The Federal Government has said the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s (NIMASA) image has improved in the past 10 years.
A statement by the Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA, Osagie Edward, quoted the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, to have said this recently when he paid a visit to NIMASA’s head office in Apapa, Lagos state.
He applauded the agency for remaining focused on the delivery of its mandate and capacity development initiative in the Nigerian maritime sector.
Sambo said, “NIMASA of today have come a long way from the NIMASA I knew 10 years ago. I commend the entire management and staff of the agency for raising the bar; it is a symbol of teamwork.
“I am impressed with the customer experience centre and your efforts to attract young Nigerians into the maritime sector via various capacity development projects including the essay competition for secondary school students.”
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Speaking on the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, the minister reiterated the commitment of the ministry to work with NIMASA in ensuring the fund was disbursed to deserving beneficiaries.
He added that it would further boost shipping activities in the country’s maritime sector.
The Director-General, NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, thanked the minister for his leadership in steering the affairs of the ministry.
He assured the agency’s commitment to actualising its mandate as stipulated in the four enabling Acts of the National assembly for a robust and attractive maritime sector in Nigeria.
Jamoh spoke to the minister on some of the activities of the agency in realising a robust maritime sector which includes obtaining approval for physical and monetary incentives for ship owners to purchase brand new vessels at zero duty, while also assisting them to get foreign exchange at the Central Bank of Nigeria rate respectively.
