As Media Gets “Castle” Contract

The assumption of duty by  Abubakar Dantsoho, on Monday, July 22, 2024, as the  Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA),  brings refreshing memory of how it went when Dr. Dayo Mobereola took over from Dr. Bashir Jamoh through Hon. Chudi Offodile (Executive Director, Finance and Administration) on Friday, March 22, 2024, as Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho took over from Mohammed Bello-Koko at the time tested, weather beaten, rugged and very familiar NPA House Marina, Lagos.

Assuming duty as DG NIMASA, at the  Kanti Towers, (now NIMASA Towers), Mobereola said:

“We must strive to foster innovation and excellence in everything we do. The maritime industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing market dynamics and evolving regulatory frameworks. As leaders in the sector, we must embrace innovation, adapt change, and continuously seek ways to enhance the efficiency, competitiveness, and resilience of our maritime operations”.

“I do not doubt that every individual within our organization has the potential to achieve greatness; we will therefore, ensure that we build a purpose-driven organisation by investing in our staff, processes, and the entire system to achieve our mandate. I aim to foster an environment of innovation, collaboration and synergy, creating an atmosphere that encourages the development of our employees’ skills, talents, and creativity”

For Dantsoho, he pledged to work tirelessly to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance the overall user experience in Nigerian ports.

His words “As we embark on this Journey together, I wish to seize this opportunity to state that our main goal is to reposition the Organization for increased productivity and greater efficiency for improved revenue generation to the Authority and country. We must rise up to the intense competition we face from our neighbors, we must work tirelessly to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance the overall user experience in our ports.

“I am confident that our predetermined objectives can be achieved through our collective efforts, therefore collaboration and teamwork will be the cornerstone of our success. I challenge you to come with me on this journey. Let me assure you that we will aim to pay closer attention to staff welfare by ensuring timely payment of emoluments, compensations and addressing issues of training & capacity development particularly for deserving employees who add value in their areas of deployment”

Maritime Nigeria notes with concern that none of these Maritime CEOs mentioned the very vibrant media on which they so much depend.

While Mobereola is over three months in office, efforts to reach him have been futile notwithstanding his reliance on media outlets for dissemination of information on the Agency.

Barrister Pius Akutah Ukeyima assumed duty as the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council on November 2, 2023.

“Over the years, the nation has been mulling the diversification of the economy from oil dependency to other revenue generating sectors, but this is the first time the Federal Government has taken a bold and pragmatic step by creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy” Akutah said on assumption of duty at the NSC.

Maritime Nigeria notes that Akutah has been reachable, interactive and very engaging.

What then shall we say; welcome together  or welcome apart to these three maritime CEOs?

Could Dantsoho be reached for interaction and engagements? Would he embrace the Maritime Media or keep them at the quayside in Burutu even as we urge him to work determinedly with focus instead of tirelessly to avoid breakdown in the course of this national assignment.

Is there a contract for a media “Castle, house boat, Floating or submersible dock” awarded already?

Time shall definitely reveal as the journey begins afresh at NSC, NIMASA and NPA.

We move and watch keenly.