The Chairman of Bras Marine and Yacht Services Limited, Yomi Sonuga, has decried the imposition of up to 100 per cent duty on imported boats, arguing that such policies push Nigerians toward purchasing used vessels from abroad instead of investing in new one.

Sonuga argued that persistent policy bottlenecks and lack of fiscal support continued to stifle the growth of Nigeria’s waterways transportation, despite its vast potential.

According to him, excessive import duties discourage investors and limit access to modern marine technology, thereby undermining safety and efficiency in the industry.

“We keep explaining to the government that charging 100 per cent duty on new boats will only encourage people to import used ones. Why are we doing this? They don’t seem to understand,” he said.

Sonuga lamented what he described as a poor appreciation of water transportation among some policymakers, noting that the sector is often misunderstood as being limited to tourism rather than a viable means of commercial and mass transit.

He maintained that transportation via waterways offers multiple benefits, including reduced cost of movement, lower carbon emissions and relief from road traffic congestion, particularly in densely populated cities like Lagos.

Highlighting the role of modern vessels in boosting confidence in the sector, he noted that exposure to high-quality yachts could inspire more Nigerians to invest in marine transport.

Sonuga cited the example of premium boat brands such as Sea Ray, which he said are known for durability and safety, adding that such features are critical in building trust among users.

He added that some of the vessels are capable of long-distance travel, noting that yacht-certified boats can operate routes such as Lagos to Port Harcourt and even to neighbouring Cotonou for short trips.

Despite the challenges, Sonuga expressed optimism about the future of the sector, especially with ongoing infrastructure improvements in Lagos State.

He, however, called on the Federal Government to create a more enabling business environment to unlock the full potential of water transportation in Nigeria.

Managing Director, Bras Marine and Yacht Services Limited, Austin Apkovili, underscored the company’s commitment to integrity and customer-focused service as it celebrates 40 years of operations in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Apkovili said surviving four decades in the country’s challenging business environment reflected resilience, trust, and adherence to strong ethical standards.

He stressed that the company’s approach to service delivery sets it apart, noting that Bras Marine prioritises transparency and consistency in all its dealings with clients.

Apkovili also highlighted the firm’s flexibility in meeting customer needs, recounting how the company provided temporary docking space for a client who had purchased a boat but lacked a facility to berth it.

He, however, decried the poor state of docking infrastructure in the country, noting that many existing facilities fall short of international standards.

“Most of the docking facilities are not up to the standard they should be. Ideally, you should be able to park your boat, have your car right behind it, relax, and enjoy the environment,” he said.

Drawing comparisons with practices abroad, Apkovili described a more developed boating culture where families integrate leisure with marine activities.

He added that such a lifestyle remains largely underdeveloped in Nigeria due to infrastructural gaps, urging greater investment in marine facilities to unlock the sector’s full potential.