Minister of Transportation, Engineer Mu’azu Jaji Sambo has commended the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for capacity development initiative in the Nigerian Maritime sector.
Engineer Sambo made this special commendation during his working visit to the headquarters of the Agency in Lagos.
The Minister who was highly impressed with the strides made so by the Agency also applauded the Agency for remaining focused in the delivery of its mandate, adding that the Agency has a better image than it was about 10 years ago.
The Minister who was accompanied by the Minister of State, Prince Ademola Adegoroye and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, stated that, ” NIMASA has come of a long way from the NIMASA I knew 10 years ago. . I commend the management and staff of the Agency for raising the bar. It is a symbol of team work. I am impressed with the customer experience center and your efforts to attract young Nigerians into the Maritime sector through various capacity development projects.
On the Cabotage Vessels Financing Fund(CVFF), the Minister reiterated the commitment of his ministry to partner with the Agency to ensure that the fund is disbursed to deserving beneficiaries, adding that it will further boost activities in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“If there is a jinx about the CVFF, I am going to break it by getting it disbursed”, Engineer Sambo asserted.
While welcoming the Minister, Dr Bashir Jamoh, NIMASA’s Director-General assured the Minister of his Agency’s commitment to actualizing its stipulated mandate.
He enumerated the achievements of the Agency including getting Federal Government’s approval for fiscal and monetary incentives for ship owners to enable them acquire brand new vessels at zero import duty.
The move is to phase out rickety vessels from the nation’s water ways.