NIMASA, BoI partner to boost maritime sector potential
By Steve Agbota
To bolster the Nigerian maritime sector, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Bank of Industry (BoI) have embarked on discussions to explore strategic collaborations aimed at expanding the sector’s capacity.
During a recent visit by the Bank of Industry’s management team, led by Mrs. Ifeoma Uz’Okpala, Executive Director of Large Enterprises, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director General of NIMASA, represented by Mr. Jibril Abba, Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, detailed their vision. “Our mandate extends beyond safety, security, and maritime labor to include a robust capacity development strategy aimed at advancing the maritime sector,” Abba explained.
He reiterated NIMASA’s unwavering commitment to leveraging partnerships as a vital tool to achieve its goals, aligning with the Federal Government’s broader vision to reposition the maritime sector. This vision includes the recent establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which aims to enhance the sector’s growth and efficiency.
Mrs. Uz’Okpala affirmed the Bank of Industry’s readiness to provide essential support to NIMASA. She highlighted the critical role of collaboration in implementing comprehensive capacity-building initiatives that will contribute to Nigeria’s economic development. “The Bank of Industry is eager to work closely with NIMASA to support the strategic growth of the maritime sector, ensuring that our initiatives effectively contribute to national economic progress,” she stated.
The Bank of Industry Limited, Nigeria’s oldest and largest Development Finance Institution (DFI), plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic landscape. It is primarily owned by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (94.80 percent), with the Central Bank of Nigeria holding 5.19 percent, and private shareholders contributing 0.01 percent. This partnership marks a promising step towards enhancing the maritime sector’s infrastructure and capabilities, reinforcing Nigeria’s position in the global maritime industry.
