Global economy needs Nigeria, says IMO Secretary-General

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr Kitack Lim, has described Nigeria as a very important country not only to Africa, but to the global economy.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Osagie Edward, Assistant Director, Public Relations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos.

Kitack made this known on arrival in the country at a ‘meet and greet’ reception hosted in his honour by stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime industry.

“This is my first time in Nigeria. I thank the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Jaji Sambo and his team from the invitation.

“As far as I am concerned, Nigeria is one of the most important countries not only for Africa but in the global economy.

“The country is blessed with huge potential, huge natural resources, and above all very nice people. I have had pleasant experience from my interactions with Nigerians at the IMO, and I am excited to be here”.

Kitack, who is from Korea said Koreans consider Nigeria a dream land and expresses hope for more cooperation between both countries

Earlier, Sambo, Permanent Secretary Dr Magdalene Ajani, Heads of Agencies under the Ministry, and stakeholders from the Nigerian maritime industry were on hand to meet the IMO Secretary General.

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas NLNG Ship Management limited is among the industry stakeholders partnering the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA in the Deep Blue Project operational engagement session scheduled as part of the activities of the IMO Sec Gen visit to Nigeria.

Kitack is also expected to have a firsthand experience of some operational activities on NIMASA.