In a significant step toward enhancing Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Nigerian Senate has passed the first reading of a bill designed to amend the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, made this announcement during a visit to the NIMASA office in Lagos, underlining the Senate’s dedication to bolstering the maritime industry and creating policies that extend the advantages of the blue economy to the Nigerian populace.
Senator Eshinlokun emphasized the necessity of conducting a comprehensive review of the existing maritime legal framework to identify areas that may require revision. Such revisions aim to align with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and underscore the Senate’s commitment to furthering the interests of the nation’s maritime sector. The proposed amendments are seen as a part of broader efforts to boost the country’s blue economy.
The formation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has already signified the vital role of the maritime industry in nation-building, emphasizing its significant contributions to sustainable development. This development also underscores the government’s focus on the maritime and blue economy sectors.
Furthermore, members of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport acknowledged NIMASA’s substantial investments in enhancing safety and security within the maritime domain. This commitment by NIMASA aligns with the agency’s vital role in ensuring the safe operation of maritime activities. It underscores the agency’s strategic significance in contributing to Nigeria’s sustainable development and the strengthening of the country’s blue economy.
In parallel, Abdul Ningi, a member of the Senate Committee, lauded NIMASA’s leadership and highlighted the notable strides made over the years. These strides are attributed to the agency’s unwavering commitment to driving the maritime sector’s growth, aligning with the aspirations for a more robust blue economy for Nigeria.
In his welcome remarks, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, articulated the agency’s dedication to both human capacity and infrastructural development. These are critical components for cultivating and expanding the nation’s blue economy. He underscored that a well-developed marine and blue economy is capable of significantly contributing to Nigeria’s annual budget. This is achieved through the harnessing of various economic activities associated with oceans and seas.
Dr. Jamoh also drew attention to NIMASA’s concerted efforts to secure Nigeria’s waters, including the Gulf of Guinea. These measures are pivotal in ensuring maritime safety and security, bolstering the nation’s marine and blue economy, and fostering sustainable development. The agency’s continuous progress in these areas indicates its commitment to contributing to a thriving blue economy, in line with Nigeria’s broader vision.
