Maritime Workers
As Nigeria celebrates its 64th anniversary, maritime operators have called on the Federal Government to address the issue of fluctuating exchange rates, which they say is hindering importation. Speaking in Lagos on Monday, the operators acknowledged the significant growth the maritime sector has experienced in recent years but pointed out that fiscal policies, especially regarding the dollar exchange rate, remain a major challenge.
Exchange Rate Impact on the Maritime Sector
Sikiru Remilekun, Youth Leader of the Tincan Island Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, highlighted the growth in the sector but emphasized that fluctuating exchange rates continue to pose problems.
“The maritime sector, especially in import and export, has seen significant growth over the past few years, but the major challenge remains fiscal policies related to the floating dollar exchange rate,” Remilekun said.
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He further added that pegging the exchange rate for cargo clearance at less than ₦1,000 per dollar could lead to a 200% growth in the sector.
“The current policy has slowed down port business, and we urge the government to consider pegging the dollar rate below ₦1,000. This would significantly enhance the sector’s growth, potentially by over 200%,” Remilekun stated.
Bureaucracy and Capacity Building Challenges
Remilekun also pointed out other challenges facing the sector, including excessive bureaucracy and insufficient capacity building. He noted that these issues, along with multiple payments, are hampering the maritime sector’s potential for growth and efficiency.
Calls for Waterway Clean-Up and Improved Maritime Security
Captain Williams Ogunshakin, South-West Director of the Merchant Seafarers Association of Nigeria, urged the government to assist MARPOL (the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) in cleaning up the country’s waterways. He suggested creating an agency similar to the Lagos Waste Management Authority to prevent waste from entering water bodies.
“The only way to assist MARPOL is by creating a waterway waste management authority to stop dirt from polluting our waterways,” Ogunshakin said.
He added that many accidents in the waterways are caused by carelessly dumped rags and other waste, and suggested that additional policies or support could further minimize these incidents.
Improvements in Maritime Security
Ogunshakin also touched on the improvements in maritime security, noting that while conditions were dire in the past, recent efforts by stakeholders and the military have significantly enhanced security along Nigeria’s coast.
“In the past six years, maritime security was terrible, but with the efforts of stakeholders and military collaboration, we are now seeing improvements along our coast,” he stated. However, he urged for continued efforts in accident prevention and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for accidents on the waterways.
