FG Eyes Top 70 World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index By 2023

Abiola Seun

The Federal Government is eyeing the top 70 compliant countries on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index.

Secretary to the federation Boss Mustapha revealed as he commended the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) for helping the country to move from its initial position of 170 to 131.

Mustapha stated this during the third Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Corporate Dinner and Merit Awards in Lagos over the weekend.

Mustapha said since President Muhammad Buhari signed the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in July 2016 the initiative has helped the ease of doing business in the country.

According to him, “In our bid to improve efficiency and productivity in the industry and country, the council was created to ensure an enabling environment for port efficiency.

“Government will continue to support the maritime sector because on it rests opportunities for wealth creation and economic growth,” he said.

Mustapha also commended the Director General of NIMASA Dr. Dakuku Peterside for the progress made so far by the agency, saying the success was due to the commitment drive of its staff and stakeholders in the industry and so the need to appreciate them.

Speaking earlier, the host of the event, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, stated that since the introduction of the NIMASA annual staff commendation awards three years ago, the image and perception of the agency has been transformed.

Dakuku listed some of the key achievements of the agency to include; introduction of final billing system, annual maritime forecast, improved ship registry, increased ship tonnage, among others.

He attributed the achievements to the commitment of the members of staff at the agency adding that the agency wasn’t under any illusion as there was still work to be done in order to build on the modest achievements.

181 members of staff of NIMASA were awarded at the events, other awards winners included Total E&P as the most compliant ISPS offshore facility, Tin Can Island Container Terminal as the best Terminal/Jetty operator, while Man Oron bags best Maritime training institution.