NIMASA absolves self from detained Seafarers

The National Seafarers Welfare Board of Nigeria (NSWBN), have exonerated the management of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its present plight saying the agency has been supportive of the association.
The NSWBN Chairman, Otunba Kunle Folarin, who gave the clarification when he led members of the board on a courtesy visit to NIMASA management, added that the agency had been supportive in ensuring that the body “has a better living condition in line with international best practices.” News making the rounds allege that NIMASA abandoned seafarers to their fate.
A statement by Head, Corporate Communications, NIMASA Isichei Osamgbi, quoted the Otunba Folarin as saying that “For the records, NIMASA has no obligation for detained seafarers; rather they have been assisting us, especially in the area of their welfare”.
Speaking further, he commended the Agency for taking the centre stage in the Nigerian maritime sector by ensuring that Nigeria takes its rightful place in the comity of maritime nations.
He also called on other Stakeholders in the sector and Nigerians as a whole to support the quest of President Muhammadu Buhari to bring about a change to the sector, adding that it will in-turn affect the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.
Otunba Folarin who is also the Chairman of the Ports Consultative Council (PCC) also used the opportunity to call for more support from the Agency regarding the activities and well-being of the seafarers and pledged the unflinching support of the Board to the Agency in order to ensure the mandates of the Agency are fully realized.
On his part, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr.
Dakuku Peterside stated that the importance of seaborne trade cannot be overemphasized as over 90 per cent of goods are transported through the sea.
The DG who was represented by the Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Mr.
Gambo Ahmed stressed that the services of seafarers are critical to the shipping activity; hence they are the bedrock to realizing a robust maritime secto