In a bid to achieve effective reportage of its works, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) held a training for journalists on codes and conventions of the industry.
The workshop which was put together with the support of Maxval Associates Limited (Training and Management Consultants), took place at the Regent Luxury Suites in Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday – and was facilitated by Mr. Peter Agbaminoja.
Agbaminoja started his lecture by delving into the world of shipping, stressing that it is relevant in making business activities across the world come alive.
“Shipping is the most important international business in the world. There is need for consistency in the business and it is the backbone of global commerce. Most of the things we use for survival are results of shipping,” he said.
He mentioned the importance of conventions and treaties in the industry – and highlighted the difference.
His words: “Conventions are international activities, agreement between countries and mostly multilateral. In conventions, two or more countries come together to agree in order to achieve something, while in treaties, countries come together to agree to share something or agree to jointly work together to achieve something.”
The lawyer and maritime expert also stressed the role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in the business, which involves the maritime safety, marine environment, limitation of liability among others.
According to him, IMO is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping – and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.
He also said its main duty is to create regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.
Agbaminoja further elucidated the overview of key maritime codes and conventions and its implementation in Nigeria.
He admonished the journalists present to have a better understanding of the industry in order to achieve quality reportage, which in turn enlightens the general public.
Meanwhile, the journalists expressed gratitude to NIMASA adding that the importance of the training cannot be overemphasized.
They appealed to the agency to make it regular and if possible, two to three days for better assimilation.
Earlier in his remarks, Alhaji Aminu, who represented the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Yusuf Jamoh charged journalists to report more positive stories about the country so that the industry can attract more investors.
The Assistant Director of Public Relations at NIMASA, Mr. Paul Osagie Edward was also in attendance.
