NIMASA DG rejigs operational strategies

NIMASA DG rejigs operational strategies
…Says maritime sector is key in economic diversification progamme

Facts emerged that the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, is rejigging operational strategies in NIMASA, bringing fresh impetus to bear in regulating activities in the maritime industry, in order to make tangible contributions to economic growth.

According to NIMASA Boss, bringing innovative ideas to bear in maritime sector will open new windows to harness the potentials in the industry for greater productivity.

Speaking during interactive session with Maritime Journalists in Lagos, Dr Mobereola explained that the Federal Government is working assiduously to divisify the nation’s economy into non-oil export sectors, and is looking at maritime as a key sector to boost the GDP, in order to achieve the desired results.

Speaking further, he called on the Maritime media to work with the agency as partners in progress to support government in rejuvenating the economy.

The high point of the occasion was the question and answer segment. Responding to questions on Modular Floating Dock, he pointed out, “We have seen the Floating Dock and many proposals are already on the table. We want to be sure in making decisions about putting the vessel into use, to help develop our cadets, create jobs and generate revenue for government to run the economy. But we must do it right. When we are ready to unveil the plan, the media will be carried along.”

About question on disbursement of Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), Dr Dayo Mobereola informed : “Over 20 years ago, the disbursement of such fund was given to the wrong people with no tangible benefits to shipping promotion in Nigeria and development of the sector.

“So, going further, we are looking at new strategies in which the fund will be better utilised in developing the shipping sector.

“In reality, CVFF is not about vessels alone, but the demands on the steady cargoes that the vessels will carry, so that the vessels will not stay fallow without cargoes to carry.”

Giving response to the issues raised about connecting with the coastal States, he said; ” In connecting with the coastal States, we must first of all know that their peculiarities are different. Therefore, we have to understand what these peculiarities are and take them into cognisance because we are planning and must get it right at the planning stage for implementation to be done efficiently.”

On retirees, the DG said the Agency is working tirelessly to ensure all the beneficiaries get their entitlements.

The interactive session was the best of its kind and quite impressive outing, as Dr Mobereola patiently responded to all the questions raised, giving details, explanations and references to what obtains in the maritime industries of advanced countries. He said that in Namibia, the blue economy contributes about 33 % to the country’s GDP. He said emphatically that NIMASA under his leadership will work in line with the global trend to ensure international best practice in all aspects of its operations.

Dr Mobereola urged maritime reporters to see themselves as stakeholders in the sector with a collective responsibility to move the industry to greater heights.

The interactive session held in the Banquet Hall of Eko Hotel and suites brought a large number of maritime reporters from print, electronic and online platforms.

More so, frowning at piracy on the waterways, the NIMASA DG informed; “The NIMASA Act 2007 is being reviewed and the revised Bill will pave way for regulations of maritime infrastructure from smaller boats to the bigger vessels. Many issues of crimes on our waterways are carried out by smaller vessels that are often used for illicit activities; such as piracy and sea robberies.

“The new Bill will ensure that all boats operating on our waters are registered, well regulated and monitored, to curb piracy on waterways.”

The NIMASA DG spoke extensively, even as he highlighted policies and programmes that the Agency will carry out to reposition the Nigerian Maritime sector for greater recognition.

Among the things he talked about were capacity building for seafarers; recognition of Certificate of Competence (COC); improving on bilateral diplomacy between Nigeria and other maritime nations;
automation of NIMASA’s processes including ship registration, as well as reviewing the quality of training being given to over 300 Nigerian Seafarers in foreign institutions.

His words : “We didn’t say the 300 Cadets are coming home, but we are reviewing the quality of training they are receiving, such that they can be better engaged to get the required expertise to excel in their career. We don’t want to send students abroad and they return to be un-employable considering the resources we put into it.”

The programme ended on a sound note, even as informal interaction with Journalists continued after the closing remarks.