OYETOLA REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR INDIGENOUS SHIPOWNERS, TASKS NIMASA

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting indigenous shipowners and strengthening local participation in the maritime industry.

Oyetola directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to accelerate efforts aimed at addressing issues affecting Nigerian shipowners.

The minister’s directive underscores the government’s stated commitment to improving opportunities for local operators and strengthening Nigeria’s maritime capacity.

Indigenous shipowners play a role in the movement of goods, maritime transport and other activities within the country’s blue economy. However, local operators have continued to face challenges relating to financing, access to vessels and competition within the shipping industry.

The government’s support is expected to focus on measures that can improve the participation and competitiveness of Nigerian-owned shipping businesses.

NIMASA is expected to advance the relevant initiatives in line with the minister’s directive. Further details on the specific measures and implementation timeline were not provided in the information available.