From left: DG, NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, IMO Secretary General, Kitack Lim and Minister of Transport, Engr. Mu’azu Sambo during one of the activities marking the IMO scribe’s visit to Nigeria.

Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation IMO, His Excellency Kitack Lim has said that the organisation, an agency of the United Nations UN is willing to support Nigeria in her quest to achieve cleaner oceans and greener shipping in the country.

Recall that the IMO is currently in partnership with the Nigerian government through the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA to achieve port community system, which could cover the entire west and central African sub-region.

Speaking at the ongoing Nigeria International Maritime Summit in Lagos, the IMO scribe declared Nigeria as a very important country not only to Africa, but to the global economy. He stated this on arrival in the country at the meet and greet reception hosted in his honour by stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime industry.

Lim said: “This is my first time in Nigeria. I thank the Minister of Transport, Engr Jaji Sambo and his team from the Ministry for inviting me. I also want to thank the Director General of, NIMASA Dr. Bashir Jamoh and other industry stakeholders. As far as I am concerned, Nigeria is one of the most important countries not only for Africa but in the global economy. The country is blessed with huge potential, huge natural resources, and above all very nice people. I have had pleasant experience from my interactions with Nigerians at the IMO, and I am excited to be here”.

Kitack Lim who is from Korea said Koreans consider Nigeria a dream land and expresses hope for more cooperation between both countries.

The IMO-scribe also commended the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA for effectively collaborating with local, regional and international partners to achieve success in the war against piracy.

The Minister, the Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani, heads of agencies under the ministry, and stakeholders from the Nigerian maritime industry were on groung to meet the IMO Secretary General.

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas NLNG Ship Management limited is among the industry stakeholders partnering the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA in the Deep Blue Project operational engagement session scheduled as part of the activities of the IMO Sec Gen visit to Nigeria. Kitack Lim is also expected to have a firsthand experience of some operational activities on NIMASA which is the focal agency of Nigeria liaising with the IMO under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Transport.