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Tag: NIMASA

  • How ex-NIMASA boss converted N496 million from Dasuki to personal use

    How ex-NIMASA boss converted N496 million from Dasuki to personal use

    A Lagos high court sitting in Ikeja heard on Friday  how a former Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi,  and others requested for N496 million from former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki and converted the money to personal use. 
    An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, Mr. Orji Chukwuma  disclosed this  while giving evidence before the court  presided by Justice Raliatu Adebiyi.
    Chukwuma further narrated to the court how the former NIMASA boss also allegedly transferred N504 million to Arrow World Consultancy Services Limited.
    The EFCC had charged  the  former NIMASA boss and others for allegedly stealing  over N754, 740,680.00 million belonging to NIMASA.
    Akpobolokemi is facing trial alongside Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Amechee Juan, Vincent Udoye, Captain Adegboyega Sahib Olopoenia, and a company, Gama Marine Nigeria Limited.
    They are facing a 13-count charge bordering on stealing the money belonging to NIMASA.
    They had pleaded not guilty to all the count preferred against them.
    Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo at the resumed sitting of the court on friday, the witness, Chukwuma,  stated that the sum of N816,200 million was fraudulently transferred between 2014 and 2015 by the former NIMASA boss.
    He said in the cause of investigation, it was discovered that defendants converted money meant for the purchase of equipment and other items for NIMASA to personal use.
    Chukwuma who is an investigating officer with the EFCC recalled that the commission received intelligence report of a monumental fraud going on in NIMASA under the leadership of Akpobolokemi who was the Director General of the agency as at that time.
    According to the witness, “based on the fraudulent presentation of documents presented by the first defendant through Office of National Security Adviser to former president Goodluck Jonathan, which was approved, an account was created in the name of VIMSAS which was operated by the second defendants and some others”.
     When he was shown exhibit P9, he said it represent the fraudulent representation by the first defendant to NSA on May 15, 2015 and a reply from NSA dated October 15, 2015 and a payment voucher.
      ” Exhibit P10  represent a letter from NIMASA dated June 20,2014 and a correspondence from ONSA on July 30,2014 a payment voucher. The NSA approved the sum of N498million but the investigation revealed contrary.
      “A request of N318million was made and attached the list of things to purchase but investigation revealed that the money was converted as against the list. There was instruction to move N498,200m from NIMASA account to VIMSAS account no 1013961926 domiciled in Zenith Bank. The 1st defendant gave the order for the transferred.
      “On exhibit P9, a mandate to transferred N318million to VIMSAS account with Zenith Bank account and was approved by the 1st defendant. We wrote to the bank and we received responses on the activities on the account.
      “It also showed that 2nd defendant is signatory to the account. On September 24 and November 16, 2014, a withdrawal of N3 million was made by the 3rd defendant on each day.  On April 29,2014 an out flow of N11 million by Liquid Garden and converted.”
    The witness further stated: “there was no contract between VIMSAS and NIMASA while ‘no goods, services were rendered’.  A sum of N816,200 million was moved into the account and was converted to personal use.
    “Also, the sum of N318 million was also transferred to the Zenith Bank account which we discovered was used for personal purposes,” he said.
      He said during investigations, it was discovered that fictitious contracts were awarded to some companies one of which is Arrow World Consulting and Kofa Fadan Nigeria Limited. It was also discovered that the companies were paid for bogus contracts which were never executed.
      “During investigations, we spent two days searching for the address of the company which we finally located.  We also discovered that the sum of N11 million was transferred to one Aneke Julie Nkechi. It was discovered that she is related to a Lady Captain in NIMASA. She was invited to the EFCC’s office where she claimed that she didn’t know how the money got into her account but later refunded the money to the commission,” he said.  
    “One of the defendants Ekene Nwakuche made eight withdrawals of N3 million each through the instruction of Captain Ezekiel Agaba,” he said.
    The trial judge, Justice Adebiyi has however  adjourned the matter till November 30, 2016 for trial within trial.
  • NIMASA: Tompolo’s contract not cancelled

    NIMASA: Tompolo’s contract not cancelled

    The contract of a militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has not been cancelled, its Director General, Dr Dakuku Peterside, has disclosed.

    Peterside, however, revealed the model of the contract was abused, making it a subject of investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    He spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt in an interactive session with reporters after attending the burial of a chieftain of the All Progressive, Congress (APC) Chief Godpower Ake at his Erema hometown in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State.

    The APC governorship candidate in the 2015 elections said: “The contract is you, Global West, go and acquire assets for NIMASA. Acquire security boats, acquire intervention vessels and acquire helicopters.

    “When you acquire all those things, we will pay you back within a period of ten years. Now, you help us in the enforcement and whatever revenue you generate above what we are earning now, it will be shared between Global West and NIMASA.

    “That is a different contract and it is still subsisting till now. It has not been cancelled. It was not terminated. I will continue to say that there was nothing wrong with that model but that model was abused and it is subject to investigation by the EFCC.”

    Peterside, a former member of the House of Representatives, also refuted allegation that he awarded contract to Rivers Chairman of APC, Chief Davies Ikanya, describing it as untrue, baseless and frivolous.

    He said: “What was given to Sneco is debt recovery and revenue enhancement. That is a different contract.

    “The APC Chairman in Rivers State is not a director in Sneco. He is not a shareholder and he is not on the board of Sneco.

    “So, what is the connection between the APC Chairman in Rivers State and Sneco Financial Services?”

    Peterside said he decided to avoid commenting on the performance of Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a matter of personal principle.

  • NIMASA ‘lost about $3b in three years’

    NIMASA ‘lost about $3b in three years’

    The visit of the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, and his management team to the eastern zonal offices has revealed that about $3 billion was lost in three years to the non-implementation of the Sea Protection Levy (SPL), reports Maritime Correspondent OLUWAKEMI DAUDA.

    The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)  lost $2,950,151,671.14 in three years through non implementation of the Sea Protection Levy (SPL) by past managements. This, The Nation learnt, was between  2013 and 2015.

    The discovery, it was gathered, was made when its Director-Gneral (DG), Dr Dakuku Peterside, and the management team visited the Eastern zone of the agency. The SPL regime came into force in 2012.

    Peterside and his team, according to sources, were shocked when the revelation was made to them in Port Harcourt.

    Under the regime, NIMASA is to collect N1,500 or $9.38 per cubic metre of pipeline from high-water mark to termination point offshore.

    The revenue that was supposed to accrue to the agency from the levy, between 2013 and 2015, according to sources, was N471,772,655,009 or $2,950,151,671.  It was also discovered that other avenues that could have boosted  the agency’s revenue profile were not explored.

    For instance, the agency is generating $15 million annually from vessels on offshore platforms and pipelines in the zone. The visit, according to sources, however, revealed that the agency could have generated as much as $900 million from the same platforms annually, if necessary requirements were met.

    In the Eastern zone, a source told The Nation, NIMASA generates $11 million annually from vessels on rotations in Cabotage trade when it has the potential of generating $17 milliom annually.

    This amount, it was gathered, excluded millions of dollar the agency could have raked in from stevedoring charges on offshore operations and the Single Window Entry (SWE) platform. Peterside, it was gathered, has directed NIMASA to come forward with the core responsibilities of the zones, articulate uniform reporting template, establish a formidable joint enforcement team and a watertight surveillance system. It was also learnt that the DG directed the automation of workflow, distribution of ships surveillance information from the operation room to various units and the provision of efficient work environment for members of staff to boost revenue.

     

    Challenges

     

    During the visit, Peterside, it was gathered,  discovered that the agency did not have enough platforms for enforcement, had weak and insufficient operational vehicles, inadequate personal protective equipment for members of staff, usually experience delay in issuance of debit note from the head office and inadequate corporate communication and information communication technology (ICT).

    Other identified challenges include:, non training of members of staff on relevant fields both in  local and foreign operations, lack of equipment for drills and emergency response activities, non-availability of marine pollution laboratory or a NIMASA approved and certified private laboratory, delay in submission of completed bio-data forms, lack of functional on-line authentication portal for verification of seafarers’ certificate of competencies, discharge book and medical certificate fitness. Others were non connection of Onne  port to national grid, inadequate working tools such as computers and photo copy machines and inadequate office accommodation. Peterside has since promised to address and give priority attention them to boost efficiency.

     

    Agony of casual drivers

     

    Peterside  discovered that five drivers: David Unapec, Sunday Martins, Solomon Achuku, Sunday Adharjo, and Asuquo Edet have served the agency as casual workers for between 11 and 14 years.

    Peterside, apart from commending the affected drivers and identifying with their plight, directed the management to look for a way to employ those that have served the agency without blemish, a source said.

     

    Personnel

     

    Addressing the members of staff at the zonal headquarters, Peterside promised to expand their scope of authority, adding that he would deploy  more workers to the zonal and port offices of the agency to promote efficiency and generate more revenue.

    Investigations revealed that the Zonal Head Office would need additional 12 hands, Port Harcourt  six, Onne Port 15, Calabar 15, Eket four, Oron four, Yenagoa three and Bonny 10.

    The Eastern zone, it was gathered, needed additional 69  to its 234 personnel to work effectively.

     

    Visit to Naval base

     

    At the Naval in Sapele, the Zonal Co-ordinator, Capt. Kunle Olayiwola, conducted the team  round the abandoned floating dock, containers, Werklust caterpillars, oil pipes, three barges and other equipment at the base.

    He said the agency would find a lasting solution to the environmental challenges posed by the abandoned equipment.

    Peterside commended the professionalism of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army and Navy in combating piracy and insecurity on the waterways and sought their support in addressing the challenges posed by operators of illegal jetties and small crafts within the zone.

     

    Visit to Olu of Warri

     

    During his visit to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli Emiko, the traditional ruler appealed to Peterside to facilitate the effective utilisation of Warri and Koko Ports with a view to reviving economic activities in the areas.

    The Olu expressed confidence in the ability of the to return the old glory of the two ports.

     

    At zonal offices 

     

    Addressing workers at the zone, Peterside expressed his determination to strengthen the zonal offices by devolving more power to the zones, granting them more autonomy and authority to handle statutory mandate without much recourse to the head office.

    Many officers of the agency, he said, would be moved to zonal and port offices to boost operation, enforcement and compliance, stating that the zones would be made the agency’s centre of activities. While bemoaning the poor state of some of the offices he visited, he commended the members of staff of the Yenagoa office for discharging their duties creditably.

    He directed them  to redouble their efforts and ensure that they register all small crafts operating on the nation’s territorial waters to stop their illegal activities. He advised all operators of small crafts to register with NIMASA or face sanctions.

    The DG also directed the staff to develop zero tolerance for corruption, compromise and embark on effective enforcement of their laws to boost security and generate more revenue to the Federal Government.

     

    His meeting with stakeholders

     

    During the stakeholders meeting in Portharcourt, the DG decried incessant militancy and restiveness in the region and called on the restive youths to embrace peace.

    He bemoaned the high level of insecurity in the region, which he said, had scared genuine investors away. While acknowledging that some of the demands of the agitators were germane, he solicited the support of opinion leaders and elders to bring peace and development to the region

     

    Sea time training

     

    On sea time training for Nigerian cadets, Peterside said the Agency was committed to growing human capacity in the industry and has already devised a number of initiatives where the cadets of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) would get sea time experience to enable them get gainful employment. Peterside highlighted areas of interest to include the flouting of cabotage law, negative impact to the environment from oil exploration activities, non payment of statutory levies due to the government and inadequate information sharing.

     

    On crewing agents and shipping companies

     

    Peterside has directed the enforcement officers at the zones to go after all crewing agents and shipping companies operating illegally in the country.  He said only approved crewing agencies have the right to engage in seafarers recruitment. He said recruitment activities outside the approved authority were illegal and must be stopped.

    NIMASA, he said, would sanction any company or individual who violated the law. NIMASA, as the flag state, according to Peterside, would no longer tolerate the violation of the Cabotage and other extant laws by the shipping companies, oil companies, terminal operators, shipping and crewing agents operating on the nation’s territorial waters.

     

    Achievement

     

    Based on the policy thrust of the current management of the agency, investigation revealed that detention of ships operating in the Eastern zone has reduced, compliance level has increased based on sentitisation programmes organised by the agency, the rate of water pollution in the zone is now minimal. There is relative  industrial peace and security in the port environment based on meetings and consultations with  labour and other stakeholders, a source said.

  • Operators owe NIMASA $420.5m, says Peterside

    Operators owe NIMASA $420.5m, says Peterside

    The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is being owed about $420.5 million, by some maritime operators, the Director-General, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has said.

    Peterside who made this known during an engagement with the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration in Abuja yesterday, also refuted claims that the Agency was owed monies in excess of $10 billion. He said it was not correct given that the freight element of shipping trade in the last four years was not up to $10billion.

    The Head, Corporate Communications of NIMASA,  Lami Tumaka quoted  Peterside as saying that the entire freight element of shipping trade in Nigeria in the last four years is less than $10billion.

    In response to a petition received by the Committee purporting that the Agency had engaged a consultant to assist in recovering its money without following due process, the D-G told the Committee that due process was followed in selecting the Consultant as the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) had also issued a Certificate of No Objection for the purpose.

    Dr Peterside who noted that the Agency has been making efforts to recover these monies with little success also said this necessitated the management, utilising international best practices, to employ the services of a consultant to assist in recovering the funds.

    NIMASA had engaged the services of Messrs Snecou Financial Services Company Limited to assist in recovering debts owed NIMASA which are put at $420.5million with the aim of channeling the funds into developing critical infrastructure as well as knowledgeable manpower for the maritime industry.

    He said the debt in question covered the four year period upto 2014.

  • Akpobolokemi, others stole N1.5b from NIMASA, says witness

    Akpobolokemi, others stole N1.5b from NIMASA, says witness

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alleged that a former Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi and nine others converted N1.5 billion from the agency’s intelligence committee.

    Prosecution witness Kanu Idagu yesterday told the Federal High Court in Lagos that the defendants set up several committees through which they allegedly laundered billions of Naira.

    The defendants are being tried for a 40-count charge of converting to their personal use, over N3.4 billion belonging to NIMASA.

    The second to seventh defendants are Capt Bala Agaba; Ekene Nwakuche; Felix Bob-Nabena; Capt Warredi Enisouh; Governor Juan; Ugo Frederick and Timi Alari.

    Also charged are two companies – Al-kenzo Ltd and Penniel Engineering Services Ltd.

    They were alleged to have committed the offences between December 2013 and July 2015.

    According to the EFCC, the offences contravened sections 15 (1), (3), and 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Amendment Act, 2012.

    The defendants were admitted to bail after pleading not guilty.

    At resumption of trial yesterday, Idagu introduced himself as head of an EFCC Special Task Force, which co-ordinates investigations and carries out searches and arrest.

    Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel Festus Keyamo, he said the commission received a petition in the last quarter of 2015, on NIMASA during the Akpobolokemi’s tenure.

    His team, Idagu added, investigated and found that NIMASA set up various committees for laundering money through firms and bureaux de change.

    He mentioned a committee on intelligence headed by the second defendant (Agaba), with an Access Bank account 0688939609 opened for the receipt of money.

    “Between December 20, 2013, and July 7, 2015, the committee received money in tranches, running into N1.5 billion.

    “The chairman of the committee raised several internal memos to the director of Finance and Accounts, wherein it was claimed that the funds were to be used for intelligence-based security activities.

    “The companies used in furtherance of these activities were either owned or nominated by NIMASA staff for their personal use,” Idagu said

    According to the witness, one of such companies was Aler Integrated Services Ltd, whose head was Uche Obilor.

    He added: “Another company is Kofa Fada Ltd, a bureau de change, which the second defendant instructed Obilor to transfer N10 million into.

    “Two million naira was also transferred into the account of Al-Kenzo Logistics, whose alter ego is the third accused, Ekene Nwakuche.

    “The second defendant also made a claim of a business contract between NIMASA and Kofa Fada Ltd, with N26 million transferred to the company’s account, while the dollar equivalent was handed to him.

    “The second defendant also transferred N86 million to Usseinian Ltd and the dollar equivalent transferred to him.”

    The witness identified the third defendant (Nwakuche), who was personal assistant to the second defendant, as the person responsible for coordinating accounts for the purpose of diverting money.

    He said the third defendant formulated an Enterprise Bank account in the name of Adams CDA Global Services, belonging to one of his friends, into which he transferred N120 million.

    He claimed that the dollar equivalent was handed over to the second defendant.

    The witness alleged that the third defendant also nominated an Access Bank account for Gidoga Investment Ltd, into which N65 million was transferred.

    He said in all N422.680 million was transferred to the second defendant, who claimed that same was remitted to the first defendant.

    After the witness’ oral testimony, the prosecutor prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him present documentary evidence.

    Justice Saliu Saidu upheld his application and adjourned till December 15 and 19 for continuation of trial.

     

  • Akpobolokemi, others stole N1.5b from NIMASA intelligence committee – EFCC

    Akpobolokemi, others stole N1.5b from NIMASA intelligence committee – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alleged that a former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi and nine others converted N1.5 billion from the agency’s intelligence committee.

    Prosecution witness, Mr. Kanu Idagu, Monday told the Federal High Court in Lagos, that the defendants set up several committees through which they allegedly laundered billions of Naira.

    The defendants are standing trial on a 40-count charge bordering on conversion to their personal uses, of over N3.4 billion belonging to NIMASA.

    The second to seventh defendants are Captain Bala Agaba; Ekene Nwakuche; Felix Bob-Nabena; Captain Warredi Enisouh; Governor Juan; Ugo Frederick and Timi Alari.

    Also charged are two companies; Al-kenzo Ltd and Penniel Engineering Services Ltd.

    They were alleged to have committed the offences between December 2013 and July 2015.

    According to the EFCC, the offences contravened Sections 15 (1), (3), and 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Amendment Act, 2012.

    The defendants are on bail after pleading not guilty to the charge.

    At the resumption of trial yesterday, Idagu introduced himself as head of an EFCC Special Task Force which co-ordinates investigations and carries out searches and arrest.

    Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Mr. Festus Keyamo, he said the commission received a petition in the last quarter of 2015, against some activities in NIMASA, during the period when Akpobolokemi was D-G.

    His team, Idagu added, investigated the allegations and found that NIMASA had set up various committees some of which were used to launder monies through firms and Bureau de Changes.

    He specified that a committee on intelligence was set up and headed by the second defendant (Agaba), with an Access Bank account number 0688939609 opened for the receipt of monies.

    “Between December 20, 2013 and July 7, 2015, the committee received money in tranches running into 1.5 billion.

    “The chairman of the committee raised several internal memos to the director of finance and accounts, wherein it was claimed that the funds were to be used for intelligence based security activities.

    “The companies used in furtherance of these activities were either owned or nominated by NIMASA staffs for their personal use,” Idagu said

    According to the witness, one of such companies was Aler Integrated services Ltd, whose alter ego was one Uche Obilor.

    He added: “Another company is Kofa Fada Ltd, a bureau de change company which the second defendant instructed Obilor to transfer the sum of N10 million into.

    “The sum of N2 million was also transferred into the account of one Al-Kenzo Logistics, whose alter ego is the third accused, Ekene Nwakuche.

    “The second defendant also made a claim of a business contract between NIMASA and one Kofa Fada Ltd, with the sum of N26 million transferred to the company’s account, while the dollar equivalent was handed to him.

    “The second defendant also transferred the sum of N86 million to one Usseinian Ltd and the dollar equivalent transferred to him.”

    The witness identified the third defendant (Nwakuche) who was personal assistant to the second defendant, as the person responsible for coordinating accounts for the purpose of diverting money.

    He said that the third defendant formulated an Enterprise Bank account in the name of Adams CDA Global Services, belonging to one of his friends, into which he transferred the sum of N120 million.

    He claimed that the dollar equivalent was handed over to the second defendant.

    The witness alleged that the third defendant also nominated an Access Bank account for Gidoga Investment Ltd, into which the sum of N65 million was transferred.

    He said that in all, a total of N422, 680 million was directly transferred to the second defendant, who claimed that same was remitted to the first defendant.

    After the witness’ oral testimony, the prosecutor prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him present documentary evidence.

    Justice Saliu Saidu upheld his application and adjourned till December 15 and 19 for continuation of trial.

  • Agents task NPA, NIMASA boards on maritime reform

    Agents task NPA, NIMASA boards on maritime reform

    CUSTOMS agents have set agenda for the boards of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administartion and Safety Agency (NIMASA): they should revamp the sector to increase revenue generation.

    The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) urged the boards to find a lasting solution to the dilapidated Oshodi-Apapa Expressway in Lagos; ensure security at the ports and hasten cargo clearance.

    According to ANCLA President Olayiwola Shittu, the boards and other agencies have the responsibility to make Nigeria ports hubs in the sub-region.

    He told The Nation that the board chairmen should prevail on the government to use part of the money generated from the ports monthly to fix the roads leading to the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports.

    Mr Emmanuel Adesoye (NPA) and Maj-Gen. Jonathan Garba (NIMASA) alleged that the government had not done enough to provide basic infrastructure and tackle corruption at the ports. He urged the boards to devise strategies for increasing the tempo of activities at the ports.

    The ANLCA chief decried the deplorable state of the Lagos and Onne port roads, saying it was affecting cargo delivery, endangering workers’ lives and making things difficult for the people.

    Shittu urged the boards to seek explanation on what the money realised from the ports is being used for.

    “Is it good to read on the pages of newspapers that despite the recession, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generates over N50 billion monthly from the Lagos ports without any corresponding development of the roads that lead to the ports?” he queried.

    “Even the figure available to us showed that NPA, NIMASA, Customs, Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), the Standards Organisation of Nieria (SON) and other agencies are generating several billions of naira monthly and we are sure that about 80 per cent of the amount is generated in Lagos. Why is the government finding it difficult to develop port infrastructure and make the  ports attractive for business and generate more money?” he asked.

    He said: “Telling the Federal Government alone, this time around, will not be enough. It is time to hold agencies that base their existence on the ports responsible and ask for their interventions to put pressure on the government to intervene, to save the lives of Nigerians suffering and dying on these roads every day.

    “Other operational challenges in the ports were discussed and we resolved that they should be aggregated in writing, for appropriate action, especially against some shipping companies, through their home countries.”

  • NIMASA appoints revenue consultant

    The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has appointed Snecou Financial Services Company Limited to assist in revenue generation.

    The contract, which also has the company serving as a recovery agent for debts owed the Agency, is for a period of two years in the first instance with an option for renewal.

    The approval for the contract was granted by the Parastatals Tenders Board (PTB) of the agency at its 55th session in Lagos.

    The agency sought and obtained approval for a “Certificate of No Objection” from the Bureau of Public Procurement in line with the Public Procurement Act (PPA).

    According to the contractual agreement already endorsed by both parties, the contract is based on a success rate of 13 percent using a benchmark of $19,753,012.36 and N239,607,155.52 monthly revenue while a maximum cap of 15 percent success rate payable on any new revenue head discovered  by the consultants within the contract period.

    This means Snecou Financial Services Company Limited will be paid 13 percent of only the revenue above the threshold of the approved benchmark in the course of the contracting period.

    The firm will also be entitled to a maximum of 15 percent of new revenue streams discovered during the period.

    NIMASA’s Director General Dr Dakuku Peterside said: “We have awarded a debt recovery contract which is totally different from what Global West was doing for NIMASA.

    “The contract was not awarded to the Chairman of the APC in Rivers State.

    “It was awarded to Snecou Nigeria Limited and we advertised the contract in several newspapers. So I don’t see what is wrong with awarding a contract to get our money from debtors.”

    Peterside also noted the agency’s debts are around $4 to 5 billion, which necessitated an urgent need to recover them for infrastructural upgrade in the maritime industry.

  • NIMASA to monitor jetties, river craft operators in Yenagoa

    The Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, said on Wednesday that the agency would apply enforcement and monitor the activities of jetties and river craft operators in Yenagoa.

    Peterside spoke during a facility tour of the Yenagoa office by the management of the agency.

    He commended the staff of Yenagoa for being efficient and articulate in spite of little operational tools available for them to carry out their duties.

    Peterside appreciated the staff for engaging in a lot of monitoring activities that were able to discover almost 28 jetties operating in the waters.

    “In the next few weeks, after meeting with other managements, we are going to come out with the guidelines for registration of small river craft.

    “We have observed that they used these small river craft for criminal activities.

    “Therefore, we want to register them in line with our mandate to monitor what they do and ensure we keep an eye on their activities.

    “All unregulated maritime activities in our various jetties are seriously affecting our environment.

    “The environment is exposed to serious pollution and environmental danger because of unregulated activities of some of the oil jetties, terminals and offshore operational areas, ‘’ the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes Peterside as saying.

    He said both NIMASA and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) were collaborating to find solutions to the persistent water hyacinth on Yenagoa waters.

    The NIMASA boss said the agency was looking at the possibility of recruiting Search and Rescue merchants who would be placed at specific jetties.

    He said that the people would not only engage in Search and Rescue, they would monitor small river craft operators to ensure safety of passengers.

    Peterside said that an enlightenment programme would be a continuous thing to emphasise the importance of lifejackets during operation.

    He said that the management was aware of the state of the staff building in Yenagoa, adding that the management would meet in Lagos and make urgent decision for a better office.

    Peterside said the purpose of the management’s visit to Yenagoa was to examine the activities of the staff, shape their operations and devolve more powers.

    He said that the management had engaged in restructuring and repositioning of the agency in all Zonal areas to become the centre of operations of the agency.

    The Head of NIMASA operations in Yenagoa, Mr Denies Monye, said there was the need for the management to provide light patrol vessels for effective monitoring operations in the waters.

    Monye urged the management to assist the people of Yenagoa in clearing some areas where water hyacinth had taken over to create room for fish farming.

    He said the NIMASA office in Yenagoa was operating with 19 staff, adding that the staff worked very hard in assisting the agency to achieve its mandate.

    Monye requested for more working tools to enable the staff discharge their duties more effectively.

  • NIMASA goes tough on seafarers

    NIMASA goes tough on seafarers

    The Director-General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, has called for the arrest of crew agents and shipping companies operating illegally  in the country.

    NIMASA, he said, would sanction any company or individual violating the law.

    Addressing over 2,000 stakeholders after inspecting NIMASA’s facilities in Port Harcourt yesterday, Peterside said NIMASA would no longer tolerate violation of the Cabotage Law and others by the shipping companies, oil companies, terminal operators and others.

    Peterside said the agency would resist non-payment of statutory levies.

    He urged members of staff to develop  zero tolerance for corruption.