The newly appointed director-general, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Bashir Jamoh, yesterday assumed office with a pledge to deepen engagements with industry stakeholders and formulate policies favourable to the maritime sector.
The NIMASA boss who made the pledge on his assumption of office in Lagos shortly after taking over from Dr. Dakuku Peterside also promised to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor.
Speaking shortly after he was handed the baton of the agency, Jamoh also promised to harness the viable blue economy for the country. “Since government is a continuum, we shall hit the ground running immediately. We shall study your handover notes diligently to ensure continuity of leadership for the sector,” he said.
He said his administration shall also listen to and engage more frequently with all stakeholders both internal and external.
Jamoh while congratulating Peterside on the completion of his tenure described him as a strategist, planner, executioner and articulate person full of energy, passion and dedication.
According to Jamoh, “Today marks a turning point in the history and existence of NIMASA. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to NIMASA as I take the mantle of leadership of this great and strategic agency as the sixth director-general.
He said he was confident that with continuous support, and the calibre of persons in the incoming executive management and board, the agency will achieve the ideals that informed its establishment in line with global best practises.
“As you already know, NIMASA has the core mandate of promoting and regulating shipping in the country. Concomitant with this mandate is the responsibility of ensuring safety of the Nigerian maritime domain for ease of maritime transportation, which is one of the critical catalysts for economic development.
“It is in realisation of this, and in pursuit of the Next Level agenda of the President Mohammadu Buhari administration that I urge you all to join hands with us to build an enduring and prosperous maritime sector.”
“On this note, I will like to thank my predecessor, Dr. Dakuku Peterside and indeed the outgoing board of the agency for their resilience, team spirit and vision to make NIMASA a leading maritime light on the African continent,” he said.
Jamoh acknowledged the great strides the team has made in the area of maritime safety and security, particularly with the Deep Blue project and ensuring the enactment of the anti-piracy law. “On expectations from us, we shall hit the ground running immediately.
“We shall study our handover notes diligently to ensure continuity of leadership for the maritime sector. I can assure you that we will consolidate on these efforts and take them further, as we continue to pursue the ideals of a viable Blue Economy for our country.”
Speaking earlier, the former DG of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside commended President Muhammadu Buhari for picking Dr. Jamoh, a technocrat and a maritime insider to replace him. He also stated how he transformed NIMASA from a reputation challenged agency to world class.
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