By Ignatius Ushie
The Federal Government of Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to building a stronger economy by harnessing the potential of a Blue Economy.
The Minister of Maritime and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, while speaking on Tuesday in Abuja, during the launching of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) service chapter, stated that the occasion marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its efficiency, transparency, and customer focus of the maritime sector.
The Minister who was represented during the occasion by Babatunde Bombata, Director of Maritime Safety and Security, said, “As the Minister of Marine
and Blue Economy, I am delighted to be part of this historic moment, which reaffirms our dedication to excellence, innovation, and sustainable development.”
He said the maritime sector plays a pivotal role in the economic development of the nation.
According to him, “It serves as a lifeline for trade, commerce, and connectivity, not only within our borders but also on the global stage. It is not only a crucial driver of economic development, but also a source of livelihood for millions of people across the globe”.
He added that the maritime industry holds a special place in the nation’s economy and plays a vital role in global trade.
“As we gather here today, we are witnessing the dawn of a new era in the Nigerian maritime sector, a time of enhanced efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
“Our focus on the blue economy is not just about economic gains, it is also about environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
“As we harness the vast potential of our maritime resources, we must do so with a keen awareness of the need to preserve and protect our oceans and coastal ecosystems.
“The Blue economy must be sustainable, ensuring that future generations inherit a world where the oceans continue to thrive. In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, we must adapt and innovate to stay ahead of the curve.
“The maritime industry is no exception by embracing technological advancements and modernizing our practices, we can streamline
operations, improve productivity and foster sustainable growth. The NIMASA Service Charter is a step in the right direction, aligning our efforts with international best practices and setting a new standard for service delivery in the maritime sector.”
The Minister said that recently, NIMASA entered into a Performance Bond agreement for Ministerial Deliverables with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He stressed that among the three Management Scorecard Priorities outlined in the MDA Performance Management System (MPMS) is the “Service Wide Priorities,” which aims to enhance service delivery throughout the Maritime Sector.
Also speaking, Chairman Senate Committee on NIMASA, Senator Wasiu Sani, said the maritime agency, should as a matter of urgency, adhere to all service provisions, to become the best in Africa and the World.
Earlier, the Director General NIMASA, Dr. Ibrahim Jamoh, while welcoming guests emphasized that the launch of the NIMASA Service Charter under the theme-Service Redefined, encapsulates commitment to transforming the way Nigerians serve their
stakeholders, the maritime community, and the Nigerian people as a whole.
According to him, “It reflects our dedication to elevating the standards of service delivery, embracing innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence within our organization.
“As the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), I am honored to lead an organization that is committed to redefining the way we deliver services to our stakeholders”.
Jamoh informed that the launch of the Service Charter is not merely a ceremonial event, adding that it signifies a paradigm shift in the approach to fulfilling the mandate.
“It also marks a significant step towards achieving our goal of providing world-class services that meet the needs of our
stakeholders. We recognize that our stakeholders have high expectations of us, and we are committed to meeting and exceeding those expectations.
“Our Service Charter outlines our promises to all those who interact with NIMASA, whether they are ship owners, seafarers, port operators, or members of the public. It sets clear standards for the quality of service they can expect from us.”
