The maritime sector, once filled with high hopes and optimism, is now shrouded in gloom and disappointment as stakeholders reflect on the first year of stewardship under the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola. Initially heralded as a beacon of hope for a sector in dire need of revitalization, the ministry’s first year has left many feeling disillusioned, with little to show in terms of progress.
The maritime community had eagerly awaited the impact of the new ministry when Oyetola assumed office on August 21, 2023. Indigenous shipowners, in particular, had pinned their hopes on Oyetola to rejuvenate their struggling businesses after years of neglect and inconsistent policies. However, one year later, those hopes have largely faded.
Prince Ayorinde Adedoyin, an indigenous shipowner and Chairman of Peacegate Group, encapsulated the sentiment of many in the industry: “The past year in the maritime industry? I think some people have pointed to the appointment of a new Managing Director for NPA, a new head for NIMASA, and the presence of a Minister as positives. But what new policies have been introduced to advance the industry? Honestly, I haven’t seen anything significant.”
Adedoyin expressed frustration at the lack of visible progress and the slow pace of change. “Yes, they say one year might be too short to judge, perhaps because they’re still ‘cooking’ what they want to serve us. But it feels like the meal is taking too long to prepare. If you ask me, I haven’t witnessed any remarkable progress in the maritime sector over the past year.”
His concerns extended to the controversial Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which has long been a point of contention within the industry. “The money has just been sitting there, and I hope it’s at least accruing interest. But the real question is: who will benefit from this fund? The old shipowners who contributed? Or will it be used to foster new ownership?”
Otunba Sola Olatunji, another shipowner and member of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), shared Adedoyin’s pessimism. “It’s hard to predict the intentions of those in power, but I doubt if anything will work in the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry without deliberate government intervention,” he said, casting doubt on the existence of the CVFF itself. “Over the past decade, we’ve seen all sorts of propaganda from NIMASA about this illusion called CVFF. It’s all just a show, and the Minister and DG are here to play their parts.”
Olatunji’s skepticism about the future of the ministry was palpable: “In three years, I’ll remind you of my stance—it’s all just a propaganda stunt.”
Chidi Anthony Opara, a freight forwarder, suggested that the minister may have underestimated the challenges of his role. “The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy may have been overwhelmed by the novelty of the ministry,” Opara said. “Previously, these functions were handled by the Ministry of Transportation, so the bureaucratic processes of transferring responsibilities to the new ministry likely caused delays. The Minister might have made promises out of excitement, not fully understanding the teething problems that would arise.”
Chief Isaac Jolapamo, a veteran indigenous shipowner and the pioneer President of NISA, has become so disillusioned with the state of the industry that he has adopted a “siddon look” approach. “The problem of the industry is foundational, and unless there’s a holistic approach where the government confronts it frontally, the problem will still be there,” Jolapamo said, reflecting on over 60 years spent in the sector.
Jolapamo voiced doubts about the current minister’s capacity to address the deep-rooted issues facing the industry. “I don’t really know the capacity of the minister if he could resolve the issues in the maritime industry. I have since stopped worrying myself about the happenings in the industry because that will evoke bad memories which could hurt me, and I don’t want to get hurt.”
He also lamented the lack of focus on acquiring vessels and training seafarers, essential elements for a thriving maritime industry. “If you don’t have ships, you cannot say you are practicing maritime. If you cannot go to the sea, whatever you do, it is peripheral. Unfortunately, we are not addressing the issues like how do we acquire vessels where we can train our upcoming seafarers.”
As the maritime sector marks one year under Oyetola’s leadership, the prevailing mood is one of skepticism and frustration. Stakeholders are left questioning whether the much-anticipated change will ever come, or if the ministry will continue on its current path of “motion without movement.”
