The President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), Captain Tajudeen Alao, has called upon the Federal Governmentto tap into the potential of the maritime industry in order to bolster the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Alao made this plea on Monday, during a ceremony held in Lagos, where he presented the Honorary Fellowship Award to Captain Pier Carrodano, former Group Managing Director of Comet Shipping, and the Fellowship Award to Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd), Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.
According to Alao, the maritime sector has the capacity to make significant contributions to the country’s economy, beyond its reliance on oil.
He emphasized the vast expanse of water resources in Nigeria, spanning from Lake Chad to Badagry, Ogoja, Bakasi inland waters, and the coastal waters extending approximately 600 miles, including non-exclusive zones and international waters.
Alao urged the government to capitalize on these areas and acknowledge the economic potential of the maritime industry.
He expressed concern about the neglect of inland waterways, pointing out the long delay in the dredging of the Orashi River until recently.
He further highlighted the job opportunities and multiplier effects that could be generated by developing these neglected waterways, which would greatly benefit the country. He mentioned that the potential of the waterways had been squandered for over 40 years, referring to the decline of commercial activities along major water routes.
Historically, inland water transport played a vital role in Nigeria, facilitating the transportation of commodities like palm kernels, groundnuts, cocoa, and logs.
Alao lamented the current state of affairs, emphasizing the need to address security concerns and unlock the economic potential of the waterways.
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He cited the profitability of the Orashi River, envisioning the establishment of ancillary industries and shipping opportunities if the Oguta Lake was opened. Alao believed that this would alleviate the burden on established ports such as Warri and Port Harcourt.
Regarding the awards presented, Alao commended the recipients for their substantial contributions to NAMM, the maritime industry, and shipping in general over the past decade.
He acknowledged Captain Carrodano’s long-standing commitment to the association and his five decades of work in creating job opportunities within the shipping sector.
Alao also praised Commodore Effedua for his transformative leadership at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, which had led to notable improvements in the institution and the achievements of its graduates.
In response, Captain Carrodano expressed his gratitude for the Fellowship and emphasized that it represented the collective achievements of the maritime community.
He pledged to continue advancing the goals of the association and contributing to the growth and safety of the maritime industry, utilizing his knowledge and expertise to drive positive change.
Commodore Effedua expressed his delight at being part of the historic occasion and lauded the association’s support for the academy. He reflected on the challenges they had overcome, including infrastructure development, upgrading equipment, and enhancing the capabilities of instructors.
Effedua encouraged association members to share their wealth of experience and expressed appreciation for their regular visits to the academy.
Captain Anthony Olugbode, a member of the Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude to the association for their unwavering dedication. He highlighted the vast untapped resources in Nigeria and emphasized that while the seed had been sown, it was crucial to nurture its growth.
