…Wants robust maritime policy within national transport policy
As the world marked the World Maritime Day 2020, the Nigeria Association of Master Mariners (NAMM) has called on the federal government of Nigeria to take steps toward granting import tax exemptions on imported ship spare parts by shipping practitioners in the country.
The President of the association, Captain Tajudeen Alao who made the call in a goodwill message on the occasion of the 2020 World Maritime Day celebration in Lagos with the theme “Sustainable Shipping for A Sustainable Planet – The Nigeria Dimension”, also called for a dedicated fishing harbour as well as a dedicated general/passenger terminal for ECOWAS trade.
Alao also pleaded for a workable and robust maritime policy within a national transport policy to be put into effect so that Nigeria could achieve a maritime hub for the West African sub-region.
“This we must achieve without destroying the ocean and environment for future generations. We are committed to the International Maritime Organization slogan – safer shipping, clean ocean and secured marine environment”, he added.
He however, on behalf of the stakeholders appealed to the honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi to assist in the acquisition of the Federal Secretariat Complex at Ikoyi, Lagos from the President for use as Headquarters of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) where according to him, the business of sustainable shipping and Nigeria as a maritime hub is regulated and coordinated.
The NAMM President therefore, congratulated the Nigerian government, Federal Ministry of Transportation, the National Assembly, the shipping practitioners, the International Maritime Organization and all mariners who had decided to make seafaring a career on the occasion of the World Maritime Day celebration.
“I want to state the pivotal role that the maritime industry plays in the economic development of a nation, more so, our country with many inland rivers, coastline of over 640 nautical miles and seaward limit of 200 nautical miles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“The high contribution of shipping activities to our GDP and value addition of untapped Blue Economy, coming timely with President’s drive on Economic diversification and wealth creation is worth embracing.
“Permit me to notice the commendable efforts of existing institutions of Transport Ministry in executing the government roadmap to sustainability. As we put into effect concrete actions to assist stakeholders with safe maritime domain, quick turnaround of ships, efficient evacuation of goods from the port environment with intermodal system, safe and clear port access roads and strategic manpower training, frustration and high cost of doing marine business shall be removed totally in Nigeria”, he submitted.
Photo: President, Nigeria Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), Capt. Tajudeen Alao.
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