By Kenneth Jukpor
As the four years administration of Dr. Dakuku Peterside as the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) ends tomorrow, Dakuku would be handing over to Dr. Bashir Jamoh, presently Executive Director, Finance and Administration at the agency.
Dr. Dakuku revealed this during an exclusive chat with MMS Plus newspaper today at the NIMASA headquarters, stating that a hand-over ceremony is scheduled to take place at the agency’s headquarters tomorrow.
The outgoing NIMASA boss said that he had no regrets with the performance of the agency under his guidance.
“When the President appointed me as Director General of NIMASA, it was clear to me that it was four-year tenure. I was focused on delivering within the space of four years. I may not have delivered on all that we have set out to achieve because we realized that there were certain variables of government processes and procedures.”
“I am more than satisfied that my team has lifted NIMASA from where it was. There is new focus, energy and passion as staff now have confidence in themselves. The members of staff know that they work in one of the best regulatory agencies in Nigeria and in Africa,” Dakuku said.
Meanwhile, he revealed that the agency got another achievement today, saying “I have just been informed this morning that the rating agency for ISO has approved NIMASA’s ISO certification. So, the next thing is for us to get the certificates. What else can anybody ask for?”
He commended the members of staff at the agency, describing them as some of the best public servants he ever came across.
“I met some of the best public servants in NIMASA when I got here. They were very desirous to work and willing to deliver. All they asked for was an opportunity and necessary tools to do their work. They lacked leadership at some point but we gave leadership, opportunities and direction. We also brought new levels of energy and I don’t think anybody can take away this from us.” he added.
Although the handing-over ceremony is expected to take place tomorrow, there is still ambiguity on the basis which Dr. Bashir Jamoh would operate with no clear statement by the Presidency or the Ministry of Transportation on his appointment as Director-General.
Meanwhile, inside sources at NIMASA have debunked the allegation that Dakuku employed one hundred persons at the agency over the weekend.
