The Democratic Front (TDF) has expressed optimism about the reforms in the maritime industry, which are projected to create 20,000 new jobs.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, TDF said plans to dredge key ports will go a long way to making the country reclaim its status as West Africa’s maritime hub.
It read in part: “We note that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has left no one in doubt about his determination to harness, and develop Nigeria’s abundant resources in the maritime industry by creating a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“It is also instructive that many industry players saw it as a deliberate and forward-looking move to expand opportunities in the sector for effective economic diversification.
“So we were not surprised that the ministry has not only initiated but is also driving a series of reforms to develop and strengthen the sector.
“It is gratifying that the laudable effort resulted in high revenue generation by its agencies to the tune of over N850 billion in 2024, which is a 77 percent increase in their revenue performance in the previous year.
“We are convinced that plans to dredge the nation’s seaports to pave way for larger vessels to berth in Nigeria will boost the revenue profile and make the ports more attractive.
“Furthermore, the projection by Minister Adegboyega Oyetola that the ambitious plan will lead to 20,000 new jobs is for us the beginning of the crystallization of President Tinubu’s vision for the sector. ”
TDF urged the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to see the overhaul of the ports as the flagship of President Bola Tinubu’s deliverables in the maritime sector.
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