The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), Dr Pius Akutah, MON, has urged maritime stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State to strengthen collaboration with the Agency to develop local capacity, address infrastructure deficits and harness the state’s maritime and trade potentials.
Akutah made the call during an engagement with maritime stakeholders at NPERA’s Port Office in Uyo, where he stressed the need for collective commitment, practical initiatives and sustained partnerships to drive the growth of the maritime sector.
He urged stakeholders to identify areas of mutual interest and work closely with the Agency, noting that NPERA, its Port Office and industry operators must function as partners with a shared responsibility for advancing maritime development in the state.
On infrastructure development, the NPERA boss challenged stakeholders to develop a clear proposal for a private jetty to address the anchorage challenges confronting vessels operating in Akwa Ibom waters.
He explained that a well-articulated proposal would provide a basis for further engagement and consideration of the project.
Regarding the proposed deep-sea port, Akutah advised stakeholders to prepare a comprehensive technical presentation detailing the project’s current status, investment opportunities and development requirements.
According to him, the document would provide a basis for engagement with the Akwa Ibom State Government and would be presented to the Governor for assessment.
Highlighting emerging opportunities in international shipping, Akutah disclosed that 10 shipping lines had indicated interest in calling at Nigerian ports following his participation in a conference in China.
He said the development presented opportunities to strengthen Nigeria’s international shipping connections and expand maritime business activities.
The Director-General also underscored the importance of capacity development, describing it as critical to sustainable growth in the maritime industry.
He encouraged stakeholders to identify areas of collaboration that would support locally delivered training programmes and improve the skills and expertise available within the state’s maritime sector.
Akutah further urged stakeholders to take advantage of the Cargo Defence Fund, which remains available to support shippers, as part of efforts to strengthen the shipping community and encourage greater participation in maritime trade.
Earlier, the stakeholders welcomed the establishment of NPERA’s Port Office in Uyo, describing the Agency’s presence as a significant development that would improve engagement with shippers, address industry challenges and create opportunities for expanding maritime activities in Akwa Ibom State.
They called for the deployment of NPERA personnel to schools in Uyo to facilitate maritime training, knowledge transfer and awareness of opportunities in the industry.
The stakeholders also drew attention to infrastructure challenges affecting maritime operations, disclosing that more than 300 fishing vessels reportedly operate in Akwa Ibom waters without designated anchorage points.
They identified the proposed private jetty as a potential solution to some of the difficulties confronting vessel operators and expressed support for the proposed deep-sea port, which they described as vital to expanding the state’s maritime and economic opportunities.
On institutional development, the stakeholders recalled that the Shippers Association had remained largely inactive for approximately 20 years before the establishment of NPERA’s Port Office.
They expressed optimism that the Agency’s presence would help revitalise the association, strengthen the shipping community and encourage increased participation in maritime trade.
The engagement forms part of NPERA’s efforts to deepen stakeholder relations and promote practical partnerships to support maritime development, trade facilitation and the growth of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
