Nigeria is making significant strides in bolstering its maritime sector with the advancement of plans for the establishment of a Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB).
This initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Government, is poised to inject vitality into the region’s maritime industry and stimulate economic growth across West and Central Africa.
The Director of the Maritime Safety and Security Department in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Babatunde Bombata, revealed the latest developments during a stakeholders meeting in Lagos organized by the ministry.
He said the RMDB would play a pivotal role in fostering robust maritime infrastructure, facilitating vessel acquisition, and promoting human capacity development, among other strategic objectives.
With an envisaged capital base of $1 billion, RMDB is set to become a pivotal financial institution in the region.
Nigeria, which will host the bank’s headquarters, is slated to have the highest share of 12 percent among the member states of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA).
This underscores Nigeria’s commitment to driving maritime excellence and fostering regional cooperation.
The bank’s establishment reflects a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors, with MOWCA states holding a 51 percent shareholding and institutional investors owning the remaining 49 percent.
This hybrid model ensures a balanced governance structure that prioritizes the interests of all stakeholders while fostering transparency and accountability.
In addition to providing vital funding for port infrastructure, vessel acquisition, and human capacity development, the RMDB will serve as a catalyst for indigenous shipowners, enabling them to access financing at favorable terms.
By empowering local stakeholders, the bank aims to stimulate economic activity, create employment opportunities, and enhance the competitiveness of the region’s maritime sector on the global stage.