Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety
Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Bashir Jamoh has stated that the guidelines for
vessels calling at the Nigerian Ports recently issued by the Agency was
to ensure shipping activities continue in a way that would not allow the
spread of COVID-19.
Dr. Jamoh who stated this when the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian
Shippers’ Council, Barrister Hassan Bello led some stakeholders,
including shipping companies to the NIMASA head office, in Lagos, also
said that while the Federal Government is concerned about the lives of
the citizens in the country, the economy must be sustained, hence the
need for collaboration with relevant Agencies, like the Shippers’
Council.
While also acknowledging the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has
slowed down activities in the sector, he appealed for more understanding
as the global economy is going through a trying time, of which Nigeria
is not exempted.
“We are in trying times and all hands must be on deck to sustain the
Nigerian economy. Let me assure all stakeholders and the shipping
community that on our part as a regulatory Agency we will continue to
embrace collaboration. This is a phase and it will soon be over, because
today’s pains are necessary for tomorrow’s gains”, Jamoh said.
Speaking further on the guidelines, Dr. Jamoh noted that it was issued
based on consultations with the International Maritime Organisation
(IMO) and in line with best global practices, adding that the guidelines
are still open to review as time goes on, all in the best interest of
everybody involved.
“The world was not prepared for the pandemic and that is why we are
trying to ease the pressure on our industry, while taking necessary
precautions to safeguard lives. We will continue to review these
guidelines where necessary to ensure that shipping does not suffer,
especially when it comes to movement of medical facilities through the
sea”, the DG said.
In the same vein, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’
Council, Barrister Hassan Bello, corroborated the stance of the NIMASA
DG and appealed for more cooperation and collaboration from the shipping
companies and stakeholders in the sector. He gave the assurance that
Federal Government Agencies in the sector will endeavor to work together
and synergise to ensure ease of information sharing through a single
data window, as it will help the sector to grow.
Accordingly, he stated that “at this period, we must sustain our economy
through shipping, though it is a delicate balance, considering the havoc
the pandemic has caused the globe that is why we are working hand in
hand to ensure ports activities continue, while not being detrimental to
human lives”.
Earlier, representatives of some shipping companies, who attended the
meeting appealed to the Agency to consider voyages less than 14 days in
the marine notice review in order to avoid undue delay and port
congestion. They also commended the proactive efforts of the Agency in
issuing the notice.
The Managing Director, PIL Shipping, Jack Langrishe, Managing Director,
Ports & Terminal Multiservice Limited, Ascanio Russo, General Manager,
ARKAS Line, Iain Lindsay, and the Executive Directors of NIMASA were
also present at the meeting.