By Steve Agbota
The Chief Executives of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), have described the review of enabling Acts as crucial to the agencies’ performance.
Both agencies’ helmsmen made the observation when the newly-appointed Executive Secretary of NSC, Pius Ukeyima visited NIMASA headquarters on a courtesy call.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, in his welcome address, said that the role enabling Acts play in the performance and effectiveness of agencies of government was strategic and crucial.
While disclosing that much progress has been made by the National Assembly to enact a reviewed NIMASA Act, Dr. Jamoh expressed optimism that it will greatly enhance the performance of the agency.
“Your visit is a welcome development and the cooperation you seek is vital for the success of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry. I must inform you that we have made much progress in our effort to review our enabling laws. This is to enhance our performance as an Agency.
“Now that you have come on board, it is worthy of note that the Nigerian Shippers Council Act was enacted through Decree 13 of 1978, and you will agree with me that modern day reality may necessitate another look at your enabling Act,” he said.
On his part, the Shipper’s Council boss commended the management of NIMASA for her achievements, which he noted would spur the take-off of the Marine and Blue Economy sector.
“I must commend NIMASA management for the visionary leadership under Dr Jamoh. During some of our sessions at the Ministerial level, I admire the achievements of NIMASA Management during presentations. We thus seek collaboration so we can leverage on these feats.
“Nigerian Shippers’ Council is the nation’s port economic regulator and a trade facilitation agency with the responsibility to promote fair trade practices in the industry amongst the providers and consumers of shipping and port services.
“The Council’s mandate is to establish an enabling environment for all stakeholders by instituting an efficient and effective economic regulatory system in the transport sector,” he added.