Nigeria has called for collaboration among African ports to ensure that the continent could attain the desired changes in the maritime industry.
Minister of Transportation, Hon Rotimi Amaechi who spoke in Accra, Ghana for the Nigerian government during Ghana at two days African Ports Evolution Workshop and Exhibition, West African Edition, stated that collaboration and synergy rather than cut throat rivalry would enable African countries to run their ports in line with international standards and practices as it was obtainable in the ports situated in the developed world.
He argued that technology was critical in the maritime industry to facilitate information sharing among stakeholders, even as she called on various port authorities to introduce competitiveness in the industry to enhance effective trade facilitation across the African continent.
The event was designed to provide West African government, terminal operators, port authorities and service providers up to date information on port expansion and development plans in West Africa Sub-Region.
It was also to provide critical insight into doing business in the region’s ports as well as highlighting the opportunities from in the oil and gas sectors.
Amaechi who was the head of the Nigerian delegation to the event which attracted participants from other African countries and beyond stated that the West African Sub-Region need integration through connectivity of ports to promote economic development in the various countries.
He called on participants to deliberate on the improvement on port development to facilitate effective trade relations.
“Governments on the sub-region are waiting for the outcome of the forum as a road map to development the maritime industry,” he said.
THISDAY
