Nigerian Ship owners are seeking the engagement by NNPC in the maritime activities of the corporation, the request is coming from the Nigerian Fleet Implementation Committee, when they paid a working visit to the corporation in Abuja.
Receiving the chairman of the committee set up by Federal Ministry of Transportation, the group managing director, NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, assured Mr Hassan Bello, that the corporation shares the aspirations FLM and “will ensure that Nigerian ships enjoy a greater patronage in the business henceforth.”
Emphasising cogent reason why NNPC should engage indigenous ship owners, Bello said Nigeria was losing $1.9bn annually to foreign ship owners while the nation dithers on the political will to enforce national shipping policy.
He therefore, urged GMD to encourage NNPC subsidiaries to engage local shipping companies, and NNPC should also grant them the right of first refusal in crude oil lifting contracts, stressing that it would help grow the economy and sustain their businesses.
Mr Hassan said the committee was set up to promote Nigerian ownership of ships and vessels to enable local companies take control of the shipping business, which is in line with the economic diversification policy of the federal government.
