Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside says the agency will queue behind the Federal Government to meet developmental needs in the Niger Delta region, especially as it relates to maritime administration.
Dakuku spoke against the background of the recent meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and representatives of the Niger Delta region under the aegis of Pan-Niger Delta Forum, at the State House, Abuja.
The meeting also had in attendance governors, ministers, service chiefs, traditional rulers, civil society groups, Inspector General of Police among others.
He stated that NIMASA was already partnering with the military and Nigerian Navy in securing the nation’s waterways, an action he says has reduced piracy especially in the Niger Delta and given new lease of life to maritime business. The DG of NIMASA also said the presidency is working on a new maritime security architecture for the country.
According to him, “NIMASA as a parastatal under the Ministry of Transportation will support every move by the Federal Government to bring about the much desired development in the Niger Delta region.
“We are already restructuring NIMASA in such a manner that more powers will be devolved to the zonal offices. The Eastern and Central Zones of which the Niger Delta is an integral part would be given facelift to make them more responsive to the demands of the time.”
Of particular concern to the region has been the issue of pollution due to oil exploration and exploitation and, transportation of petroleum products through the sea.
Not surprising, the issue of pollution was part of the 16-point demand tabled before President Buhari by the Pan-Niger Delta Forum.
Dakuku, however, says that NIMASA will diligently enforce marine environment and safety standards relating to logistics involved in the oil and gas sector, noting that incidents involving the sector tend to have devastating effects on the marine environment and inhabitants of coastal communities.
