In a bold declaration, Rt. Hon Abbas Tajudeen Ph.D, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has announced the 10th House's dedication to collaborating with the Executive arm.
Their shared objective is to unlock vast opportunities within the maritime sector, propelling Nigeria's economy through increased foreign exchange earnings and job creation.
Speaker Abbas emphasized the crucial timing to decisively tap into the maritime sector as the country endeavors to diversify its economy.
The overarching vision, he revealed, is to position Nigeria as a major global shipping hub, promising substantial revenue influx.
The Speaker made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Nigeria Ship Owners Association (NISA) and their Greek counterparts in his office on Tuesday.
Speaker Abbas assured that the House would meticulously examine all presented documents, paving the way for prompt action.
Accompanied by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, Chairman of the House Committee on Shipping Services, the Speaker affirmed the House's commitment to taking substantive measures and engaging with the Executive on the issues raised.
He expressed readiness for further discussions with ship owners, extending gratitude for their visit and assuring them of a positive response.
In earlier statements, Chairman of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, His Royal Majesty Chijioke Collins, commended Speaker Abbas for his dedication to the nation's growth, particularly in the maritime sector.
He lamented Nigeria's unique status as a seafaring nation without a recorded success story in shipping, urging the Federal Government to revamp its import and export policies for increased maritime sector revenue.
CEO of Empire Chemical Tanker Holdings in Greece, Leonidas S. Polemis, asserted that Nigeria, blessed with abundant natural resources, has the potential to become a global shipping hub.
He emphasized the need for Nigeria to offer cost-effective services to attract international fleets, paralleling the maritime standards set by Greece.
The Speaker's vision for Nigeria's ascendancy in the global maritime arena was conveyed in a press statement signed by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.