NIMASA to develop blue economy through capacity building-Says Dakuku  …Task media on investigative journalism

NIMASA to develop blue economy through capacity building-Says Dakuku

 .Task media on investigative journalism

 By Udeme Clement & Tayo Daniels

The Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside has said the Agency remains committed to growing the ideals of blue economy, by bringing to the fore adequate knowledge of the sector in line with capacity building drive of the Agency.

Dr. Dakuku who made this known during interactive session with journalists in Lagos yesterday, said adequate knowledge of the sector would ensure fair and professional reportage. He charged the media to embrace investigative journalism in their method of reportage, as it would benefit the maritime industry and the nation at large.

The DG who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh also gave the assurance that the Agency would continue to partner the media in various ways, including capacity building.

He said, “On our part, we give priority to capacity building, as it remains the only way the industry would grow. The Media are not left out of this. We are what we project to our stakeholders, both local and international; hence the need for the media to embrace investigative journalism to make their reportage factual and balanced”.

Speaking further, he stated that the Agency remains committed to the ideals of actualising the Blue Economy, which deals with totality of all economic activity associated with the oceans, seas, harbours and coastal zones. The concept also includes; aquaculture,  boats and ship building, ship repairs, defense and security, amongst others geared towards wealth and job creation for the growth and development of Nigerian economy.

He also highlighted other steps the Agency is taking to ensure a robust maritime sector to include the drafting of a dedicated anti-piracy bill, which is before the National Assembly, to provide the requisite framework for the fight, prosecution and punishment for other related crimes in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea, expected to be passed to law soon. Also, the Agency has the approval for acquisition of intelligence gathering maritime domain awareness assets and military response assets to fight pirates and make Nigeria’s maritime domain safe for economic activities.