According to the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Nigerian maritime industry has great potential to generate N7 trillion per annum, teeming with economic opportunities. Speaking at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) during a Defence Week Course, Ogalla, represented by Rear Admiral Gabriel Sunday Martins Adegboye, emphasized the untapped potential of the industry and called for urgent reforms.
He pointed out that old rules, slow and complicated government processes, and strict policies are major barriers stopping investment in the sector. He also stressed the importance of using digital tools, saying that the lack of technology and skilled people is holding back business growth. Furthermore, he expressed worries about cybersecurity risks, cautioning that poor digital protection makes important systems vulnerable to cyberattacks.
To help the maritime sector grow, the CNS suggested setting up a single digital platform for managing maritime activities and updating current rules. They also proposed a new law that should be approved and signed by the president by December 2025.
The Defence Week also featured presentations from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service. They explained how digital tools can help protect important national resources and support long-term development.
