Sylvester Othuke Egede, a General Manager at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has described the maritime sector as the most critical driver of Nigeria’s economy, urging increased investment to unlock its vast opportunities.
Egede made the remarks during the maiden edition of the Nigerian Maritime Golf Challenge, where he highlighted the importance of recreational platforms such as golf in fostering investor confidence.
According to him, such activities create a relaxed environment that encourages networking and business decision-making.
“The maritime industry is the biggest industry in this country. People think it’s oil, but it’s the maritime sector because it is the gateway to the nation’s economy and the first port of call,” he said.
He commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for initiating the golf tournament and applauded the support of agencies including NPA and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. He stressed that sports, particularly golf, serve as powerful tools for collaboration and investment attraction.
“Through sports, especially golf, networking thrives. Each flight consists of four players who spend hours together, talking and exchanging ideas. By the time the game ends, relationships and possible investment commitments are often formed,” Egede explained.
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Speaking on Nigeria’s maritime assets, the NPA chief, who has over three decades of industry experience, noted that the country’s 853-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways position it as a continental hub for trade.
Egede also lauded NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, for championing infrastructural renewal in Lagos ports and revitalisation of eastern ports, which he said would improve efficiency and enhance national productivity.
“The maritime and blue economy ecosystem — spanning ports, shipping, fisheries, and emerging jetties, is the true gateway to Nigeria’s economy. The sector already handles over 80% of the country’s international trade and has capacity to attract investment, create jobs, and drive sustainable development,” Egede emphasised.
He called on well-meaning Nigerians and foreign investors to tap into the opportunities within the sector, which he described as more impactful than the oil industry in shaping the country’s economic future.