The Secretary-General of International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr. Kitack Lim has pricked the minds of managers of Nigeria’s maritime industry that investment in human competency and capability as well  leadership are  paramount to the growth of the Industry.

The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Kitack Lim stated this when he commissioned the new headquarters of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos, yesterday.

The IMO Secretary General expressed confidence in the leadership of the transport sector of Nigeria, while also extolling the dynamic role of the Minister of Transportation, Engr. Mu’azu Jaji Sambo and the heads of the various parastatals under the supervision of the Transportation Ministry.

“An important element is human competency and capability, with leadership being the most paramount to consider, which I have seen exhibited by the Minister; he is an extraordinary and rare leader. I am very confident to look forward to more prosperous opportunities and development of maritime activities of Nigeria,” he said.

On his part the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo expressed gratitude to the IMO Secretary General for making out time to visit Nigeria and also having a first-hand opinion on the developmental strides in Nigeria’s maritime sector. He stated that Nigeria will  strive to ensure Nigerian maritime activities are in line with best practices, while also embracing new technologies in the frontier of global maritime discourse.

Also speaking at the event was the Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu, who commended the Dr. Bashir Jamoh led Management of NIMASA. She noted that NIMASA should aim higher as there is room for improvement.

The NIMASA Director General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR again thanked the IMO Secretary General for his visit to Nigeria, and said to him, “your name will remain in gold as long as Nigeria’s Maritime Administration is concerned.”

Jamoh further intimated him that NIMASA has embarked on various projects in the year, 2022, all with the aim of ensuring a robust and conducive maritime environment is attained in Nigeria. This has been made possible with the support of stakeholders across board.