The Sierra-Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) has solicited the support of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in the areas of capacity building of its personnel for effective Port State Control and training of seafarers.
Mr. Lansana Dambuya, the chairman of the Board of SLMA, who led a delegation of some Board Members and Management to NIMASA on a working visit, commended NIMASA for its capacity building initiatives, saying it was a model worthy of emulation.
The leader of the Sierra Leonean delegation said that the SLMA thought it wise to partner with NIMASA, one of the leading Maritime Administrations in Africa and to seek areas of collaboration for the benefit of both countries.
The delegation also canvassed for the endorsement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NIMASA that will give opportunity for the exchange of ideas among staff to not only develop their capacities but also further cement the bond between both countries.
Responding, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, commended SLMA for embarking on the visit and assured the delegation of NIMASA’s cooperation at all times.
The DG, who was represented by the Director of Maritime Labour Services, Mrs Juliana Gunwa, emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the growth and development of the maritime industry in Africa.
Tracing the history of the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Sierra Leone, the DG assured the delegation that the agency would consider their requests and act accordingly for the benefit of both countries.
While calling on countries of the Gulf of Guinea to join the fight against rising cases of piracy in the region, the DG said, “We are open more than ever before to collaboration and sharing of intelligence on issues relating to piracy and other crimes to rid our waters of this menace that has clearly become a danger to our collective prosperity”.
He welcomed the call for collaboration among Maritime Administrations, saying they must always co-operate with each other for the benefit of securing the maritime environment and to making it safe and secure for shipping activities to thrive.
