Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh (standing) exchanging views with the Chairman Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Danjuma Goje, and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration, Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu during the public hearing on Some Maritime Bills at the National Assembly Complex Abuja, Wednesday.

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s shipping industry were unanimous in their support for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA’s efforts the repeal of the Merchant Shipping Act 1962, in line with efforts to grow the country’s shipping industry.

The stakeholders spoke during a joint public hearing organised by Senate Committee on Marine Transport and the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration on Merchant Shipping Act Repeal and Enactment Bill 2021, held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, Wednesday.

The stakeholders believe that the Act had become obsolete as many of its provisions are no longer in tune with the current realities in 21st shipping business not only in Nigeria but also across the globe, especially given that shipping by its very nature is an international business.