The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive collaboration in driving the development of the maritime sector, ensuring that stakeholders play an integral role in shaping its future.
During an interactive session with maritime stakeholders in Lagos state, Southwest Nigeria, NIMASA Director General, Dayo Mobereola, underscored the importance of partnership with the government in advancing the sector. He emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call, facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, for collective efforts in sectoral growth.
Mobereola highlighted the agency’s dedication to expediting the automation of the ship registry, a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and streamlining processes to bolster shipping development in Nigeria.
Former Nigerian Minister of Interior and chairman of the occasion, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, expressed confidence in Mobereola’s leadership, citing his extensive maritime expertise as pivotal in propelling the industry forward.
Echoing Iheanacho’s sentiments, stakeholders expressed optimism about NIMASA’s leadership under Mobereola’s stewardship, anticipating advancements in ship safety, maritime security, and environmental sustainability.
Maritime lawyer, Emaka Akabogu, proposed comprehensive reforms, including policy verification, technology utilization, industry standards enhancement, professional recruitment, empowerment protocols, and accountability measures.
Princess Vicky Haastrup, President of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), emphasized the critical role of dockworkers in the industry, advocating for their training to ensure operational efficiency.
Comrade Adewale Aseyanju, President General of the Nigerian Maritime Workers Union (MWUN), echoed Haastrup’s sentiments, emphasizing continual training and adherence to decent work standards.
Representatives from various women’s associations, including WISTA, WIMOWCA, and WILAT, advocated for increased female participation in the industry, calling for support in advocacy efforts.
Aminu Umar, speaking on behalf of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, urged further discussions on international maritime advancements and advocated for the independence of the Ship Registry.
The collaborative engagement among stakeholders signifies a collective commitment to drive sustainable growth and development in Nigeria’s maritime sector, guided by inclusivity, accountability, and strategic reforms.