By Edet Ikotidem
The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has called on the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to urgently review policies affecting indigenous marine marine operators , warning that the current regulatory framework is pushing many local operators to the brink of collapse despite Nigeria’s local content aspirations.
Nigerian Government Policies Threaten Survival of Indigenous Marine Operators
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the executive committee of the association to BOBELS International & Associates Company Limited, an indigenous marine services firm operating in Nigeria’s offshore support sector.
Speaking during the visit, the Executive Director (Projects) of BOBELS International & Associates Company Limited, Mr. Eyo Sunday Ikot, lamented that existing government policies have failed to provide the protection needed for indigenous companies to compete fairly with foreign firms that continue to dominate the offshore industry.
According to Ikot, local marine operators have made significant investments in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy over the years but remain burdened by multiple regulatory demands and financial obligations, with little access to meaningful business opportunities.
Indigenous Marine Operators
He disclosed that indigenous companies spend more than ₦20 million annually on the renewal of various operational licences, in addition to taxes and other statutory fees, yet continue to struggle to secure offshore contracts.
“The operating environment has become increasingly difficult for indigenous companies,” he said. “We are expected to meet enormous regulatory requirements, but there are no deliberate policies to ensure local operators benefit from the opportunities within the industry.”
Ikot also expressed concern that the policy framework which previously encouraged technical partnerships between indigenous and foreign firms has gradually lost its effectiveness, further limiting local participation in offshore operations.
He urged the Federal Government to introduce practical intervention measures, including financial support, incentives and compensation mechanisms, to strengthen indigenous marine companies and enable them to compete favourably while contributing more significantly to national economic growth.
He warned that the continued dominance of foreign operators has led to massive capital flight, arguing that empowering indigenous firms would not only retain investments within the country but also create jobs, stimulate local businesses and drive community development.
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Despite the challenging business environment, Ikot said BOBELS International has remained operational for more than 14 years and has successfully built international partnerships, including with American marine companies interested in investing in Nigeria’s shipbuilding industry.
He, however, regretted that previous attempts to attract such investments were frustrated by bureaucratic bottlenecks and inadequate government support.
Expressing optimism, he said the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy presents a fresh opportunity for government to address the longstanding challenges confronting indigenous marine operators and unlock the sector’s vast economic potential.
Earlier, the Chairman of EMR, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mr. Harrison Ndifreke, explained that the visit was part of the association’s stakeholder engagement initiative designed to strengthen collaboration across the energy, maritime, oil and gas, and blue economy sectors.
Ndifreke reaffirmed the association’s commitment to responsible journalism and constructive advocacy that promotes local content development, encourages investment and highlights issues affecting the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He noted that with expanding opportunities in the blue economy and the emergence of major offshore projects in Akwa Ibom State, indigenous companies deserve stronger institutional support to build capacity, create employment and play a more prominent role in national development.
The EMR chairman assured industry stakeholders that the association would continue to serve as a credible platform for dialogue among government agencies, regulators, investors and indigenous operators in pursuit of a competitive, inclusive and sustainable maritime sector.
He stressed that a thriving indigenous marine industry remains essential to achieving Nigeria’s local content objectives and maximizing the economic benefits of the nation’s vast marine resources.
