Expert and Logistics Leader, Mr Mark Onechi, proposed the establishment of an independent economic regulator for the sector, with the authority to attract skilled professionals and ensure concession compliance.
He advocated for a deep-water strategy modeled after successful international frameworks like Ndayane, to guide long-term infrastructure expansion.
The expert urged the Federal Government to implement a National Skills Development Programme that supported training in automation,
maintenance, and digital systems through grants and partnerships.
“True modernisation requires collaboration between government and private stakeholders, not isolated policy fixes.
“Nigeria’s maritime revival depends on deliberate investment in people, infrastructure, and transparent governance with synchronised reforms,” Musa stressed.
The Convener of the national
discourse, Kagbare, also Publisher of Maritime Insiders and News Gate Newspapers, said that the forum was more than a gathering, adding that it was a movement and an urgent quest in dire search of transformation.
He explained that the conference was enriched by the presence of top industry figures, including the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr Wale Adeniyi, and the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho.
Kagbare noted that the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, and President, Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAFRICA), Nigerian Chapter, Mrs Rollens Macfoy, were also present among others.
He called for collective responsibility, urging all stakeholders to “modernise, regulate, and empower” for a more efficient maritime future.
