FG commissions NIMASA Eastern Zonal office, hospital, donates building to varsity in Rivers

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Transportation has commissioned the Eastern zonal office, and a hospital to tackle rising cases of illnesses amongst seafarers across the region.

The Ministry also donated a building to the Centre of Logistics and Transportation Studies of the University of Port Harcourt for the purpose of enhancing maritime education in Rivers state and environs.

Speaking at the Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo noted that the building is the second largest in the country, stressing that it will enhance efficiency in delivering the core mandate of the agency.

Sambo who was represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Magdalene Ajani, advised staff to redouble their efforts in it’s enforcement and monitoring of shipping activities across the Eastern zone of the country.

According to the minister, the new office named after Magaret Onyema- Orakwusi, “is a property that has been purchased by NIMASA following the federal executive council approval behind this main building is the search and rescue clinic. It is for injured or ill seafarers in this region who are evacuated from the vessels and brought in here treatment and it will serve as a clinic for the staff in the eastern zone.

“Also, in the University of Port Harcourt, the Agency had commissioned a building it donated for the purpose use of maritime institute in the university, he said.”

He added that it one of the corporate social responsibilities that the NIMASA under the Ministry of Transportation undertake to improve and encourage knowledge in the maritime industry, particularly with reference to safety and security and research in the marine industry.

On his part, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh urged the staff to kick start increased generation of funds for the agency.

He noted that there will be no longer any excuse for non performance of the zone saying; I will like to see revenue for Eastern zone redouble because the issue of oil liftinv in eastern zone is much higher than the West. I will like to see revenue of this Agency improve tremendiously,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of UNIPORT, Professor Owunari Georgewill, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Clifford Ofurum appealed to the Ministry and NIMASA to equip the facility due to lack of Financial resources.