The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry as a crucial step toward unlocking Nigeria’s vast ocean resources. During a training program for maritime media professionals, themed “Regulating the Maritime Industry: the NIMASA Perspective,” NIMASA highlighted the importance of the new ministry in boosting the national economy through marine resources.
Chief Isichei Osamgbi, Director of Administration and Human Resources at NIMASA, representing Director General Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized that ocean resources are central to the growth of successful nations. Osamgbi cited countries like the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, China, and others that have thrived by maximizing their maritime potential. He applauded President Tinubu’s strategic move to appoint experts, such as Minister Chief Adegboyega Oyetola and Dr. Mobereola, to lead the new Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, expressing optimism about the sector’s future.
In addition to discussing the ministry’s creation, NIMASA also engaged journalists in a one-day capacity-building workshop, themed “Regulating the Maritime Industry: The NIMASA Perspective.” Held at the Kitack Lim Regional Maritime Safety and Security Center in Lagos, the workshop aimed to enhance journalists’ understanding of NIMASA’s regulatory roles and the broader opportunities within the maritime industry for the Nigerian public.
The discourse at the event covered three critical areas: NIMASA’s role in promoting Nigeria’s participation in international shipping, understanding international maritime regulatory frameworks, and NIMASA’s enforcement processes.
Dr. Mobereola, represented by Osamgbi, stressed the importance of informed and responsible reporting in driving growth in the maritime sector. He urged the media to be proactive in highlighting the untapped potential in the sector, particularly in areas like sea transportation and fisheries, and to inform the public about the opportunities that can boost Nigeria’s economy.
“There is no great nation anywhere that is not a maritime nation. The resources are out there, and this administration has decided it is our time to tap into our greatness,” Mobereola stated. “As media professionals, you are the ones to tell the masses about the opportunities that exist in this industry.”
The training workshop also featured expert presentations, including a paper by former NIMASA Director of Shipping Development, Mr. Anthony Ogadi, on “Understanding the International Maritime Regulatory Framework.” Another presentation by Deputy Director Barr. Peter Agbaminola focused on “NIMASA Regulatory Processes at a Glance.”
By empowering journalists and fostering stronger collaboration with the media, NIMASA aims to enhance public understanding of Nigeria’s maritime industry and ensure that the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry contributes to national development.
NIMASA remains committed to advocating for a vibrant marine economy, positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime nation while unlocking the full potential of its ocean resources.