By Godfrey Bivbere
Operators in the maritime industry have listed areas of concentration for the new helmsman of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi to focus on if he most succeed in his new assignment.

The operators who are of the opinion that unless the new NIMASA boss concentrates on empowering Nigerian Shipowners through the Cabotage Act, effective implementation of Shiiping Act and the agency enabling law, he is set to fail.

Spokesman of Maritime Advocacy Group (MAG), a maritime advocacy group, Mr. Val Usifoh, stressed the need for the new management to focus on capacity building, as well as provide opportunity for Nigerians to enter into industry to compete with their foreign counter parts.

When contacted, Registrar of the Charter Institute of Shipping (CIS), Dr. Alex Okwuashe, told Vanguard that government has not been fear to the maritime industry because policy implementation has not been consistent as a result of frequent changes.

Okwuashe pointed out that the advantage of empowering Nigerians to take charge of shipping business in the country is enormous.
Factional President of the National Council of Managing Director of Licensed Customs Agency (NCMDLCA), Mr. Lucky Amiwero, said there is need for the new NIMASA boss to focus on implementation of the National Shipping Act and the Act establishing the Agency.

Amiwero noted that his (new DG) being a none maritime person does not mean that he would fail. He stressed the need for the new helms man to tap from the personnel of the Agency.

He however expressed regret that a lot of the personnel in NIMASA are none maritime professionals.