MARINE/BLUE ECONOMY: WIMA Africa Harps On Synergy With FMOT To Complement Trade
Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA) has expressed concerns over the separation of Marine and Blue Economy from Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT),saying both ministries cannot perform effectively without complementing each other .
President of WIMA Africa , Mrs Rollens Macfoy in a chat over the weekend in Lagos , noted that for effective performance of the ministries despite the separation, there is the need for maximum cooperations and collaborations from the ministers and the direct stakeholders involve in the logistics chain supply system.
According to her, the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy can only thrive when Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) is protected against foreign participations noting that the Cabotage Act at a time like this should be implemented effectively in furtherance to create wealth and job opportunities for the teeming youths.
To grow export trade and reduce import, the women group leader stressed that commodities can only get to the final consumers at the right time without hiccup when the land mode of transportation is properly structured to assist sea and rail network thus none of the two ministries can work in isolation with support from the other
She noted that stakeholders in the industries should work harmoniously despite the separation adding that the new ministry would serve as a complementary tool to aid logistics and transport services been rendered by the operators.
She said the intermodal system of transportation cannot be over emphasized therefore, infrastructure development must be given priority by the two ministers to foster sea, rail and road network.
Apparently satisfied with the new development centred to enhance the sector potentials, Macfoy who also doubles as the Managing Director Oceandeep Maritime Services Limited further lauded initiative of the Tinubu led administration for the creation of Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, adding that it is long overdue.
She added that WIMA Africa is ready to partner the two ministries in order to harness maritime potentials and grow the industry, pointing out that with the new ministry in place, stakeholders should expect a paradigm shift.
She also urged the new ministers to work closely with concerned stakeholders with a view to promote International trade.
By Roland Ekama
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