The Deputy Governor of Cross River state, Efiok Cobham has called on the federal government to pay more attention to the maritime industry by encouraging local content development in terms of ownership of vessels and operations.

Efiok Cobham made the call at the 2013 World Maritime Day Celebration with the theme; ‘’Sustainable Development, International Maritime Organization beyond RIO+ 20’’ in Calabar, the State Capital.

He maintained that, inspite of the fact that the maritime sector is an essential part of the oil and gas industry which is the life line of Nigeria’s economy, enough has not been done to engender local participation in the industry since its independence 53 years ago.

He reasoned that, with the encouragement of local participation, more Nigerians will acquire vessels, job opportunities will be on the increase and the nation’s economy boosted also.

The Minister of Transport, Idris Umar represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Nebolisa Emodi, stated government’s concern which is yielding positive results in ensuring protection of marine biodiversity.