Maritime

How NIMASA DG is Contributing to Development of Maritime, Economy

Published

6 years ago

June 12, 2017

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.

Related Topics:Dr Dakuku Peterside NIMASA

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Maritime

Osoba, Momodu, Others Shower Encomium On Olamiti, Emphasise Importance Of Mentoring

Published

2 hours ago

December 1, 2023

Maritime First

A former Governor of Ogun, Olusegun Osoba, and several others on Thursday in Ibadan showered encomiums on retired journalist Folu Olamiti for his impact in the Nigerian media space.

Osoba, who was Chairman of the public presentation of Olamiti’s book, “A Peep into the Past”, spoke highly of him and commended his ability to balance his religious, and work life.

“I want to thank all of you that were here today to honour a great man.

“Folu Olamiti is different. How he manages to be a good Christian and a very active member of the Anglican Communion, I don’t understand.

“This is because, for we journalists, Sunday is the most difficult day for us because there are no activities on Sundays and you must produce paper for Monday. How he manages to do that is extraordinary.

“I have a high regard and respect for him,” Osoba said.

In his remarks, the publisher of Ovation magazine, Mr Dele Momodu, noted that it was important to mentor others as exhibited by the author in the media space.

He said: “God has given him the grace of staying relevant and I am here to congratulate him and to offer my encouragement that when you are good you must encourage others.

“The reason our country sometimes can be the way it is is because we don’t encourage good people and Uncle Folu is a very good man. I want to thank him for mentoring me like he mentored so many people.

“It is not always easy but he is able to do it effortlessly.”

Also, an Ibadan High Chief, Chief Lekan Alabi who is the Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, extolled the virtues of the author.

Alabi said he met Olamiti in 1973, a time when the journalism of that time reflected the level of people’s intelligence and physical appearance.

In his goodwill message, Mr. Yinka Fasuyi, a Chief in Ijesaland, eulogised Olamiti for sharing his life’s work and opinion with the public.

He urged media practitioners to be up and doing in fulfilling the ethos of their profession.

In his review of the book, Mr. Femi Adesina, a former media aide of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, said the 303-page 12-chapter book contained the author’s memoirs, articles, and reports.

He said the book unravelled insights into the life of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and other dignitaries in Nigeria, as well as the lives of lowly people.

Adesina said the book contained essays by Olamiti on restructuring Nigeria, foreign issues, and Idanre land in Ondo State, as well as his days in the Nigerian Tribune newspapers and the ICPC.

“Are you proud of where you hail from? Do you contribute to its development? Let us all take a cue from Olamiti,” the former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity said.

While responding to the remarks, Olamiti not only appreciated all who made the book’s launching a reality but also all those who have supported him at one point or the other in life.

Mr. Folu Olamiti retired from the Tribune Group of Newspapers, after working for 32 years.

He was at the ICPC for 10 years and has now been working with the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for the past eight years on media-related activities.

Entertainment

Did You Say Happy Birthday To Oga?

Published

3 hours ago

December 1, 2023

Maritime First

It was encomiums all the way, for the Editor-in-Chief/ CEO of Leadtimes Africa Magazine, Dr Samuel Oga, on the occasion of his birthday midweek, with his elderly son, Master Godwin Chinedu Oga.

For him, and his contributions, industry stakeholders continued to give God the glory.

Yesterday, Dr. Oga in a chat with the Maritime First said he was humbled by the unrestrained show of love.

“Kindly accept my humble gratitude and appreciation for all your prayers and commitment made at the occasion of my birthday celebration yesterday with my son, Master Godwin Oga,” he said in a message.

“You indeed made the day a memorable one for us as a family.

“We pray that things of joy will never cease from you and your family. As you took time to celebrate with us, we wish to say once again that at every time of your celebration, men and women will rejoice with you also”, he also said, adding that the management and staff of Leadtimes Africa Magazine is indeed, proud of the stakeholders’ “showers of love”

Now, did you too say Happy Birthday to Oga?

Latest News

Deep Blue Project should secure Maritime Anchorage Areas – Omatseye

Published

5 hours ago

December 1, 2023

Maritime First

A former President of the African Shipowners Association of Nigeria (ASAN), Mr. Temisan Omatseye, says the Deep Blue Project should be the security structure for anchorage areas in the Nigerian maritime domain.

Omatseye said this at the maiden Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) annual lecture on Wednesday in Lagos.

Anchorage is an area off the coast that is suitable for a ship to anchor.

The lecture had the theme: ‘Maritime Security: Emerging Threats and Actionable Steps.’

He said this would reduce the cost of shipping goods into the country.

According to him, every foreign shipping company pays $50,000 per vessel for security patrol boats at the anchorage, thereby increasing the cost of goods imported into the country.

*Mr. Temisan Omatseye

He explained that the Deep Blue Project could do the service free or at a much-subsidised rate since the former operator Ocean Marine Solutions Ltd. (OMSL) was accused of extorting shipping companies.

“We should stop playing politics with the shipping industry. There was a lacuna because of insecurity, hence the coming in of the OMSL to create a car park on the waterways, the Secured Anchorage Area (SAA).

“A joint venture was signed with the Navy for security and the Nigerian Ports Authority for space, so if the government wants to stop the SAA, it should be replaced,” he said.

Omatseye also called for the establishment of a Response Zone Transit Corridor, to create a partial transit corridor in key high-risk areas.

This, he said, would enable the country to be aware of vessels that were within the Nigerian maritime environment.

He listed some of the benefits of a secured anchorage as increased trade to Nigerian ports, revenue generation and to compliment the Deep Blue project.

Also speaking, Mr Emmanuel Maiguwa, President, the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria, stressed the need for a competent agency to man the anchorage.

Maiguwa also called for a proper framework that would help the country deal with maritime security threats.

The president, however, kicked against the Coast Guard which he described as a nomenclature.

Maiguwa added that he does not like the idea of the Coast Guard which he described as a nomenclature.

“If you look at it more specifically, we need to do a risk assessment because I have been involved in a lot of risk assessments.

“One needs to look at the parameters surrounding the routes and the water, the region of the area that has personal traffic. So, it doesn’t start and end with that portion being secured,” he said.

Maiguwa said that Nigeria needs to adopt the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code.

“I have always said that the ISPS provides only minimal requirements. It then means there are a lot of issues. In fact, the ISPS on its own does not apply to all facilities.

“The ISPS is not an instrument conceived by the framework to deal with maritime security threats. It is not an instrument holistically to deal with terrorism.

“The framework is concerned that shipping will be used to launch terrorism attacks on the homeland and therefore it concentrated on the areas where foreign ships visit,” he said.

He, however, asked what happened to an adjacent facility that does not receive foreign vessels. What happens to our vessels that are actually outside the convention?

“Those were the risks to the environment. And I have said it and I will always emphasise that it is very important that we have a competent agency to man the anchorage,” he said.

The Deep Blue Project known as the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, is being championed by the Nigerian Maritime Administrative and Security Agency.