The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has expressed confidence that the hosting of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) will further enhance Nigeria’s quest of emerging a hub of maritime destination for the West and Central African region.
The Director General of NIMASA Daduku Peterside,noted that AAMA is currently the biggest maritime event on the continent bringing together all the major operators in Abuja for the duration of the event.
Also read:West Africa Modern Airports Conference
He added that apart from showcasing Nigeria’s maritime potential to the maritime community in Africa, it will also bring about interactions, business meetings, exchange of ideas and contacts among the maritime stakeholders across Africa including those from Nigeria.
“In addition to the maritime administrations that would be attending the event other critical stakeholders such as shipping companies, terminal operators, shipping agents, freight forwarders and other sundry maritime and shipping services providers would also be in attendance and this will bring about exchange of ideas and contacts with the Nigerian stakeholders.”
The NIMASA DG also said that 32 countries from all parts of Africa are expected to participate at the continental conference and a number of maritime stakeholder organisations around the world.
“The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) delegation will be led by Mr. Kitack Lim the Secretary General of IMO which is a United Nations specialised agency that regulates shipping globally, “he said.
The director general said that interactions among importers, exporters, shipping firms, freight forwarders and even chandelier’s, among several others will ultimately lead to increase in maritime activities in Nigeria thereby helping the country attain the desired hub port status within the sub-regions and ultimately advance the Nigerian economy.
He said that the convening of these Maritime Administrators in Nigeria would afford the country the opportunity of improving its economy via the maritime sector as issues such as Ports development and its modernisation, maritime tourism, shipbuilding and repairs will be at the front burner of the discussions.
