MARITIME SECTOR WELL-POSITIONED AS ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF REVENUE – Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar

…As Dakuku Ascribes Successes Recorded to Stakeholders Cooperation

A former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has noted that it is high time alternative sources of revenue were developed for the nation, observing that the maritime sector is well positioned to do so.  Abubakar, who spoke ahead of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Maritime Awards, also commended efforts by the Agency to motivate stakeholders and staff. He said this would help them take advantage of the policies in place to invest and grow the economy.

”It is time to develop other alternative sources of revenue for the nation and the maritime sector is well positioned to do so. What NIMASAis doing in the industry and the Awards are quite in line to motivate stakeholders and staff to take advantage of the policies in place to invest and grow the economy,” General Abubakar said.

On his part, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, disclosed that the successes recorded so far in the maritime sector were as a result of the cooperation of the stakeholders in the industry with the Agency.

The DG added that the award was part of the efforts to celebrate and reward excellence in the Nigerian maritime industry and to also encourage more local participation in the shipping business as well as draw attention to the vast opportunities in the sector for both and foreign and local investors to grow the blue economy, which is now the focus of global investments.

“As an Agency, we recognise the role of our stakeholders in our drive to realise a robust maritime sector; without the stakeholders, there will be no NIMASA and by extension, no maritime industry. We are therefore hopeful that in the coming years, we will continue to work assiduously to meet the yearnings of the industry as we hope to engage more in collaboration, so that all of us can boast of a robust maritime sector,” Dr. Dakuku said.

The past year was quite eventful for the maritime industry under Dakuku, as many important milestones were recorded. Among them are the provision of sea time for over 500 cadets; the arrival of the modular floating dockyard that will create capacity and help retain multimillion of dollars in-country for through vessel maintenance; midwifing of the collective bargaining agreement for industrial harmony with improves wages and entitlements for maritime workers.

The Agency also championed the change of terms of trade from Free on Board (FOB) to Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF), to enable local participation of Nigerian shipping firms in the crude oil business to create wealth and employment; for the first time, NIMASA initiated a maritime industry forecast aimed at providing direction for industry players.   

The event, which is scheduled for Saturday, January 12, at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, is expected to attract dignitaries from all walks of life, among who are Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, who is billed to chair the event, and the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, who is the host.   

Also expected are the Governors of Lagos, Ogun, Enugu, Ondo, Kaduna, Kebbi and Borno states, as well as Honourable Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Others expected to attend are Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Femi Otedola, Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande, as well as royal fathers, including His Highness, the Emir of Kano, Mallam Sanusi Lamido, His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, top government officials, National Assembly members, and members of the diplomatic corps.

The award categories include Shipping Company of the Year 2018 (Dry Cargo), Shipping Company of the Year 2018 (Wet Cargo), Maritime Education and Training Institute of the Year 2018, Manning Agent of the Year 2018, and Seafarers' Employer of the Year 2018.

Staff of the Agency will be honoured for outstanding performance and an Employee of the Year will be picked from the 11 winners of the Employee of the Month awards from January to November 2018. 

It would be recalled that at last year’s event, Maersk Nigeria Limited, Gulf Agency Company (GAC) Nigeria Ltd, Charkins Maritime, and Offshore Safety Centre, among others, were duly recognised with corporate and industry awards.

MARITIME SECTOR GROWTH: DANGOTE, SIFAX BOSS HAIL FRESH INITIATIVE

… NIMASA Maritime Industry Awards Will Refocus Nigeria – Dakuku

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the Group Executive Vice Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, on Friday joined other stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime sector to hail fresh initiatives by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) towards realisation of a robust maritime industry.

Speaking ahead of the Agency’s maritime awards, scheduled for Saturday in Lagos, Dangote expressed delight in the achievements the maritime sector had attained in recent times and applauded the leading role NIMASA was playing to ensure an all-inclusive administration of the sector.

“We are proud of the modest achievements the maritime sector has attained in recent times. NIMASA has continued to take the lead by providing direction for operators in the industry. On our part, we will continue to support the Agency’s drive to reposition the Nigerian maritime sector,” Dangote said.  

Also speaking ahead of the event, Afolabi noted that NIMASA had done well in the enforcement of safety standards in the sector and provided a level playing field for stakeholders in the industry to overcome various challenges by creating a mechanism that listens and gives feedbacks. He said the NIMASA maritime awards ceremony will go a long way in propelling industry players to make more effort towards achieving a robust maritime sector.

“As a key agency in the maritime sector, NIMASA has done well in the enforcement of safety standards and initiatives. It has helped all players in the industry overcome various challenges by providing a mechanism that listens and provides feedback to all stakeholders. This award ceremony will go a long way in charging all stakeholders to be up and doing in the daily discharge of their duties, knowing thatNIMASA is watching keenly to reward excellence. With this initiative, our blue economy will surpass expectations,” Afolabi said.

Meanwhile, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, stated that the event will be an avenue for maritime stakeholders to commit more to excellence and share ideas on how to realise a strong maritime sector.

In his words, “The event will provide a forum for maritime industry stakeholders to celebrate standards and excellence as they look into the future with expectations of greater benefits on investment and wealth creation in the maritime sector for the good of the Nigerian economy.”

NIMASA overtime has continued to champion the course of tapping into opportunities the Blue Economy, which is an emerging concept in the global maritime space towards improved economic growth. Nigeria at the recent conference on the Blue Economy in Nairobi, Kenya made a statement of commitment to the effect that the opportunities of the initiative in Nigeria will be vigorously pursued with a view to exploiting these resources that remain hidden underneath the sea; when harnessed will create wealth, more job opportunities and enhance the nation’s opportunities.  

Earlier, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, had observed that the maritime sector was a potentially huge alternative revenue source for the country and commended NIMASA’s effort to motivate stakeholders and staff with the maritime awards. 

The NIMASA Merit Awards and Corporate Dinner holds on Saturday at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. It is expected to attract dignitaries from all walks of life, among who are Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, who is billed to chair the event, and the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi as the host. 

NIMASA Pledges to Redouble Efforts to Reposition Maritime Sector

… Bags Federal Agency of the Year Award

… Dedicates honour to stakeholders

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) says it would intensify its efforts to reposition the maritime industry in Nigeria, as the agency moves to become a leading maritime administration in Africa. The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, stated this last week in Lagos during the Independent Newspapers Awards 2018, where the agency bagged the Federal Agency of the Year Award.   

Dakuku said, “We are spurred by this award and we appreciate the fact that our efforts to revitalise the maritime sector through our medium term strategy plan are yielding results. We will redouble our efforts to ensure that the quest of the Federal Government to diversify the economy gets the required support from the maritime sector and its stakeholders, as it portends several opportunities for economic growth and development.”

The Director-General, who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Bashir Jamoh, dedicated the award to the agency’s stakeholders. He applauded the management of Independent Newspapers Limited for recognising the contributions of NIMASA to the economy.

Dakuku appealed to the media to continue to spotlight the federal government’s efforts to reposition the economy, adding that the media remains critical in the actualisation of the government’s quest for economic diversification and development.

The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Independent Newspapers Limited, Mr. Ade Ogidan, said NIMASA had maintained a high level of transparency, particularly, in financial matters.    

L-R: President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Engr. Mansur Ahmed presenting the plaque of the Award of Federal Agency of the Year, 2018 to the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Bashir Jamoh who represented the DG, NIMASA during the Independent Newspapers Awards 2018, held in Lagos.

Ogidan said, “Before, the agency cut the figure of an organisation that was riddled with corruption and all kinds of underhand practices. But the recent report of a huge and noticeable increase in revenue generation from NIMASA is a big testimony of its unalloyed commitment to playing a prominent role in the overall development of the country.”

Highlighting some of the reasons the agency was selected for the award, Ogidan noted that the significant contribution of NIMASA to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federal Government, its quest for excellence through capacity building and promotion of staff, and automation of processes in the agency, among others. The event was held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.

Since the inception of the Dakuku-led management, NIMASA has received several awards for excellence in its attempt to achieve a strong maritime sector that can compete favourably with its counterparts in other climes. Among the awards are Public Organisation of the Year, 2017, by the Tell Magazine, and Award of Excellent Leadership in Public Service in 2018.

MARITIME: NIGERIA RATIFIES 40 CONVENTIONS, DOMESTICATES 19 INTERNATIONAL LAWS

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, has disclosed that Nigeria has been able to ratify 40 conventions passed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) covering Maritime Safety, Labour and Marine Environment.

The DG who spoke in Lagos during the 8th Strategic Admiralty Law Seminar for Judges organized by NIMASA in conjunction with Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), also explained that the non-implementation and enforcement of the conventions has been affecting investments in the country. He said that so far 19 of the conventions have been domesticated by way of regulation, adoption or incorporation under the Merchant Shipping Act of 2007.

“It has been a herculean task trying to sell Nigeria to the international community for investments, because in some cases the investors had raised the issue of uncertainty in dispensation of litigation and implementations of laws. It is on the premise that the seminar titled Strengthening Nigeria’s Admiralty Regime through Effective Implementation of International Maritime and Labour Instruments was imperative” the DG said.

Speaking further, he stated that the Agency is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Transportation under the auspices of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to ratify an additional six IMO conventions before the end of 2019 to ensure that Nigeria as an IMO member state fulfills its treaty obligation.These conventions are; The Hong Kong International Convention for safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships 2009; Protocol Relating to Intervention on the high seas in cases of oil pollution casualties (Intervention Protocol) 1973; 1996 Protocol on limitation of liability for maritime claims (LLMC).

Others are; 2002 Protocol relating to the carriage of passengers and their luggage by sea (PAL) 1976; International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F) 1995; and the Protocol of 2005 to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Act against the Safety of Maritime Navigation.

He also gave the assurance that NIMASA as a responsible Agency is working with relevant stakeholders under the auspices of the IMO Mandatory States Audit Scheme (IMSAS) Corrective Action Plan Committee to ensure that all queries raised in the 2016 IMO Audit report on Nigeria’s maritime sector are addressed before the first quarter of 2019 in order to boost Nigeria’s reelection bid into Category ‘C’ of the IMO General Council.

In the area of maritime security, which is critical to actualizing safe and secure shipping, the NIMASA DG informed participants that the draft suppression of piracy and other maritime offenses bill facilitated by the Agency, aimed at criminalizing piracy and other maritime offenses has been forwarded to the National Assembly, adding that the bill has passed first reading in both chambers of the National Assembly. He also expressed optimism that it will be passed to Law before the end of the 8^th Assembly. 

Dr. Dakuku who reiterated the fact that the maritime sector in Nigeria has a lot of opportunities to become an economic driver and this can be fully actualized when the various arms of government work together collaboratively, urged the Nigerian judicial system to ensure efficiency and timeliness in the dispensation of justice in maritime related cases, as it will boost stakeholders and investors’ confidence in the system.  

Justice of the Court of Appeal, M.L. Garba, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Director of Studies, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, (NIALS), Associate Professor Emmanuel Okon and the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Mosunmola Arinola at the 8^th Strategic Admiralty Law Seminar for Judges organised by NIMASA in conjunction with NIALS in Lagos

“Timeliness in justice dispensation is very key to realizing the potentials in the maritime sector so that investors’ can trust our judicial process. The more time taken on a case, the more investment opportunities are lost; I therefore wish to use this opportunity to appeal to our judges to facilitate timely resolution of dispute for maritime cases as we all have one role or the other to play in catalysing the Nigerian economy,” the DG said. 

NIMASA in line with its mandate of promoting the development of shipping and building capacity in the maritime sector, instituted the Strategic Admiralty Law Seminar for Judges with the initial target being judges of the Federal High Court who by provision of Section 251 (I) (g) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), are vested with exclusive jurisdiction over Admiralty matters. This scope subsequently expanded to include Justices of the Court of Appeal and the State High Court Judges of the littoral states, mindful also of their strategic roles in the dispensation of justice. 

Present at the event include; Justice of the Court of Appeal, M.L. Garba Chief Judge of Ogun State, Mosunmola Arinola, Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom, Justice Godwin Abraham, amongst other notable legal luminaries.

MARITIME: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROJECTS 10% GROWTH IN 2019

As NIMASA Predicts More Shipping Activities

The Federal Government on Tuesday projected a 10 per cent growth in the Nigerian maritime industry. This was contained in the 2019/2020 maritime forecast unveiled by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos. The forecast, the second in the series, tagged “Harnessing the Maritime and Shipping Sector for Sustainable Growth.

It is meant to give direction to investors and stakeholders in the industry in their planning and investment decisions as part of efforts to attract more foreign direct investment to the economy. Major plans covered by the forecast are the economic environment, the maritime industry (local and global), regulatory framework, and emerging opportunities and challenges.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said this year’s forecast will be addressing how emerging trends in the global maritime industry would affect the Nigerian maritime sector as well as domestic factors that will influence the sector. Dakuku said the maritime industry held a lot of promise for Nigeria.

“The maritime sector has the potential of contributing at least 10% of Nigeria’s GDP in no distant future, as Nigeria has the biggest market in Africa; and generates about 65-67% of cargo throughput in West Africa, and 65% of all cargo heading for these regions will most likely end up in the Nigerian market,” the DG said.

According to the forecast, the outlook for the economy in 2019 reflects, on the global side, concerns about a substantial global economic growth slowdown, likely higher US interest rates, a stronger dollar and volatile oil prices, possibly averaging below US$60pb, and domestically, the impact of sentiments surrounding the 2019 general elections and post-electoral transition.

The empirical analysis projects the growth of the total fleet size in 2019 over 2018 to be 10.33%, easing to 8.75% for 2020. Oil tanker fleet size is projected to decrease by 11.2% for both 2019 and recover to a positive growth of 0.11% by 2020. Non-oil tanker fleet size is estimated to increase by 14.3% in 2019 and 10.2% in 2020, while Oil Rig count is projected to increase by 6.98% and 6.5% for 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Dakuku identified asset building/acquisition and human capacity development as two factors that would enable Nigerians play a major role in the maritime and shipping sector. He said shipping is capital intensive and the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) will not be adequate to address the huge demand for maritime asset. This propelled the Agency to seek other ship financing models, he said.

“We have been engaging with government at the highest level to push for special intervention fund, special interest rate and other incentives that will drive optimal performance in the sector. We shall not relent in our drive to put the right framework together to help beneficiaries and investors have good return on investment. The country is also making huge investments in human capacity development in the sector, which means that more Nigerians will get involved in shipping, especially, in shipping operations,” Dakuku stated.

The NIMASA DG also disclosed that the government had made consistent effort to drive changes in the maritime and shipping sector through regulatory and infrastructural developments. He added that the main public bodies regulating the maritime and shipping sector had all keyed into the government’s strategies to reform the operating environment and improve on the country’s ease of doing business index, which has the potential of attracting more businesses to the maritime industry.

He said 2018 offered government opportunities for strategic changes in policies to restore growth in the economy, invest in the people and build a globally competitive economy. Dakuku assured the stakeholders of the Agency’s resolve to push for reforms that will help grow the maritime sector, noting that building and enhancing indigenous capacity in the shipping and maritime sector and ensuring a conducive playing field for operators to tap into the vast economic benefits inherent in shipping will be made a priority. 

L-R: Executive Director, Finance & Administration, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Bashir Yusuf Jamoh, Chairman, Ship-owners Forum, Mrs Margaret Orakwusi, DG NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, NIMASA Board Chairman, Gen. Jonathan India-Garba (rtd.) and Representative of Minister of Transportation, Deputy Director (Cabotage & Shipping Development) FMOT, Mrs Gloria Adie-Ayabie during the public presentation of Nigeria’s Maritime Industry Forecast for 2019-2020 held in Lagos on Tuesday, 29 January 2019. 

A consultant and faculty at the Lagos Business School, Dr. Doyin Salami, who reviewed the forecast, noted that it was intended to provide the context in which the sector will operate in 2019 to 2020. Salami said it was expected that in 2019, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) will be passed; the anti-piracy bill will become law, and more International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions would be domesticated in Nigeria.

Salami stated that the general election and its aftermath was a major factor that will affect the economy this year. The other, according to him, is happenings in the global economy, especially the United States/China trade war.

He also observed that NIMASA based the forecast on the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Federal Government and charged stakeholders to key into the Agency’s vision. 

Earlier in his welcome address, the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, emphasised the importance of shipping in poverty alleviation and wealth creation. Amaechi, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Cabotage and Shipping Development in the Ministry, Mrs. Gloria Adie-Ayabie, informed stakeholders that the Federal Government had initiated reforms to facilitate the development of the Blue Economy, saying this involves the enactment of laws and domestication of relevant international instruments.

Stakeholders in attendance at the event, including the NIMASA Board Chairman, General Jonathan India Garba (rtd.), and Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Commodore Emmanuel Duja Effedua (rtd), agreed that the forecast was a step in the right direction and called for continuous support for NIMASA to enable it achieve its mandate of realising a robust maritime sector.  

It would be recalled that the Agency unveiled the first maritime forecast in the industry in February 2018, projected at 5% growth along with other potentials, most of which were achieved and served as a guide to stakeholders and investors. There was a significant growth and development in the sector and it is also expected to improve in the year 2019-2020.  

SEA PROTECTION: NIMASA INAUGURATES MARINE LITTER MARSHALS

…As Dakuku Charges Nigerians on Sustainable Use of Ocean Resources.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has inaugurated Marine Litter Marshals to assist the Agency in ridding the oceans of unwanted waste materials that could cause environmental degradation and also impede safety of navigation on the nation’s territorial waters.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony held at the Nigerian Maritime Resource Development Centre in Lagos, the Director General of the Agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside charged Nigerians on the sustainable use of the ocean resources and added that there are so many activities dependent on the ocean; hence the need to ensure it is clean and properly utilized.

Accordingly, the DG said, “the state of health of the ocean is related to the state of our health and our economy; therefore we must stop the indiscriminate dumping of materials in our ocean”.

He further stated that, marine litter directly impacts on ocean life, marine habitats, human health, and navigational safety with potential impacts on socio-economic development of nations. This he stressed necessitated the Agency to collaborate with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Global Partnership Action (GPA) in 2015 to carry out a scientific study on marine litter challenge in Nigeria, thereby culminating to the development of the national action plan on marine litter and its campaign concept.

Dr. Peterside who used the opportunity to charge the marshals to go to the ports, coastlines and littoral communities and enlighten them on the need to maintain cleaner oceans; enjoined them to also keep watch and ensure that the right thing is done so that our eco system can be preserved. He further warned that the Agency will not condone indiscriminate dumping of waste at sea.  

Also speaking at the event was a marine environment expert and the President of the Waste Management Society of Nigeria, Professor Osinbajo Oladele, who applauded the initiative and described the Agency as a beacon of hope to the rest of Africa. He said there is the need to preserve our oceans as it holds a lot of opportunities in developing the nation.

He stated further that there is the need for inter-generational equity of our resources, which means the survival of the eco system is dependent on this present generation as it will affect the future generation. “The environment is not a gift from our parents, but a loan from our children. We must therefore do all we can to preserve it”, Professor Osinbajo said.

It may be recalled that the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 1972, commonly called the "London Convention" and also abbreviated as Marine Dumping, is an agreement to control pollution of the sea by dumping and to encourage regional agreements supplementary to the Convention. It covers the deliberate disposal at sea of wastes or other matter from vessels, aircraft, and platforms.

NIMASA as the Agency of government responsible for Marine Environment Management in its continuous quest to reposition the Nigerian maritime sector in line with global best practices has taken the step to engage some young Nigerians as marine litter marshals who are expected to ensure that the oceans are kept clean and safe.

CAPACITY BUILDING: NIMASA SIGNS MoU WITH WORLD MARITIME UNIVERSITY

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and safety Agency, NIMASA, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with the World Maritime University, Malmo Sweden to develop human capacity for the Nigerian maritime sector.

Speaking shortly after the signing of the MoU, the Director General of the Agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside who led a delegation from Nigeria to Malmo, expressed optimism that the MoU will help the Agency realize its strategic plans to reposition the Nigerian maritime sector for greater efficiency adding that it is in line with the ongoing reforms being championed by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Honorable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.

General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside (3^rd from left), President of the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmo, Sweden, CleopatraDoumbia-Henry, Executive Director, Finance and Administration of NIMASA, Mr. Bashir Jamoh and others in a photograph after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NIMASA and the WMU in Sweden.

Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside in a handshake with the President of the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmo, Sweden, CleopatraDoumbia-Henry after the signing a Memorandum of Understanding between NIMASA and the WMU in Sweden.

“This MoU with WMU is an important element of the strategic reforms and repositioning of NIMASA to be the leading maritime administration in Africa. This is also part of ongoing reforms of the maritime sector in Nigeria which the President of Nigeria and Minister of Transportation are championing. The partnership with WMU is in line with the four pillar of NIMASA’s medium term growth plan which addresses capacity building and particularly raising a new generation of forward looking Maritime policy makers and regulators,” Dr. Peterside said.

Accordingly, the MoU covers academic, collaborative and reciprocal activities in the fields of training and research to be provided by WMU geared towards building capacity to grow the Nigerian maritime industry. Arrangements relating to fellowship funding for the WMU M.Sc programme are included as well as the M.Phil programme offered in cooperation with the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Malta. Further, the MoU provides for NIMASA officers to take advantage of WMU’s distance learning portfolio as well as Executive Professional Development Courses to reinforce the capacity of its staff.

Dr. Peterside, who expressed gratitude to the President and Management of WMU for their cooperation, also gave a firm commitment that NIMASA will actively implement the provisions of the MoU.

On her part, the President of the WMU, CleopatraDoumbia-Henry embraced the signing of the MoU and expressed optimism that it will help support Nigeria’s economic growth and the competitiveness of its maritime industry, adding that it also supports the WMU’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In her words, “We are delighted with the engagement with NIMASA in the framework of this MoU which will set the stage for a new partnership with Nigeria. It will also help support Nigeria’s economic growth and the competitiveness of its maritime industry as well as advance the maritime interest of the country. This MoU also supports WMU’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),  especially Goal 4 which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all; and Goal 14 which covers ocean issues, including maritime.”

It may be recalled that the current Executive Management of NIMASA has embraced collaboration as a hallmark, as it is the only way to generate new ideas for economic growth. Also, the DG has stated at various fora that the Agency is willing to partner with any relevant organization that can help actualize the vision of a robust maritime sector in Nigeria.