The director general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has said that the creation of a national fleet will end capital flight and save Nigeria huge foreign exchange through the lifting of the country’s crude oil export.
Speaking at a media briefing at Nor-Shipping Conference and Exhibition in Oslo, Norway, Peterside decried the present arrangement in which Nigeria sells its oil on a free-on-board basis to customers.
He also stated that the national shipping company will create jobs besides ending capital flight.
On shareholding arrangement, Peterside disclosed that the new national fleet will be owned 49 per cent by a technical partner while 51 per cent will be held by Nigerian investors.
“The Nigerian investors will hold equity in lots. So there will be no domineering shareholder,” he stressed.
He said the national fleet is part of the country’s new strategic direction on the blue economy, which is designed to tap its maritime potential.
He therefore called on local and foreign investors who are interested in the project to partner with Nigeria.
He said the federal government had incentivised the sector with offers of tax holidays and institutional support.
Besides, he said the country takes its maritime security seriously and had invested in the acquisition of security assets to boost the policing of its waters.
The assets include patrol boats, special mission aircraft, helicopters, unmanned air vessels and special mission ships.
“The assets, acquired under the ‘Deep Blue Project’ will be operational by September this year with a standing specially trained intervention strike force,” he added.
Furthermore, he said Nigeria is an investment-friendly environment with comprehensive maritime security, a robust financial sector, six port complexes and numerous terminals.
“The country accounts for 70 per cent of seaborne trade into West and Central Africa and is endowed with a skilled workforce and the world’s ninth largest hydrocarbon deposits.
“The country is also focusing on implementing reforms to enhance her ease of doing business,” he said.
