The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has expressed its willingness to partner the Chinese Maritime Administration in ship breaking and recycling.
The Director-General of the agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, made this known during a courtesy visit by the Acting Chinese Consul General, Li Yong.
He said, “Cooperation among the global south countries is the way to drive emerging economies to the height of development. I commend the Chinese government for its willingness to strengthen the Nigerian-China relationship as evident in the major developmental projects across the country.
“However, we would like to partner the Chinese Maritime Administration in the areas of ship breaking and recycling, on-board training for cadets as well as technical support.”
He described collaboration with various stakeholders across the globe as fundamental to unlocking the maritime opportunities in Nigeria.
He charged the Chinese government to extend the collaboration to the Nigerian maritime sector, which described as critical to the growth of the African economy.
Peterside said, “The Nigerian maritime sector holds the key to unlocking the opportunities of the sector in the whole of Africa because of our strategic location, population and volume of trade. Therefore, if anyone wants to do business in Africa, Nigeria is the place of choice”.
Yong, in his response, expressed the desire of the Chinese Central Government to partner Nigeria in the areas of technological advancement and information sharing.
He said, “Our government is also determined to support Nigeria in the fight against piracy and other criminal activities at sea.”
In a similar development, Peterside appealed to the United States government to assist in the training and recruitment of the Nigeria Seafarers Development Programme cadets to the USA marine navy in order to enhance their competency and skills.
He made his request to the Consul General of the United States, John Bray, during his visit to the agency recently.
