(Written by Silas Onuoha)
As all is set for official launch of the Deep Blue Project of
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in Lagos tomorrow,
the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), is calling for sustainability of the project after official flag-off by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The President of MAJAN, Comrade Ray Ugochukwu, commended NIMASA for its effort in promoting blue economy in Nigeria, saying that NIMASA and all organisations involved must ensure the project is sustained in the future.
Ugochukwu explained that one of the ways to sustain the project is to back it up with appropriate policy.
Speaking further, he urged the Federal Government to
disburse the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to local maritime operators. This, he said will enable them to invest and participate fully in the sector.
His words: “The Deep Blue Project must be driven by maritime experts and technocrats for the objectives to be fully realised.
” Promoters of this Project must ensure that they carry along key industry stakeholders, to ensure their buy-in, full participation, commitment and investment.
“The project will lead to diversification of the nation’s economy with attendant foreign exchange earnings.
Also, the nation can surpass its oil revenue if proper attention is given to the maritime sector. For instance, countries like Singapore, Denmark, Philippines, Egypt, among others, have developed into maritime superpowers through the Deep Blue Economy”.
