Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has disclosed that the Federal Government has repositioned the Nigerian maritime industry for the country’s economic growth.
The SGF, who spoke during NIMASA Corporate Dinner and Merit Awards in Lagos at the weekend, pointed out that the country was beginning to see another opportunity through which it could harness its vast resources.
Mustapha said the sector has been well positioned through the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as an alternative source of revenue for the country.
He said such development had also made the sector attractive to local and foreign investors. Mustapha, who was represented by the Minister of Budget and Planning, Udo Udoma, also noted that the management of NIMASA, had in about three years of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, turned around the agency and placed it in good position to better contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
He also congratulated the awardees and industry stakeholders on the feat, urging them to remain focused in supporting Federal Government’s drive to take the economy to greater heights.
Speaking, Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, noted that the maritime industry remains the backbone of international trade and that the Nigerian maritime sector has made remarkable achievements in the last two years.
He said in spite of challenges in the sector, stakeholders’ commitment, professionalism and resilience were responsible for its remarkable performance in recent times.
“The Nigerian maritime sector is on a journey, we are not where we should be yet, hence we need the continuous support of stakeholders in our quest to realise a robust maritime sector, so that we can compete favourably with our counterparts in other maritime climes,” he added.
Peterside also commended the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for consistently providing direction for the transportation sector and assured that the agency would continue to champion the growth and development of the industry.
“We cannot do it alone, we will continue to collaborate and partner with our stakeholders so that we can fully realise our mandate of promoting and regulating shipping activities in the country,” he said.
In recognition of stakeholders’ contributions to the development of the maritime sector, the agency gave awards to outstanding maritime companies: Maersk Nigeria Limited, Gulf Agency Company (GAC) Nigeria Ltd, Charkins Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre, among others, alongside some NIMASA staff who demonstrated commitment to service over the years.
