Kunle Kalejaye
27 May 2016, Sweetcrude, Lagos — Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, is eager to partner with the Norwegian government for mutual benefit that will propel the growth and development of the maritime industry in Nigeria.
The Director General of NIMASA Dr. Dakuku Peterside stated this when he played host to the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Rolf Ree in his Office in Lagos.
He affirmed that the agency requires a vertical and horizontal partnership to grow the Nigerian maritime sector.
The NIMASA DG, Dr. Peterside described Norway as a great maritime nation which has earned global acclaim as a complete maritime cluster that is driven by technological development.
The DG/CEO also expressed Nigeria’s readiness to partner with the Norwegian Government and its Maritime Authority for mutual benefit and thus propel the growth and development of the maritime industry in Nigeria.
He further reiterated the resolve of the agency to ensuring safety and security on the nation’s waterways, noting that it will attract more investors to the country.
“Norway has a lot to benefit from Nigeria as we are a major player in Africa especially the hydrocarbon trade and the Country has a lot to benefit from Norway, in the areas of expertise and technology needed to develop the sector. To this end, the Agency is prepared to enter into a partnership, provided it protects Nigeria’s interest and it is in accordance with our laws”, the DG said.
Accordingly, Dr. Peterside said the Agency has committed itself to a number of initiatives including the development a medium-term strategic growth plan and building alliances with critical stakeholders all aimed at leapfrogging the Nigerian maritime sector.
Earlier in his address, Ambassador 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 a major player in Africa.
Since assuming duty as the DG of NIMASA two months ago, Dr. Peterside has sought collaboration with local and international stakeholders with a view to engendering a sustainable development of the maritime sector for Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
