From Left: The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, IMO Secretary General Mr. Kitack Lim and Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative (APR) to the IMO, Mr. Diko Bala during the visit to the IMO head quarters in London

The knotty issue of sea time and other maritime matters affecting greater development of shipping/maritime operations and services in Nigeria may soon become a thing of the past, Maritime Nigeria can authoritatively report.

In the past few weeks, Nigeria’s transport minister, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi has been in talks with local and international maritime stakeholders culminating in his visit to the  Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, IMO, Mr.  Kitack Lim at IMO headquarters, London to seek greater collaboration for sustainable development of the Nigerian maritime industry.

While thanking the IMO scribe for the Technical Assistance the Nigeria has benefitted from the IMO, Amaechi asked for technical support in the global fight against piracy and maritime education/trainings especially at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron with a view to reviewing programmes and curriculum of the Academy to comply with the 2010 amendments to STCW and support to secure sea time training for graduates of the institution.

The Nigerian transport minister also informed the IMO helmsman that

“Nigeria has already put in place action plans and initiatives through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA for the implementation of the code of conduct entered into by the Heads of States and Governments of ECOWAS, ECCAS and the Gulf of Guinea Commission on the fight against piracy, sea robbery and other maritime crimes”.

On the outcome, findings and observations from the recently concluded IMO Member States Audit Scheme (IMSAS) of Nigeria. Mr. Lim was assured that the report is being studied. This, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi disclosed was towards “preparing and implementing Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) within the stipulated time frame”.

Commending Nigeria for its commitment in meeting obligations of the IMO and other International Organisations, the IMO Secretary General promised Nigeria of the cooperation/support by IMO in the areas of continuous trainings in Maritime Security, Search and Rescue (SAR), Port State Control (PSC) and capacity building for Instructors of MAN Oron.

While observing that sea time training has become a global concern, Mr. Lim gave Nigeria his word that the IMO would reach out to shipping companies towards engaging Nigerian Cadets on board vessels.

With this international collaboration with the IMO and the assurances given to Nigeria by Mr. Kitack Lim in London, several of the challenges will obviously be taken care of in a very short while.