The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has made the development of indigenous shipping its top priority, aiming to deepen Nigerian participation in both domestic and international seaborne trade.
Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola announced this on Friday during his keynote at NIMASA’s Special Day, held as part of the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair, which opened on April 4.
Speaking through Deputy Director of Strategic Development Mr. Umar Mohammed, Dr. Mobereola urged private investors and consortiums to partner with NIMASA and capitalise on the burgeoning opportunities in Nigeria’s blue economy, especially within maritime transport.
He explained that this focus is fully aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and designed to foster inclusive economic prosperity through job creation.
Dr. Mobereola outlined the agency’s integrated approach to building a stronger maritime sector, saying:
“In these regard, NIMASA management has adopted the system approach that provides for integrated development strategy.
The priority is on simultaneous investment in the development of critical components of the maritime transport system (shipping services).
These are innovative shipbuilding building 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.
The Agency has also established 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.”
He went on to note that this strategy will also “facilitate market access for indigenous carriers, who may not stand any chance to compete favorablely with the more established foreign carriers that have dominated Nigeria’s seaborne trade over the years.”
He added, “All these objectives are being pursued through partnership with the private sectors.”
Dr. Mobereola praised Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Chief Odeiga Jideonwo, President of the Enugu Chambers of Commerce, for providing a platform that encourages citizen engagement in trade and investment.
Earlier in the day, Chief Jideonwo remarked that “NIMASA has remained alive to her responsibilities and role in the promotion of business and economic development; hence using the platform of business concourse like the Enugu International Trade Fair to reach out and interact with the business community.”
