Connect with us

Maritime

How NIMASA DG is Contributing to Development of Maritime, Economy

Published

on

Despite that Dr Dakuku Peterside assumed duties as the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) just over a year ago,  he  has  nevertheless enunciated measures that have repositioned the organisation and made it to have a more positive impact on the maritime sector and the economy, says Shola Fadeyi

The ongoing management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) led by Dr Dakuku Peterside  as the  Director General has indeed  proved right the aphorism, which says  it is not how long but how well, sequel to the very  meaningful contributions it has made  to the development of the Agency, the maritime sector and the economy   within about 15 months of its existence.

The general believe in the maritime sector is that he has to a large extent delivered on his pledge on assumption of office, to harness the vast potential available in NIMASA   to make Nigeria a maritime hub in the West and Central Africa sub- region for the fact that he has focused majorly on the implementation of the agency’s core mandate.

Effective Management

Stakeholders are of the view that he has reasonably succeeded at promoting the development of indigenous capacity in international and coastal shipping as well as effectively regulated the maritime industry    through the  three- year  medium term strategic  growth plan of reformation, restructuring and repositioning  of the agency and the maritime sector which he enunciated in July last year.

 Apart from the fact that the blueprint  was in line  with the ‘change’ agenda of the President Buhari’s administration meant to diversify Nigeria’s economy, the fact of its success was brought to the fore   when the President  himself  recently acknowledged the agency’s  performance under  Dr  Peterside  , especially his fight against sea piracy through interagency cooperation .

Hosting of AAMA/ Rebranding of NIMASA

Thus President Buhari and maritime experts were agreed that the very modest contributions which the NIMASA DG has made to the development of the agency and the maritime sector  informed Nigeria’s hosting of the Association of Africa’s Maritime Administrators(AAMA) Conference in Abuja recently  while the subsequent election of  Peterside was  an affirmation of his achievements in NIMASA.

While the rebranding of the agency , through the unveiling of its new logo in Abuja by  President Buhari has infused a new dose of energy into the NIMASA brand, the   multiplier effect of the hosting has  also contributed largely  to enhance the chances of Nigeria’s to return to Council at IMO at the Category C level a position to which NIMASA  has received the approval  of the Presidency to seek election into.

 Achievements

Despite that he became the Director General at a time when the  number of visiting vessels and volume of cargoes have reduced  sharply due to recession and fiscal policies , he has  been able to administer  the agency  effectively for the fact that he has drawn from his wealth of experience in politics  and the legislature, utilized his array of  connections in political circles as well his managerial acumen and intelligence.

This it is believed has explained his successes in the areas of human  capacity building for the agency’s personnel, vis avis the implementation of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP),Search  and Rescue, the development of shipping , maritime security and safety, Anti – Piracy, implementation  of the international ship and port security (ISPS) Code  and the Cabotage Act.

The management has also been able to control and prevent maritime pollution carried out  certification, employment and welfare of maritime labour, perform port and flag state duties, established the procedure for the implementation of all international conventions on maritime , labour , security and safety to which Nigeria is a party as well as discharge its air and coastal surveillance effectively.

Manpower Development

On assumption of office , it   had immediately introduced a new work ethics , focused on the  training and retraining of the personnel , the improvement of  their welfare  across board and the  promotions of all categories of workers including those on management level.All these and such   promotions which  last took place 10 years ago boosted their output  and impacted on the agency’s contributions to the maritime sector and the economy..

NSDP/ Seatime Training

In line with the vision of the current management to produce a crop of well trained manpower for the maritime sector which will in turn earn scarce foreign exchange for the country, it has repackaged the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP)  and ensured that all the beneficiaries of the scheme especially those of them  who are currently in school have access to the vital seatime training  ,

It has done this to give the cadets global recognition and facilitate their being employed.  NIMASA is already discussing with the relevant maritime institutions in Egypt and Europe   to ensure that the Nigerian cadets who are beneficiaries of the NSDP start their seatime training. As a matter of fact a total of 1,045 of the students have graduated   out of the 2,500 the agency is sponsoring.

Revenue Generation

In the realm of revenue generation, much as the current management of the agency has had it as a policy to ensure its personnel  do not compromise at ensuring safety of vessels coming or leaving Nigerian shores  because of the quest to make money for the organization, the agency has nevertheless been  very up and doing at remitting funds into the federal government coffers .

While the current management in the past one year made  significant contributions to the consolidated revenue fund in its one year of existence,  it is already working extra hard  to double it  by increasing its revenue avenues  , plug  loopholes, enhance compliance  to ensure it provides more money for government to  fund its series of projects  and confirm its contributions to economic development.

Billing of Pipelines/ Sea Protection Levy Gazette

To  enhance revenue generation, the management has commenced the billing of pipelines, oil  rigs and FPSOs through the exploitation of the Statutory provisions of the Sea Protection Levy Gazette.

 

Restructuring

A significant part of the ongoing reforms at NIMASA has been the restructuring of the Agencies operation, under which power is being devolved to the zonal offices, a development which has reduced red tapism to a large extent and facilitated the time of doing business with the agency approval of the   board of directors to erect magnificent edifices in its eastern zonal offices in Port Harcourt and Western Zonal offices  in Warri among other places.

ISPS Code

The NIMASA has made a giant strides in area of the implementation of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) International Ship and Ports Facility(ISPS) Code , which the agency is the Designated Authority on behalf of Nigeria  which now has over 80 per cent compliance rate with the Code as  nearly 145 ports in the country are now fully compliant from just 13 in 2005 when it took over the function.

While the United States Coast Guard Team which visited Nigeria recently has variously lauded NIMASA over its efforts on the implementation of the Code, many stakeholders have also commended the agency.  The implication of the high compliance rate is that terminals are now safer and more reliable to do business and able to contribute more revenue to the economy.

Repositioning

Highly impressed by the great strides of the current NIMASA management  on the implementation of its reformation agenda, the President of the Nigerian Chamber  of Shippers(NCS) , Mr Andy Isichei among many other stakeholders   had to commend the organization  on its efforts towards the repositioning of the agency and the maritime sector  which has made it to contribute more to economic development.

Maritime Safety/ Search and Rescue

Also the various commendable efforts which the current management has made it  to increase maritime security and safety in the Gulf of Guinea especially as it pertains to reduction in cases of piracy..The revival of the activities of the  Search and Rescue Committee of nine member States under Nigeria, SAR region which has seen the agency organizing two sub regional technical Committee meetings has increased the agency’s capacity to respond to distress calls.

Surveillance of Maritime Domain/ Anti- Piracy Bill

Additionally, the agency’s quest to have a safer maritime domain  has also made it to champion an anti – piracy bill which it hopes to pursue to the National Assembly  to  become  an Act this year .The quest to enhance safety of vessels cum search  and rescue  has also made it possible for it to increase the number of search and rescue marshals from 100 to 1000  while it will soon  acquire assets to be deployed in strategic locations in Nigeria.

Furthermore, as part of measures for effective monitoring of vessels, NIMASA has upgraded its surveillance system to 24 hours , a development which makes it to capture any vessel  in the Nigerian Maritime Domain irrespective of weather conditions. This approach  has helped the agency to block revenue leakages and enhance its revenue profile since all vessels are now captured for billing.It has also integrated surveillance data with billing control information  thus reducing billing time significantly.

Building of Indigenous Capacity

In line with NIMASA’s mandate to  promote the development of indigenous commercial shipping  in international and coastal shipping trade,  the management has commenced the strict enforcement  of Sections 36 and 37 of the NIMASA Act 2017 meant to achieve this purpose. It is already poised to take the matter to the highest legislative and executive arms of government  to realize this objective.

Switch of Trade Term from FOB to CIF

To conserve Foreign exchange for Nigeria on the lifting of wet cargo, through which the country’s crude oil is now carried  at Free on Board (FOB) , the management is ensuring  that such cargoes are now carried in Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF) which will make  Nigeria to participate in crude oil lifting , cargo insurance and create jobs for cadets and other Nigerians.it  will soon start to reach out to relevant agencies of government  in this direction as well as do a memo to the Federal Executive Council.

Cabotage Law

The management is working towards  100 per cent compliance with the Cabotage Act  in the  nearest future in the areas of the number of vessels doing business in Nigeria waters and  flying the National Flag , which has risen to 60 per cent  from less than 3 per cent in 2003   as well as an increase of 20 per cent in the building of Cabotage vessels  compared to when it was dominated by foreigners.

Currently about 400 vessels flying Nigerian Flag are now registered  with NIMASA compared to less than about half  as at 2015 while the management is also making efforts to finally disburse the Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund (CVFF) which will enhance the capacity of indigenous shipping companies and boost the economy.

Modular Floating Dockyard

Not relenting in making further positive impact  it is already set to take delivery of the fifth largest modular floating dockyard on the African Continent , which is expected to save Nigeria at least  $100 million  annually  from dry docking of ships in the country  instead of outside the country as done currently  as well as earn FOREX  for the economy through the venture.

International Conventions

Wrecks and Derelicts / International Conventions

The management  has also been up and doing in the enforcement of international conventions and regulations to which Nigeria is a party , performed creditably well in the area of removal of wrecks and derelicts under NIMASA’s responsibility as receiver of wrecks ,  a development that has facilitated smooth sailing of vessels into Nigeria’s waters.

Conclusion

As  Dr Peterside  continues to lead the management of the NIMASA to greater strides in the realization of the purposes and objectives of the organization  , the consensus in the shipping  sector is that its administration is already  increasing the contributions of the agency to the maritime sector and the economy as well as making  Nigeria to be a force to be reckoned with in the global maritime circle.

Shola Fadeyi , a Lagos based journalist is the Publisher of Marine&Economy , a Print & online Publication as well as MD , Simofad Communications Limited.

Latest News

APAPA CUSTOMS: Olomu Records N1.875trn Within 10 Months, Delivers ₦264,45Bn In October 

Published

on

APAPA CUSTOMS: Olomu Records N1.875trn Within 9 Months, Delivers ₦264,45Bn In October 

…Says he cancelled discretional pragmatism, as directed by the CGC, Adewale Adeniyi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Port Command, between January and October 2024 achieved a stupendous revenue profile of N1.875 trillion.

The Customs Area Controller, Babatunde Olomu who disclosed the historical figures also stated that out of the ₦1,875,362,369,214.4, the Command posted a total collection of ₦264,455,587,792.56 billion, solely from October 2024.

It is gratifying to note that not only has October gross-in become the Command’s highest monthly collection, but it is also symbolic that until Olomu assumed office, the Command’s revenue generation was nothing, extraordinary.

It was, therefore, not surprising, that Comptroller Babatunde Olomu last weekend, bagged an award of excellence, for his meticulous approach and stupendous revenue-generating style.

The Award which was championed by a media concern was in collaboration with the Abuja High Command.

Speaking on Monday, Comptroller Olomu reminded all port users that the Apapa Customs Command under his watch does not exercise discretionary pragmatism, as he stressed that every consignment passing through the NCS, Apapa Port Command, is being subjected to thorough examination, involving both scanners and physical means when necessary.

Subsequently, he handed over six containers which ran foul of false declaration, as their contents consisted of fake pharmaceuticals and other controlled products, to the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as well as to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Also Read: 

Providing a breakdown, Comptroller Olomu also expressed optimism that the Apapa Customs Command would meet and surpass its annual revenue target of ₦2.2 trillion before the year winds down,”.

“From January-October 2024, we generated a total of ₦1,875,362,369,214.4 trillion, higher than the ₦931,123,998,213.88 billion generated in the corresponding period in the year 2023, showing a 101 per cent increase over last year’s revenue figure.

“It is instructive to state that our October 2024 collection is ₦264,455,587,792.56 billion. This is the highest monthly collection in the history of this command.

“Furthermore, in line with the Federal Government agenda of Ease of Doing Business, the Command operates on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure that importers take delivery of their cargoes devoid of any delay”

“Therefore, we are hopeful of meeting and even surpassing our target of ₦2.2 trillion as the year winds down,” Comptroller Olomu said, highlighting that the unprecedented revenue figures were achieved, despite the observable significant decline in the nation’s volume of trade.

He pointed out that the Command blocked revenue leakages, while purposefully working at attaining optimal revenue generation, monthly.

“Furthermore, in line with the Federal Government agenda of Ease of Doing Business, the Command operates on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure that importers take delivery of their cargoes devoid of any delay”, stated the CAC, as he beamed his attention on the sphere of trade facilitation, where he mentioned that the Command was already working to migrate from the old system to a new system while maximizing the benefits of what it has presently.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the CAC Apapa Port Customs Command

Olomu said the gesture was in line with the drive by the NCS Management towards a paperless, modern system.

He posted that the Apapa Port Command has keyed into trade facilitation tools like AEO and Advanced Ruling to ensure seamless movement of both import and export cargoes.

The CAC, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu hands over the documents of the seized contrabands to officials of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA during the Monday media briefing.

It was in adherence to the instruction of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi.

“This handover further underscores the robust inter-agency collaboration between the NCS and sister government agencies in the port.
“It further demonstrates our ability to prevent illicit importation from entering the Nigerian market through the port.

“As a Service, we owe Nigerians the duty of preventing the import and export of cargo that could undermine their well-being and security.

“These medical importations have expired, while others are not evaluated by NAFDAC and could cause damages to Nigerians if consumed.

“The content of these containers contravened the provisions of Schedule 3 of the Common External Tariff (CET) and Section 233 of the NCS Act 2023. Some of the contents are unapproved dosages of tramadol, cough syrup with codeine, injections and more”, Olomu said

“We also have an intra-government working system where all government agencies work together as a team without compromising the mandates of our respective agencies.

“Equally, we have a wider customs-stakeholder forum where only issues about customs alone are looked into and addressed as and when due.

“This is a testament to the very regular interactions we have established as directed by the CGC”

“It is noteworthy to state that just last week, the command facilitated the first shipment of cargo to Kenya under the AfCFTA regime,” he added.

Speaking on its anti-smuggling efforts, Olomu said the Command made well over 36 seizures of various items ranging from used clothing, frozen poultry products, tramadol, unregistered pharmaceutical products and other controlled substances valued at over ₦1.5 billion.

He stressed that stakeholder’s compliance, under his watch, has increased “and this is a testament to the very regular interactions we have established as directed by the CGC.

“I want to specially thank all sister government agencies and our strategic private sector partners for being part of the success we are celebrating today. Their contributions have been invaluable and the impacts are evident in our scorecard.

“I hereby invite you to see the seizures as we formally hand over to NAFDAC and NDLEA. These seizures should serve as a deterrent to those involved in any form of illegality and an encouragement for lawful and compliant traders.”

“We shall continue to detect false declarations, concealment, undervaluation and other unethical practices aimed at evading duties, short-changing the government and exposing citizens to unsafe products,” he assured.

Continue Reading

Latest News

CGC Adeniyi Reaffirms Commitment To Strengthening Partnership Between Customs, NAGAFF

Published

on

CGC Adeniyi Reaffirms Commitment To Strengthening Partnership Between Customs, NAGAFF

…Lauds NAGAFF’s resilience and dedication,  to exploring areas of mutual interest

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service NCS and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF. 

The CGC stated this while receiving a visiting delegation of the association, expressing deep enthusiasm and appreciation for their visit, as well as the body’s commitment to enhancing the industry to overcome its challenges.

Addressing the delegation on Tuesday, 29 October 2024, at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Headquarters in Abuja, the Comptroller General praised NAGAFF’s resilience and dedication, particularly to exploring areas of mutual interest, identifying potential opportunities for collaboration, and emphasising the importance of their ongoing engagements in fostering effective partnerships.

“These are all possibilities, and we will be willing to work with you”, Adeniyi told the delegation led by the association’s National President, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi.

He provided the body with an update on the Nigeria Customs Service’s transformative initiatives towards enhancing trade facilitation, border security, and technology integration.

 He also highlighted several projects currently being pursued to improve operational efficiency.

The Comptroller-General confirmed his intention to attend NAGAFF’s upcoming Silver Jubilee Anniversary to recognise a significant role as a key stakeholder in Customs operations and policy implementation.

Earlier, NAGAFF’s National President, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, congratulated CGC Adeniyi and his team for their contributions to national economic growth and security. 

 “Your remarkable achievements since assuming office cannot be overstated”, Chief Esizi said, assuring the CGC of NAGAFF’s active participation in the forthcoming CGC Conference, including unveiling the association’s newly acquired N500 million Secretariat.

Regarding the upcoming Silver Jubilee Anniversary, Ezisi highlighted NAGAFF’s longstanding partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service, which has spanned 25 years and formally invited CGC Adeniyi to attend the event.

The NAGAFF delegation included Chief Afam Chukwuma, Deputy National President (Seaport) and Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Silver Jubilee; Igwe Kingsley, National Secretary; Princess Chi Eze, National Vice President (Western Port); and Melody Obehi, National Treasurer, among others.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Customs Boosts AfCFTA, Facilitates First Shipment from Nigeria to Kenya

Published

on

Customs Boosts AfCFTA, Facilitates First Shipment from Nigeria to Kenya

…Olutayo commends Customs for truly working for genuine success of Nigeria’s participation 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) gave the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) meaning on Wednesday as it facilitated Nigeria’s first shipment to Kenya. Lucky Fibres, a subsidiary of the Tolaram Group, emerged as one of the first companies to ship goods to Kenya. 

Olusegun Olutayo, Senior Trade Expert and Lead of Trade Enablement at the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office indicated this Wednesday, 30 October 2024, during a visit to the Apapa Area Command, towards ensuring proper documentation and verification of the shipment, noting that the shipment from Nigeria to Kenya, specifically to the port of Mombasa, demonstrates the collaborative spirit of AfCFTA.

“It is not that we are doing it alone; I have already sent a message to the Secretariat in Ghana that there will be a shipment under AfCFTA to Kenya. I have also communicated with the AfCFTA implementation committee in Kenya. So this is the spirit we are building to ensure that we increase intra-African trade,” Olutayo noted.

“The Nigeria Customs Service has been fantastic; they are ready to facilitate trade. Once they hear that there is an issue, particularly around AfCFTA, you will see everybody ready to support”

He emphasised the critical role of the service as the Designated Competent Authority (DCA) under AfCFTA, leveraging its expertise to ensure seamless trade.

“The Nigeria Customs Service has been fantastic; they are ready to facilitate trade. Once they hear that there is an issue, particularly around AfCFTA, you will see everybody ready to support and facilitate it, which is the essence of true trade facilitation.”

Assistant Comptroller Olusola Salako, the releasing officer for Lilypond Export Command at Apapa Area Command, highlighted the Nigeria Customs Service’s efforts to leverage technology to ensure that AfCFTA is successful in Africa.

“The service has aligned with the mandates of the World Customs Organisation to prioritise the importance of trade. Gone are the days when we experienced issues. Today, we have a Unified Customs Management System (UCMS). With trade becoming more global, we went back to the drawing board and improved our technology, which will help us facilitate trade.

“The service is already in top gear; officers have been trained, and we have dedicated officers, senior officers, and releasing officers for this particular export procedure—not limited to AfCFTA alone—and we also have dedicated ports,” Salako concluded.

Continue Reading

Editor’s Pick

Politics