NISA Unveils New Secretariat In Apapa, Pledges To Engage Tinubu’s Administration On Shipping Devt

The Nigerian Ship Owners Association (NISA) has officially commissioned the much talked about secretariat in the port city of Apapa, Lagos, even as it reiterated commitment to engage  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to influence policies on shipping development.

The grand commissioning of the secretariat as promised by the President of NISA Otunba Sola Adewunmi witnessed the presence of top players and captains of industry.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the commissioning on Tuesday, Adewunmi called on aggrieved members to come back to their mother association and help build the industry.

Adewunmi noted that the acquisition of the secretariat by the newly constituted executives was part of the inaugural speech after his emergence as president of NISA , adding that the idea of setting a new secretariat was conceptualised shortly after the election.

 

While assuring stakeholders in the maritime industry of a robust synergy in furtherance to grow the shipping Industry, Adewunmi affirmed that the Association will continue to engage the Tinubu led government on the best way to improve indigenous shipping sector  in line with the cabotage laws.

 

“This new office symbolizes the fulfilment of that promise, and it signifies our collective determination to uplift the Nigeria Shipowners Association to new height.

 

“It is a testament to Exco unity, resilience and our shared belief in the potential of the maritime industry in our beloved nation.

I want to acknowledge the challenges we faced in making this a reality. It required extensive planning and concerted effort of the executive and my very good friend Prince Jide Babalola.

“Today, we gather here to inaugurate our new office space, a promise that I made during the election held in May 2023. As the President of the Nigeria Shipowners’ Association, I am immensely proud to stand before you fulfilling this commitment I made to provide a befitting office for our association.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the members of our association for entrusting me with this position and for believing in my vision. During the election campaign, I pledged to prioritize the establishment of a new office space, recognizing the importance of a conducive and functional environment for our activities.

“Today I am delighted to see this promise come to fruition.

“Through our unwavering commitment and perseverance, we have overcome them and today we stand in this beautiful new space.

“As we embark on this new chapter, let us remember the responsibilities that come  as shipowners. We have the power to shape the future of the maritme industry  together we must continue to advocate for the interests of our members, champion  reforms and foster an environment that attracts investments and promotes sustainable .

“I assure you that we will continue to seek your guidance and collaboration  we work towards a prosperous and globally competitive maritime sector.

Also speaking ,Chairman Board Of Trustees NISA, Chief Isaac Jolapomo lamented that the Association has been in doldrums for about nine years but maintained that with the newly elected executives of NISA marks the beginning of better things to come for the shipping sector

Jolapomo expressed optimism that the Tinubu led administration will provide an enabling environment for the shipping Industry to thrive.

He further called on aggrieved members of NISA to join hands and build shipping sub sector of the maritime Industry to an enviable heights.

Highpoints of the event was the symbolic cutting of ribbon to the newly acquired secretariat and cutting of cake.

The event has in attendance, President, Nigerià Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), Captain Alao Tajudeen, former President of NMNOWTSSA Comrade Matthew Alalade, President WISTA, Mrs Eunice Ezeoke, Funmilayo Folorunsho President, Nigerian Association of Stevedoring Bolaji Sunmola , Acting President of ANLCA ,Dr. Kayode Farinto amongst many.

 

 

By Roland Ekama