The Former Tincan Island Port Manager and Assistant General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Sylvester Egede has emphasised the need for sustained strategic thinking, planning, and collaboration to tackle national challenges and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime and transport sector.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) Conference and Award themed
“Harnessing Nigeria’s Blue Economy Potential: Boosting Exports through Multimodal Cargo Transport,” Egede described the maritime industry as the gateway to Nigeria’s economy and stressed the importance of recognising and rewarding excellence within the sector.
He said that such recognition motivates professionals to contribute more effectively to national development.
Reflecting on his years of service, Egede highlighted his significant role in resolving the decade long gridlock that crippled activities around the Apapa and Tin Can Island Port corridors. He explained that through the use of SWOT analysis assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats coupled with inclusive stakeholder engagement, his team was able to dismantle a 13-year traffic congestion that had hindered port efficiency.
He disclosed that the decongestion exercise was achieved through dialogue and strategic persuasion rather than force. Truck owners and terminal operators, he noted, were made to understand that obstructing the roads was detrimental to their own businesses. This approach, according to him, resulted in a cleaner and more efficient port environment, leading to increased exports and renewed investor confidence in the maritime sector.
Egede, who is set to retire from public service on December 5, also announced the forthcoming launch of his book titled “Strategy is Everything.” The book, he explained, chronicles the methods and collaborative efforts that led to the successful clearance of the Apapa gridlock, illustrating how planning, teamwork and communication can drive transformative results in public service.
He commended the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Works, and the NPA management for their support during the decongestion exercise, noting that inter-agency cooperation was key to the project’s success.
Commenting on national issues, Egede lauded the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms to address insecurity, stabilize the economy, and attract both local and foreign investments. He urged Nigerians to support policy initiatives that promote industrial growth and export expansion, particularly within the emerging blue economy framework