector’s safety framework.
In addition to Sylvanus, other executives elected include the National Vice Chairman, Engr. Bhine Amartari; National General Secretary, Azubuike Chuku; National Publicity Secretary, Engr. King Wugha; and ex-officio, Engr. Henry Unuigbe.
Sylvanus’s leadership agenda focuses on ensuring NIMENA attains international recognition, addressing Nigeria’s maritime challenges, and unlocking the sector’s full potential to drive significant economic growth.
