NIMASA Unveils Ambitious Plans to Boost Maritime Industry’s GDP Contribution

Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has outlined an extensive agenda aimed at elevating the sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Speaking at a media interaction in Lagos today – August 12, 2024, Mobereola shed light on the agency’s vision under his leadership, which includes a focus on developing Nigeria’s blue economy and addressing critical issues in the maritime sector.

Mobereola emphasised that increasing the maritime industry’s GDP contribution necessitates a comprehensive and productive approach across all local maritime activities. This includes bolstering cabotage trading, promoting vessel acquisition by local shipowners, and ensuring a steady availability of cargo.

According to Mobereola, these efforts are integral to advancing the sector’s economic impact.

Key to NIMASA’s strategy is the deployment of a modular floating dock and enhancing the quality of training for cadets. Mobereola stressed the importance of reviewing the vessel crew engagement process and ensuring that cadets produced under the National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) are well-prepared for the industry.

“There’s no single day we don’t deliberate on these issues,” Mobereola remarked, underscoring the agency’s commitment to addressing these challenges.

The NIMASA DG also addressed the status of the Cabotage Vessels Financing Fund (CVFF), stating that the fund remains secure with the government.

He emphasised the need for careful planning in the disbursement process to ensure that the funds benefit those actively engaged in the industry, noting that both national and international factors are considered in the disbursement, highlighting the need for cargo availability to make the vessels operational.

In addition, Mobereola pointed out the potential for significant foreign exchange earnings through the exportation of seafarers. Drawing a comparison with the Philippines, where seafarers repatriate $26 billion annually, he stressed the importance of high-quality training for local seafarers.

“Their seafarers are not better humans than our own. It is a matter of good training. Many countries are looking for good seafarers and we don’t want to send out half-baked seafarers. We are working on it,” Mobereola said, reiterating NIMASA’s commitment to producing well-trained professionals ready for the global maritime industry.

Overall, Dr. Dayo Mobereola’s ambitious plans reflect a concerted effort to transform Nigeria’s maritime sector into a robust contributor to the nation’s economy, with a focus on sustainable growth, capacity development, and strategic investments.