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EMR calls for urgent review of policies affecting indigenous marine firms.
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BOBELS says local content laws have failed to adequately protect Nigerian operators.
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Indigenous companies reportedly spend over ₦20 million annually on licence renewals and regulatory compliance.
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Firm laments foreign dominance of offshore contracts and growing capital flight. EMR urges stronger government support to unlock opportunities in the blue economy.
August 03, (THEWILL) — The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to urgently review policies affecting indigenous marine and offshore service companies, warning that weak implementation of local content provisions is threatening the survival of Nigerian operators.
The association made the call during a courtesy visit by its executive committee to MOBELS International & Associates Company Limited, an indigenous marine services company operating in the offshore support sector in Eket.
Speaking during the visit, the company’s Executive Director (Projects), Mr. Eyo Sunday Ikot, said indigenous marine firms continue to face significant regulatory and financial hurdles despite the country’s local content framework, while multinational companies dominate offshore contracts.
He disclosed that indigenous operators are required to renew multiple operational licences annually at costs exceeding ₦20 million, alongside taxes and other statutory obligations, without corresponding access to business opportunities.
According to him, the policy that previously enabled Nigerian firms to establish technical partnerships with foreign companies has become ineffective, limiting local participation in offshore operations.
Ikot called on the Federal Government to introduce practical intervention measures, including financial support and compensation mechanisms, to help indigenous marine companies remain competitive and contribute more effectively to the national economy.
He also lamented the continued capital flight resulting from foreign dominance of the offshore industry, arguing that stronger indigenous participation would create jobs, retain investments within Nigeria and stimulate community development.
The MOBELS executive said the company has remained in business for more than 14 years despite operational challenges and has built partnerships with American marine firms interested in investing in Nigeria’s shipbuilding industry.
He, however, recalled that previous efforts to establish vessel-building facilities in the country were frustrated by bureaucratic bottlenecks and inadequate government support.
Ikot expressed optimism that the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy offers a fresh opportunity for the government to address longstanding challenges confronting indigenous operators.
Earlier, EMR State Chairman Comrade Ndifreke Harrison said the visit formed part of the association’s engagement with key stakeholders in the energy, maritime, oil and gas, and blue economy sectors.
He reaffirmed EMR’s commitment to promoting responsible journalism, strengthening local content development, encouraging investment and drawing attention to issues affecting the growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Harrison noted that with expanding opportunities in the blue economy and anticipated offshore projects in Akwa Ibom State, indigenous marine companies require stronger institutional support to build capacity, create employment and contribute more significantly to national development.
He assured stakeholders that EMR would continue to provide a credible platform for dialogue among government, regulators, investors and indigenous operators to promote a sustainable and inclusive maritime sector.
