Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside has said that vertical and horizontal partnership is required to grow the Nigerian maritime sector.
He said this when he played host to the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Rolf Ree in his office yesterday.
Peterside described Norway as a great maritime nation which has earned global acclaim as a complete maritime cluster that is driven by technological development.
He said Nigeria was read to partner with the Norwegian Government and its maritime authority for mutual benefit and thus propel the growth and development of the maritime industry in Nigeria.
He further reiterated the resolve of NIMASA to ensuring safety and security on the nation’s waterways, noting that it will attract more investors to the country.
“Norway has a lot to benefit from Nigeria as we are a major player in Africa especially the hydro carbon trade and the Country has a lot to benefit from Norway, in the areas of expertise and technology needed to develop the sector. To this end the Agency is prepared to enter into a partnership, provided it protects Nigeria’s interest and it is in accordance to our laws,” he said.
Peterside said NIMASA has committed itself to a number of initiatives including the development a medium term strategic growth plan and building alliances with critical stakeholders all aimed at leapfrogging the Nigerian maritime sector.
Earlier in his address, Ambassador Ree who described the Nigerian maritime sector as very impressive noted that the Norwegian Government was willing to collaborate with NIMASA for the development of the maritime sector in many areas including enhancing the Nigeria flag.
He also expressed the readiness of Norway to provide infrastructural and technical support to NIMASA in the country’s quest to assert itself as major player in Africa.
Since assuming duty as the DG of NIMASA two months ago, Peterside has sought collaboration from local and international stakeholders with a view to engendering a sustainable development of the maritime sector for Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
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