The House of Representatives is advocating for more involvement of local players in commercial activities on coastal waters.
A bill to that effect sponsored by representative Linda Ikpeazu seeks amendment to the coastal and Inland shipping act of 2003.
The amendment will ensure that the use of foreign vessels for commercial activities on domestic or inland coastal waters are restricted.
It would also enable the promotion and development of indigenous tonnage.
The bill made provision for the establishment of a cabotage vessel financing fund.
The bill was referred to house committee on Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency for further legislative action after being passed at second reading.
