NIMASA reiterates readiness to partner Lagos state govt. on waterway security
Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency, (NIMASA), has expressed readiness to partner with the Lagos state government to strengthen maritime security.
The Director General of the agency, Dr. Bashir Jamoh made the intention know a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday. Jamoh visited the Governor with top management of the agency.
While speaking at the visit, Jamoh reiterated that the extinction of the fishing industry was due to insecurity on the waterways, saying that the agency was ready to partner with Lagos State to ensure safety on the waterways which in turn enhance the return of fishing on the sea.
“We are seeing the extinction of the of the fishery industry due to maritime insecurity. 98 percent of the maritime insecurity originates from land to sea but Lagos still remains the state that has the highest maritime security.
“We are also looking at the ferry services as the alternative means of transportation so we can reduce the level of traffic congestion we are experiencing. Another area has to do with the shipping extension and development so that our visions which we envisaged in the next 20 years will take us to the Promised Land,” Jamoh said, noting that the Blue Economy, which is the use of the ocean for economic growth, will increase livelihood and enhance the well being of our people.
The state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in his response noted that the state is responsible for over 70 per cent maritime activities, there is need to work collaboratively.
‘’As a government, we are ready to work hand in hand with you. We will commission the Lekki Port before the end of this administration so we can de-congest Apapa. We are willing and ready. We want to see that real synergy.
“Another area of partnership is in the area of wreckage. Once we find those wreckage, we should put them out. We are at the stage of completing 15 jetties in the state. We have moved over 250,000 passengers through our ferries in less than a year. Our plan is to develop the waterways where people do a lot. It is a deliberate strategy we need to look , ” Sanwo-Olu said.
