The Federal Government has inaugurated the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Service Charter and Grievance Redress Mechanism.

At the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Maritime and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the service charter would enhance efficiency, transparency and customer-focussed maritime sector.

Mr Oyetola, represented by the Director of Maritime Safety and Security in the ministry, Babatunde Bombata, said the document symbolised a renewed commitment to service excellence, responsiveness, and continuous improvement within NIMASA.

He added that the charter would facilitate NIMASA’s dedication in providing world-class services to their stakeholders and foster an environment that encouraged sustainable growth in the blue economy.

According to the minister, the charter will also enhance productivity, and promote national growth.

The minister underscored the importance of technology and modernisation in the maritime industry to adapt to the rapidly evolving global landscape.

On his part, NIMASA Director-General, Dr Bashir Jamoh, said the document reflected the agency`s dedication to elevating the standards of service delivery, embracing innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence.

He stated, “I am honoured to lead an organisation that is committed to redefining the way we deliver services to our stakeholders. The launch signifies a paradigm shift in our approach to fulfilling our mandate. It is a significant step towards achieving the goal of providing world-class services that meet the needs of our stakeholders that have high expectations of us.’’

In a paper presentation, National Coordinator, SERVICOM Office, Nnenna Akahemeli said with the increasing demand for efficient and effective service delivery, NIMASA had taken a bold step towards automation.

She said, “The automation of NIMASA represents a watershed moment in our quest to enhance service delivery and uphold our service charter”

Mrs Akahemeli noted that the charter would facilitate effective delivery of the agency’s mandates of regulating and promoting the maritime sector in Nigeria, ensuring safety, security, and efficiency in the waters.

(NAN)