Every nation that fails to plan is already a failed nation, and some analysts are of the opinion that Nigeria, is one country on whose head this cap fits.
Where most nations are building infrastructures and guiding them jealously, because of the revenue generated from them, Nigeria, has allowed its seaport degenerate to the point of almost collapsing.
Now, the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, wants the seaports rehabilitated.
One may choose to call the new Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, a wise man, who is trying to help Nigeria safe the rainy day.
Why? Tou may ask?
Presently, Nigeria’s economy is in a problematic state and is in need of huge revenue to offset debt and break free from inflation.
Be that as it may, one of the avenues for generating income in Nigeria is the seaport and it is an open secret that the Lagos seaports contribute huge revenue to the GDP.
So, Oyetola, when he toured the seaports, observed that the ports were in a dilapidated state and in need for rehabilitation.
He noted that it was only when the ports were in good conditions that they could operate optimally and generate good income for the economy.
The Need For Rehabilitation
The minister, therefore, called on terminal operators and other stakeholders to partner with the Federal Government on rehabilitating the Lagos ports.
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The Minister also said that he would engage the Minister of Works on rehabilitating the port access roads which are also dilapidated.
He said: “I intend to go around and see things for myself, and I have seen a lot of challenges and changes that need to be done around our ports.
“The infrastructure is almost collapsing from what I have seen. So, it is a major rehabilitation that has to be carried out”.
NPA Is Doing A Good Job
The minister expressed satisfaction with how well Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) was faring.
Oyetola said: “However, I am impressed with the management of the NPA, but we need to support them.”
“I am looking forward to a situation where the terminal managers will be willing to contribute to the rehabilitation of the ports.
“So, it is going to be a collaboration between the government and the terminal operators.
“I have asked them to let us have the report regarding the collapsed quay walls and what they have done so far.”
“We need to know so that once we get approval from Mr. President, we will move to fix the quays.
“Infrastructure is the key to driving the Marine and Blue economy.
“If we have the right infrastructure in place, it will help to diversify the economy and reduce the too much reliance on oil.
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“There are a lot of other opportunities that has remained untapped for so many years.
“I think to avoid the collapse of the ports, we need to rehabilitate as a matter of urgency. Then dredging has to continue and then we can put all the other things in place”.
On the dilapidated access roads, he expressed the belief that “it is proper to look at it” and engage the Minister of Works to see what could be done by the two ministries and the Minister of Transportation”.
