By Stephen Ubanna
Ayo Mobereola, a former Managing Director, Lagos state Water Ways Authority, LASWA and a one-time Commissioner of Transport in the south western state and no Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administrationnand Safety Agency, NIMASA, appears to have taken advantage of the 2024, World Maritime Day Celebration, WMD, in Lagos, the nation’ Commercial nerve centre, to advice the staff to rededicate themselves ‘’to safety innovation and stewardship in the nation’s maritime industry ’’.
The NIMASA, Chief Executive Officer, CEO, who could not his feelings may have gladdened the heart of the agency staff and the stakeholders when he noted that together they can ‘’Navigate a safer future of the industry as obtained in other maritime nations’’.
Oyetola Adegboyega, a former governor of Osun state and now minister of the newly created ministry marine and blue economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who incidentally was a Former governor of Lagos state , and who was said to have been at the event by Oloruntola Olufemi, the ministry Permanent Secretary, to speak on this year’s Theme: Navigating the Future: Safety First’’, had said that ‘’for Safety and operational efficiency I the nation’s maritime industry,’’ it is imperative for the Federal Government and industry stakeholders to invest in upgrading the industry facilities and building capacity to ensure that Nigeria, as a maritime nation remains competitive in global arena of seaborne’’ trade’’
Going down the memory Lane, Olufemi, the ministry Permanent Secretary, who had represented the minister at the 2024, WMD, may have spoken his mind when he said that this year’s WMD, marks a ignificant milestone as it is the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 194 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, SOLAS, described as crucial treaty by the International Maritime Organization , IMO, under the close watch of Arsenio Dominguez, a maritime agency of the United Nations, UN, that regulates the global maritime safety.
He noted that since its founding in 1948, the IMO, appears to have prioritized safety as a central aspect of its mission. The ministry of marine and blue economy, top official, was said to have told those that cares to listen that that the country has consistently worked to align its regulatory framework with the IMO standards and other international maritime regulations, reinforcing its commitment to upholding the highest standards of maritime safety in Nigerian waters.
H had alluded to some of the key initiatives of the new ministry over the last one year which includes automation of port operations to enhance maritime safety, maritime security, and efficiency as well as performance optimization to reduce costs and increase reliability and the adoption of innovative practices to propel the industry towards attainable development.
He may have gladden the heart of the industry stakeholders when he assured that the government of President Tinubu, will increase investments in new technologies and alternative fuels ‘’to ensure safe shipping operations in the nation’s water ways.
Wasiu Eshnlokun,, a Senator of Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman, Committee on Marine Transport, and Khadijah Bukar Ibrahim, Chairman of the House Committee, on Maritime Administration , Safety and Education, who were said to have also spoken at the WMD, event in Lagos, were said to have confirmed the Lawmakers commitment to developing the requisite laws to support the growth of the nation’s maritime sector.
Engr. Irael Obadan, President, Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors, AMES, may have taken advantage provided by the 202, WMD, to commend the Leadership of NIMASA, and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, led Nigerian Navy, for fostering a new sense on the nation’s maritime domain.
Aminu Umar, Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Sea Transport Services Nigeria Limited, an indigenous Shipping Company, was said to have taken the opportunity provided by the WMD, celebration, in Lagos, to urge the ministry of marine and blue economy under the Leadership of Oyetola, ‘’to continue to support the Youths in exploring career opportunities and vocations in the nation’s maritime sector.
The 2024, WMD, was said to have been concluded in Lagos with the presentation of awards to students who were said to excel in the competition that was said to have been set by the Organisers by Emmanuel Iheanacho, a former minister of Transportation during President Goodluck Jonathan’s Administration. ‘’I Congratulate the winners of the Competition for their hardwork diligence pay’’, the former minister had remarked.
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