NIMASA Reaffirms Commitment to Global Best Practices in Maritime Operations
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reiterated its dedication to ensuring that shipping in the country adheres to global best practices. This commitment was emphasized during a one-day workshop on maritime codes and conventions for maritime reporters organized by NIMASA in collaboration with MaxVal Associates Training and Management Consultancy in Lagos.
Peter Agbaminoja, Deputy Director of Legal Services at NIMASA and the workshop’s resource person, highlighted the ongoing efforts to establish binding rules for sea usage, ship deployment, and the protection of seafarers due to the significance of shipping in human prosperity, safety, and security.
He stressed that shipping will continue to play a crucial role in bulk transportation and global trade, presenting both innovative solutions and challenges at scientific and human levels.”
He stressed that shipping will continue to play a crucial role in bulk transportation and global trade, presenting both innovative solutions and challenges at scientific and human levels.”
According to him, the shipping business could only be successful if there is regional and cross-bounder collaboration and proper management of cyberspace.
Agbaminoja exposed the journalists to more knowledge about the various international conventions and treaties, which include, the United Nations International Convention on Lives at Sea (UNCLOS), Safety of Lives at Sea (SOLAS), Marine Pollution Regulation Convention (MARPOL), and the Standards for Safety and Watchkeeping (STCW), International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention and the International Maritime Labour Convention (IMLC) among others.
He said NIMASA is continuously working to improve its implementation/enforcement processes of these conventions, especially with the introduction of technology to provide guidance and reduce waste of resources in its enforcement efforts.
Agbaminoja said the maritime domain coverage systems comprising the existing satellite surveillance infrastructure such as the air, road and sea assets acquired under the Deep Blue Programme will provide additional leverage in this regard.
He said the agency also celebrates the significant reduction in piracy incidents in Nigerian waters due to various measures introduced recently by the Federal Government and the availability of the SPOMO Act 2019 for successful prosecution.
Agbaminoja said there are, however, some challenges anticipated going forward, which include, funding constraints, the need for a more efficient and abbreviated method for training enforcement officers especially maritime surveyors, stakeholder apathy, limited availability of platforms and emerging force-majeure type events such as COVID 19
He said nevertheless, there is reason to be hopeful just as the agency is expected to capitalise on some of the key opportunities, which include imminent improved maritime domain coverage and the multiplier effect of improved staff morale with the current management’s focus on staff welfare including the ending of stagnation.
Others, he noted include the expected boost to efficiency after the decentralisation of operations as well as improved mental fortitude and attitude amongst all staff after the rebranding of the agency.
