By Efe Onodjae
PORT HARCOURT — The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said Nigeria’s ports should no longer be viewed merely as locations where ships berth, but as strategic national assets capable of driving industrialisation, attracting investment and accelerating economic growth.
Oyetola, who was represented by the Manager of Rivers Port Complex, Kenechi Okaeze, made the assertion over the weekend while delivering the minister’s address at the 26th Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) Conference in Port Harcourt.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Optimising Port Infrastructure to Unlock the Full Potential of Special Economic Zones in Nigeria,” the minister said the nation’s aspiration to build a competitive maritime economy would depend largely on the efficiency of its ports.
“Our ports must be seen not simply as places where ships berth, but as strategic national assets capable of attracting investment, supporting manufacturing, expanding exports and ultimately accelerating economic growth,” he said.
