Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, officially launched the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), service charter and grievance redress mechanism on Tuesday under the theme “Service Redefined.”
Oyetola said was well-timed and aligned with the overarching objectives of the ministry.
He noted that the service charter similarly represented a public bond by NIMASA to provide high-quality, efficient, and transparent services to Stakeholders in the maritime industry and the general public.
The minister hinted that the charter outlined the agency’s specific service commitments in areas such as registration, certification and inspection.
According to him, “it is also a tool for accountability that sets out clear expectations for stakeholders and provides a mechanism for the agency to measure its performance
“This will help to ensure that the agency is meeting the needs of the industry and the public.
“The launch of the service charter is a clear signal that NIMASA is committed to raising its standards of service.
“As the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, I am delighted to be part of this historic moment, which reaffirms our dedication to excellence, innovation, and sustainable development.
“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.”
The minister, who was represented by the Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Mr. Babatunde Bombata, emphasised the importance of NIMASA.
He said that “the maritime industry holds a special place in our nation’s economy and plays a vital role in global trade.
“Recognising 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.”
In his welcome address, the Director General/CEO NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, hinted that the charter encapsulated the agency’s commitment to transforming the way it serve its stakeholders, the maritime community, and the Nigerian people as a whole.
Jamoh said: “Today, we gather to launch our service charter under the theme “Service Redefined.
This reflects the agency’s dedication to elevating the standards of service delivery, embracing innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence within our organisation.
“As the director general of NIMASA, I am honoured to lead an organisation that is committed to redefining the way we deliver services to our stakeholders. 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 recognise that our stakeholders have high expectations of us, and we are committed to meeting and exceeding those expectations.”
“We recognise the importance of leveraging technology to modernise 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.
“But beyond these tangible commitments, ‘Service Redefined’ is also a mindset, a commitment to a culture of service excellence that permeates every aspect of our organisation.”
