By Adedapo Adesanya
The new Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Dayo Mobereola, has assured stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime sector of inclusivity, towards the development in the sector.
The NIMASA DG, who made this assertion during an interactive session with maritime stakeholders in Lagos, noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is urging stakeholders to partner with the Government in developing the sector.
“It is important that we develop clear objectives, goals, and strategies to advance the industry and align with the vision of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. While the Agency will continue to play its part in serving the industry, it is important that we all collaborate to achieve a sustainable maritime sector, as all efforts should be inclusive and collective,” he said.
The DG seized the opportunity to reassure shipowners that the Agency is committed to expediting the automation of the ship registry, a move that will significantly boost shipping development in Nigeria by enhancing efficiency and streamlining processes.
On her part, Mr Vicky Haastrup, the President of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), emphasized the critical importance of dockworkers in the industry. “Where there are no dockworkers, there are no ships”, she said. Therefore, the training of dockworkers is very critical.
Mr Adewale Adeyanju, the President General of the Nigerian Maritime Workers Union (MWUN), who supported Haastrup’s position, emphasized the importance of continually training dockworkers and ensuring a decent work agenda, in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.
Mr Aminu Umar, who spoke on behalf of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, emphasized the need for further discussions and interactions regarding the International advancements in the maritime industry. He urged the Director-General to consider the independence of the Ship Registry as observed in other maritime countries.
The various women’s associations in the industry- Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA), and Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT), represented by Mrs Tosan Emore-Edodo advocated for increased participation of women in the industry and called for support in promoting advocacy efforts.