Peace Obi
To attain economic growth and development of the nation’s maritime sector, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, has reiterated the need to ensure safety on our waterways.
He argued that piracy activities are capable of robbing the nation the much needed economic growth and confidence from the international community if piracy is not checked.
Receiving the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Samuel Ilesanmi Alade on a courtesy visit to Maritime House, the corporate headquarters of NIMASA in Lagos recently, Akpobolokemi commended Nigerian Navy’s partnership with NIMASA in fighting piracy over the years.
Describing both institutions as partners in progress, he stressed the need for the two organizations to continue to work together for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.
His words: ‚ÄúPiracy is capable of crippling the nation‚Äôs economy. Since shipping largely contributes to the growth of any economy, the economy cannot thrive where piracy activities are carried out. And as regulatory agency, NIMASA owe the international community the obligation to assure the safety of their vessels, crew and cargo in order to foster shipping trade between Nigeria and the rest of the world.”
Alade in his response assured NIMASA boss of a more mutually beneficial relationship with the Navy and that his command is committed to the task of ensuring safety on the nation’s coastal ways and making it attractive to potential investors.
“The Nigerian Navy will ensure that the partnership between it and NIMASA grows from strength to strength and will continue to work hard to ensure that the nation’s maritime sector is more attractive and business friendly to potential investors,” he said.
Via: http://www.thisdaylive.com/
