NIMASA act amendment bill passes first reading, Senate disclose

The bill to amend the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act has passed the first reading on the floor of the Senate, Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, disclosed.

Eshinlokun, who made the disclosure during a working visit of the committee to NIMASA headquarters, noted that the senate is committed to formulating policies that will ensure Nigerians enjoy the benefits of the blue economy.

Speaking further, the Committee Chairman averred that a constructive evaluation of the existing maritime legal framework was necessary to ascertain gaps for possible review, pledging that the Senate under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio was committed to supporting the maritime sector, in line with the vision of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Let me inform you that the bill seeking amendment of the NIMASA Act has passed first reading on the floor of the senate.

I have to say on behalf of my colleagues that we are with you on this journey, and we will not hesitate to support your vision, in as much as such is geared towards enhancing the potential of the maritime sector for national growth and development,” Sani said.

The Committee members acknowledged NIMASA’s investment in acquisition and building of a strong safety and security architecture, reiterating that such effort was a confirmation that the agency was conscious of its mandate and strategic status as one of Nigeria’s major contributors to the country’s sustainable development.

A member of the Committee, Senator Abdul Ningi, commended NIMASA Management stating that much progress has been made over the years.

Ningi said “I have visited this agency over the years, and must note that much progress has been made over the years. You have done very well,” he said.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, noted that the agency is committed to both human capacity and infrastructural development to grow the Nigerian blue economy. Speaking further, Jamoh stated that a well-developed marine and blue economy would be strong enough to service Nigeria’s annual budget because it encompasses all economic activities associated with the oceans and seas.