New natiaonal carrier for indigenous shipowners’ interest —NIMASA DG

Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Ziakede Akpobolokemi, has said members of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) would play an active role in the formation of the new national shipping line proposed by the NIMASA.

The Director-General of NIMASA, Mr Akpobolokemi, disclosed this at the shipowners cocktail night organised by NISA in Lagos.

He said NISA members would soon be formally invited to join a committee that would be set up by NIMASA for actualisation of the national carrier project.

The project, according to him, was for the benefit of Nigerian shipowners and the economy.

He said Nigeria remained the only member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) without a national carrier and whose crude oil was sold free on board.

The trend, he said, must be reversed within the shortest possible time frame.

“I thank the leadership of NISA for inviting the management of NIMASA for this dinner/interactive session.

“I think we need more of these informal meetings where we can freely discuss issues and brainstorm on things that are affecting the shipping industry in Nigeria,” he said.

“I am particularly grateful to the Chairman because he has been supportive to the agency and I think we also need to reciprocate.

“Now we all know the problems we are facing in the country; problems of cargo, funding, patronage, etc. It is not easy doing things in Nigeria because of the level of bureaucracy, the various contacts that have to be made for things to move. But no matter how difficult things are, we must not be discouraged, just keep working and putting more effort to get to where we are going to,’’ he said.

Speaking earlier in his welcome address at the event held in Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Chairman of NISA, Chief Isaac Jolapamo, said the association is rebranding to meet with the challenges of modern times.

“The aim of this event is to enhance our effort at rebranding the association and making it an all inclusive vibrant association that represents our collective interest,’’ he said.
Source: Tribune