By Abbas Nazil
Ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector are expected to generate 20,000 new jobs, according to the Democratic Front (TDF).
The group’s chairman, Malam Danjuma Muhammad, expressed this possibility in a statement issued on Wednesday, February 19 in Abuja.
He said the government’s commitment to revitalizing the sector would drive economic growth and enhance Nigeria’s position as a key player in West Africa’s maritime sector.
A major component of these reforms includes plans to dredge key ports, a move that is anticipated to improve the country’s ability to accommodate larger vessels.
Muhammad stressed that this effort would not only modernize Nigeria’s ports but also attract increased maritime traffic, positioning the nation as a major hub in the region.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, Muhammad noted that the maritime reforms had already led to substantial financial gains.
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He revealed that in 2024 alone, the sector generated over N850 billion in revenue, marking a remarkable 77 percent increase compared to the previous year.
This surge in revenue underscores the effectiveness of the new policies and the potential for further financial growth if the reforms are sustained.
Beyond revenue generation, Muhammad expressed confidence that the dredging of seaports would enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global shipping industry.
Larger vessels, he said, would be able to dock at the ports, reducing congestion and improving efficiency in maritime operations.
This, in turn, would strengthen trade, create more employment opportunities, and stimulate economic activities across various industries linked to the maritime sector.
While acknowledging the progress made so far, Muhammad called on the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to prioritize the port overhaul as a key achievement under President Tinubu’s administration.
He emphasized that ensuring the full implementation of these reforms would be vital to realizing the projected job creation and long-term economic benefits.
As the government continues its efforts to modernize the maritime industry, stakeholders and investors remain optimistic that these strategic reforms will not only transform Nigeria’s port infrastructure but also contribute significantly to national economic growth and employment opportunities.
