The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Kitack Lim has described Nigeria as a very important nation with a strategic role in maritime and global economy.
According to the IMO boss, who was speaking during his the meet and greet reception hosted in his honor by stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime industry, the country’s relevance is not only to Africa, but to the global economy.
His words “This is my first time in Nigeria. I thank the Honorable Minister of Transportation, Engineer Jaji Sambo and his team from the Ministry for inviting me. I also want to thank the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh and other industry stakeholders. As far as I am concerned, Nigeria is one of the most important countries not only for Africa but in the global economy. The country is blessed with huge potentials, huge natural resources, and above all very nice people. I have had pleasant experience from my interactions with Nigerians at the IMO, and I am excited to be here”.
Kitack Lim who is from Korea, added that Koreans consider Nigeria a dream land and expressed hope for more cooperation between both countries in future.
The Minister of Transportation, Engr. Mu’azu Jaji Sambo; Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani; Heads of Agencies under the Ministry, and stakeholders from the Nigerian maritime industry were on hand to meet the IMO Secretary General.
Kitack Lim will be attending the Nigeria International Maritime Summit (NIMS) which commences in Lagos today, while he is also expected to have a firsthand experience of some operational activities of the nation’s apex maritime regulatory agency, NIMASA.
The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas NLNG Ship Management limited is among the industry stakeholders partnering NIMASA in the Deep Blue Project operational engagement session scheduled as part of the activities of the IMO scribe’s visit.
Mr. Osagie Edward, Assistant Director, Public Relations at NIMASA revealed this information via a press statement issued today.