Managing Director, NES Shipping Ltd., Mr Ademola Ogundare on Monday called for a law to boost patronage of indigenous ship owners by International Oil Companies (IOCs).

He made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Ogundare, who argued that local ship owners should not be denied patronage, said: "I do not support the idea that ship owners who used their hard-earned money to acquire ships should be deprived patronage by the International Oil Companies.

``It is absolutely wrong. We have to empower our people and that is the position of government. ``

He suggested that government should do everything possible to correct the situation, including reviewing the existing Cabotage Law.

Ogundare said that government should formulate new policies to enable indigenous ship owners recoup their investments where necessary.

The ship operator also urged the National Assembly to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to create opportunities in the industry.

"It is when the bill has been passed that we can begin to have that headway in the industry. Efforts are being made to acquire vessels by indigenous ship owners and we are trying to partner with foreign vessel owners," he said.

Ogundare further called on the National Assembly to ensure that the IOCs patronise indigenous ship owners. (NAN)