PRESS RELEASE
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF MARINE AND BLUE ECONOMY
FIRST REVIEW DRAFT
POLICY ON MARINE AND BLUE ECONOMY
PRELIMINARY PAGES
Marine and Blue Economy encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, from traditional industries such as fisheries and shipping to emerging sectors like marine biotechnology and Blueocean Energy. The world's oceans, seas, and coasts are vast and rich ecosystems that have for long sustained human life and economic activities. As we move forward in the 21st century, the importance of exploring and exploiting Nigeria’s aquatic resources and marine spaces are now being recognized for their potential contribution to inclusive and sustainable development.
To this end, the establishment and framing of the governance and administrative structures that superintend the Marine and Blue Economy ecosystem in an environmentally sustainable manner is rapidly gaining global traction. Accordingly, countries are increasingly exploring the vast resources hosted within their ecosystem, thereby balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
This Policy aims to leverage the vast potential of Nigeria’s Marine resources inclusive of inland waters, while ensuring the preservation of marine biodiversity and the health of marine ecosystems and presents Nigeria with a unique opportunity to innovate and create a sustainable future.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported and contributed to this work on the Marine and Blue Economy Policy. It is the product of the collective and collaborative efforts of experts in the fields of Policy, Governance, Economics, Law of the Sea, Geology and Mining, Environment, Marine Biology, Fisheries, Oceanographers, Aquacultures, and Development drawn from governments, civil society, academia, researchers and inter-ministerial entities. Special thanks are due to the local coastal communities/stakeholders for their cooperation and willingness to share their experiences and knowledge, which were crucial in shaping this work. This Policy was produced collaboratively by the contributors who worked in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, from Monday 21st of October to Wednesday 34th October 2024. This Policy is to be considered a living document. Its implementation will generate further lessons and good practices emerging from countries engaged in the Blue Economy process. It is expected to provide decision-makers and other stakeholders with clear and simple guidelines and options for aligning their policies with the Marine and Blue Economy concept. Finally, we would like to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of all those dedicated to advancing the sustainable management of marine resources and promoting the blue economy. Their commitment continues to inspire and drive positive change in our oceans and coastal regions.
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 The National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy is a strategic framework designed to harness Nigeria’s vast marine and coastal resources to foster sustainable economic growth, environmental protection, and socio-economic development aligns with global trends towards integrated marine management and positions Nigeria as a leader in the Marine and Blue Economy sector. The vision for this national policy is to transform Nigeria into a global hub for sustainable marine and blue economy practices, promoting economic development, environmental stewardship, and social equity. As a nation, we must ensure that we achieve a responsible utilization of marine resources, protect biodiversity, and while supporting economic activities expand and diversify Nigeria’s marine-based industries, including fisheries, tourism, and shipping. The policy understands the need to mitigate the impacts of marine pollution and climate change, preserve marine ecosystems for future generations, enhance the livelihoods of coastal communities through inclusive and equitable opportunities in the blue economy, foster innovation in marine technologies, and support research initiatives that drive progress in the sector.
1.2 The policy equally addresses the need to implement sustainable fishing practices, protect marine biodiversity, and ensure sustainable exploration within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ). It will also restore degraded marine environments and promote marine tourism, development of port infrastructure, and support maritime industries including shipping and offshore oil and gas exploration. Nigeria has developed as a necessity, strategies to reduce marine pollution, address the impacts of climate change, enhance marine protected areas, involve local communities in decision-making processes, enhance their capacities, and provide economic opportunities linked to the blue economy. While the country has identified the need to establish a robust institutional structure for policy implementation, coordination among stakeholders, and enforcement of regulations that will emanate from this policy, it is also conscious of the import of investing in research, technology development, and training programs to support the growth of the Marine and Blue Economy sectors.
1.3 It also recognizes the need to establish mechanisms for tracking progress, assessing impact, and making necessary adjustments to ensure the policy’s effectiveness. Consequently, the policy is expected to contribute to the diversification of the economy through job creation, thereby increasing Nigeria’s GDP. It will also promote marine ecosystem health, reduce pollution, enhance resilience to climate change, enhance access to economic activities, improve the quality of life, and strengthen social equity among coastal and inland waterways communities. In light of the above, the development process for the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy started with identifying the need to have a robust policy for the Marine and Blue Economy in Nigeria and commenced with the inauguration of the Technical Committee made up of staff of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, aides of the Hon. Minister and Resource Persons.
1.4 The development process of this policy contains Eight Broad Parts that deal with the Introduction and Overview of the Policy; Legal and Institutional Framework; Maritime Transport, Trade and Shipping; Fishery and Aquaculture; Marine Abiotic Resources; Marine Innovation & Technology; Cross-Cutting Issues and Policy Implementation Arrangement. represents a transformative approach to leveraging Nigeria’s marine resources for sustainable development. By focusing on integrated management, economic diversification, and environmental protection, Nigeria is poised to achieve significant advancements in its blue economy sector, benefiting both current and future generations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
iii. Executive Summary
Table of Contents
Acronyms
PART ONE: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW OF THE POLICY
1.0 Preamble -
1.2 Overview
1.3 Background
1.4 Aim and Objectives
1.5 Mandate
1.6 Vision Statement
1.7 Mission Statement
1.8 Purpose
1.9 Scope
1.10 Context
1.11 Policy Development Process
PART TWO: LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
2.0 Preamble
2.1 Nigerian Port Authority (NPA)
2.2 Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
2.3 Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC)
2.4 National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA)
2.5 Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN)
2.6 Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN)
2.7 Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR)
PART THREE: MARITIME TRANSPORT, TRADE AND SHIPPING
3.0 Preamble
3.1 Maritime Transport
3.2 Overall Governance and Maritime Administration
3.3 Cabotage Administration
3.4 Maritime Safety and Security
3.5 Maritime Infrastructure Development
3.6 Ports and Harbor Management
3.7 Inland Dry Ports
3.8 Vehicle Transit Areas
3.9 Ship Registration and Administration
3.10 Inland Waterways Administration
3.11 Accident Investigation (Marine Boards of Enquiry)
3.12 Technology of the Marine and Blue Economy Value Chain
Maritime Security
PART FOUR - FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE
4.0 Preamble
4.1 Inland Fisheries (Lakes, Rivers, Dams and Reservoirs)
4.2 Marine /Industrial Fisheries - (Lagoons, creeks, mangroves, High seas -
4.3 Fisheries Resource management, monitoring, control & surveillance -
4.4 Aquaculture (species diversification, gen bank commercial and non-commercial species)
4.5 Fish Processing, Quality assurance and Fish disease control and Management
4.6 Fisheries & Aquaculture research, innovation, technology & development
PART FIVE: MARINE ABIOTIC RESOURCES
5.0 Preamble
5.1 Coastal Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change
5.2 Seabed Mining
5.3 Seabed Cabling and Piping
5.4 Seabed Decommissioning
5.5 Marine Litters
PART SIX: MARINE INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
6.0 Preamble
6.1 Marine Technology
6.2 Marine Biotechnology
6.3 Marine Genetics
6.4 Marine Pharmaceuticals
6.5 Water Desalination
6.6 Blue Energy (e.g., offshore wind, tidal power)
6.7 Sustainable Fishing
6.8 Marine Pollution and Waste Management
6.9 Data and Information Management
6.10 Marine Spatial Planning (conservation, biodiversity, mapping, marine protected area
6.11 Eco-tourism and marine recreation
6.12 Knowledge Generation and Management
PART SEVEN: CROSS CUTTING ISSUES:
7.0 Preamble
7.1 Research and Development
7.2 Human Resource and Professionalism
7.3 Maritime Labour Matters
7.4 Education & Training
7.5 Funding and Investment
7.6 Climate Change
PART EIGHT IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE
8.0 Coordination Mechanism
8.1 National Implementation Committee (NIC)
8.2 Membership of the National Implementation Committee
8.3 Functions of National Implementation Committee (NIC)
8.4 Technical Working Committee (TWC)
8.5 Membership of the Technical Working Committee
8.6 Functions of Technical Working Committee (TWC
PART NINE: MARINE AND BLUE ECONOMY STAKEHOLDERS
9.0 Introduction
9.1 Role of Coastal and Water Bodies States
9.2 Role of National Stakeholders
9.3 Role of Sub-Regional, Continental and International Stakeholders
9.4 Timeline (Roadmap) of Implementation Strategies
9.5 Monitoring & Evaluation
9.6 Risk and Mitigation Strategy
9.7 Policy Review Timeline
ANNEXURES:
All relevant Annexures of Definitions, Abbreviations; etc
PART ONE: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW -
1.0 Introduction
1.2 The Marine and Blue Economy (MBE) represents a holistic and sustainable approach to harnessing the potential of oceans, coastal and inland waters living and non-living things for economic growth, ecological conservation, and societal development. It promotes economic growth, social inclusion, preservation, and improvement of livelihoods while at the same time ensuring environmental sustainability of the oceans, and coastal and inland water areas. It is regarded as the decoupling of socioeconomic activities from environmental degradation and optimizing the benefits that may be derived from marine and inland water resources. It conceptualizes oceans as ‘development spaces’ where spatial planning integrates conservation, sustainable use of oil and mineral wealth extraction, bioprospecting, sustainable energy production, and marine transport. The MBE paradigm constitutes a sustainable development framework for developing countries that address equity in access to development and the sharing of benefits from marine and inland water resources, offering scope for re-investment in human development.
2 Overview
1.2.1 Nigeria’s total land and water area is 923,768 sq. km, with the area of land being 910, 768 sq. km while that of water is 13,000 sq. km. The Nigerian coastline, which is approximately 850 km stretches across eight states Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Rivers, the coastline zone is classified into four broad regions namely the barrier lagoon coast, the transgressive mud coast, the Niger Delta and the strand coast and comprises inshore waters, coastal lagoons, estuaries and mangroves which provide opportunities in oil and gas exploitation, shipping, fishing, agriculture, sand mining, and tourism. Taken together the Marine and Blue Economy Sub-sector of Nigeria can support the nation’s economic diversification policy in the other areas of Shipbuilding and repairs ports infrastructure and services, energy generation, seabed mining underwater cabling, marine biotechnology, (pharmaceuticals and chemicals), water desalination, waste management and disposal, maritime research and consultancy services, and maritime habitat protection and restoration. Given the significance of the sector, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE) was created in August 2023 with the mandate to Institutionalize the Marine and Blue Economy as an important pillar for economic sustenance and growth diversification having due regards to the ecosystem.
1.3 Justification
1.3.1 To provide a safe, secure, and sustainable MBE sector, it is expedient that a robust policy framework is developed. This will serve as a blueprint for Nigeria's strategic utilization of its extensive maritime resources and enhance a strong, diversified, sustainable, and competitive economy.
1.3.2 The development of the policy is premised on:
1.4 Aim and Objectives
1.4.1 this policy aims to provide a blueprint for effective management and coordination among relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and Stakeholders within the value chain for harmonizing national actions in the sector. 1.4.2 Hence, the objectives include:
1.5 Mandate
1.5.1 To Institutionalize the Marine and Blue Economy as an important pillar for economic sustenance and growth diversification having due regard to the ecosystem.
1.6 Vision Statement
1.6.1 To make Nigeria a global leader in sustainable marine and blue economy practices.
1.7 Mission Statement
1.7.1 To sustainably harness Nigeria's rich marine and coastal resources, fostering economic growth and development while ensuring the conservation of our marine ecosystems.
1.8 Scope
1.8.1 The policy addresses the prospects, opportunities, and challenges in maritime transport, trade, shipping, fishery and aquaculture, marine abiotic resources, marine innovation & technology, legal and institutional framework, and other cross-cutting issues like climate change and sustainability pathways in line with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principle. Geographically, it covers all coastline and marine waters within the EEZ and ABNJ. It also applies to all uses and activities in the marine environment, additional sector-specific policies, including maritime transport, tourism, fisheries, and the establishment of marine protected areas.
1.8.2 Furthermore, it includes all aspects of offshore sovereignty, economically valuable resources in water, such as seabed, onshore infrastructure (seaports, maritime routes) connected with domestic and international trade, and offshore energy resources, be they fossil-based or blue energy. It envisages new and emerging marine technologies and the latest developments in science with an emphasis on the production of goods and services from fisheries, marine manufacturing, shipping, and tourism that relate to the sea and the oceans.
1.9 The Underlying Philosophy
The Policy vision and the Mission statements will be best achieved with the underpinning philosophies:
iii. Funding: Evolving sustainable funding mechanisms and sustained investments on the part of government with the private sector as the focal point and development partners.
1.10 Policy Development Process
In a bid to develop a robust policy that reflects the mindset of relevant stakeholders and the expectations of the citizenry, the Ministry conducted a need analysis for the policy, after which a Steering and Technical Committee was constituted to develop a zero draft. While developing the policy, stakeholders from different sub-sectors were consulted including the coastal communities, inland waterways communities, Maritime ship owners and other critical stakeholders. Similarly, inputs were harvested from multilateral organizations, MDAs, academia, and relevant development partners.
1.10.1 In line with global best practice, the policy was subjected to the scrutiny of the Federal Ministry of Budget & Economic Planning, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), and KPMG. After several rounds of consultations and validation sessions, the draft policy was forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for Presidential assent.
Following, the Presidential approval, several rounds of sensitization exercises were conducted to further enlighten citizens on the content and implications of the Policy. Summarily, the development of the Policy undertook the following process:
PART TWO
LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
2.0 The Legal Framework
2.1 Existing Situation
2.1.1 The Marine and Blue Economy Sector is a dynamic sector with diverse local and international legal and regulatory frameworks as well as conventions. Also, the sector has cross-cutting and Inter-Ministerial activities that need a lot of collaboration and partnership.
2.2 Policy Statement
The policy requires multi-faceted legislation, and this is what the policy has done. This framework encompasses legal, regulatory, and institutional structures to ensure sustainable management and utilization of marine and coastal resources
2.3 Policy Goal
To accord MBE a central role in National Economic Planning and Development through the establishment of effective legal and policy framework as well as strengthening linkages at various levels within the NIS.
2.4 Policy Objectives
2.5 Policy Strategies
2.6 Maritime Law Framework:
2.7 Blue Economy Framework
2.8 Regulatory Agencies:
2.10 Sub-National CBOs and NGOs
The Sub-Nationals: State Governments, relevant State Ministries, Agencies, and Local Governments shall be consulted during the National Councils, CBOS, NGOS, and Stakeholders Forums for a seamless implementation of this Policy
2.11 International Conventions:
2.12 Regional and Bilateral Agreements:
PART THREE
MARITIME TRANSPORT, TRADE AND SHIPPING
3.0 Preamble
3.1 The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in its efforts to reposition the Nigerian Maritime Transport System had:
3.1. Following the port reform of 2004, practically all core cargo handling activities and associated terminals were delegated to Private Terminal Operators, while jurisdiction at the seaside remained with the Nigerian Ports Authority. The Government is committed to promoting shipping and regulatory reforms to ensure that access to efficient and competitive shipping services is maintained.
3.2 Maritime Transport
3.2.1 Existing Situation
The maritime transportation industry in Nigeria is critical to the economic growth of the nation. At present, the Nigerian Maritime domain is well secured, especially with the deployment of the Deep Blue Security Architecture and the passage of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offence (SPOMO) Act has helped in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Nevertheless, the port turnaround time, connectivity to other modes, and automation of humans and trucks access control to the ports need to be addressed.
3.2.2 Policy Statement
Maritime transport aims to develop a maritime industry that is income-generating, self-sufficient, and competitive with comparative advantage in the domestic, regional, and global markets.
3.2.3 Policy Goal
To ensure that the port and ships operate in a safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable manner, to meet the nation’s economic and security needs.
3.2.4 Policy Objectives
3.2.5 Policy Strategy
In collaboration with other relevant MDAs and allied institutions
3.3 Cabotage Administration
3.3.1 Existing Situation
The Cabotage policy in Nigeria, governed by the Cabotage Act of 2003, is aimed at developing indigenous shipping capacity by restricting coastal shipping between Nigerian ports to Nigerian-owned, built, manned, and registered vessels. The Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) supports Nigerian operators in vessel acquisition and dry docking to boost their involvement in Cabotage trades.
3.3.2 Policy Statement
The government recognizes the great potential and benefits of Coastal and Inland Shipping and is resolved to address the constraints to enable the country to fully exploit the benefits of the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003. Therefore, the government's objective is to develop inland and coastal shipping with private sector participation.
3.3.3 Policy Goal
3.3.4 Policy Objectives
To optimize the Cabotage regime in Nigeria by enhancing regulatory frameworks, promoting Indigenous participation through financial and operational support, improving operational standards, and fostering sustainable development in the domestic maritime industry.
3.3.5 Policy Strategy
In collaboration with other relevant MDAs and allied institutions
3.4 Maritime Safety and Security
3.4.1 Maritime Safety
3.4.1.1 Existing Situation
Despite the efforts by the government to ensure that vessels coming to Nigeria’s ports comply with international conventions, substandard vessels still visit the ports. The policy recognizes the need to strengthen the regulatory authorities and build capacity across the board. Nigeria’s action in the field of maritime transport, and particularly maritime safety and protection of the marine environment, generates significant added value to the international framework (IMO Conventions). The ratification and domestication of IMO instruments into the Nigerian legal system ensures their enforcement across the nation’s maritime domain. In addition, Nigeria plays a pivotal role in improving international standards by adopting stringent requirements within the West and Central African sub-region and promoting their adoption at the international level.
3.4.1.2 Policy Statement
The policy aims to ensure safe, secure, and environmentally friendly system of transportation of goods and passengers in line with local and international standards.
3.4.1.3 Policy Goal
3.4.1.4 Policy Objectives
3.4.1.5 Policy Strategy
In collaboration with other relevant MDAs and allied institutions
3.5 Maritime Security
3.5.1 Existing Situation
The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, New York City USA on the 11th of September 2001, and subsequent attacks in Madrid, Paris, London, and Brussels, show how vulnerable transport infrastructure is. All transport modes now must find the right balance between providing commercial openness and effective security procedures. In maritime transport, the Federal Government has been active in recent years, legislating to improve ports and sea security to complement international efforts.
3.5.2 Policy Statement
The policy aims to enforce all customs laws, including oil theft, fishery, and immigration laws of Nigeria at sea, in addition to making charts and coordinating all national hydro-graphical surveys, the aim is to protect ships and ports from terrorism; it has incorporated the ISPS Code into Nigerian Law and extends its application to domestic operations of inland waterways.
3.5.3 Policy Goal
3.5.4 Policy Objectives
3.5.5 Policy Strategy
In collaboration with other relevant MDAs and allied institutions
3.6 Maritime Infrastructure Development
3.6.1 Existing Situation
Maritime Infrastructure Development in Nigeria has been characterized by both opportunities and challenges. Nigeria has several major ports, including the Port of Lagos (Apapa and Tin Can Island), Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar. The Port of Lagos is the busiest and most significant in terms of cargo volume. Many of these ports suffer from congestion, inadequate facilities, and inefficiencies that lead to delays and increased costs for shipping and logistics. There have been ongoing efforts to expand and modernize existing ports. Nigeria has a vast network of rivers and waterways that are underutilized for transportation.
3.6.2 Policy Statement
Develop and modernize port infrastructures to become a well-integrated multi-modal and inter-modal transportation system that is economically efficient, properly maintained, and environmentally sustainable.
3.6.3 Policy Goal
To develop maritime infrastructure for Nigeria's economic growth and competitiveness.
3.6.4 Policy Objectives
3.6.5 Policy Strategy
In collaboration with other relevant MDAs and allied institutions
3.7 Ports and Harbor Management
3.7.1 Existing Situation
Ports and Harbor Management focuses on concession and privatization, tariff regulation, safety and security standards, environmental protection, cargo handling and storage, vessel traffic management, as well as dispute resolution mechanisms for port administration. In a bid to achieve seamless port management operation, an Integrated Port Management Information System (IPMIS) was introduced to implement a centralized revenue collection system. However, some challenges still exist such as port congestion and inadequate infrastructure at the ports.
3.7.2 Policy Statement
To deliver efficient port services in a safe, secure, and conducive environment, which serves as a maritime hub for sustainable port operations and services in Africa.
3.7.3 Policy Goal
To maintain the highest possible levels of safety and security for port operations as well as ensure high standards in the implementation of international port policies for efficient service delivery.
3.7.4 Policy Objectives
To serve as a pathway to international best practices for port operations in compliance with safety and security for shipping service delivery and to minimize disruptions in the flow of port traffic.
3.7.5 Policy Strategy
In collaboration with other relevant MDAs and allied institutions
3.8 Inland Dry Ports
3.8.1 Existing Situation
In line with the government’s desire to improve the ease of doing business in the sector, it has provided port complementary capacities and brought shipping services close to the steps of shippers in the hinterland. This infrastructure developed through PPP has also created an enabling environment for private sector participation in the development and operation of the dry ports and related infrastructure in the country.
3.8.2 Policy Statement
This policy seeks to bring shipping activities closer to shippers in the hinterland and increase cargo throughput as well as quick turnaround time as a catalyst for improved trade flows.
3.8.3 Policy Goal
3.23.1 Create a comprehensive framework for the concession, development, operation, and management of Inland Dry Port (IDP) in the country.
3.8.4 Policy Objectives
3.8.5 Policy Strategy
In collaboration with other relevant MDAs and allied institutions
3.9 Vehicle Transit Areas
3.9.1 Existing Situation
Despite efforts to develop its maritime infrastructure, including ports and terminals that function as vehicle transit areas for both commercial and passenger transport. Major ports like Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne Port are crucial for cargo handling and transportation, challenges such as inadequate road access to ports, congestion at port entry and exit points, and limited capacity for handling increasing maritime traffic, continue to inhibit the optimization of the huge potentials in Nigeria’s port and allied systems.
3.9.2 Policy Statement
The policy creates the framework for effective management and improvement of vehicle transit areas within Nigeria's marine and blue economy sector, contributing to sustainable development and economic prosperity.
3.9.3 Policy Goal
The goal is to enhance safety protocols and security measures for marine transport to protect both passengers and cargo to support economic development.
3.9.4 Policy Objectives
3.9.5 Policy Strategies
In collaboration with other relevant MDAs and allied institutions
3.10 Ship Registration and Administration
3.10.1 Existing Situation
Nigeria operates a closed ship registry system managed by NIMASA, allowing only vessels owned by Nigerian citizens or companies to be registered under the Nigerian flag. This system supports local ship ownership and strengthens the national maritime industry's compliance with international standards. The registration process demands proof of Nigerian ownership, adherence to safety standards, and proper documentation. Challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, limited capacity, and compliance issues exist. Recent reforms, including digital platforms and streamlined procedures, aim to modernize and improve the efficiency and transparency of ship registration is ongoing.
3.10.2 Policy Statement
Establish an efficient, transparent, and effective ship registration and administration system that is digitally driven to promote the growth and competitiveness of the national maritime sector to make Nigeria a leading maritime nation in Africa.
3.10.3 Policy Goal
To create a digital ship registry that is transparent and efficient to streamline the processes that support the growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry, ensure compliance with national and international standards, and make Nigeria a leading maritime nation in Africa.
3.10.4 Policy Objective
To make Nigeria a leading maritime nation in Africa by improving its ship registration through a streamlining process, regulatory compliance, and enhancing transparency through digital solutions to strengthen regulatory capacity and support Nigerian-owned vessels.
3.10.5 Policy Strategy
In collaboration with other relevant MDAs and allied institutions
3.11 Inland Waterways Administration
3.11.1 Existing Situation
Inland waterways transportation and administration plays a fundamental role in the socio-economic development of countries, especially in critical activities such as commuting, energy supply, goods allocation, and tourism, among others. Nigeria has the second largest length of inland waterways in Africa, approximately 10,000 kilometers of waterways, which are open for use at certain times of the year. While about 3, 000 kilometres are navigable.
3.11.2 Policy Statement
Establish the protocols to Improve and maintain ports, harbors, and waterways, to enhance their capacities for optimal use for appropriate commercial and recreational purposes.
3.11.3 Policy Goal
To provide regulatory, economical, and operational leadership in the nation's inland waterways system and develop infrastructural facilities for an efficient intermodal transportation system in line with global best practices that are safe, seamless, and affordable.
3.11.4 Policy Objectives
3.11.5 Policy Strategy
In collaboration with other relevant MDAs and allied institutions, achieve;
3.11.5.1 Infrastructure Development
3.11.5.2 Regulatory Framework
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