Mrs. Ify Akerele (DG, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping)
We (Nigeria) is on the council of the IMO and its only right that we celebrate, NIMASA which is the driver of IMO activities under the dispensation of the Federal Ministry of Transportation has organized this programme to showcase what Nigeria has achieved so far, especially in the area of maritime safety and administration, NPA also showcased what they have done and of course, stakeholders like us are given the opportunity to comment on the way forward, and I believe it’s a very good opportunity to express ourselves. As a member state of IMO, we are very happy.
Hajia Lami Tumaka (Head PR, NIMASA)
Like the theme says, 60years in the service of shipping, this day is being set aside and Nigeria being a council member decided to use today to celebrate its achievements in the IMO. The IMO has been kind to Nigeria in terms of support and technical advices.
Capt SMD Usman (Naval Officer)
The world maritime day is an event that brings out the activities carried out before now. It is an avenue for general appraisal of our achievements. It also brings stakeholders together to rub minds and discuss on the way forward. The forum is also used to take stock of activities in the Nigerian maritime sector.
As a naval officer, I feel great and I am always expecting things like this.
Engr. Olu Akinsoji (Former Rector, MAN, Oron)
Nigeria has achieved a lot and we should look forward to challenges ahead by participating in the ratification of conventions.
Nigeria’s convention, if applied fully will help the facilitations of IMO. We should take the relevant part of SOLAS, we should improve on what we have gained.
Capt Abiodun Omoteso (Maritime Consultant)
Port state control is not functioning and NIMASA is suffering for it, if we are celebrating 60 years, we should look at what is happening around the world and emulate them.
As far as maritime administration and safety is concerned, it cannot be achieved alone by NIMASA, we must have officers in MOWCA. NIMASA should have a representative in that body.
Cadet Anthony Onyemelukwe (Student)
It’s worth celebrating the world maritime day but the Nigerian maritime industry is not encouraging us, and we are not benefiting from it, we are not enlightened, we need encouragement from shipping agencies, NIMASA and NPA. They should not relent.
Kunle Folarin (Vice Chairman, PCC)
It is important for us to stop dreaming and live a real world by developing and working on capacity building like Philippines.
Our voice in ship ownership is very low; we need to develop Nigerian maritime administration as well. If we build seafarers we need to build maritime practitioners and this should be supported because 85 per cent of Nigeria’s trade is through the seaport. Without maritime sector, we cannot survive as a nation, even with the crude oil. We should develop all the capacity we have as a maritime nation.
John Egesi (Former DG NMA)
The question is; what should be done to resurrect Nigerian National Shipping Line, so that the tremendous training NIMASA has been giving will come to nothing The shipping community should talk to the government to resurrect or form a new body to carryout functions of NNSL.
NIMASA will be frustrated if there are no vessels, where will MAN, Oron be relevant? People are trained to be frustrated because there are no jobs.
We have the cargo, this is a trading country, and private sector can’t do these things. We must make government realize that what we want is not just vessels but vessels that can accommodate what we can do.
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