The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, disclosed this while receiving the executive members of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association.
He stated that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is committed to encouraging indigenous stakeholders to invest more in Nigeria’s maritime industry, emphasising that issues such as national carriers and trade terms remain top priorities under the current administration.
Mobereola highlighted NIMASA’s strategic efforts to enhance local participation and attract investment in the sector, with a focus on creating an enabling environment for private investors to thrive.
He noted that this was the driving force behind the agency’s ongoing discussions with the NCDMB and NNPCL to address critical industry challenges.
Mobereola reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to fostering a level playing field and supporting businesses in the maritime sector, emphasising that these collaborative efforts would enhance industry growth and sustainability.
In response, the Secretary General of the Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, John Aleakhue Okpono, stressed the need for stronger cooperation between NIMASA and the Merchant Navy.
He also urged the agency to review waiver clauses to create more opportunities for Nigerian seafarers.
Okpono commended NIMASA’s commitment to strategic partnerships, stating that such initiatives would boost local investment, generate employment, and drive sustainable growth in the maritime sector.
