The federal government have been urged to create a Port Host Community Development Trust (PHCDT)
A Maritime expert and former President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Eugene Nweke made the call in a keynote speech on the occasion of the 2025 Annual Conference of the Congress of Nigeria Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP).
Dr. Nweke while explaining that the PHCDT should be fashioned in line with what obtains in rhe Petroleum sector suggested that the composition of the Trust Fund should consist of 40% Community representatives, 30% Port Authority and operators, 20% government agencies and 10% Civil Society/ independent experts
He advised that operations, Port terminals, shipping lines and logistics companies contribute annually to a statutory trust fund, similar in concept to the DeltaPort Fund and HCDT.
He maintained that why empowerment efforts in the Port communities have failed in the past is because CSR projects are often episodic and not systemic insisting that there should rather be coordinated and structured approach to develop and empower the Port communities.
While decrying the practice whereby shipping companies apply double standards in their approach to issues of host communities in Nigeria as against what obtains outside the country, Dr. Nweke called on regulators of the nation’s maritime industry to rise up to their responsibilities by ensuring compliance on the part of Port operators in adhering to regulations on operations within the ports and it’s environs.
He disclosed that a bill that will address holistically issues relating to Port Host communities empowerment and development which was forwarded to the National Assembly will be revisited to drum home the need for more attention to the needs of these communities.
On his part, the Oluwa of Iwa and Apapa kingdom, Oba Moruf Tijani, commended CONMMEP for always projecting the plight and challenges of Port Host communities, pledging to support all efforts towards improving infrastructure as well as the living conditions of his people.
While declaring that some organizations have begun responding more to the challenges faced by Port Host Communities, he called for more concerted action as these communities are still grappling with infrastructure deficit and inadequate social amenities in healthcare, education and industry, to mention but a few.
The high point of the day’s event was the presentation of award to some distinguished Maritime practitioners and the unveiling of “Eagle Dispatch”. A magazine designed to focus on issues of development and transparency within the sector and the economy.
Earlier in an address of welcome, President of CONMMEP, Comrade Udo Onyeka explained that the workshop themed “Empowering Host Communities through Strategic Partnerships” is not just a platform for discourse but a call to action. He maintained that the choice of the theme was geared towards exploring how strategic partnerships can bridge gaps, foster social inclusion, and ensure that the benefits of maritime development reach the communities that host them. “Through media, we have the power to spotlight successes, address challenges, and catalyze change” he added.
He called on Stakeholders’ ” to collaborate with CONMMEP on charting pathways for synergy, for accountability, and for growth” insisting that the milestone decision to start the quarterly production of a standard magazine that can stand any professional quality test anywhere in the world and that can turn the tide toward a maritime sector that is not only economically vibrant but also socially responsible was carefully and painstakingly reached.