By Udeme Clement

As part of the measures to attract foreign investors to Nigeria, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) will showcase its potentials at the Norway Shipping week slated for 2017.

The Director General of the Agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside made this known when the Norwegian Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, Mr. Ronny Berg and the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jens-Peter Kjemprud paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos.

Peterside who noted that Nigeria has a rich maritime heritage, said the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi will lead a delegation from Nigeria to the event, in order to meet relevant maritime stakeholders in Norway.

Barrister Matthew Egbadon Legal Adviser, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Mr Patrick Apkobolokemi Director-General NIMASA and Captain Baiyee Suleiman Consultant to the marine waste management plant of African Circle Pollution management company when NIMASA management visited the plant at the Snake Island in Lagos.

He said, “The delegation, to be led by the Minister of Transport will hold series of meetings with maritime stakeholders during the Norway shipping week, to discuss available opportunities in our maritime industry and how such potentials can be adequately harnessed to boost economic growth  and development”.

In his remarks, the Norwegian Deputy Minister of Trade said  Nigeria is Norway’s biggest trade partner in the continent of Africa, hence the need to strengthen the ties through cooperation and collaboration. “ Norway has had trade ties with Nigeria since the 1890s when stock fish from Norway was shipped into Nigeria. Norwegians have interest in investing in Nigeria, especially in the maritime sector and we are willing to support NIMASA in delivering a safe maritime economy”, he said.