NIMASA unveils service charter to grow maritime in Nigeria

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has unveiled a Service Charter, a program designed to enhance accountability and efficiency in service delivery in the Nigerian maritime domain.

While unveiling the project on Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the Charter marks a “significant milestone in our efforts to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and customer focus of the Maritime Sector.”

He explained that “our Maritime Sector plays a pivotal role in the economic development of our nation. It serves as a lifeline for trade, commerce, and connectivity, not only within our borders but also on the global stage.

“It is not only a crucial driver of economic development but also a source of livelihood for millions of people across the globe. The Maritime industry holds a special place in our nation’s economy and plays a vital role in global trade.

“Recognizing the importance of this Sector, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that it operates with the highest standards of efficiency, transparency, and Accountability. As we gather here today, we are witnessing the dawn of a new era in the Nigerian Maritime Sector – a time of enhanced efficiency, transparency, and Accountability.

“Our focus on the Blue Economy is not just about economic gains; it is also about environmental stewardship and social responsibility. As we harness the vast potential of our Maritime Resources, we must do so with a keen awareness of the need to preserve and protect our oceans and coastal.”

Represented by the Director Maritime Safety and Security, Babatunde Bombata, Oyetola further stated that, “in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, we must adapt and innovate to stay ahead of the curve. The Maritime industry is no exception. By embracing technological advancements and modernizing our practices, we can streamline operations, improve productivity, and foster sustainable growth.

“The NIMASA Service Charter is a step in the right direction, aligning our efforts with international best practices and setting a new standard for service delivery in the Maritime Sector.

This Charter is not just a document; it symbolizes a renewed commitment to service excellence, responsiveness, and continuous improvement within NIMASA. It is a testament to NIMASA’s dedication to providing world-class service to our stakeholders and fostering an environment that encourages sustainable growth in the Blue Economy,” he noted.

In his address, the Director-General of NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh said, “our Service Charter under the theme ‘Service Redefined’ encapsulates our commitment to transforming the way we serve our stakeholders, the maritime community, and the Nigerian people as a whole.

“It reflects our dedication to elevating the standards of service delivery, embracing innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence within our organization.

“The launch of this Service Charter is not merely a ceremonial event; it signifies a paradigm shift in our approach to fulfilling our mandate. It also marks a significant step towards achieving our goal of providing world-class services that meet the needs of our stakeholders.

“We recognize that our stakeholders have high expectations of us, and we are committed to meeting and exceeding those expectations. Our Service Charter outlines our promises to all those who interact with NIMASA, whether they are shipowners, seafarers, port operators, or members of the public.

“It sets clear standards for the quality of service they can expect from us and establishes mechanisms for feedback and continuous improvement. Under this Service Charter, we are holding ourselves accountable for delivering on our promises to enhance the ease of doing business in the maritime sector and Nigeria at large.

“We understand that the success of our organization depends on our ability to provide excellent service to our stakeholders. We are also invested in training and capacity building for our staff to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver world-class service,” he stated.

The DG noted that, “we recognize the importance of leveraging technology to modernize our operations and enhance efficiency. Through the use of digital platforms and electronic services, we aim to simplify transactions, reduce turnaround times, and enhance accessibility for all our stakeholders.

“Therefore, we have taken a customer-centric approach in developing our service charter. We have listened to our stakeholders, and we have considered their feedback in developing our service standards.”