Kunle Kalejaye
31 May 2016, Sweetcrude, Lagos — The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, is eager to partner with the Norwegian government for mutual benefit that would propel the growth and development of the maritime industry in Nigeria.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, stated this as he played host to the Norwegian ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Rolf Ree, at the NIMASA head office in Lagos.
Maintaining that the agency required “vertical and horizontal partnership to grow the Nigerian maritime sector,” Peterside described Norway as “a great maritime nation which has earned global acclaim as a complete maritime cluster that is driven by technological development”.
He expressed Nigeria’s readiness to partner with the Norwegian government and its maritime authority, saying: “Norway has a lot to benefit from Nigeria as we are a major player in Africa, especially in the hydrocarbon trade.
“And the country (Nigeria) has a lot to benefit from Norway in the areas of expertise and technology needed to develop the sector.
“To this end, the agency, NIMASA, is prepared to enter into a partnership, provided it protects Nigeria’s interest and it is in accordance with our laws”.
Peterside revealed that NIMASA 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 was willing to collaborate with NIMASA for the development of the maritime sector in many areas, including enhancing the Nigerian 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.
