Firm Pushes Seaport Expansion As Catalyst For Jobs, Investment Growth
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy through the blue economy sector, a leading maritime advisory firm, Gadfly Consulting Limited, has identified seaport development as a critical driver of employment generation and economic growth.
The firm made the position known in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where it commended the Federal Government for approving the establishment of five additional deep seaports across the country.
Senior Consultant at Gadfly Consulting Limited, Philemon Adjekuko, described the development as long overdue, noting that the persistent congestion at Lagos ports has continued to hinder trade efficiency and national productivity.
“The continued congestion of ports in Lagos, while other port facilities, particularly in the Niger Delta, remain abandoned, is both inexplicable and embarrassing.
We are pleased that with these approvals, the logistics nightmare and avoidable delays may soon become a thing of the past.
However, we must ensure that we pursue economically viable ports so they can remain sustainable,” he said.
Also speaking, the firm’s Lead Consultant, Uche Igwe, said Nigeria’s ocean-based sectors have the potential to create at least 500,000 direct and indirect jobs if properly harnessed.
He stressed the need for deliberate investment in skills development to prepare young Nigerians for emerging opportunities within the blue economy ecosystem.
“This is the time to anticipate the skills and competencies required and begin aligning accordingly. Momentum is building, and pathways are becoming clearer,” Igwe stated.
According to him, Gadfly Consulting Limited is committed to designing comprehensive blue skills strategies aimed at strengthening workforce capacity in anticipation of future industry demands.
He added that the firm would collaborate with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions to align academic training with opportunities in the maritime and blue economy sectors.
Meanwhile, the firm disclosed plans to co-convene a high-level investment meeting in Mombasa on June 17, on the sidelines of the annual Our Ocean Conference.
The session is expected to focus on mobilising capital for bankable projects within Africa’s blue economy, including deep seaport development initiatives.
Top government agencies in Nigeria’s blue economy sector, alongside representatives of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA), FSD Africa, Blue Bond Accelerator, and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, have confirmed participation in the forum.
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