Cooperate for sustainability of the Blue Economy, NIMASA DG tells Nigerian waterways stakeholders

By Abiodun OBA

The NIMASA boss urged shipping companies, local and international oil companies, and other stakeholders operating in the Nigerian waterways to actively cooperate with the concessionaires.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, has called stakeholders operating in the Nigerian waterways to actively cooperate with “African Circle Pollution Management Limited” the concessionaires for regulatory compliance and the preservation of aquatic lives and the sustainability of the Blue Economy.

Mobereola made the call on Thursday during the handover ceremony of the Offshore Waste Reception Facility for Central Zone to the concessionaire in Warri.

Mr Kabiru Diso represented the Director-General and the executive management of the agency at the ceremony held at the premises of the NIMASA, Central Zone.

The NIMASA boss noted, “Today is a significant and remarkable day, not just because we are handing over the site for the commencement of the implementation phase of the project.

“But it represents the success and commitment of the entities from the public and private sectors coming together to achieve a common goal of proper, effective.

“And efficient collection and disposal of waste in our waters through a private company incorporated under the law of the federal government.

“This partnership holds immense benefits for the stakeholders involved. It allows us to develop critical infrastructure assets that meet the immediate and long-term needs of the maritime sector, among others.

“I invite the private sector entities to explore the numerous investment opportunities in the maritime environment and partner with NIMASA to establish a robust infrastructure that drives economic growth in the marine and blue economy sectors.

“There are endless opportunities for investment, innovation, and collaboration in this sector. By joining forces, we can unlock the immense potential for our nation’s progress.

“I urge stakeholders to recognise the significance of this offshore waste reception facility and the greater responsibility it brings. So let’s work together to ensure its success”.

Mobereola said that the project was public-private partnership-driven aimed at ensuring a clean and safe marine environment in line with the MARPOL conventions.

Speaking with newsmen, Mr Mohammed Bappa, NIMASA Coordinator, Central zone expressed joy that the project was launched in his zone.

He said that with the inauguration of the project, the era of waste disposal was overstressing, and anyone caught abusing the waters would be severely punished according to the law.

Mr Bernard Alaeto, Head of Public-Private Partnership, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy said that the ministry would give the concessionaire all the necessary support to succeed.

Also, Mr Joe Ohiani, the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, said that the project was basically midwifed by the Commission from inception till date.

In his remarks, Mr Umar Abubakar, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of African Circle Pollution Management Limited, said that the project was a dream come true.

“It has been a long time craving for this project. It is one of those things that shows that Nigeria is definitely on the part to ensure that compliance is fully being followed,” Abubakar said.