The Norwegian Government has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for her leading role in ensuring Safety and Security in the Gulf of Guinea and declared her readiness to deepen relationship with Nigeria.
In a statement, the Assistant Director, Public Relations of
NIMASA Osagie Edward, quoted Huitfeldt as saying that “the Norwegian Government
is happy to be in collaboration with NIMASA and Nigeria as a whole, with
regards to the maritime sector today. The safety and security of vessels and
Seafarers particularly in the Gulf of Guinea is highly prioritised by the
Norwegian government. Therefore, Nigeria is a very important partner for
Norway. We came here with shipowners from Norway to explore ways of
collaboration to deepen the relationship between both countries, particularly
in the area of capacity development. NIMASA has progressed very well in
achieving her vision of being the leading Maritime Administration in Africa”.
On his part, the Director General of NIMASA Dr. Bashir
Jamoh, assured the Norwegian delegation that the Agency in collaboration with
other organs of government particularly the Nigerian Navy would deepen regional
collaboration to sustain the momentum of improved security in the region. He
also noted that the soon to be disbursed Cabotage Vessel Financing Funds CVFF
would serve as a catalyst for shipping development in the country.
“We are mindful of the importance of collaboration in
driving the growth of the Nigerian maritime sector, hence we will continue to
partner with relevant security agencies like the Nigerian Navy and other global
partners in order to sustain the momentum of securing the Nigeria waters and
the Gulf of Guinea”, Jamoh said.
Speaking on the CVFF issues, the DG said, “We are at the last stage of disbursing the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, as the Ministry has met with all parties involved; as soon as the modalities are set, shipowners should rest assured that the funds will be disbursed very soon”.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director Norwegian Ship owners
Association Audun Halvorsen informed that their association with over 1700
members is looking forward to collaborating with NIMASA and shipowners in
Nigeria in the areas of investment and capacity development.
During the visit, her team toured the Marine Environment
Management Laboratory and the Command, Control, Computer, Communication and
Information Center, otherwise known as the C4i Center of the Deep Blue Project,
both located at the Agency’s operational office at Kirikiri, Lagos.