8th June, 2012
The Nigerian Maritime is facing myriad of challenges too difficult to overcome because of the involvement of many stakeholders, the Director-General of the Nigerian maritime Administration Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Ziakede Patrick Akpolobokemi, has said.
He said despite the numerous programmes initiated by the nation’s maritime administration to move the sector forward, the challenges continued to manifest.
Akpolobokemi who received the Executime members of the National Association of Stevedoring Companies in his Apapa office said the ongoing restructuring of the agency was aimed at making the maritime administration proactive, effective and improve efficiency in service delivery.
According to him, the stevedoring sector played a crucial role in development of the maritime sector, adding that the challenges facing the maritime industry could only be resolved if all key stakeholders could collaborate for a common solution.
“I know your association is a critical stakeholders in the maritime industry. And the long time it took us to meet is not in any way suggested that we (NIMASA) relegated you to the background. In fact, we recognize your importance in the industry and we are going to give you the necessary recognition from time to time for us to move the industry forward. This industry is made up of many elements, so many stakeholders and the issues we are tackling here are so many, varies and sometimes complex. But that does not indicate the fact that we have the monopoly of knowledge.
We know that in discussing with you; there are some lessons that will can learn for the good of the industry and for the country,” he said.
By Esther Komolafe