The federal government has identified the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry as one of the pivotal ministries critical to achieving a one trillion dollar economy by 2026.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council CEO, Pius Akuta, said this on Thursday during a courtesy visit at the Tincan Island Container Terminal Ltd., Lagos.

Mr Akuta added that the federal government had concluded plans to develop policy documents that would boost port efficiency.

President Bola Tinubu, last October, set a target of growing the economy to $1 trillion by 2026 and increasing it to $3 trillion by the end of the decade in 2030.

Mr Akuta said the country was looking at moving from a $500 billion economy to a $1 trillion economy by 2026.

“We have a lot of issues to put together, and Nigeria has taken bold steps by establishing the marine and blue, which is geared towards restructuring the marine environment so that it contributes to the country’s gross domestic product.

“The minister has been working day and night meeting with stakeholders on issues relating to challenges the sector is facing, and a policy will be rolled out to address these issues so as to ensure port efficiency.

“To achieve port efficiency, there is a need for stakeholders’ input. On tariff, if we achieve port efficiency, the turnaround time is improved, and it will trickle down,” he said.

Mr Akuta noted that “going forward,” things would change drastically. The checkpoint would be looked at holistically, and steps would be taken in all directions to improve port efficiency.

He described automation as the most important way to go in terms of port efficiency, stating that this would lead to less gridlock on the port corridors.

“My concern also is achieving the International Cargo Tracking Note that will help all stakeholders in cargo clearance and the country achieve port efficiency.

“This is on the front burner of the presidency, and we are going to work to achieve it in record time and probably before the end of the year,” Mr Akuta added.

(NAN)