FORMER NIMASA DG CALLS FOR DELIBRATE SMART PORT INFRASTRUCTURE

 

A former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Barr. Temisan Omatseye, has called for stronger environmental protection, improved regulatory coordination and deliberate investment in smart port infrastructure.

 

Omatseye who disclosed this at the Primetime Reporters’ 5th Annual Lecture and Awards held in , Apapa, Lagos, on Thursday, 10th October,2026 , said the maritime industry was facing significant challenges that required sustained engagement among policymakers, regulators, industry operators and the media.

 

He expressed concern over pollution incidents and prolonged oil-related fires, citing the situation at OML 18 and an oil spill at Odidi, which he said had raised serious environmental concerns.

 

He warned that pollution disproportionately affected host communities by damaging the aquatic ecosystems, loss of fishing opportunities and the destruction of livelihoods.

 

The former NIMASA chief who was the chairman of the occasion also criticised what he described as insufficient coordination among regulatory institutions, particularly in the administration of offshore petroleum operations and environmental protection.

 

He stressed that government agencies needed to clearly understand the legal foundations of their respective mandates and engage one another before implementing policies that could create jurisdictional conflicts.

 

According to him, the existence of international maritime conventions ratified and domesticated by Nigeria makes it necessary for regulators to ensure that their actions are consistent with the country’s legal obligations.

 

Omatseye therefore urged journalists to investigate regulatory decisions, question the basis of government actions and hold relevant institutions accountable, while maintaining constructive engagement.

 

He said environmental protection and sustainable maritime development required a clear understanding of the laws governing the sector and the responsibilities assigned to different agencies.

 

Omatseye also advocated the development of smarter ports capable of accommodating larger vessels, accelerating cargo operations and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

He said modern ports should provide facilities that enable vessels to connect to cleaner shore-based power instead of relying continuously on onboard generators while berthed.

 

He further commended the Federal Government’s reported intervention in the repair of the breakwater at Escravos, expressing hope that the project would support improvements to the Warri port channel and enhance maritime access to surrounding areas.

 

The former NIMASA Director-General, however, stressed that port development must be accompanied by adequate planning for cargo evacuation, citing the challenges associated with cargo movement from the Lekki Deep Sea Port as an example of the need to integrate road, rail and other transport infrastructure into port development plans from the outset.

 

According to him, Nigeria must avoid repeating existing congestion and evacuation difficulties when developing proposed deep seaports in other parts of the country while emphasising that the development of modern ports should involve comprehensive planning for cargo movement, cleaner energy, efficient vessel turnaround and environmental sustainability.

 

Omatseye urged maritime stakeholders to remain committed to practical reforms that would improve the competitiveness of Nigerian ports and leave a stronger maritime industry for future generations.