NIMASA Reaffirms Commitment to Indigenous Capacity Under Cabotage Regime
The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to developing indigenous capacity and strengthening local participation in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Dr Mobereola stated this during a tour of the African Pioneer, an 8,000-tonne Nigerian-flagged Diving Support Vessel owned by Marine Platforms Limited.
He stressed that Nigerian-flagged vessels should be given priority in the country’s maritime operations, particularly under the Cabotage regime.
“Vessels such as this flying the Nigerian flag should have priority over any foreign vessel,” he said.
The NIMASA DG/CEO also disclosed that the agency is automating the Nigerian Ship Registry to make it more attractive and encourage more vessel owners and operators to register their ships under the Nigerian flag.
He said the initiative was part of efforts to deepen indigenous participation and ensure that Nigerian maritime operators derive greater benefits from the sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of Marine Platforms Limited, Mr Taofeek Adegbite, acknowledged the benefits the company has received from the Cabotage regime, expressing pride in operating the vessel under the Nigerian flag.
NIMASA Reaffirms Commitment to Indigenous Capacity Under Cabotage Regime