MD NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko

The acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, Mohammed Bello -Koko has said that seafarers have remained highly treasured assets, given their immeasurable contributions to sustaining not only of the global supply chain efficiency but also the global economy as a whole.

He therefore affirmed the commitment and determination of the management under his watch in proving improved welfare and wellbeing of the seafarers in Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Speaking in a goodwill message at the 2021 edition of the World Maritime Day celebration held in Lagos, Thursday with the theme: “Seafarers at the core of shipping’s future” organised by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Thursday in Lagos, the MD said improved welfare of the seafarers would enhance their ability to provide improved and efficient services. This is with a view to promoting the growth and development of the country’s maritime industry, noting that their positive role and contribution to the growth of global trade cannot be ignored.

He also saluted the doggedness of these seafarers in providing succour in the movement and transfer of goods and services globally to various climes in the face of various challenges ranging from unfavourable weather conditions to attacks from pirates at sea.

The NPA Chief Operating Officer charged all participants at the event, especially, the maritime stakeholders to make available a friendly environment to the seafarers in view of the critical role they play in the lives of the Nigerian nation, acknowledging the numerous unforeseen challenges the face in the discharge of the duties at sea.

He said: “The theme of this year’s event largely captures the immeasurable contributions of the seafarers to the growth and development of shipping, which accounts for over 90 per cent of the movement of cargo across the globe.

” We should all celebrate and appreciate the seafarers and show greater commitment to their welfare if we must continue to tap the potential from water transportation because these seafarers are highly treasured assets”.

The World Maritime Day, celebrated across the globe, is an initiative of the International Maritime Organisation IMO, an agency of the United Nations, under which it set a day in the month of September annually to showcase and celebrate the contributions of the global maritime sector to world economy.