The Honorable Minister of Transport, Alhaji  Yusuf Suleman has commended the Management of the Nigerian Maritime  Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, for  the successful completion and putting to use the Nigerian Maritime  Resource Development Center, NMRDC, located in Kirikiri area of Lagos.

The Minister who made the commendation after carrying out a facility tour of the Center, said that the NIMASA Management is on the right path adding that if they continue, the goals of the visionaries of the  Nigerian Maritime Resource Center will be achieved in the not too distant future.

In his words, “having been part of the original plan and design of this project, I am really impressed on the progress of work which is now near completion. I congratulate all those who have been part of this project and hope it will truly serve the Nigerian maritime industry” he said.

While restating his commitment to completing the entire project before May 2011, The Honorable Minister advised stakeholders in the maritime sector across the sub region to take advantage of the facilities located within the complex to improve on their competencies.

Alhaji Suleman also  commended the partnership between  NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy  which has enhanced the  effective monitoring of the nations coastal waters via the successful implementation of the  Automated Identification System, (AIS) and the Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)  system.

The Managing Director of the  Nigerian Ports Authority, Malam Mohammed Abdulsalam  who was also on the Minister’s entourage, noted that incorporating the radio room on the  control towers at the nations seaport will also enhance security at the ports.

Facilities inspected by the Honourable Minister included the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center, the Administrative Block, Multipurpose Hall, Lecture theatre, Library Complex, the Search and Rescue Helipad and the 48 room Guest House. All the facilities are located within the premises of the Resource Development Center.