Journalists Task NIMASA DG On Harnessing Blue Economy, Fight Against Piracy

Abiola Seun |

The Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) has congratulated Dr. Bashir Jamoh, on his recent appointment as the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

In a statement issued and signed by the President of the Association, Mr. Yusuf Babalola, the association urged Jamoh on his assumption to office to move the nation’s maritime sector forward.

The statement reads: “Given your track record, including as President of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA) and NIMASA Executive Director, Finance and Administration, beside your academic credentials, we are not in doubt about your competence and capability to take the agency to greater heights.

“In that light, we urge that, alongside the development of the blue economy, the achievement of the Deep Blue Project should be vigorously pursued to ensure that Nigeria’s maritime domain is considerably freed from piracy and other criminalities. It will also make the Eastern Ports available for unencumbered international shipping and trade, with its multiplier effect on the nation’s economy.”

According to the statement, SCAN also wishes to stress the need for a diligent attention to capacity building, including growing an invaluable crop of future seafarers.

“Considering the bulk of Nigeria’s experienced seafarers have served out their time at sea due to age, it is imperative that genuine efforts be made at giving the young and upcoming cadets adequate and relevant sea-time training.

“Allied to that is cabotage development, particularly the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which has dragged on for several years over reasons considered more political and convenient than rational, mindful that a well-developed cabotage sector will not only aid capacity building but also stimulate economic boom.

“We are convinced that you might be thinking along these lines, in addition to other objectives very dear to your heart, and pray that God guides you to greater achievements for the country through this appointment, the statement added.

Editing by ‘Biodun Soyele