The President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has identified the maritime industry as key in the efforts to restimulate the Nigerian economy.
Dangote made the assertion in a statement in Lagos while commenting on the country’s economic potential and the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s waters.
Dangote also spoke ahead of the Maritime Corporate Dinner and Merit Awards organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which is geared toward reinvigorating the economy.
The statement was signed by Head, Corporate Communications, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Isichei Osamgbi.
According to Dangote, the maritime sector is the key to the development of the Nigerian economy.
“As stakeholders, we are committed to supporting the Federal Government toward achieving a vibrant maritime industry in Nigeria. My support is unflinching.
“I also commend the management of NIMASA for being focused in providing an enabling environment for industry players.
“It is teamwork that makes it all possible, and NIMASA is recognising this by honouring its staff and industry stakeholders,” he said.
Dangote described the awards as a good initiative, saying it was necessary to stimulate excellence in the maritime industry.
He said that the agency had done much to enhance maritime safety and security, adding that it created a viable platform for indigenous participation and capacity building.
He also noted that NIMASA had tried to develop adequate manpower and infrastructure in the sector in line with international best practices.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, was quoted as saying the maritime sector had been galvanised into an inclusive community of stakeholders and players working to grow the economy. Tallen said it was an opportune time to invest in the Nigerian economy.
Tallen commended NIMASA’s new push for gender equality under the current Director-General, saying it has created an environment where actors are comfortable to contribute their talents to the sustainable use of the country’s ocean resources for economic growth. She extolled the virtues of women in the Nigerian maritime industry, and advised them to make the best use of the environment created for them to be their best.
According to the minister, “With last year’s focus on women empowerment by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and the 2019 theme of the Day of the Seafarer being ‘I am on Board with Gender Equality’, it is only fair and honourable that we commend the efforts of the DG NIMASA for embracing the message and meritoriously allowing and entrusting women staff within the agency with many top positions. This is commendable!”
She commended NIMASA’s support for the Federal Government’s economic diversification drive through tangible efforts to develop the blue economy. Tallen said, “Not only has the Agency in many ways transformed the maritime industry by advancing it to international specifications and requirements, it recognises the outstanding actors who have facilitated and fostered this change. For this, congrats are in order and I pray that many others take a cue from NIMASA. It takes teamwork and this teamwork is being recognised.”
Nigeria is doing a lot to encourage female participation and equality in the maritime industry. The country has engaged in various capacity development initiatives for the female gender. The Federal Government’s commitment to the promotion of gender equality in the sector was further demonstrated by the First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari, who was well represented by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, during the 2019 Day of the Seafarer ceremony.
Besides, there are many women holding the positions of Director and other high offices in NIMASA and Dakuku has continued “to invite more females to participate in the already male dominated sector, as they have a lot to offer.”
