The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh has emphasized that the agency’s policies align with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to bolster the country’s economy through the Oil and Gas sector.
Represented by Mrs. Rita Uruakpa, the Director of Cabotage Services at NIMASA, Dr. Jamoh spoke at the 2023 Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State where he urged stakeholders to consider transitioning from the Free on Board (FOB) trade terms to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) model in the Oil and Gas sector.
Acknowledging the NCDMB’s efforts in developing the indigenous maritime sector, including projects like the proposed Brass Shipyard, Dr. Jamoh expressed appreciation while pledged NIMASA’s commitment to fostering the growth of the maritime sector through policies that promote indigenous capacity building and fleet expansion, enabling participation in product transportation.
Highlighting opportunities for indigenous businesses in the maritime industry, he stressed the need to create a favorable and sustainable business environment that allows local operators to engage in the oil and gas industry which would accelerate Nigeria’s income from the oil sector and positively impact the GDP.
Reaction, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote, urged companies operating in the sector to adequately prepare themselves, emphasizing the technical nature of the oil and gas industry and the importance of adhering to safety and quality standards.
The Executive Secretary encouraged Nigerian companies to build their capacities in readiness for active participation, citing the importance of proactively developing skills and capabilities when presented with future project opportunities.
He also called on relevant agencies to address security challenges, particularly oil theft in the Niger Delta, noting that resolving these issues would facilitate the production of hydrocarbons at reasonable costs and ensure profitability in the industry.