The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commissioned the new building complex to house the eastern operations with increased revenue as a key expectation.
The Director-General (DG) of the Agency, Dr Bashir Jamoh, who made the disclosure at the commissioning ceremony on Sunday, May 28, 2023, expressed deep pain that the workers were sentenced to such condition as office, yet, people wanted them to deliver.
Dr Jamoh who said two bullet-proof buses were on the way to PH to help the workers enforce regulation, track offenders, and collect revenue from oil lifting activities, urged the workers to do far better than before.
About the new world class NIMASA zonal headquarters named after a maritime giant, Dr Magdalene Onyema Orakwusi, the DG said it is expected to double revenue from the south-south and that the workers have no further excuse.
The DG: “I am the happiest person to see the second largest zonal headquarters. It is a surprise that our zonal office has been in rented apartment since over 50 years despite huge resources in the Agency.
“I wonder how they were expected to perform our enforcement role and some other sensitive duties that NIMASA is expected to deliver. Now, get ready to think how to move the sector forward in this zone.”
He said the zone was expected to redouble their efforts to deliver world class services. “I must let you know that two bullet proof buses are on the way to your zone. You are expected to go out there and enforce regulation and carry out inspection and other duties.
“I will like to see revenue boost to overtake Wester zone. This is because oil lifting is higher here than in the West. This building belongs to Nigeria, not only to NIMASA, the custodians.’
He said NIMASA is now put on the radar along with other international agencies and institutions around the world.
The Minister, Mu-azu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, said the commissioning of the NIMASA zonal headquarters would help in the regulation of the maritime sector.
He said the successful establishment of the Maritime Clinic at the new zonal headquarters would be very beneficial to seafarers. He said they would continue to work for the nation’s economic development.
On her own, Dr Ajani urged the workers to maintain the facility. “Please put this building to maximum use, and maintain it. It is named after one of the giants of the maritime industry, Margaret Onyema Orakwusi who passed on in April 2023.”
Other dignitaries at the commissioning include Ag. Board Chairman of NIMASA, Mohammed Abubakar; Board Member, Hon Adekole Adefemi, and Mr Isechei, Director, Special Duties.
