By Frank Odinukaeze
As part of the gains of the visit of the International Maritime Organization’s ( IMO), Secretary General to Nigeria, there is hopes that Nigeria might return to the IMO Council seat next year 2023.
Minister of Transportation Engr. Mu’azu Jaji Sambo gave this indication on Tuesday during a familiarization tour of the NIMASA Resource facility at Kirikiri,Lagos, by the Secretary General of IMO,Kitack Lim.
Engr. Sambo noted that the visit of the IMO scribe is important because this is the most powerful official of the IMO coming to Nigeria.
“You don’t get them coming to any country anyhow. They have very busy schedules, ” he said
He added that the significance of the visit to Nigeria is the relationship which is quite robust which we have with the Secretary General in particular and the roles we have been playing in the maritime domain ,all play together to attract him to this country” he said.
An elated Sambo expressed joy over the publicity mileage the IMO secretary General’s visit has given the country globally.
“Today, Nigeria is the cynosure of all eyes all over the world by this singular event.And we remain grateful to the Secretary General. He is a friend of Nigeria and also a friend of Africa”he said.
The Transport minister noted that security is key as far as maritime is concerned, stressing that maritime security should be the concern of all.
He said the Secretary General is going to London better informed than before.
“And by the grace of God,next year ,Nigeria will clinch the council’s seat,” he assured.
Earlier, in his farewell speech ,Kitack Lim ,showered praises on Nigeria, convinced that Nigeria is indeed a great maritime nation.
His words,” I saw what they are doing ,as far as maritime is concerned” he said.
He noted that the function of NIMASA is ‘extremely’ important in terms of the implementation of the relevant IMO conventions.
He praised the leadership of the NIMASA DG,Dr.Bashir Jamoh in the maritime domain and equally praised the Minister of Transport for the warm hospitality accorded him since his arrival into the country.
” Since a day before today,I have been communicating with the Minister of Transportation in Nigeria Engr.Sambo.I was very ,very impressed to see the leadership. It is a powerful model of subtle leadership.I saw a very happy and productive communication between the minister and all other people” he noted.
He described the permanent Secretary,Federal Ministry of Transportation,Dr.Magdalene Ajani as ,” very efficient and devoted”.
He heaped praises on the management and staff of NIMASA,describing them as very “impressive”
He called on the Federal Ministry of Transport and NIMASA,to forge closer ties for the advancement and development of the maritime industry in Nigeria.
“I am looking forward to see more advancement and cooperation between the ministry of transport and NIMASA for the progress and development of the maritime industry in Nigeria” he said.
