In a bid to promote shipping development, the Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA) has commissioned its new secretariat in Lagos, which is aimed at promoting collaboration, information sharing and strategic planning amongst stakeholders.
Speaking during in his welcome address at the commissioning in Lagos on Thursday, the National President of NISA, Otunba Sola Adewumi noted that the new office space is a testament of the fulfillment of the promise he made during the May 2023 election.
He stated that during the election campaign, he pledged to prioritize the establishment of a new office space, recognizing the importance of a conducive and functional environment for the activities of the association.
While appreciating all members for entrusting him with the leadership of the association and their support for the success of the project, Otunba Adewumi said the new edifice will serve as a hub for collaboration, knowledge sharing and strategic planning.
The NISA President urged ship owners to remember the responsibilities that come with their roles, adding that they have the power to shape the future of the maritime industry. He however assured that the leadership of the association will continue to seek the guidance and collaboration of all stakeholders as it works towards a prosperous and globally competitive maritime sector.
In his words: “Today, we gather here to inaugurate our new office space, a promise that I made during the election held in May 2023. As the President of the NISA, I am immensely proud to stand before you fulfilling this commitment I made to provide a befitting office for our association.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the members of our association for entrusting me with this position and for believing in my vision. During the election campaign, I pledged to prioritize the establishment of a new office space, recognizing the importance of a conducive and functional environment for our activities. Today I am delighted to see this promise come to fruition.
“This office represents more than just a physical structure; it is a reflection of our commitment to the growth and development of Nigerian shipping sector. It will serve as a hub for collaboration knowledge sharing and strategic planning. With these walls, ideas will flourish, partnership will be forged and innovative solution will be conceptualized to address the pressing issues facing our industry.
“As we embark on this new chapter, let us remember the responsibilities that come with our roles as ship owners. We have the power to shape the future of the maritime industry in Nigeria Together we must continue to advocate for the interests of our members, champion regulatory reforms and foster an environment that attracts investments and promotes sustainable growth” Adewumi stated.
Also speaking, the Chairman Board of Trustees of the Association, Chief Isaac Jolapamo expressed his delight over the fruition of the project, adding that the association has been in turmoil for over nine years.
Chief Jolapamo lamented that shipping development in the country has been neglected by the past administrations. He however expressed his optimism that the new government will make shipping development a priority in the country.
“I am delighted today that we have finally got and edifice for the association. The association has being in chaos for about eight to nine years and we are just getting revived and we look forward to better things. I am very optimistic the new administration is not going to leave out the maritime sector.
“Maritime development is standing on three tripods. You need a port where the ship will berth; we have seafarers which we are trying to train, but we are depreciating in terms of ship ownership which should be the real core of maritime development. Unfortunately when NIMASA was set up Shipping Development was not on the top of its agenda but the sixth. However we look forward to this current government administration in ensuring that shipping is given its priority and adequately developed in the country” Jolapamo said.
While cutting the tape for the commissioning of the secretariat, Miss Funmi Folorunso who is a foremost chieftain and amazon of the association recounted the struggles and challenges faced by the association when it was initially Indigenous Shipowners Association of Nigeria (ISAN).
Folorunso enjoined all the executives and members of the association to work together in unity for the success of the association.
On his part, another chieftain of the association Mr Jegede Paul commended the doggedness of the executive members in making the project a success. He admonished all members of the association to work in unity and purpose.
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