The Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) has given its support to Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), to lead African maritime sector revival, for the economic benefit of the continent, following his recent election as the Chairman, of the Association of Heads of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA).

The support was expressed in a congratulatory message to the NIMASA DG by SOAN, signed by the President of the association, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, on Dakuku’s election as Chairman of AAMA at its 3rd conference, held in Abuja from April 19 – 21. The group stated that, his election to lead African Maritime Administrators did not come as a surprise, noting that since he assumed office, he has shown dexterity in ensuring a virile Nigerian maritime sector that can compete favourably in the comity of maritime nations.

“Your election did not come to us as a surprise, but a proof of your worth in the business of rejuvenating the maritime sector for optimum growth and prosperity of the Nigerian economy, anchored on efficient and profitable management of men and other resources,” the letter reads.

While also urging Dakuku to bring his wealth of experience to bear in leading AAMA, SOAN pledged their continuous support to the developmental initiative of NIMASA towards repositioning the maritime sector for greater efficiency and performance.

This is also coming at the heels of the congratulatory message sent to the NIMASA DG by President Muhammadu Buhari where he acknowledged NIMASA’s encouraging performance under Dr Peterside in the fight against Sea Piracy through inter agency cooperation. President Buhari also described the election of the DG NIMASA as the chairman of the continental body to be a confirmation that the country has the human capital required to make Nigeria a leading maritime nation, adding that Dakuku’s election also places Nigeria in a pivotal position to rally other maritime administrations in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) towards safer global maritime activities.

AAMA was formed following the signing of the African Transport and Maritime Charter in 2012 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to bring together all players in the African maritime sector. The Association is an umbrella body of five African Maritime Stakeholders’ groups namely: Association of Maritime Administrations of Africa, Africa’s Ship Registry Forum, African Ship Owners Association as well as Africa Shippers’ Council and Seafarers’ Forum with the aim of promoting the development of Africa’s maritime regulatory and maritime environment

It would be recalled that Dr. Dakuku Peterside was unanimously elected to lead the continental body as the Chairman during the just concluded 3rd conference of the Association of African Maritime Heads in Abuja. He takes over from Mr. Sobantu Tilayi, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of South African Maritime and Safety Agency (SAMSA) who held sway since 2013.

•From Left: Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Hassan Bello, Director General NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Outgoing Chairman of AAMA, Mr. Sobantu Tilayi and the Chairman, Governing Board of NIMASA, Major General Jonathan India Garba (Rtd), during the AAMA Conference which held in Abuja recently.

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