By Simon Ugwu
Nigerian Shipowners and vital Government agencies, particularly the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) got commendation on their visions and commitments towards creating conditions required to transform Nigeria into a truly shipping nation, as well as boost youths employment.
Speaking at the 4th All Nigerian Shipowners Annual Workshop and Dinner in Lagos, Adebayo Babatunde Sarumi specially thanked the Ship Owners Association of Nigerian (SOAN), and the leadership of the Government agencies for their patriotic spirits, altruistic commitment and noteworthy dedication to national interest, stressing that in spite of the great odds and challenges, he could now truly see a glowing light, at the end of the tunnel.
He stressed the need to fight for their rights, especially in the mission of growing the Nigerian shipping industry, acquiring vessels, participating in crude lifting and ship breaking; as well as expanding enduring opportunities for massive employment of Nigerian youths.
Speaking in a Welcome address, the Shipowners Chief, Greg Ogbeifun expressed satisfaction with the group’s commendable journey and achievements, both nationally and internationally, thanking stakeholders and core decision-makers for the various supports and assistance selflessly offered, in the overall interest of Nigerians.
“The true potential of the Nigerian Maritime Sector Cannot be realized without effective collaboration between policymakers, regulators, ship owning companies and other key stakeholders. It is on this premise that SOAN was inaugurated and launched to strengthen and sustain the desired connect among key players in the maritime sector while initiating and promoting discourse and activities on emerging issues in the sector for the sake of achieving a robust and holistic maritime agenda.
“Since her inauguration in November 2014, SOAN has become an important enabler of maritime discourse both within and outside Nigeria. In November 2015, SOAN was invited by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) to lead the private sector delegation to the Common Wealth Business Forum in Malta.
“Following that successful outing, the SOAN President was appointed member of the Advisory Board of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC)
Further, SOAN has through its engagements, increased government’s interest and participation in global maritime opportunities such as the Nigeria Maritime Autumn Event which was hold on the 28th of September 2016 with the Theme “Nigeria’s Maritime Industry as a Driver of Growth”.
Speaking further, he gave a breakdown of the ongoing engagements with some of the Government agencies, which would not only assist the Nigerian masses in the immediate future, but also transform the country into a truly shipping nation; mentioning areas of engagement with the relevant agencies.
For instance, the Shipowners are presently collaborating with the NIMASA in the areas of Cadetship training Scheme, Cabotage, waivers as well as securing Central Bank of Nigeria intervention funds and Special interest rates for the Maritime sector.
The SOAN President also highlighted that the body is also engaging the NCDMB, in the area of Vessel Categorization, Cadetship / Funding support;with the NAPIMS: Contract Terms, Vessel Hire Rates, Dollar/ Naira Payment Ratio; with the Federal Ministry of Transportation, CabotageVessel Financing Fund (CVFF); and with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron,on the issue of realistic and meaningful support on Cadetship Training.
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