NIGERIA AND INDONESIA IN BI-LATERAL TALKS ON SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT

To maximise opportunities for Nigerians in the shipping industry, the Federal Government through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has initiated direct talks with the Government of Indonesia aimed at strengthening local capacity in maritime , shipping and logistics.

The bi-lateral talks hosted by Nigeria on the heels of the recently concluded D-8 Working Group Meeting on Shipping held in Abuja, identified cabotage, vessel registration, safety, pollution management and manpower development as areas both countries could exchange experiences and build competencies.

Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Temisan Omatseye, who led the Nigerian Team to the meeting convened at the instance of the Honourable Minister of Transport Alhaji Suleman Yusuf, described Indonesia as a maritime country Nigeria desires to emulate, especially her approach to cabotage shipping for which the country now enjoys almost 100 percent local dominance.

He made reference to Indonesia being the world’s largest archipelago of about 1700 small islands which spans over 500km, but has been able to establish an impressive vessel tracking system, promoting safe navigation and supporting the growth of maritime commerce.

In the words of the Director General, “both countries can derive a lot of benefits in the field of shipping by working more closely. There is also the need for us to have an exchange programme in manpower development, such as the training of marine surveyors for which Nigeria is prepared to send our people as soon as something is arranged”.

Responding on behalf of Indonesia, Dr. Widi Pratikto, who is the current Secretary General of the D-8 Member Countries, thanked Nigeria for the meeting which he said would be beneficial to both countries.

As regional powers, Dr. Pratikto described the initiation of closer co-operation as an impetus for improvement for shipping and marine services in both countries. He expressed hope that the co-operation would enhance the quality of personnel operating in the industry as well as provide opportunities for local investors.

It is expected that a Bi-lateral Agreement between the two countries that includes co-operation in the maritime sector would have been signed before the next meeting of the D-8 Working Group on Shipping scheduled for July 2011 in Nigeria. D-8 Member countries are Bangladesh, Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey.