Nigeria Could Have Been Like Greece But for Poor Exploitation of Huge Maritime Resources, Says Expert
Nigeria could have been like Greece in terms of maritime development, but for the failure to exploit her huge maritime resources, the Managing Director, GOG Marine Ltd, Mr. Bem Ibrahim Garba, has said.
Garba pointed out that unlike Greece, Nigeria has not been taking the issue of maritime business serious and therefore has been unable to exploit the natural advantages in the industry despite having similar opportunities.
He said for this reason, Nigeria still depends on Greece amongst other seafaring nations for her logistics requirements in the sector.
He noted that there is a unique situation and relationship that exists between the two seafaring nations, Nigeria and Greece as they contribute their quotas to international shipping amongst the committee of nations active in global trade
According to Garba, “these two nation states have the natural advantage of proximity to the sea, giving their indigenous people (coastal people) the natural advantage of seeking employment, trade and wealth creation from trades associated with the Sea, yet these gains only accrue to one of the two states”.
He goes further to state, that in 2018 Greece could boast of a merchant fleet of 5,628 vessels involved in various trades, while Nigeria has a shipping industry in comatose.
As a sovereign seafaring nation, Nigeria has to depend on many other seafaring states including the smaller European state to meet her maritime and logistics requirements.
“This is a tale of Nigeria and Greece. Two seafaring nations with an active population of trained seafarers, and wealthy businessmen capable of all kinds of investment in shipping”, he said.
“Have you ever wondered like I have, why Nigeria has not been able to exploit the natural advantages she has within this industry?
“What is the impact of this shortcoming on Nigeria’s socio-economic development?” He queried.
He used the opportunity to call on relevant authorities to encourage indigenous investors in the seafaring and maritime sector.
Garba pointed out that unlike Greece, Nigeria has not been taking the issue of maritime business serious and therefore has been unable to exploit the natural advantages in the industry despite having similar opportunities.
He said for this reason, Nigeria still depends on Greece amongst other seafaring nations for her logistics requirements in the sector.
He noted that there is a unique situation and relationship that exists between the two seafaring nations, Nigeria and Greece as they contribute their quotas to international shipping amongst the committee of nations active in global trade
According to Garba, “these two nation states have the natural advantage of proximity to the sea, giving their indigenous people (coastal people) the natural advantage of seeking employment, trade and wealth creation from trades associated with the Sea, yet these gains only accrue to one of the two states”.
He goes further to state, that in 2018 Greece could boast of a merchant fleet of 5,628 vessels involved in various trades, while Nigeria has a shipping industry in comatose.
As a sovereign seafaring nation, Nigeria has to depend on many other seafaring states including the smaller European state to meet her maritime and logistics requirements.
“This is a tale of Nigeria and Greece. Two seafaring nations with an active population of trained seafarers, and wealthy businessmen capable of all kinds of investment in shipping”, he said.
“Have you ever wondered like I have, why Nigeria has not been able to exploit the natural advantages she has within this industry?
“What is the impact of this shortcoming on Nigeria’s socio-economic development?” He queried.
He used the opportunity to call on relevant authorities to encourage indigenous investors in the seafaring and maritime sector.
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