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Tag: Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

  • Buhari congratulates Peterside over election as AAMA chief

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside on his election as the new Chairman of the Association of African Maritime Administrators (AAMA).i

    The president’s congratulatory message was issued in a statement by Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Saturday in Abuja.

    Buhari said: “Peterside’s unanimous election is not only a personal honour and affirmation of confidence in his ability to lead AAMA, but also places Nigeria in a pivotal position to rally other maritime administrations in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) toward safer global maritime activities.’’

    He acknowledged NIMASA’s encouraging performance under Peterside, especially in the fight against sea piracy through inter-agency cooperation.

    According to the president, Peterside’s new position provides him with an even bigger platform to forge ahead in doing the nation proud by meeting the objectives of AAMA.

    While wishing the new Chairman of AAMA successful one-year tenure, he expressed confidence that within this period, the Federal Government’s renewed focus on growing the Nigerian economy through increased maritime resources would be further enhanced.

    Dakuku Peterside emerged chairman of AAMA at the end of the 3rd Annual Conference of the continental organisation in Abuja on Friday.

    Peterside took over the chairmanship position from Sobantu Tilayi, the acting Chief Executive Officer of South African Maritime and Safety Agency (SAMSA), who has been the acting Chair of the association since 2013.

     

  • 60% of workers onboard vessels are Nigerians – NIMASA

    Dr Dakuku Peterside, the Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), on Wednesday said that over 60 per cent of workers onboard vessels operating under the Cabotage regime were Nigerians.

    Peterside said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    NAN reports that the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act was enacted in 2003 to encourage more Nigerian participation in the maritime sector.

    Peterside said that before 2003, less than three per cent of vessels operating in Nigerian waters were “flagged Nigerian’’.

    “Now we have over 60 per cent vessels doing business in Nigerian waters flying the Nigerian flag.

    “Nigeria has been able to achieve 20 per cent in building of Cabotage vessels from a completely foreign-dominated era.

    “The present Management of NIMASA aimed to target 100 per cent Cabotage compliance in the nearest future,” Peterside said.

    The NIMASA chief said that the agency “is addressing issues militating against the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund for the fund to be fully accessible”.

    According to him, Nigerian-flagged vessels have also enjoyed significant growth in the last 12 months.

    He said that 262 vessels with a total tonnage of slightly over 232,000 were registered in 2015.

    The director- general said the number of vessels registered in 2016 almost doubled the ones registered in 2015.

    He said that 370 vessels were registered in 2016 with total tonnage of 420,000.

    Dakuku said that 1,045 trainees had graduated from the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) representing 42 per cent of the 2,500 that NIMASA sponsored in the scheme.

    According to him, 226 beneficiaries graduated from Arab University in Egypt, 76 from South Tyneside, Newcastle in England, and 743 graduated from various partner universities in the Philippines.

    He said that NIMASA had discovered that non-inclusion of sea-time training in the NSDP programme was a challenge.

    The director-general said the agency had been having discussions to engage the graduate cadets on sea time training.

    Peterside said that NIMASA was having fruitful discussions with schools in Egypt and Newcastle to directly facilitate sea time training for graduate cadets.

    He said that only five Nigerians were onboard seagoing vessels, while the Philippines had over half a million seafarers.

    Peterside said that NIMASA’s goal was ultimately to domesticate training of seafarers in Nigeria.

     

  • 130 Nigerian youths complete seafarers’ graduate programme in Egypt

    The Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) has produced 130 cadets graduates from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Alexandria, Egypt.

    NSDP is an initiative of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

    The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dakuku Peterside, said this in a message to the graduation ceremony in Egypt, made available by the Head, Corporate Communications of the agency, Mr Isichie Osamgbi, on Sunday in Lagos.

    Peterside was represented at the graduation ceremony by the Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr Gambo Ahmed.

    According to Peterside, this feat has further increased the pool of seafarers in the sector; as it brings to 1,045, the total number of graduates from the NSDP project.

    He said the number of graduates represented 42 per cent of the over 2,500 NIMASA-sponsored beneficiaries.

    According to the director-general, NIMASA sponsored over 2,500 aspiring cadets to the best maritime institutions around the world including Egypt, Romania, The Philipines, UK as well as India.

    He said 226 cadets graduated from the Arab Academy in Egypt, 76 from South Tyneside, Newcastle in England, while 743 graduated from various partner universities in The Philippines.

    Peterside congratulated the graduands, who had their degrees in various maritime -related disciplines ranging from marine transport and logistics, nautical engineering.

    He advised the graduands to utilise the knowledge they acquired to improve on the fortunes of the Nigerian maritime industry.

    The director-general said that the school had agreed to partner with NIMASA in providing sea time training for the graduating students and other NSDP graduands from other schools, which had hitherto been a challenge.

    He said that this would further complement the agency’s other efforts in getting sea time training for graduate cadets.

    Peterside said NIMASA was exploring other avenues to enrich the NSDP programme.

    He said that the impact of the programme would be felt worldwide, as Nigeria would soon start exporting seafarers like the Philippines and other reputable maritime nations.

    “This will reduce unemployment in the country and attract the much-needed foreign exchange,’’ the director-general said.

    The graduands expressed appreciation for the opportunity granted them to excel and pledged to use the knowledge acquired to enhance the Nigerian maritime sector.

    The youths spoke with the Coordinator of NSDP scheme, Mr Victor Egejuru, Deputy Director, Maritime Labour in NIMASA and thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the Management of NIMASA for the opportunity to progress in their career and in growing maritime capacity.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NSDP initiative was floated by NIMASA in 2008 to curb the dearth of trained and certified seafarers in the country.

     

  • Peterside seeks support of traditional rulers on economic diversification

    Peterside seeks support of traditional rulers on economic diversification

    The Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, has called on traditional rulers in the maritime domain to assist toward the economic diversification drive of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    Peterside made the call when he led the Management of NIMASA on a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu in his palace in Lagos, as part of his stakeholders’ engagement.

    The Director- General said his visit to the traditional ruler was informed by the critical role the traditional institution played in nation building as custodians of culture and tradition.

    He described Lagos as the economic gateway of Nigeria with enormous maritime resources.

    According to Peterside, the state is the hub of maritime activities in Nigeria as it is the only state in the country that has two international seaports.

    “Lagos plays a very important role in the economic development of Nigeria because it is the hub of maritime activities in the country.

    “Therefore, there is need for all stakeholders in Lagos to work with government and its agencies for the economic diversification of the Nigeria,’’

    Peterside said the roles of NIMASA included regulation of shipping and shipping activities as well as promotion of indigenous shipping.

    The Director- General calls for the support of the traditional ruler for an enabling operational environment.

    He said that in the course of carrying out its regulatory functions, the agency might need the support of the traditional institution in one way or the other.

    “We will come hard on erring operators and stakeholders and we will need your support where necessary in order to achieve our aims for the benefit of Nigeria,’’ Peterside said.

    In his response, Akiolu commended the Management of NIMASA.

    He said he was impressed by the good works being done to revolutionise the maritime sector in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s change agenda.

    Akiolu said the agency could count on the him and his traditional council to provide a conducive environment for maritime activities to thrive.

    He also said that he had instructed his chiefs around the operational base of the agency in Lagos to ensure that “the place is secured for people to carry out their legitimate businesses’’.

    NIMASA is a Federal Government agency, saddled with the responsibility of regulating maritime activities and promoting indigenous shipping in Nigeria.

    The agency has its corporate headquarters in Lagos and other operational zones in Port Harcourt, Warri, Calabar, among others.

     

  • Ex-JTF commander donated N35m to church, EFCC alleges

    Ex-JTF commander donated N35m to church, EFCC alleges

    The Federal High Court in Lagos Friday heard that a former Joint Task Force (JTF) commander Major-General Emmanuel Atewe allegedly donated N35million to a church.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged that the money was part of N19.7billion fraudulent diverted by the defendants.

    An EFCC witness, Ahidjo Ikem, said the money was donated to the Living Faith Church.

    Ikem is the Managing Director of five companies charged with Atewe.

    They are standing trial along with former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General Dr. Patrick Akpolobokemi, Kime Engonzu and Josephine Otuaga.

    They were arraigned on an amended 22 count-charge with Jaggan Limited, Jaggan Trading Company Limited, Jaggan Global Services Limited, Al-Nald Limited, Paper Warehouse Limited, Eastpoint Integrated Services Limited and De-Newlink Integrated Services Limited.

    Testifying before Justice Ayokunle Faji, the witness said Atewe laundered N4.9billion using the five companies.

    Ikem said he came in contact Atewe at the Villa Church where they both worship, when the JTF Commander was the Guard Brigade Commander.

    He said between July and September 2014, Atewe became the JTF Commander and invited him to Balyesa State.

    He said Atewe told him that he had been give a contract by the Federal Government for the maintenance of security and building of barracks.

    He said Atewe asked him if he had a company, as the money for the contract would be paid into its account. He said he gave Atewe the account details of the five companies.

    Ikem said his companies had no contractual agreement with JTF, neither was he a registered contractor nor supplied any goods or rendered any service to JTF.

    The witness said three days after his visit to Balyesa, he received alerts.

    He said when Atewe came to Abuja, he met him at Niger Barracks, where he was introduced to Engonzu (the third accused person), and said any money he received should be handed over to him.

    Ikem said he received N4.9billion, which he changed to $21,500,000 USD, from a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator named Jimoh.

    He said he handed the money to Engozu.

    The witness said he collected $950, 000 USD from one Chijioke, who is also a good friend of Atewe and gave it to Engozu.

    According to the witness, N4.1billion was converted to dollars out of N4, 915,163,103; the remaining balance was given to some companies and a church on Atewe’s orders.

    He said N35 million was paid to Living Faith Church, N103 million was paid to INP Limited, N107 million to First Investment Limited, while Lord Firm Limited, Ocean Gas, and Sisco Nobort were paid N99 million, N88 million and N297 million.

    Justice Faji adjourned till March 21, 22 and 23.

  • Fraud: EFCC re-arraigns ex-JTF commander, Akpobolokemi, others

    Fraud: EFCC re-arraigns ex-JTF commander, Akpobolokemi, others

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday re-arraigned before a Federal High Court, Lagos,  a former Joint Task Force (JTF) commander, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Atewe, and three others over N8.5 billion fraud.

    Atewe is charged alongside Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and two other staff — Kime Engonzu and Josephine Otuaga.

    The accused are standing trial on an amended 22-count charge bordering on fraud.

    Their re-arraignment was a sequel to the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Saliu Saidu from Lagos to the Port Harcourt Division of the Federal High court.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plea of the accused was taken afresh before the new judge, Justice A.O Faji.

    Defence counsel urged the court to allow the accused to continue on the earlier bail granted by the previous judge.

    Based on the applications of the counsel, the judge ruled that the accused should continue on their bails.

    At the last adjourned date, the EFCC had examined a prosecution witness, Mr Adamu Yusuf, who told the court how the accused converted about N4.9 billion to dollars.

    Yusuf said the accused used different companies and accounts to launder billions of money from the account of the Joint Task Force Operation.

    The witness further testified that during the investigation, letters of request were sent to GTbank, Heritage Bank, Diamond Bank, Stanbic-IBTC Bank, as well as First City Monument Bank (FCMB) demanding the account statements of beneficiaries of the account.

    The anti-graft agency had alleged that the accused conspired to defraud NIMASA of N8.5 billion using six companies, namely — Jagan Ltd, Jagan Trading Company Ltd, Jagan Global Services Ltd, Al-Nald Ltd, Paper Warehouse Ltd,  Eastpoint Integrated Services Ltd and De-Newlink Integrated Services Ltd.

    The EFCC claimed that the accused committed the fraud between Sept. 5, 2014, and May 20, 2015, in contravention of Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

    The court has fixed Feb. 13 and Feb. 17 for the commencement of trial.

  • NIMASA is being transformed to boost up Nigeria’s revenue base — DG

    NIMASA is being transformed to boost up Nigeria’s revenue base — DG

    Mr Dakuku Peterside, the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) says he is already transforming the agency to enable it to boost up the country’s revenue base.

    Peterside said this in Abuja on Tuesday when he led a NIMASA delegation on a visit to the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Bayo Onanuga.

    He said he was already taking steps to build the agency’s capacity to achieve the mandate set out for it.

    The director-general said the visit to NAN was with a view to enlightening the public more on the objectives of NIMASA and sharing with them some of the work the agency had done.

    He praised Onanuga for his virtues and NAN for the support it had been rendering to NIMASA.

    He called for greater collaboration between NIMASA and NAN.

    Responding, Onanuga said NAN would continue to give support to NIMASA to ensure it achieved its goals.

    Onanuga told the NIMASA delegation that NAN recently developed a free-to-read website, and that the agency planned to establish photo and video portals consecutively.

    He said that way, NAN would be able to generate funds, depend less on government allocation and be able to compete with its counterparts in the industry.

    The NAN MD further said that the agency planned to begin publishing a year book beginning end of 2017.

  • Rivers: Peterside urges prosecution of electoral offenders

    Rivers: Peterside urges prosecution of electoral offenders

    A call has gone out for the prosecution of all those involved in the audio recording alleging electoral malpractices.

    The call was made by the Director- General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, on Friday.

    A statement by Peterside’s media office in Abuja said that the audio recording showed top officials of Rivers government allegedly offering a bribe to INEC officials during the re-run legislative elections in the state.

    It said that the allegation contained in the audio record was weighty and needed to be unravelled to serve as a deterrent to others and safeguard democratic tenets in the country.

    The office noted that the audio tape which had gone viral on the internet, if not checked, would amount to ‘’abuse of the honour and trust reposed on such officials’’.

    The statement added that the allegations remained portrayed misuse of power bestowed by the people on elected and appointed officials.

    The office, therefore, called on the officials linked with the audio tape to come out to give a true picture of what transpired and apologise to Rivers people.

  • NIMASA pledges support for Amnesty programme

    NIMASA pledges support for Amnesty programme

    The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has pledged support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme, to ensure the proper rehabilitation and reintegration of the ex-agitators in the Niger Delta Region.

    This is contained in a statement signed by NIMASA’s Head of Corporate Communications, Lami Tumaka, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    According to the statement, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr Dakuku Peterside, gave the assurance when the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig- Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd.), paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos.

    Peterside said that NIMASA would support the Amnesty programme to achieve a safe and secured maritime industry and the national economy, as a whole.

    He said the agency would also partner with the programme to ensure lasting peace in the region.

    According to him, the Presidential Amnesty programme and NIMASA are jointly in pursuit of maritime security within the zone, without which shipping activities cannot thrive.

    “The core mandate of both government bodies is to ensure that the young men and women who were agitating are rehabilitated into the society.

    “You are contributing to the growth of our economy by ensuring that there is peace in the Niger Delta; when there is peace, there will be an increase in oil production.

    “When there is an increase in oil production, there will be an increase in revenue to purse more development projects.’’

    Peterside also said that the agency would set up a special desk to look at the young men and women in the amnesty programme.

    He said the special desk would be set up with a view to creating opportunities for them to apply the skills they acquired in the maritime industry.

    Earlier, Boroh called for collaborative efforts in the resettlement and reintegration of the ex-agitators in the Niger Delta Region, noting that it would foster the growth and development of the economy.

    He said that a number of them (ex-agitators) had gone through various courses relating to the maritime industry.

    Boroh, however, appealed to the Agency to assist in engaging them, so that they could be fully reintegrated into the society.

  • Election: APC will reject result of Rivers East, says Peterside

    Election: APC will reject result of Rivers East, says Peterside

    The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, on Monday, said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would reject the result of Rivers East Senatorial District rerun election.

    Peterside told a news conference in Port Harcourt that the collation of the district’s election results was marred with irregularities.

    He said that information available to the party showed that results of some local government areas in the district had not been collated.

    Peterside, the Deputy Leader of the party in the state, also alleged that due process was not followed in announcing the results.

    “ You are aware that elections were inconclusive in Etche Local Government Area; the results for Emohua Local Government Area have not been collated, the results for Port Harcourt City Local Government Area were partially collated.

    “ The APC agent was beaten at the collation centre in Port Harcourt. Without him being present, the result was announced in favour of the PDP candidate.

    “ Whatever result is declared for Rivers East will be ridiculing the democracy; APC will not accept any of that,” he said.

    Peterside said the APC would use constitutional means to resist the alleged irregularities.