Group hails plans to overhaul Nigeria’s ports, create 20,000 jobs
By Salif Atojoko
The Democratic Front (TDF), a think tank, has expressed optimism about the reforms in the maritime industry, which are projected to create 20,000 new jobs.
In a statement by Malam Danjuma Muhammad, its Chairman, TDF said plans to dredge key ports will enable the country reclaim its status as West Africa’s maritime hub.
“We are convinced that plans to dredge the nation’s seaports to pave way for larger vessels to berth in Nigeria will boost the revenue profile and make the ports more attractive.
“Furthermore, the projection by Minister Adegboyega Oyetola that the ambitious plan will lead to 20,000 new jobs is for us the beginning of the crystallisation of President Bola Tinubu’s vision for the sector,” said TDF.
The group urged the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to see the overhaul of the ports as the flagship of Tinubu’s deliverables in the maritime sector.
“We note that President Tinubu has left no one in doubt about his determination to harness, and develop Nigeria’s abundant resources in the maritime industry by creating a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“It is also instructive that many industry players saw it as a deliberate and forward-looking move to expand opportunities in the sector for effective economic diversification.
“So, we were not surprised that the ministry has not only initiated but is also driving a series of reforms to develop and strengthen the sector,” continued the group.
It said it was gratifying that the effort resulted in high revenue generation by its agencies to the tune of over N850 billion in 2024, 77 per cent increase over their revenue performance in the previous year. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
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