Tinubu reaffirms commitment to Nigeria’s maritime development

 

Maureen Aguta

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s maritime sector into a major engine of economic growth, investment and job creation.

 

The President gave the assurance when he received the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, at the State House, Abuja.

 

The meeting focused on developments in the maritime sector, NIMASA’s performance over the past two years and the challenges confronting the agency and the industry.

 

Mobereola briefed the President on the progress recorded by NIMASA under his leadership, outlining key developments within the agency as well as areas requiring further government intervention to strengthen the maritime industry.

 

Tinubu, while responding to the briefing, said his administration remained committed to the continuous development of the maritime sector, stressing its strategic importance to Nigeria’s economic future.

 

The President said the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy was a deliberate policy decision to reposition the sector and enable it to contribute more substantially to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 

According to him, Nigeria must fully harness the economic opportunities presented by its maritime domain, particularly in areas capable of generating revenue, creating employment and attracting both domestic and foreign investment.

The President commended NIMASA for the progress recorded in recent years but urged the agency not to relent in its efforts to reform and strengthen the sector.

 

He specifically charged Mobereola and his management team to remain focused and sustain the momentum, stressing the need to translate government policies on the marine and blue economy into measurable economic gains.

 

The meeting underscores the growing importance attached to Nigeria’s maritime economy as the Federal Government seeks to diversify the nation’s revenue base and reduce dependence on crude oil.

 

With Nigeria possessing an extensive coastline and significant inland waterways, the maritime sector has been identified as having substantial potential in shipping, port services, marine transportation, offshore activities, fisheries, logistics and other components of the blue economy.

 

NIMASA, as the country’s principal maritime regulatory agency, is expected to play a critical role in driving the government’s maritime agenda through effective regulation, improved safety standards, capacity development and measures aimed at making Nigeria’s maritime space more competitive.

 

The President’s directive comes as stakeholders continue to demand stronger investment, policy consistency and improved infrastructure to enable Nigeria to capture a larger share of the economic opportunities available in the global maritime industry.