Wike Commissions CSS, Omuanwa, ‘Morrow
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr. Emmanuel Jime, stressed the need for media support in efforts to reposition the shipping industry to achieve set goals.
“We need to build a solid partnership with the media. This is very crucial to our success in the maritime industry as the government shifts its focus more towards diversifying and expanding Nigeria’s economic horizon,” Jime said.
He spoke at the weekend when he received a delegation of journalists, who paid him a courtesy visit.
Jime said the shipping industry is going through various reforms and implementing new strategies to ease the time, cost and business environment.
“Such efforts require buy-in from all stakeholders and the general public.
“People living in the areas where the activities are carried out must also be trained. We cannot do this without working with the media,” he said.
Jime particularly praised the Shippers Council’s partnership with NAN over the years, saying that the maritime outfit has benefited immensely from this partnership.
“We will continue to build on this rewarding relationship with NAN.
“In addition to providing effective coverage of our activities, NAN remains the most credible source of information in the country and even the whole world.
“Everything I read from NAN, I just believe is the truth of the gospel. NAN can’t lie. Their editors are always meticulous and try to balance every piece of information before publishing it.
“At a time when fake news is common, NAN held her head high and stood out as freshly different. We will continue to identify and work with NAN to propagate our activities,” he said.
Jime said the NSC will continue to seek the friendship of NAN as it enlists the support of all concerned to achieve its mandate of protecting actors and regulating maritime industry activities.
“We try to regulate the cost of doing business. We also try to regulate local shipping costs and ensure quality service delivery as well.
“We have developed the port process manual and we will work to ensure that the port sector operates as it should. We will need the media to play their part so that together we can sustain economic growth.
Jime also spoke about the state of the many dry ports across the country and expressed hope that they would soon be completed and put into operation.
“Our goal is to make Nigeria the maritime hub of Africa. To do this, our seaports must be in good condition. Lekki Deep Seaport will soon come into service and will give us a huge boost.
“All these efforts must be supported by all and the role of the media can never be overemphasized,” he said.
Previously, MrEphraimsSheyin, Chief Operating Officer of Lagos and Head of NAN Delegation, called for closer working relationship with the NSC to broaden Nigeria’s economic horizon.
He said the NSC was very important in the nation’s quest to diversify its economy, noting that an efficient shipping industry would support economic growth and reduce reliance on oil revenue.
Sheyin noted that the Federal Government has continued to invest heavily in the maritime industry, hence the need to keep Nigerians abreast of developments in this critical sector.
“As the elections approach, Nigerians will be eager to hear what the government has achieved in all sectors. One sector of great concern is the maritime industry.
“NAN stands ready to share the achievements and challenges of the sector to answer these questions and assure Nigerians that the government is working.
“As a federal government agency, we must recognize the government’s efforts. The ultimate goal is to form a partnership that will benefit Nigeria and Nigerians.
“In NAN, we believe that such synergy is necessary to promote the quest for the development of alternative sources of income, create jobs and expand our economic frontiers,” he said.
The NAN team also included Mr Abdulfatai Babatunde, Head, Lagos Newsroom, and Mr Wale Ojetimi, Head, Metro Desk.