The House of Representatives has renewed calls for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector for revenue efficiency.
It cited the urgent need to strengthen funding structures, improve revenue collection systems, and enforce strict compliance with remittance policies.
The call was made by the Chairperson of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Mrs Khadijat Ibrahim, during the 2025 budget presentation by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
She said that Nigeria’s maritime industry is one of the nation’s most significant revenue sources outside of oil and has remained under scrutiny in recent years.
Lawmakers at the budget presentation advocated for enhanced financial support for maritime infrastructure, the full automation of revenue collection processes, and capacity-building programs aimed at boosting transparency and sealing financial leakages.
The lawmakers also directed attention to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron,Akwa ibom state which is reportedly grappling with operational challenges.
The NIMASA Executive Director of Finance Mr. Chudi Offodile said that in the 2024 fiscal year, NIMASA had projected a revenue target of ₦467.4 billion but was only able to realize ₦370 billion, representing 79% of the target and leaving a 21% shortfall.
For 2025, the agency has projected a significantly higher revenue of ₦774.66 billion. When the ₦46.54 billion expected from cabotage revenue is deducted, an available balance of ₦728.12 billion is anticipated.
The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Kelvin Okonta, appealed for greater budgetary support to enable the academy to fulfill its mandate of training maritime professionals and supporting the nation’s blue economy ambitions.
With the approval of the proposed budgets, lawmakers expressed optimism that Nigeria’s maritime sector is on course for improved transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency essential steps in harnessing the full potential of the country’s blue economy.
Hauwa Abu