Maritime Can Lead Nigeria Out Of Oil Dependency- NIMASA D-G

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The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Bashir Jamoh, has said that the agency has the prospect to lead Nigeria’s move to diversify its economy away from oil.

The DG said this in a statement signed by Philip Kyanet, Head, Corporate Communications.

The statement follows a lecture delivered by Jamoh at the National Defence College titled, ‘Maritime Security and National Development in Nigeria: The Role of NIMASA.’

The NIMASA boss said the country’s maritime industry has a huge potential to drive sustainable development in Nigeria.

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Over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings comes from crude oil export.

According to him, there are huge investment opportunities in shipbuilding and repairs, offshore/floating, spare parts sales and maintenance, freshwater bunkering and supply, dredging, and inland waterways transportation.

About 75 per cent of Gulf of Guinea-bound cargo comes into Nigeria annually.

Jamoh said, “Judging by a simple maritime resource mapping, and also research by reputable local and international organisations, it is clear that our marine environment can give us annually 30 times more than what we get from oil.

“There is boundless opportunity for investment in the sector, given the right conditions.”

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Jamie admitted the effect of maritime security issues on Nigeria, but said steps were already in place to tackle the problem.

He added, “We are tackling the security issues in our waters, and we know that the international community is concerned, and the stakeholders are mindful of our efforts.

“Those who do business in our maritime environment want to make sure that when they arrive Nigeria safely, they are also able to leave Nigeria safely.”

The maritime boss said the fiscal and monetary interventions by Nigerian government, the arrangements for better management of the NIMASA modular floating dock and stakeholder support systems were part of efforts to improve the sector.

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According to Jamoh, NIMASA has taken steps to create the right atmosphere for investment in the maritime sector.

He also cited the strengthening of cooperation between NIMASA and the security agencies as a move aimed at creating conducive environment for investors.

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