Maritime
Nigeria’s President-elect Buhari excites maritime industry stakeholders
LAGOS-Maritime industry stakeholders are excited over the triumph of General Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28, 2015 presidential polls.
In the election result announced yesterday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Buhari defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
Jonathan had called the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate yesterday to congratulate him. The president spoke with Buhari on the phone and was expected to address the nation after rounding off a meeting with his cabinet.
He also spoke with the National Leader of APC, Bola Tinubu.
The March 28 election is historic because it is the first time an opposition party will unseat the central government as Buhari’s emergence yesterday put an end to the 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
National President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu, who spoke exclusively with Ships & Ports daily yesterday, a few minutes after INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega declared Buhari winner of the heated election, expressed excitement with the outcome of the polls.
He described Buhari’s victory as “the result of patience and perseverance. “And it is not a surprise either that it’s a close run between two leaders with different orientation. Here is a sitting president who is thinking in the long term and here is an incoming president who is thinking on impacting on the people in the short term,” he said.
On his expectation of the new government to be formed by Buhari on May 29, Shittu said, “All the reports of all the committees that have been piling dust, whether seen or unseen but without any action taking place should be looked into. It is not a matter of setting up further committees but they should look at previous committees.”
Shittu also expressed hope that the Buhari administration would review the implementation of the controversial national automotive policy.
Founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, said Buhari’s emergence as President-elect clearly showed the desire for a different approach to governance by Nigerians.
He said, “What is happening in Nigeria is not about Buhari but a march towards sustainable democracy in Nigeria.
“It is not about Buhari, it is not about Goodluck . It is about good governance in Nigeria, it is about Nigerians becoming critically aware of their environment, economy and their well being.
“From what we have seen now, we can see that Nigerians are consciously and deliberately becoming very very interested in what happens around them. The emphasis right now should be sustainable attack on the issues of corruption.
“What should we do to stem corruption in Nigeria as the cankerworm and what I will say to Nigeria is that it is not that Buhari is an angel but it is the perception that people have about him with an intent to really stamp out corruption in Nigeria.”
Chairman, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders (AREFF), Dr. Frank Ukor was however unhappy with the outcome of the election.
“We expected that the incumbent would have won the elections but unfortunately he lost to the opposition. PDP is protesting because there was mass rigging in the north otherwise I don’t see how an opposition will beat an incumbent,” he said.
He however called on the All Progressives Congress and the newly elected president, General Muhamadu Buhari to focus more attention on the maritime sector because of its importance to the economy.
“We expected the new President to pay attention to the maritime industry because that is the second highest revenue yielder. I hope the people there will not steal all the money,” he said.
On his part, Chairman, Igbo Maritime Forum, PTML chapter said the election, which produced the president, was credible.
He said, “I am satisfied with the conduct of the election. It is free and fair. I don’t have any reason to believe there is rigging. Politicians can say anything they want. As far as I understand, the international body said it was free and fair. We have the tendency in this country that if something is not going well, people will start saying otherwise but as far as I am concerned, the election was free and fair.”
Ships and Ports-
The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez has congratulated the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
This was contained in a conveyance letter he personally signed, in which he acknowledged the strides of the Agency in building a robust maritime sector in Nigeria.
According to Dominguez, the IMO commends the significant effort, initiatives, and investment that Nigeria has made in strengthening its maritime institutions.
In the words of Dominguez, “the focus on strengthening maritime law enforcement and security architecture has been welcomed by seafarers and flag States. The Deep Blue project and the C4i Centre as well as maritime piracy laws under the SPOMO Act are just some of the many investments that have set a new gold standard in the region in maritime security capacity building.
“IMO has long supported the regional role of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct and its Member States in strengthening maritime security and law enforcement. In this respect, we have been greatly encouraged with the continuation of this regional ownership with the formation and work of the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum and Shared Awareness and De-confliction (GoG-MCF/SHADE) in 2021”.
He commended the Agency’s partnership with the various regional bodies, and expressed readiness of the IMO to work with Nigeria and other member states on many maritime issues with the aim of jointly tackling these issues.
“NIMASA’s partnership with the Interregional Coordination Centre (ICC) and the collaboration with the shipping industry, navies and the Yaoundé architecture has been instrumental in suppressing the threat of piracy to merchant vessels and seafarers in line with UN Security Council resolution 2634 (2022) on piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea and IMO Assembly resolution A.1159 (32).
“I look forward to working with you and your colleagues on many of the maritime issues that we are jointly tackling and hope to welcome you in person at the IMO,” he added.
The newly appointed Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola says the Agency’s Management under his leadership will build a purpose driven organisation.
He also promised prioritising effective communication at all levels to enhance innovation, collaboration and synergy.
Biztellers reports that he made the assertion in his maiden address on his assumption of duty, where he also noted that the Agency under his leadership would prioritize safety, security, efficiency, environmental sustainability amongst others.
He said, “We must strive to foster innovation and excellence in everything we do. The maritime industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing market dynamics, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
“As leaders in the sector, we must embrace innovation, adapt change, and continuously seek ways to enhance the efficiency, competitiveness, and resilience of our maritime operations.
“I do not doubt that every individual within our organization has the potential to achieve greatness; we will therefore, ensure that we build a purpose-driven organisation by investing in our staff, processes, and the entire system to achieve our mandate. I aim to foster an environment of innovation, collaboration and synergy, creating an atmosphere that encourages the development of our employees’ skills, talents, and creativity.”
He also used the opportunity to express gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for entrusting him with the responsibility of steering the affairs of the Agency.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for entrusting me with this crucial responsibility.
“I am highly aware of the immense trust and confidence the President placed in me. It is with great enthusiasm and a sense of purpose that I step into this position, fully committed to steering our organisation toward greater heights, while upholding the highest standards of integrity, diligence, and service to our nation”, he said.
He thanked the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for his guidance throughout the appointment process, and expressed readiness to work with the Minister in achieving the objectives of the Ministry for the sector.
Earlier, the Agency’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chudi Offodile who led other Management staff to receive the DG noted that the entire Management and staff of the Agency were elated to welcome him to the Agency, while also pledging the cooperation of the staff for the success of the Agency.
Recall that on March 11, 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Dr. Dayo Mobereola to serve as the DG of the NIMASA for a renewable term of four years.
Dr. Mobereola holds a Ph. D and an M. Sc in Transport Economics from the University of Wales, United Kingdom.
He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Transport, England, and a fellow of the same institute in Nigeria.
He was the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) from 2003 to 2015 and the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State from 2015 to 2016.
Outgoing Director-General, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh has handed over the affairs of the Agency to the Acting Director-General, Hon Chudi Offodile.
The change of baton ceremonies took place at NIMASA Towers in Victoria Island, on Monday.
Biztellers reports that Hon Offodile, was NIMASA’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, before his new role.
Dr. Jamoh handed over to Hon Offodile in compliance with the Federal Government Establishment Circular tagged “End of Tenure Processes for Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments, Director-Generals, Chief Executive Officers of Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-Owned Companies and Succession Guideline” dated 4th December 2017.
Dr Jamoh’s tenure expired on March 10, 2024.
He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for giving him the opportunity to serve in the capacity as Director General and urged the next leadership of the Agency to consolidate on the gains of the past four years.
He said, “I wish to express gratitude to Almighty Allah and the Federal Government for the privilege given me to serve Nigeria in this capacity, as I count myself a privileged Nigerian to have occupied this position, while also contributing my quota to the Nigerian maritime sector.
“Let me also use this opportunity to assure the staff of the Agency that wherever I am, I will still remain a part of this family; a place I have spent the active 30 years of my life.”
He also used the opportunity to thank staff of the Agency for the cooperation enjoyed and their professionalism in assisting the Agency in the realization of its mandate. He enjoined them to keep up the good work and cooperate with the new leadership of the Agency.
On his part, Hon Offodile thanked Jamoh for bringing his wealth of experience to the sector, while also stating that the expertise of the outgoing DG would continue to be required in the industry.
“I want to express my gratitude to the outgoing DG for being a guide to me upon assumption of office as the Executive Director, Finance & Administration, four years ago. The industry will continue to call on you for your expertise,” the Acting DG said.
How NERC’s New Commercial Billing Threatens Healthcare, Economy
Kwara-based Catholic School Shines In 2024 UTME: 30 Students Score Above 300
Fuel Crisis: No End In Sight As NNPC, IPMAN Fight Dirty
Vigilantes Slain, Village Heads Abducted In Kaduna Attack
Subsidy Removal, Currency Reforms Vital For Economic Revival – VP Shettima
Another Premium Under-Bridge Apartment Uncovered In Lagos
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Adeosun: We are investing in infrastructure to grow the private sector
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Shell launches Nigeria campaign on energy efficiency
