The Powerful Pen Media Chapel organised special Congress, roundtable programme

• Lauds NIMASA DG on outstanding performance in maritime security
• Urges bonded terminal operators to speak up on challenges facing them

(Report by Udeme Clement)

It was a moment of interaction yesterday, as members of the Powerful Pen Media Chapel, held special Congress and round table programme, at NAGAFF headquarters, Apapa, Lagos.

The members deliberated exhaustively on the state of Nigerian nation, especially on important issues in the maritime sector of the economy.

Some of the issues highlighted include; prevalent insecurity in the country, especially in the northern region. Challenges facing bonded terminal operators. Unfair treatment of Nigerians abroad by foreign nationals. re-introduction of toll gates across Nigeria. Maritime security in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea; among other issues of national interest.

The Chapel explained that report on activities of bonded terminals is still in the news, urging operators of such terminals to speak up on challenges facing them in the Maritime industry.

“The Chapel said: “We are aware that the NAGAFF 100% Compliance team raised alarm over inefficiency of bonded terminals, as well as lack of operational equipment at some terminals.
We also gathered that operators of these terminals are facing challenges, this is the time for them to speak up, so that stakeholders and government will be aware of such problems.”

More so, the Chapel applauded the efforts of Director- General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA),
Dr Bashir Jamoh, in tackling maritime insecurity in Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea.

Dr Jamoh, was particularly commended on his swift intervention in deploying the Deep Blue Assets to rescue eight maritime workers, kidnapped along kula abomema waterways, in Rivers State, recently, five of which were members of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).

The Chapel also commended NIMASA DG on the measures being put in place to start wreck removal on waterways, in order to ensure maritime safety.

The Powerful Pen Media Chapel, under the leadership of, Udeme Clement, as the new Chairman, promises to raise the tempo of advocacy, in order to promote a better and productive maritime industry.

The Chapel is made up of members of Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN):