Nigeria has emerged as Africa's leading importer of passenger ships and ferry-boats in 2024, spending $26 million 25% of the continent's total according to a new report by IndexBox. With an average cost of $1.7 million per vessel, Nigeria paid the highest unit price across Africa.
Despite this heavy import bill, Nigeria did not feature among the top ship-exporting countries, sparking renewed calls for investment in local shipbuilding.
Prof. Alfred Oniye of City University, Cambodia, said Africa holds vast potential for a thriving shipbuilding industry, which could generate thousands of jobs in engineering, fabrication, and maritime services.
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He noted that a strong domestic industry would not only employ naval architects and marine engineers but also boost related sectors like logistics, port operations, and maritime law.
Eugene Nweke of the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) called on the Federal Government to revive the steel industry as a backbone for ship construction, urging a focus on industrialisation to support Nigeria's marine and blue economy, which has seen 90% revenue growth.
Experts believe shipbuilding could be a game-changer for Nigeria's SMEs and industrial future.
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