Expert Advocates Nigeria's Ownership of Oceangoing Vessels

An expert in the maritime and Blue Economy, has advised the Federal Government of Nigeria to acquire Passenger and Oceangoing Vessels to meet its growing economic needs.

Speaking in Lagos at the weekend, the expert, Mr. Gregory M. Ilegbodu, regretted that in spite of the country's huge population and market potential, it is the only county that does not own this important facility.

He said such infrastructure could increase revenue, provide more jobs and increase the Gross Domestic Product,GDP, of the country.

According to him, "Since the British Aureol, Accra, Calabar and Winibar passenger ships stopped playing our country, nothing has been done to revive it.

 For Ilegbodu, reviving the facility would engender tourism as visitors and other categories of people across the world, would like to travel inland to behold the beauty of the country's water, vegetation, hills and other natural resources.

He argued that whereas, it could cost fortunes to buy a cargo plane, such money could be used to purchase at least two passenger vessels of about 20,000 and 30,000 tons capacity.

He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to provide the necessary support for the revival of the industry.

He said Nigeria has the personnel, seafarers, to manage the ships, arguing that the shipping and maritime industry contributed greatly to transforming the British, American and many European countries' economies.

Ilegbodu said Nigeria, should no longer be found wanting in this respect, adding that, the country's ports in Lagos, Sapele, Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, etc, could witness a new lease of life if revived.