A stakeholder in the
maritime industry, Barr. Nwabueze Obi, has lauded the Director General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi, for his achievements and leadership style since he was saddled with the responsibility.
Obi, who made the commendation during a stakeholders forum in Port Harcourt yesterday, said the pratical steps taken by the Director General towards implementing the provisions of the NIMASA Act are worthy of commendation.
He said since the inception of the present NIMASA administration, there had been increased maritime security and safety awareness through the signing of memorandum of understandings (MoU’s) with the armed forces and related operatives.
According to him, during his administration, there had been increased training and certification of seafarers in line with international standards and regulations, prompt registration of ships, effective search and rescue services and snapping West Coast of African, among others.
Obi, who is also the Executive Director, Maritime Labour and cabotage services disclosed that Akpobohokemi’s administration had witnessed effective air and Coastal Surveillance resulting in the safety of the waterways, adequate control and prevention of marine pollution, growth of local and indigenous capacity in ownership, manning and construction of ships, as well as recruitment and training of surveyors and inspectors to perform port and flag state duties.
The administration increased participation at International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) activities resulting in the ratification and implementation of provisions of several conventions, he posited.
The stakeholder, however, urged all concerned to rally round the administration and its policies in order to enable it achieve more landmark goals.

Collins Barasimeye