The Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) says it has prioritized the promotion of indigenous shipping development for the meaningful participation of Nigerians in domestic and international seaborne trade in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
The Director General of the agency, Dr. Dayo Mobereola made this known at the NIMASA Special Day at the ongoing Enugu International Trade Fair where he invited private individual investors and groups to partner with NIMASA and take full advantage of the wide range of business opportunities in the Nigeria blue economic sector.
Represented by the Deputy Director, Strategic Development, PRDMSD, Mr Umar Mohammed Salisu, the DG said
NIMASA management has adopted a system approach that provides for an integrated development strategy.
According to him, “The PRIORITY is a non simultaneous investment of critical components of the maritime transport system (shipping services).
These are innovative shipbuilding scheme for fleet acquisition by indigenous operators, establishment of National Carrier Line to partake in the affreightment of Nigeria’s international seaborne trade to reduce the huge economic distortions caused by the non-involvement of Nigerian carriers; establishment of additional Maritime Academies for production of globally competitive seafarers; and implementation of Public Sector Cargo Support Programme to create captive freight market for indigenous carriers.
As the apex maritime Agency of the maritime industry, the DG specified that this will also facilitate market access for indigenous carriers, who may not stand any chance to compete favorably with the more established foreign carriers that have dominated Nigeria’s seaborne trade over the years.
“All these objectives are being pursued through partnership with the private sectors”. The DG reiterated
In his closing remarks, the DG respectfully commended the laudable efforts of the Executive Governor, Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for providing such auspicious opportunities to invite the Crème de la crème of Nigeria’s Commerce to create awareness, sensitize citizens’participation in opportunities for trade and investment of products and services.
“Therefore, this occasion of the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair serves as a very auspicious opportunity to invite private individual investors and groups to partner with NIMASA”. The DG said
Earlier in an address, the President of ECCIMA, Sir Odeiga Jideonwo said that the place of NIMASA in the development of Nigeria’s economy was important and key, especially in the Maritime transport sector.
“As we are aware, the regulatory role, operational and promotional services as well as in the area of safety and capacity building that have been undertaken by your agency, are meant to ensue global best practices in the industry.
“It is therefore fulfilling that your agency is alive to her responsibilities and role in the promotion of business and economic development, hence using the platform of business concourses like the Enugu International Trade Fair to reach out and interact with the business community”. Jideonwo said.
He welcomed the management of NIMASA to their Special Day.
Victoria Ibanga
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