The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

  • ‘Eighth National Assembly failed in oversight duty’ 

    National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents President Lucky Amiwero has said the Eighth National Assembly failed in its oversight function in the industry.

    According to him, the legislators failed to ensure that ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) obeyed extant laws.

    The legislators, he said, had powers to prevent corruption, ensure that funds are used as appropriated and insist that MDAs stay focused on their mandates.

    Most parastatals, he said, did not meet stakeholders’ expectations  that would have impacted on the economy.

    “The National Assembly has function of oversight but they did not do well in the last assembly as far as the maritime industry is concerned.

    “They were supposed to ensure that parstatals such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC) and all others worked in accordance with their laws.

    “For instance, NIMASA spent so much time and money organising conferences and seminars as if that was its major function. We expect the new committees in charge of maritime in the Senate and House of Representatives to check these excesses

    “NIMASA is supposed to be committed in establishing enabling environment for indigenous operators through fleet expansion, provision of maritime infrastructure, development of indigenous manpower, among others.

    “It is supposed to synchronise its operations with Section 105 of the Local Content Act without losing sight of Sections 16 and 17 of the NIMASA Act.

    “The non-disbursement of Cabotage Vessels Finance Fund ( CVFF) is not good for the industry despite several assurances given by government,” he said.

    On the maritime related bills, which President Muhammadu Buhari did not sign, Amiwero suggested that experts be invited to look into the matter.

    NPA, according to him, lacked clearly spelt out duties in a port concession regime as its Act does not provide for it.

    He advised the Ninth National Assembly against politicising its role, arguing that the interest of all should be the overriding consideration in law making.

    Buhari cited the proposed mode of funding for Nigerian Maritime University for not signing the bill.

    No reason was given for not signing the bill establishing the National Transport Commission which sought to replace NSC.

  • Buhari declines assent to five bills

    President Muhammadu Buhari has declined assent to five bills passed by the National Assembly.

    The affected bills according to the President included the Maritime security Operation Coordination Board (amendment) bill 2018; the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (amendment) bill 2018 and Bankruptcy and Insolvency bill, 2018.

    Others bills which President Buhari refused to sign were the Federal Polytechnic (amendment) bill 2018 and the Energy Commission (amendment) bill, 2018.

    On Maritime Security Coordination Board bill, President Buhari said that he declined assent because the proposed amendment will create distortions and duplications with the functions and operations of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

    On the RMAFC bill, the President said that the proposed amendment bill will interfere with and obstruct the smooth administration of revenue generating agencies of the Federal Government.

    On the bankruptcy and insolvency proposed bill, President said that he declined assent due to drafting issues that affected that clarity and understanding of the bill and may impair the effective operation of the bill.

    Read Also: Buhari names Tarfa NEDC chairman

    On the Polytechnic amendment bill, the President said that Section16(1)(2) of the amendment bill, which subjects the removal of the Governing Council members and Rector of Polytechnics to the approval of the Federal Executive Council as a body, instead of the President’s approval as is obtained in the Principal Act, will make the removal process more administratively cumbersome.

    On the Energy Commission, President Buhari said that he declined assent because the proposed Section 8 of the bill for the Energy Commission to receive and annual subvention of not less than 0.5% from the Federation Account is unconstitutional.

    He said that the proposal negates the clear provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 with regard to appropriation and disbursement from the Federation Account.

  • Nigeria needs 50,000 Seafarers in maritime industry – Dogara

    Nigeria needs 50,000 Seafarers in maritime industry – Dogara

    …As House moves to establish Nigerian Maritime University

     

    The Nigerian Maritime sector needs 50,000 seafarers to achieve its full potentials, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara has said.

    The Speaker made the remark yesterday at the Public Hearing on two Bills, namely: A Bill For An Act To Establish The Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko In Delta State And For Other Related Matters (HB. 1032)” and “A Bill For An Act To Establish The Maritime University, Oron Akwa Ibom State And To Make Comprehensive Provisions For Its Management And Administration And Other Related Matters.”

    His words: “Maritime Sector is key in achieving the Federal government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan that was launched in March this year 2017. Availability of requisite trained manpower in sufficient numbers is key to the growth and sustenance of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

    “From Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) records, Nigeria needs about 50,000 Seafarers for the Nigerian Shipping Industry to realize its full potentials. As at 2009, Nigeria had less than 3,000 Seafarers.

    “The National Assembly in 2003 enacted the Cabotage Act to ensure the participation of our Nationals in domestic Shipping (Coastal and Inland) by reserving crewing to only Nigerians. Over time, however, there has been shortage of manpower and persons with requisite skills and training to meet the desired expectations of Cabotage.

    “In an effort to fill this gap, government initiated a program; Nigeria Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) through the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). This program entails sending out Nigerians to study maritime courses such as Nautical Science, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in foreign Universities. This has resulted in the government spending huge sums of money in foreign currency, which is very scarce.

    “The purpose of these two Bills aforementioned above therefore is to fill the gap in the manpower requirements of the maritime sector. The proposed Nigeria Maritime University to be located in Okerenkoko Warri, Delta State is a brand new school which intends to provide maritime academic training, facilities and indeed infrastructure as required by the International Maritime Organization (IMOs) under STCW Conventions.

    “For the Maritime University, Oron Akwa Ibom State, the Bill seeks to upgrade the existing Maritime Academy of Nigeria, (MAN) Oron to a degree awarding institution. This initiative will at the same time provide upgraded facilities and teaching aids as required by IMOs STCW Convention (The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) 1978 which sets qualification standards for Masters, Officers and Watch Personnel on seagoing merchant ships. ”

    Dogara who said the Convention was significantly amended in 1995 and 2010 noted that the global maritime economy has become increasingly knowledge driven, necessitating the production of local high level professionals to meet the challenges.

    “Nigeria is a potential maritime power considering our access to limitless maritime resources and waterways, with about 850 km Coastline on the Atlantic Ocean that connects some of the World’s richest economies, and over 3000 km Inland navigable waterways.

    “Yet there is no specialized university offering relevant courses at a university level in maritime studies and Engineering, even though Nigeria has about 130 Universities.”

  • Uchendu’s swearing-in, triumph of people’s power – Dakuku Peterside

    Uchendu’s swearing-in, triumph of people’s power – Dakuku Peterside

    Dr Dakuku Peterside, the Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA ), says the swearing-in of Sen. Andrew Uchendu is a triumph of people’s power and resilience over violence.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Uchendu was sworn-in as a Senator to represent Rivers-East Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ).

    Peterside, in a statement on Thursday in Port Harcourt, said that the victory of Uchendu at the tribunal and subsequent swearing-in had put a stop to election manipulation.

    “As Sen. Andrew Uchendu mounted the podium and took oath of office, it has marked the collapse of the manipulation of our electoral system.

    “The swearing-in of Sen. Uchendu also marks real victory of the people’s power and conquest of resilience and determination over violence.

    “I salute Sen. Uchendu for his moment of glory and our leader, the Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, for offering leadership that strengthens our resolve, courage and gives hope to ordinary people,” he said.

    According to him, those who celebrated the shortlived victory of electoral manipulation will definitely fear God and also know that there is a limit to which they can manipulate our weak institutions.

    “Sen. Uchendu represents the true spirit of the ‘Riversman’ and the state, and his victory marks a new beginning and never again will darkness becloud our land again.

    “I join all Rivers people and particularly the thousands of young men and women who are ready to go to any length to defend their conviction to celebrate this new era,” he said.

    Peterside, who was the Rivers APC Governorship candidate in 2015, thanked supporters of the party who made necessary sacrifice to be in Abuja to witness the historic swearing-in.

    “I thank those who invested resources to celebrate our brand new Senator in both newspaper publications and various massmedia platforms,” he said.

    The National Assembly Appeal Tribunal for Rivers on Aug. 24 sacked Sen. George Sekibo of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) to issue Certificate of Return to Uchendu.

  • Port manager lauds NIMASA services

    The Port Manager, Rivers Port Complex, Mr Abubaar Umar, on Friday lauded the effort of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for delivering prompt services.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Umar made the commendation during a courtesy visit to NIMASA Port Service Comptroller, Mr Umar Dachia.

    The manager said that since he took over, he had not received any complaint of delay on ship clearance from shipping agents.

    According to him, it shows that NIMASA recognizes the issue of trade relationship and its statutory responsibility.

    The manager, who pointed out some of the challenges faced by the port, including piracy attack, said it was the immediate responsibility of NIMASA to ensure safety and security on the water ways.

    “The importance of security patrol on the water ways cannot be overemphasized as it gives ship owners the confidence of doing business in the port without having the fear of being attacked.

    “Another issue is the change of status of shipping company by NIMASA,’’ Umar said.

    He advised that changes should be made known to him because as the head of the port, it was necessary to be informed, citing an instance where a vessel that had been cleared was later detained without information.

    He reiterated the fact that as sister agencies representing the nation’s interest, the collective interest should be the watch word.

    “We will not play with safety and any other thing that has to do with risk.

    Responding,, Dachia expressed appreciation over the visit, adding it signaled respect for the agency.

    “A Memorandum of Understanding was entered with the Navy too; the agency has safety units that are always in contact with those at the vessel.

    “It is clear we are all striving towards the same goal and the guidance and assistance of the port is highly needed,’’ Dachia said.

    He promised to deploy his personnel to ensure prompt dissemination of information on documentation of ship clearance and operations.

     

  • NOA, Amnesty office partner to promote agri-business in Niger Delta

    NOA, Amnesty office partner to promote agri-business in Niger Delta

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Amnesty Office in the Presidency have entered into a strategic partnership to promote agriculture and allied businesses among former militants in the Niger Delta region.

    The NOA Director General, Dr Garba Abari, and the Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty, retired Brig.–Gen. Paul Boroh, formalised the partnership at a meeting in Abuja.

    Abari said that the partnership was aimed at developing the new Federal Government policy of strategic engagement with the leaders and people of the region.

    He said that the project would result in increased federal revenue as well as ensure peace in the region.

    He encouraged the Amnesty Office to sustain its work in the region in order to achieve the Federal Government’s developmental goals in the region.

    According to him, the Amnesty Office must ensure the inclusion of youths in the region’s development plan for sustainability.

    “I encourage you to ensure the social inclusion of youths in the region because they have the advantage of age, strength, education and population.

    “About 67 per cent of our population is below the age of 35 years and every effort must be made to factor the youth into the national development policy.

    “NOA is willing to partner in the task of creating awareness on agriculture in the region because it has began a programme of promoting the “Eat What You Grow and Grow What You Eat” campaign,’’ Abari said.

    Earlier, Boroh said the Amnesty Office was focusing attention on the agricultural potential of the region.

    According to him, the partnership with NOA is designed to make agriculture an occupation of choice for the people of the area.

    He said that the Amnesty office would initiate other partnerships with other stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and NNPC, among others.

  • Ex-NIMASA DG proposes plea bargain with EFCC

    Ex-NIMASA DG proposes plea bargain with EFCC

    A former Acting Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Haruna Jauro, Monday proposed to enter a plea bargain agreement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The commission arraigned him at the Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged N304.1million fraud.

    Jauro is among four ex-NIMASA chiefs charged with corruption-related offences.

    Others are Patrick Akpobolokemi, Calistus Obi and Temisan Omatseye, who was convicted.

    Obi, ex-NIMASA’s Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Service, took over from Akpobolokemi, who is facing five separate fraud charges.

    Obi was relieved of his duties less than a week later, and replaced by Jauro, who was Executive Director, Finance and Administration.

    Jauro was charged with Dr. Dauda Bawa and Thlumbau Enterprises Limited on 19 counts of converting N304.1 million belonging to NIMASA.

    EFCC said they conspired on January 6, 2014, to convert N156, 477,500 belonging to NIMASA, knowing the money was stolen.

    They also allegedly converted N38, 170,000 between June 3 and September 1, 2014, “knowing that the sums were proceeds of stealing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3).”

    EFCC said on May 30 and August 14, 2014, they converted N8, 500,000.00, property of NIMASA. The prosecution said they did so “knowing that the sums were proceeds of bribery”.

    The defendants had pleaded not guilty to all counts when they were arraigned, with EFCC opening its case.

    Trial was billed to resume Monday before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun-Ishola, but defence counsel Babajide Koku (SAN) said his client had begun plea bargain talks with the prosecution.

    He told the judge that the defence took the decision Monday.

    “It (plea bargain decision) came up this morning. I discussed directly with my learned friend (prosecution counsel) this morning,” Koku said.

    EFCC’s lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo confirmed the development.

    He said: “I confirm the intention of the defence to enter a plea bargain with the prosecution.”

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun-Ishola urged the parties to reach an agreement without delay.

    “By the time you come back, you would have filed the plea bargain agreement and I would have looked at it and evaluated it,” she said.

    The judge adjourned until November 21.