President Muhammadu Buhari will later this month on April 20 meet a body of African Maritime leaders under the aegis of Association of African Maritime Administration (AAMA) from across the continent to brainstorm on ways in which Africa can come together to maximize the economic opportunities of the continent’s large ocean.
According to a statement signed on Sunday by NIMASA’s Deputy Director, Public Relations Isichei Osamgbi, the meeting, which is part of the third edition of AAMA Conference being organized by Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in conjunction with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) will attract the participation of over 32 African countries, as well as other maritime countries across the globe with representative from IMO and major shipping Line operators.
Increased interest in growing the maritime industry and need to evolve a stronger economy by boosting non-oil revenue sources is a major part of the Buhari Government economic policy thrust, hence the Federal Government’s huge interest in encouraging greater cooperation among African nation to enable them make the best of the opportunity.
President Buhari who had earlier approved the participation of Nigeria through NIMASA in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) council election coming later in the year, will also address the conference on certain policy directions of his administration as it concerns the maritime industry. The President will also be unveiling the new NIMASA, brand during the three day event.
AAMA Conference will also feature notable speakers like the Secretary General of IMO, Mr. Kitack Lim, Chief Executive Officer of South African Maritime and Safety Agency (SAMSA), Sobaitu Tilayi, Malaysian Maritime Authority and European maritime association among others.
On the side-lines of the conference, the NIMASA Management will also hold strategic sessions to garner support for Nigeria’s bid for category “C” seat on the council of IMO.
The council is the highest decision making body of the IMO and Nigeria’s participation will further add value to the economy through participation in critical decision making sessions on global maritime affairs.
Nigeria controls the highest cargo throughout in the West and Central African regions with over 200 million metric tonnes of cargo annually and more than 6000 ocean going vessels calling at her ports yearly, sitting on the council will further reinforce the country’s leading role in the maritime industry in Africa.