A delegation of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration is expected to meet with Nigeria’s Shipping sector this week. The courtesy visit aimed at establishing alliances that would boost the shipping interest of both countries.
Ms. Funmi Folorunso, Secretary General, Africa Ship-owners Association (ASA) disclosed this in a chat with newsmen during the weekend in Lagos.
She explained that the Sierra Leonean team had formally requested to meet with private investors and heads of government parastatals in the shipping industry so as to share experience and establish areas of collaboration for mutual good.
Folorunso further commended the efforts of the group which had visited Kenya and Ghana on the same mission stating that Pan-Africanism is the core of the African Union Commission’s Charter and the Agenda 2063.
She also alleged that considering the “extensive registry of vessels” in Sierra Leone, Nigeria could gain much from their pool of knowledge especially as regards growing the number of vessels flying the Nigerian flag.
The Secretary General expressed optimism that the meeting would stimulate the growth of the shipping sector and lead to increased synergy.
According to her, the meeting would avail parties involved the opportunity to establish an Africa wide shipping industry as proposed by Agenda 2063.
The delegation is expected to meet the Federal Ministry of Transport (FMOT), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC), Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shipowners, and private investors in the shipping sector.
