NPA is committed to improving welfare of seafarers — Bello-Koko

The Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko, has affirmed the commitment and determination of the management of the agency to improving the welfare of Seafearers in the sub sector.
This was with the aim of providing improved and efficient services to the growth of the country, adding that the positive role and contribution of the Seafarers to the growth of global trade cannot be ignored.

Koko made these remarks during a presentation of a goodwill message at the 2021 World Maritime Day celebration with the theme.. Seafearers at the core of Shipping’ Future’ organized by the Federal Ministry of Transportation held in Lagos.

Koko at the event saluted the doggedness of these gentlemen in providing succour in the movement and transfer of goods and services globally to various climes in the face of various challenges ranging from unfavourable weather conditions to attacks from pirates at Sea.

The NPA acting Chief Operating Officer at the event charged all present particularly the Stakeholders to make available a friendly environment to the Seafearers in view of the critical role they play in the lives of the Nigerian nation, noting the numerous unforseen challenges they would be facing in the nearest future in the discharge of the duties on Sea.

Recall that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was established in Geneva 1948 but began it’s operations in 1958 with 174 member nations.

Today, it is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to regulate and monitor the Safety, Security and
environmental performance of International Shipping.

Bello koko said the theme of this year’s celebration captures the essence of the professionalism showcased by the seafearers even in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic threats under which they strive for excellence.

Furthermore, the Acting Managing Director of NPA noted that sea transportation is “world acclaimed as the most environmental friendly form of transportation”.

He added that Seafarers are major role players in sea transportation, pointing out that “they are global treasures and assets in world maritime trade”.

Koko, quoting the seminar words of maritime novelist Lieutenant Commander Nicholas Monsarrat that “Sailors, with their built-in sense of order, service and discipline, should really be running the world”.

He challenged stakeholders to be more contributive in ensuring that global ports operations are eco-friendlier while effort should be in unison towards the actualization of world ports sustainability.

The world maritime celebration, an initiative of the international maritime organization (IMO) is a day in the month of September annually set aside to celebrate the contributions of the global maritime sector to world economy.

This year’s focus is on the seaferers under the theme “ Seafarers at the core of shipping’s future”.