The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has urged Nigerians to invest in the many viable opportunities to earn in the Nigerian maritime industry.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, gave the advice in Enugu during the NIMASA Special Day at the ongoing 31stEnugu International Trade Fair.
Jamoh, represented by Mr. Victor Onuzuruike, Director of Special Duties, noted that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) could come in and provide services and products needed by seafarers and also tap into the enormous wealth of the blue economy.
He noted that ordinary Nigerians with low startup capital could engage in the making of fishing nets, provide big threads for pulling or anchoring lightships, boats, ferries, tugs among others.
“Nigerians at the SMEs level can also provide catering services for seafarers and their on-land support staff; provide vessel cleaning, laundry and refuse collection services.
“You can tap from the maritime business by providing fresh and hygienic water on board of vessels as well as painting, decoration and wielding services as well.
“All these are just what Nigerians can do in the coastlines and earn a living while employing some hands as well to assist them,’’ he said.
Jamoh, however, noted that apart from the popular clearing and forwarding as well as trucking services; Nigerians could also provide storage facilities, cold stores, and security patrol services on-shore and in-land offices of the shipping companies.
The director-general noted that the maritime industry was not only for the very rich or big time players; as some lower products and services needed in the sector had been reserved for Nigerians by the Cabotage law.
He also urged Nigerians to take advantage of free short-term seafaring training as well as other programmes of the Maritime University, to learn more about the sea and get employed to work directly on ships.
Earlier, President of the Chamber, Chief Emeka Nwandu, noted that NIMASA had provided the needed security and safety in the nation’s coastlines.
Nwandu called on Nigerians to take advantage of the SMEs businesses opened at the ports and other coastline areas.
This year’s Fair theme is: “Advancing the Growth of SMEs through Corporate Governance for Rapid Economic Development’’.
