The Niger Delta has the human and logistical capacity to transform Nigeria’s maritime sector, according to Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, National Vice President of the Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
Speaking at the Energy Maritime Reporters (EMR) seminar and awards event in Port Harcourt on October 30, 2024, Dr. Membere-Otaji highlighted how decades of oil exploration in the region have spurred the development of locally sourced solutions tailored for the maritime industry.
One such solution involves the use of locally-made, flat-bottomed tugboats and barges to transport containers from congested ports, such as the Apapa Port in Lagos, to inland terminals. These boats, traditionally built in the Niger Delta, have become invaluable in reducing traffic gridlock at Nigerian ports. Dr. Membere-Otaji recounted his efforts to present this strategy to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which has since adopted it as a viable solution to alleviate port congestion and ease the movement of goods.
“The Niger Delta has been producing flat-bottomed barges and tugboats for decades, dating back to the early years of oil production in the region,” Dr. Membere-Otaji explained. “These vessels were originally used to transport oil and gas equipment through rivers and creeks. Today, they offer a proven solution for transporting containers away from congested ports, cutting down on the delays that have plagued the industry.”
Dr. Membere-Otaji, who also serves as the CEO of Elshcon Nigeria Limited, emphasized the region's rich resources and expertise in maritime logistics, which he believes are underutilized at the national level. At the event, his company was honored with the "Industry Award of the Year," further underscoring the impact of local players in advancing Nigeria’s maritime sector.
During his speech, he commended other developments in the Niger Delta's maritime sector, including the Charkin Maritime Academy and the Marine Engineering department at Rivers State University (RSU), which have contributed to strengthening the industry’s talent pipeline. He noted the strides made by institutions in the region and reiterated his commitment to supporting emerging talent through initiatives like the "Best Maritime Reporters Award" and a scholarship for the top marine engineering graduate at RSU.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Membere-Otaji called for greater recognition of Niger Delta’s contributions to Nigeria's maritime landscape. He emphasized the need for further collaboration between regional and national stakeholders to harness the full potential of the industry.
