Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has said that the Federal Government is not satisfied with the performance of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as well as seaports across the country. He also added that the government would work hard to make NIMASA and the seaports more efficient.

Amaechi revealed this when he received the Executive Committee of the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES).

“We are committed to moving the maritime sector forward. I don’t feel happy seeing the seaports the way they are; I am not happy seeing NIMASA the way it is; I am not happy with the problem of insecurity in our waterways; and I believe that working together, we can resolve some of these challenges,” Amaechi said.

The President of the AMES, Mr. Charles Uwadia, disclosed that Nigeria’s maritime sector was 50 years behind those of developed nations, while lamenting about the problems in the sector. He also said that efforts must be put in place for the development of the sector.

Uwadia said, “We believe the present lapses in the maritime sector are lack of in-depth technical input into the maritime policies and their implementation in line with international best practices and realities.

“The decline in standard, quality and profitability of the ships of Nigerian flag can be traced to their poor technical standards occasioned by the owners’ reluctance to comply with national and international standards and regulations. It is AMES’ opinion that there is the need for a holistic review of the Nigerian maritime industry’s human capacity development.

“We are willing to partner with the ministry to move the industry forward. Which is why we came to invite the minister to the summit we are having in April in Lagos where we will discuss all the problems facing the industry.”

The Minister however expressed interest in working with various experts in the industry to help develop the sector and position it to greater heights.

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