27 September 2013, Lagos – The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Mr. Ziakede Akpobolokemi, has assured all indigenous operators in the maritime sector of the agency’s commitment to protect their rights under the Cabotage regime.
He said this in a goodwill message at the launching of two 45,000 metric tonnes sea-going vessels, MT Abiola and MT Igbinosa, owned by Ocean Marine Tankers Limited in Warri, Delta State.
Special Assistant to the President on Maritime Affairs, Mr. Leke Oyewole, said the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan has provided the enabling environment for effective implementation of the Cabotage regime in Nigeria.
Akpobolokemi commended the management of Ocean Marine Tankers Limited, owners of the vessels, for taking a bold step to invest in the Nigerian maritime sector.
He urged more Nigerians to invest in the ownership of ocean going vessels. Also, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Local Content Developing Monitoring Board, Mr. Ernest Nwakpa praised the Jonathan administration for providing the political muscle to break the monopoly enjoyed by foreign flagged vessels in the freight of Nigerian crude.
– This Day
