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NIMASA seeks support for IMO’s audit scheme for Nigeria

By Moses Ebosele
09 June 2016   |   5:43 am
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has pledged its support for the International Maritime Organisation Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) for Nigeria.
Dakuku Peterside, NIMASA Boss

Dakuku Peterside, NIMASA Boss

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has pledged its support for the International Maritime Organisation Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) for Nigeria.

Speaking during the opening session of IMSAS in Abuja, Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside noted that IMO Audit is in line with the vision of the Agency.

He explained that the development is aimed at ensuring that the maritime sector in Nigeria regains its pride of place in the global Maritime Industry.

According to Peterside, the outcome of the audit will enable the Agency to identify and rectify areas requiring improvement and consolidate on areas where Nigeria has comparative advantage over other maritime nations.

A statement sent to The Guardian by NIMASA explained that the Audit which is expected to last from June 6 -14, 2016 is aimed at promoting consistent and effective implementation of applicable IMO conventions, resolutions and protocols amongst member nations as well as assist member states lagging behind to improve their capabilities in the enforcement of these instruments for the overall benefit of global shipping.

The IMSAS team from the IMO that will undertake the audit is comprised of Capt. Cahit Yakin, Hakon Stohaug and Wei Song.According to the statement, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Sabiu Zakari represented the Minister at the opening ceremony which also had in attendance the Chairman House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Alternate Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the IMO, Mr. Dikko Bala as well as other Directors in the Ministry of Transportation.

Meanwhile, Peterside has identified ‘vertical and horizontal partnership’ as key to the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.Receiving Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Rolf Ree in his Office, Peterside described Norway as a great maritime nation which has earned global acclaim as a complete “maritime cluster that is driven by technological development”.

He expressed Nigeria’s readiness to partner with the Norwegian Government and its Maritime Authority for mutual benefit”.Explaining further, he said: “Norway has a lot to benefit from Nigeria as we are a major player in Africa especially the hydro carbon trade and the Country has a lot to benefit from Norway, in the areas of expertise and technology needed to develop the sector”.

Earlier in his address, Ree who described the Nigerian maritime sector as very impressive noted that the Norwegian Government is willing to collaborate with NIMASA for the development of the maritime sector in many areas including enhancing the Nigeria flag.

He also expressed the readiness of Norway to provide infrastructural and technical support to NIMASA in the country’s quest to assert itself as major player in Africa.

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