The federal government has partnered with Admiralty Maritime Services as its strategic focus on expanding inland and coastal waterway usage as a primary, cost-effective alternative for moving cargo and passengers across the nation.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Mahmood, who disclosed at the weekend during a courtesy visit from the CEO of the company, Rear Admiral Muhsin Abba (rtd), in Abuja, emphasised that optimising Nigeria’s vast aquatic resources is central to lowering national logistics costs.
According to her, Since assuming office ten weeks ago, her priorities has been how to fastrack the transition of freight from road to water.
Mahmood stated that data confirms that water transportation is significantly more affordable than road or rail.
“By shifting a substantial portion of cargo to our waterways.we will directly reduce the market price of goods and services, making the Nigerian economy more competitive,” she added.
Mahmood noted that the ministry is working under the policy direction of the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola to realise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of positioning Nigeria as a global maritime leader.
Mahmoodhighlighted Nigeria’s success in maintaining piracy-free territorial waters for three consecutive years. While acknowledging this milestone, she stressed that sustaining this growth requires intensified collaboration with neighbouring and international partners to safeguard critical shipping routes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Earlier,Abba expressed his organisation’s readiness to support the Ministry’s blue economy roadmap.
He identified key operational hurdles that currently limit the efficiency of Nigeria’s maritime gateways in Lagos, Warri, Calabar, and Port Harcourt. He specifically cited the presence of underwater wrecks and the need for strategic dredging as critical areas for intervention.
“Addressing these obstructions will improve navigational safety, increase vessel traffic, and streamline the coastal transportation of petroleum products and other essential cargoes,” Abba noted.