Radio TNT 102.5 FM

The Federal Government has said there is a need for the creation of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to enable the nation to realise the huge potential in the sector.

The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, who made the statement while speaking at the investiture of Aminu Umar as the new President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping in Lagos recently, said the nation’s maritime industry is big enough to guarantee economic prosperity for the nation.

He said, “Indeed, I agree that there should be and there must be a separate ministry of maritime affairs. This is because Nigeria has no business depending on oil.”

Sambo, however, expressed happiness at the contribution of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping in the maritime sector, noting that the organisation had grown to be an umbrella body for all stakeholders in the maritime/shipping industry in Nigeria.

“It is apt to recall the popular saying, ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’. Alone, we can do so little, together, we can do much. The success of the team inaugurated today will be achieved through collaboration, among many other factors. Change the narrative, build on the achievements of your predecessors, and make the NCS an enviable organisation.”

The minister described Umar as someone with immense humility and an endearing disposition worthy of commendation.

He added, “The unique position attained by this chamber in the Nigerian maritime industry as a bridge between stakeholders and policymakers has become the first African member organisation to be admitted into the board of the International Chamber of Shipping, which has brought this organisation closer to the international maritime community, is worthy of commendation.”

Earlier, the immediate-past President of the NCS, Andy Isichei, who highlighted some achievements of his administration, said the NCS became a full member of the ICS in 2021, making Nigeria the first African country operating within the continent to achieve that feat.

“Membership at ICS opens new vistas for us. It provides us with the opportunity to complement Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s efforts in securing training opportunities and engagement of our teeming seafarers on international ocean-going vessels,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, Umar expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and the privilege to leading the NCS.

“I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I’m committed to leading our Chamber towards new heights of success and achievement. Let me commence by expressing my sincere appreciation to my predecessor, Mr. Andy Isichei whose tireless efforts and exceptional leadership have paved the way for our collective success,” Umar said.