Dogara advocates annual maritime seminar for lawmakers

The Speaker of the House of Representative of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara has advocated for a seminar under the umbrella Annual Maritime Seminar for Legislators.

Speaking during a two-day Retreat put together by the House Committee on Ports, Harbours and Waterways in Lagos recently, the Speaker who was represented by the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Pally Iriase stated that the benefits that has accrued to the judiciary following the annual maritime seminar organised for judges by the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has made it expedient that a similar seminar for legislatures be put together.

According to him, “I am aware of the now famous maritime seminar for judges organised by the NSC and its immense benefits. I hereby propose a similar platform for legislatures to be called Annual Maritime Seminar for Legislators to be organised in partnership with the National Assembly.

“I believe this will further deepen the mutual appreciation of the executive, legislature and stakeholders on the growth of the maritime industry in particular, and the Nigerian economy in general.”

On the numerous transport and maritime bills pending on the floor of the House, the Speaker stated that, I am aware that there are very important Transport Sector Reform Bills pending before us at the National Assembly.

“These bills include the Ports & Harbour bill, Nigerian Railway Corporation Act Amendment, NIWA Act Amendment, the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarders CRFFN Act Amendment and the National Transport Commission.

“Suffice it to say that the bills are all being vigorously processed for passage into laws as part of the legislative agenda of the 8th Assembly of the House of Representatives and as veritable legislative tools for getting our economy out of recession.