The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has said it will soon begin to remove shipwrecks along the waters for improved navigation.
The Director General, Dr Bashir Jamoh, stated this during a ministerial retreat by the Federal Ministry of Transportation in Lagos.
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He said there are plans to recycle the recovered wrecks in partnership with Bayelsa state, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) foundry in Lagos, to create jobs.
Dr Jamoh also said it is working with the ministry to harmonize areas preventing the seamless disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).
On disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), Jamoh said, “We have advertised for Expression of Interest from interested PLIs and we are following due process to ensure disbursement according to the guidelines.”
Jamoh said 11 banks have been shortlisted and forwarded to the ministry for further actions. “The ministry has identified some grey areas, which are being addressed to ensure prompt disbursement of the CVFF.”
He said 446 persons are being trained under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) while 351 others are about to start training.
The Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, at the event said, “We are here to assess the progress made so far in the maritime sector in order to enhance efficiency in our operations.
“This administration has achieved a lot in areas such as rail transportation, port operations, maritime safety and security, among others, and our goal is to do more to enhance productivity.”
