As part of efforts to enhance its operations, the Nigeria Shipowners’ Association (NISA) has officially commissioned a new secretariat/ headquarters in the port city of Apapa, Lagos.
Maritime bigwigs and captains of industry graced the occasion today which is believed to have kick-started robust operations of the indigenous shipowners group after several years of conflicts.
NISA, however, reiterated commitment to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to influence policies on shipping development with a view to reviving indigenous shipping in the country.
News Diet recalls that the secretariat was one of the promises by the President of NISA, Otunba Sola Adewunmi during his maiden presidential speech following his emergence as the association’s president few weeks ago.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the commissioning, Adewunmi called on aggrieved members to come back to their mother association and help build the group and the industry.
Nonetheless, he assured industry stakeholders of a robust synergy in a bid to grow the shipping industry, even as he affirmed that the association will continue to engage the Tinubu-led government on the best way to improve indigenous shipping sector in line with the cabotage laws.
His words: “This new office symbolizes the fulfilment of that promise, and it signifies our collective determination to uplift the Nigeria Shipowners Association to new height. It is a testament to the executives’ unity, resilience and our shared belief in the potential of the maritime industry in our beloved nation.”
“Today, we gather here to inaugurate our new office space, a promise that I made during the election which held in May 2023. As the President of NISA, I’m immensely proud to stand before you fulfilling this commitment I made to provide a befitting office for our association.”
“As we embark on this new chapter, let us remember the responsibilities that come as shipowners. We have the power to shape the future of the maritime industry together we must continue to advocate for the interests of our members, champion reforms and foster an environment that attracts investments and promotes sustainable operations”
Also speaking, the Chairman, Board Of Trustees (BoT), NISA, Chief Isaac Jolapomo lamented that the association has been in doldrums for about nine years but maintained that with the newly elected executives of NISA marks the beginning of better things to come for the shipping sector
Jolapomo expressed optimism that the Tinubu-led administration will provide an enabling environment for the shipping Industry to thrive.
He further called on aggrieved members of NISA to join hands and build shipping sub sector of the maritime Industry to an enviable heights.
Meanwhile, the President of Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), Capt. Tajudeen Alao encouraged the group to collaborate in order to transform the nation’s shipping sector to one with numerous ship owners having numerous ships.
The highpoint of the event was the symbolic cutting of ribbon to the newly acquired secretariat and cutting of cake. This was carried out by the Secretary General, African Ship-owners Association, Funmi Folorunso, accompanied by NISA executives and other guests.
Some eminent maritime personalities which graced the occasion were; President Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Mrs. Eunice Ezeoke; Director General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Mrs. Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike; former President of NMNOWTSSA, Comrade Matthew Alalade; President, Nigerian Association of Stevedoring Companies (NASC), Mr. Bolaji Sunmola; Acting President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr. Kayode Farinto; Director, Special Duties, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); among others.
