The Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside has pledged the commitment of the Agency to re-dedicate itself to the execution of its core functions in the year 2017.
In his new year message to stakeholders, the DG noted that while 2016 was a challenging year as a result of the economic recession, the year 2017 promises to be a year of economic recovery not just for the maritime sector but the nation at large.
He explained that the Federal Government was committed to reflating the economy in order to engender an early recovery from the current recession saying that the new year will signify a turning point in the fortunes of operators of the Nigerian Maritime industry.
In a statement issued by the Director, Public Relations, Hajia Lami Tumaka, the DG who decried the harsh operating environment in Nigeria’s maritime industry said that the Agency is committed to the full enforcement of its mandate.
The DG said: “We are focused on the full implementation of our mandate in the new year. We have concluded the restructuring, repositioning and reformation of NIMASA which would take effect in the first quarter of 2017 with the aim of making Nigeria a hub of maritime activities in West and Central Africa.
“Our commitment is to make sure that indigenous operators maximise their potentials in our maritime industry whilst creating wealth and job opportunities for our teeming youths”.
The DG explained that the Agency will fully implement it’s five pillar programme of maritime safety, security, search and rescue transformation; marine environment preservation; digital transformation initiative; capacity building initiatives; and cultural and attitudinal transformation.
