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Governor of Edo State Godwin Obaseki, has lamented the loss incurred by Nigeria since the national carrier was rested in 1995.
Obaseki made the lamentation in Onne, Rivers State, during the official christening of the nation’s latest addition to the Nigerian ‘fleet’, the MV OSANYAMO, made possible by STARZS Group.
The Governor stated that with the sad demise of the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL), the country lost and had since continued to forfeit several economic and human development opportunities.
“I feel really privileged that I am performing for the first time in my life, the christening, dedication and commissioning of a vessel. I have never done it before”, he said, describing the shipping industry in Nigeria, not only as “scary” but also, seriously dominated by foreign operators.
He commended the STARZS Group Chairman, Nigeria’s foremost shipping mogul and arrowhead of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Engineer Greg Ogbeifun for his dedication, commitment and resourcefulness, particularly in mobilising local funds, institutional supports and utilising same, in a very challenging environment, in a bid to lift Nigeria’s flag as well as boost the employment opportunities for other Nigerians.
“Overtime, the maritime industry, in spite of the support it had received, such as the Cabotage Law, and the Local Content Law, has continued to be dominated by foreign companies.
Obaseki noted that the country’s weak economic position had seriously affected not only the nation’s balance of trade, but devastatingly also, the well-being and the future of the youths.
However, he enjoined the financial sector, the Local Content Board and other institutional bodies to synergise, create more opportunities and ensure a more assured future for Nigerians, particularly in the maritime sector, in the immediate future.
