By Platform Reporters
LAGOS – President, Shipowners Association of Nigeria, SOAN, Mr. Sonny Eja, says the Blue Economy must translate Nigeria’s enormous maritime potential into investment, more Nigerian-owned vessels, job creation and stronger indigenous capacity.
Eja stated this in his remarks at the unveiling of the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme, NIMASA-BEAP held in Lagos on Wednesday.
He said as shipowners, SOAN welcomes the initiative, noting that Nigeria has enormous maritime potential.
According to him, for the potential to translate to real economic activity, there is need for strong collaboration between government, regulator and industry, as well as a business environment that provides regulatory predictability, access to finance, infrastructure and confidence for investors to commit long-term capital.
“SOAN is ready to work closely with NIMASA and all stakeholders to ensure that this programme delivers measurable and sustainable results,” he said.
Eja added that the Blue Economy is a shared opportunity and its success will depend on what stakeholders collectively do to turn policy into real economic activity.
He commended NIMASA for the initiative and expressed optimism that NIMASA-BEAP will be a catalyst for the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
