A former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the immediate past president of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS); Chief Adebayo Sarumi, has disclosed that he was ambushed into becoming the President of the Chamber.
He made the disclosure last week at the investiture and the inauguration of members of the governing council of NCS.
Recounting events that led to his mounting the saddle at the NCS, Chief Sarumi said he was blocked on the road in Ikoyi and made to become the Council’s President.
He told the gathering that: “My greatest thanks go to Andrew Isichie, because the period I left, I was kidnapped on the road. I still remember the place but I didn’t report to the police, it was along Osborn road and I ended up somewhere in Ikoyi. When I found out that Andy was the vice president I said, Andy what I am doing here, why will this one happen? He said Oga it has to happen, we need you to be around us”.
Recalling his tenure, he stated that, “we have spent the last two years trying to bring together a reformed body and members of the governing council”.
He also applauded the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) for supporting the chamber.
“One thing I must say is that we are a chamber without even a roof that we can call a chamber. So there has to be a chamber that people must buy into. Fortunately the report that we have to give for the number of years we have been at the helm of affairs is a report that will tell the good of the chamber”.
Meanwhile the incoming president of the Chamber; Mr. Andy Isichei said that Cabotage Act is not only for the shipping industry, but also a major employment generating activity.
In his acceptance speech, he assured that his administration will work with stakeholders within and outside the country to put a stop to what seafarers are facing.
He also maintained that since over 70% of the tank farms in the country are owned by foreigners, the government should make a law to ensure that Nigerian seafarers are gainfully engaged in these tank farms to reduce the rate of unemployment.
Also speaking, the newly Vice President of the Chamber; Alhaji Tijani Ramalan has advised the Federal Government to invest more in the training of seafarers even as he applauded the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for training over 2,000 seafarers.
Giving the vote of thanks at the investiture, he said that is will be beneficial to the economy if the maritime industry embarks on the training of seafarers.
He also maintained that the Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC), has promised to give cargo to any ship owner that comes out with a good proposal.
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