Nigeria: NPERA Mobilises Akwa Ibom Maritime Stakeholders to Advance Infrastructure Development and Local Capacity Building

The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), Dr Pius Akutah, MON, has called on maritime stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State to strengthen collaboration with the Agency in developing local capacity, addressing infrastructure gaps and unlocking the state’s maritime and trade opportunities.

Dr Akutah made the call during an engagement with maritime stakeholders at NPERA’s Port Office in Uyo, where he emphasised that the development of the state’s maritime sector requires collective commitment, practical initiatives and sustained collaboration between the Agency and industry operators.

He urged stakeholders to identify areas of mutual interest and work with NPERA to advance maritime activities in the state, stressing that the Agency, its Port Office and the maritime community must operate as partners with a shared responsibility for developing the sector.

The Director-General particularly challenged stakeholders to develop a clear concept for a proposed private jetty to address the anchorage needs of vessels operating in Akwa Ibom waters. He explained that practical proposals would provide a basis for further engagement and consideration.

On the proposed deep-sea port, Dr Akutah advised stakeholders to prepare a comprehensive technical presentation outlining the project’s current status, opportunities and development requirements. He said the document would provide a sound basis for engagement with the Akwa Ibom State Government and would be submitted for presentation to the Governor for assessment.

Highlighting emerging opportunities in international shipping, the NPERA boss disclosed that following his participation in a conference in China, 10 shipping lines had indicated interest in calling at Nigerian ports. He noted that the development presented opportunities to strengthen shipping connections and expand maritime business.

He also emphasized the importance of capacity development, describing it as essential to sustainable maritime growth. He encouraged stakeholders to identify areas of collaboration that would facilitate locally delivered training programmes and strengthen the skills and expertise available within the state’s maritime industry.

The Director-General further encouraged stakeholders to take advantage of the Cargo Defence Fund, which remains available to support shippers, as part of efforts to strengthen the shipping community and promote greater participation in maritime trade.

Earlier, the stakeholders had welcomed the establishment of NPERA’s Port Office in Uyo, describing the Agency’s presence as an important development that would improve engagement with shippers, address industry concerns and create opportunities for the growth of maritime activities in Akwa Ibom State.

They particularly called for the deployment of NPERA personnel to schools in Uyo to facilitate maritime training, knowledge transfer, and awareness of opportunities within the industry.

The stakeholders also highlighted infrastructure challenges affecting maritime operations in the state, disclosing that more than 300 fishing vessels reportedly operate in Akwa Ibom waters without designated anchorage points. They identified the proposed private jetty as a potential solution to some of the challenges confronting vessel operators.

They further expressed interest in the proposed deep-sea port, describing it as an important project for expanding the state’s maritime and economic opportunities.

On the institutional front, the stakeholders recalled that the Shippers Association had remained largely inactive for approximately 20 years before the establishment of NPERA’s Port Office. They expressed optimism that the Agency’s presence would help revitalise the association, strengthen the shipping community and encourage greater participation in maritime trade.

The engagement forms part of NPERA’s efforts to deepen stakeholder relations and promote practical partnerships that will support maritime development, trade facilitation and the growth of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

Source : NPERA