By Omolade Abdulkareem
Harboursandports.com: Lagos- December 6, 2024: Prominent figures in the maritime sector have called for increased adoption of technology to maximize the potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Speaking at Primetime Reporters' 10th anniversary, held in Lagos, the experts noted that without the integration of advanced technology, Nigeria’s maritime sector will remain inefficient and underdeveloped.
The Chairman of the occasion, Hassan Bello, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, highlighted the significance of the blue economy, which encompasses the sustainable use of ocean and inland waterway resources.
He called for the establishment of a dedicated ministry to oversee transportation within the blue economy.
“The blue economy is not coastal. It is inclusive of everything, including desert emporiums. Technology is central to its success. Without technology, we have limitations. A blue economy cannot survive without it,” Bello said, adding that private sector involvement is crucial to harnessing the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime resources.
Bello also underscored the inefficiencies of the country’s ports, attributing the issue to the lack of technology in port operations. “Our ports are not maximally efficient because there is no technology. Port operations are driven by technology. If you look at trade facilitation, it’s the same thing ,we don’t have a good community system,” he noted.
Capt. Sunday Umoren, an expert in maritime technology, spoke on the importance of infrastructure and capacity building in enabling the use of technology within the blue economy. “Technology is always there for us, always there to support us. It’s our enabler, but without the right infrastructure and capacity, it’s just a waste of time,” Umeren asserted.
Victor Onyegbado Esq., a maritime lawyer, emphasized the abundance of technology available for Nigeria to tap into and urged stakeholders to transition from rhetoric to action. “Nigeria is one of the heaviest users of the internet in Africa. There’s no doubt about the availability of technology. We should focus on making it work for the blue economy,” Onyegbado said.
Onyegbado also highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s vast coastline and abundant marine resources, stating that the key to unlocking the blue economy lies in a holistic and ethical approach. “The blue economy should be forward-looking and ensure that future generations can benefit from its resources. It should also be guided by ethical conduct to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship,” he explained.
The speakers also touched on emerging trends in maritime technology, including autonomous ships and ports. Onyegbado noted that Nigeria’s commitment to the World Trade Organization requires a seamless integration of technology with existing legal frameworks to ensure the country remains competitive in the global maritime space.
The experts call for greater collaboration between government and private stakeholders to build a sustainable, tech-driven blue economy that will propel Nigeria’s maritime sector to new heights.
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