As Stakeholders Task FG On Capacity/Infrastructure

By Kelvin Kagbare

In continuation of its Maritime Lecture Series aimed at updating Cadets and stakeholders in Nigeria’s Maritime industry, the Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Cdre. Duja Emmanuel Effedua (rtd) has insisted that the country’s maritime industry is the economic powerhouse of its economy.

Speaking during the a recent Maritime Lecture Series organized by the Academy to broaden the academic knowledge of it Cadets, staff and maritime stakeholders, the Rector reiterated the importance of investing in modern technologies and improving port facilities to accommodate larger vessels, handle increased cargo volumes and deploy automation in sea port operations.

“The maritime industry is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. 80% of international trade depends on maritime because Nigeria as one of the major oil-exporting countries in the world is also a huge  exporter of agricultural commodities such as cocoa, Soya Bean, Soghum, Ginger and many more”

“We know there are the challenges of inadequate infrastructure, manpower and regulatory issues which are being tackled to get a workable framework and address other administrative hiccups but amidst these challenges, the strategic location of Nigeria positions her to serve as a hub for regional and international trade within Africa-this alone is huge opportunity which we take advantage of” Effedua said

Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN), who spoke on the topic Safety of Lives at Sea: Wither Its Legal Conundrum said the builders of the Titanic failed to make provisions for passengers and crew safety; the sinking of which gave birth to SOLAS in 1981 which Nigeria domesticated it under section 215 of the Merchant Shipping Act of 2007.

Delivering her lecture with questions she threw at Cadets of the Academy which attracted prizes and giveaways, the interactions was very lively and full of fun laced with insightful information and disclosures by the Senior Advocate of Nigeria!

Anishere identified evolving maritime landscape, harmonization of safety standards, hull construction and vessels structural integrity, fire safety standards as key areas that should be looked into in bringing our laws up to speed with current situations.

On his part, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, the President of the Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (AMANO), urged the country to embrace smart ports, which leverages advanced technology to overcome challenges such as congestion, human interference and delays.

Dr. Emeka Akabogu, a renowned maritime legal expert who was decorated as a Distinguished Maritime Personality, DMP, by Maritime Nigeria bemoaned the training of Cadets and other maritime professional outside the country”

His words “At the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Nigeria, from what I have seen, I am sad that  we still send out people from Nigeria to different parts of the world for training”

“We are actually wasting resources because the management of the Academy has put in place world standard training equipment, structures and facilities comparable to any first class maritime Academy anywhere in the world”

The Maritime Lecture series is part of the vision and strategies of the Rector to groom and prepare Cadets of the Academy for life after their training at the school.

So Far, several maritime experts, Naval Chiefs (serving and retired have been guests speakers at the Lecture series as part of efforts by management of the Institution are well positioned to take up duties and responsibilities when they graduate from the Academy.