Michael james
31 August 2017, Sweetcrude, Lagos –
The Shipping Association of Nigeria, SAN, says it is impressed with the level of cooperation between the shippers and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.
SANcalled for a more robust relationship towards actualising the opportunities that abound in the sector.
The chairman of the association, Mr. Val Usifoh, made this disclosure during a courtesy visit to NIMASA headquarters with other members of the association.
Represented by Mr. John Odunewu, the chairman assured that the association will continue to support the good initiatives of NIMASA with regard to improving the day-to-day affairs of the maritime sector in line with international best practices.
“On behalf of members of the Shipping Association of Nigeria, we would like to thank the management of NIMASA for giving us the opportunity to discuss issues.
“We are glad that we have this level of cooperation going and we look forward to improving further on it,” he said.
In his response, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, who described the group as key players in the maritime transportation sector, assured them that the agency will continue to engage and partner with the association so that Nigerians can reap the benefits of the maritime sector.
The NIMASA boss informed of the efforts being made by the agency in the area of security, through the integrated maritime security infrastructure and waterways surveillance system.
“Let me assure you that very soon, the issue of maritime security will be history, because by then we would have fully implemented the new maritime security architecture which will include deployment of more equipment, more personnel and of course upping the game in the area of intelligence”, Peterside said.
He stated that the agency will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders so that the benefits in the sector can be fully optimised.