Mariners Advocate Revamping Of Fish Ports To Boost Exportation

By Roland Ekama, Lagos

 

The Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM) has advocated the need for the federal government to revamp and sustain the moribund fish ports across the coastal states.

Nigeria has about four fish ports which had collapsed a decade after their establishment.

They include: Koko port in Delta state, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) ,Lagos, Ibaka and Oron ports in Akwa Ibom state .

Speaking on the importance of the ports to nation’s economy, a top member of NAMM , Rear Admiral Godswill Ombo (rtd) noted that the abandoned fish ports if revamped would provide huge revenue drive for the government and job creation .

Ombo explained that exportation of fishes should be encouraged to enable the country compete favourably with other nations of the world with her natural resources.

He appealed to the government in ensuring that it national carrier be revamped to boost exportation.

On the need to refloat a national carrier , Ombo suggested to the federal government to engage ship building nations on barter deal,saying “Even if we give our crude oil to a country like Korea for them to build ship for us would be a laudable agreement because we need our own carrier.

He noted that a maritime nation like Nigeria ,with vast natural resources that would be a source of potentials for export must acquire national fleets in boosting international trade ,pointing out that Nigeria remains a big market because of the carrying rights.

” It is a national pride for our country”.

He advised that the federal government should midwife the process thus push out to private investors for optimal utilisation and management of the fleets.

According to him a modern Nigeria needs a national carrier to be relevant in the international maritime community.

“Even for aviation , it is important for Nigeria to get a national carrier.

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