A former Nigerian Chapter President of the African Shipowners Association, Captain Ladi Olubowale, has said that although Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil and gas producer, a significant share of the country’s essential maritime support services is still handled by foreign-owned fleets.
Olubowale, who is also the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Seamate Maritime Integrated Services Limited, made this observation in a recent statement obtained by The PUNCH.
He explained that while Nigeria earns revenue from its natural resources, a significant share of the logistics, charter hire, marine services, technical management and offshore transportation revenues leaves the economy.
According to him, every offshore energy project depends on ships, adding that before the first molecule of gas is exported, vessels are already at work transporting equipment, supporting offshore construction, delivering supplies, transferring personnel, protecting offshore assets, conducting inspections, responding to emergencies and maintaining continuous operations.
“Without ships, offshore energy production stops. Yet despite Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading oil and gas producer, much of this critical maritime support continues to be provided by foreign-owned fleets. This means that while Nigeria earns revenue from its natural resources, a significant share of the logistics, charter hire, marine services, technical management, and offshore transportation revenues leaves our economy.
