Dr. Dakuku Peterside, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has affirmed the need for vertical and horizontal partnership to grow the Nigerian maritime sector.
A statement in Lagos by the Head of Public Relations, NIMASA, Hajia Lami Tumaka, said the director general made the recommendation when he hosted the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Rolf Ree in his Office.
Peterside described Norway as a great maritime nation that has earned global acclaim as a complete maritime cluster driven by technological development.
The director general 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 hydro
carbon trade.
carbon trade.
“Nigeria also has a lot to benefit from Norway in the areas of expertise and technology needed
to develop the sector.
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 director general said.
Accordingly, Peterside said the Agency had committed itself to a number of initiatives including the development a medium term strategic growth plan, and building alliances with critical stakeholders 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 major player in Africa.
Since assuming duty as the DG of NIMASA two months ago, Dr. Peterside has sought collaboration from local and international stakeholders with a view to engendering a sustainable development of the maritime sector for
Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
