The Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola has identified the adoption of Public Private Partnership (PPP) model as an essential tool for the infrastructural development of maritime sector of the economy.
Mobereola who stated this while hosting the Director General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh in his office emphasized the importance of the commission’s increased involvement in attracting private investors to develop infrastructural capacity in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
His words: “We appreciate the management of the ICRC for being responsive. However, you know that the maritime sector is capital intensive and government funds cannot solely put in place the required infrastructure. We need the ICRC to develop PPP based business models that will be attractive to the private sector both from within and outside the country. There is the need to streamline processes by the use of technology, as we will continue to count on the support of ICRC to help drive the agency’s PPP projects for effective and efficient service delivery to our stakeholders”.
Ewalefoh who supported Mobereola’s position, underscored the significance of the maritime sector to Nigeria’s economy just as he noted that the PPP model would facilitate increased funding and expertise from the private sector, thereby accelerating the growth and development of the Nigerian maritime sector.
A statement signed by NIMASA Assistant Director, Public Relations, Mr. Edward Osagie and made available to Maritime Bits quoted Ewalefoh saying that ICRC is prepared to engage with the agency on its projects and ensure timely execution.
“There is no time to waste. Our country needs lots of funding for infrastructure and we need to create an enabling environment for activities to thrive. First, is service delivery, not revenue generation, and people will be willing to pay if they get the right services”, Ewalefoh added.
According to the statement, the PPP model has proven to be the most viable approach worldwide for driving government policies that promote development and economic growth.
As a regulatory agency, NIMASA has consistently embraced collaboration and partnership through the PPP initiative to ensure the growth and development of the maritime sector.
