NIMASA TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR JOURNALISTS: EXPERTS HIGHLIGHT CARGO AS THE LIFELINE OF SHIPPING OPERATIONS
BY FAKEYE ADERONKE.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) recently held a training workshop for journalists, emphasizing the critical role of cargo in sustaining shipping operations. The event, which featured presentations from industry experts, aimed to enhance the understanding of maritime dynamics among media professionals.
“Cargo: The Sustainable Lifeline of Shipping”
In his presentation, Anthony Ogadi, a retired director from NIMASA’s Shipping Department, underscored the importance of cargo in the shipping industry.
He highlighted that cargo operations are the backbone of global shipping, driven by the dynamics of international trade. Ogadi explained that countries generating and shipping their own cargoes benefit from dual earnings—freight and cargo costs—along with potential insurance coverage for both cargo and haul. This economic advantage, he noted, is a key aspect of a robust shipping policy, which Nigeria should strive to emulate.
“Understanding the International Maritime Regulatory Framework’
Peter Agbamimoja, Deputy Director and Special Assistant to the Executive Director of Operations at NIMASA, presented the second paper, focusing on the international maritime regulatory framework. He traced the evolutThe of modern maritime law to the post-World War II era, highlighting the establishment of the United Nations in 1945. Agbamimoja emphasized the pivotal role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), founded as one of the UN’s first official acts, in maintaining maritime safety, preventing marine pollution, and addressing liability and compensation issues related to pollution.
Agbamimoja categorized the majority of IMO conventions into three main areas:
Maritime Safety: Ensuring the safety of vessels and crew.
Prevention of Marine Pollution: Protecting the marine environment from harmful substances.
Liability and Compensation: Addressing damages caused by pollution and ensuring adequate compensation.
Empowering Journalists with Maritime Knowledge
The workshop aimed to equip journalists with a deeper understanding of maritime laws, conventions, and the critical role of shipping in global trade. By fostering informed reportage, NIMASA hopes to enhance public awareness and support for the maritime sector, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola ,who was ably represented by the Director of Admin and Human Resources, Isichie Osamgbi, underscored the importance of the training and extolled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his progressive initiatives, especially the creation of Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and also assured a brighter future for Nigeria.
He sad, “There is no great nation without Maritime industry, the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy by the President is apt and is a laudable initiative. Honestly our country has a brighter future”.
Journalists in attendance praised the NIMASA initiative, calling for more such training sessions to further their knowledge and improve their coverage of maritime issues.
The event underscored NIMASA’s commitment to building capacity within the maritime industry and promoting positive narratives about Nigeria’s maritime sector.
