The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has said it is committed to boosting indigenous participation in cabotage trade.

The agency said the move was aimed at developing local maritime capacity and ensuring that cabotage operations contributed meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.

The Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, NIMASA, Edward Osagie, stated this in a release on Wednesday in Lagos.

Mr Osagie said the Cabotage Act was designed to reserve coastal trade for Nigerians, create jobs and retain revenue within the country’s maritime sector.

He said NIMASA was implementing policies to build capacity and provide training and support to indigenous operators to compete effectively in domestic and international shipping.

According to him, the agency was also strengthening enforcement of the Cabotage Act to reduce foreign dominance in coastal shipping and vessel ownership.

Mr Osagie said investment in infrastructure, access to funding and strategic partnerships remained critical to growing Nigeria’s indigenous fleet and maritime manpower.

He urged stakeholders to support government efforts to position Nigeria as a leading maritime nation in Africa through sustainable cabotage operations.

Mr Osagie reiterated NIMASA’s commitment to ensuring compliance, safety and sustainable growth in the maritime sector for national economic prosperity.
(NAN)