NIMASA Hires Two Firms On Debt Recovery From Ship Owners

By Roland Ekama

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has reaffirmed commitment towards debt recovery from critical stakeholders in the shipping industry.

The apex maritime regulatory agency had reported that a whooping $5bn needed to be collected from its debtors.

Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola who disclosed this on Monday in Lagos, during an interactive session with maritime media practitioners noted that the companies have been hired to help recover monies owed by stakeholders.

Though the names of the companies were undisclosed to the media, Moberola stated that the two organizations will go all out to recovery debts owed by ship owners .

The Director-General also revealed that the agency has entered into strategic relationship with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in tackling boat mishaps on the brown waters of Nigeria .

He further reassured that the modular floating dock will commence operations anytime soon adding that members of the NIMASA executive management recently visited the modular floating dock for which several proposals have been made on its management.

Mobereola said the agency is coming out with a detailed plan to guarantee job placement for Nigerian cadets and graduates, even as he affirmed that the CVFF won’t be about vessels alone as the agency aims to ensure the availability of cargoes to sustain the continuous operations of the fund and avoid a repeat of the SASBF saga

According to him, the nation’s maritime industry has undergone some changes since the earlier disbursements about two decades ago and requires adequate planning that takes about seventy percent of the time to achieve efficiency.

Mobereola described the agency’s expansion of the blue economy concept with various state governments as an ongoing activity as the country under President Bola Tinubu is committed to economic diversification through the maritime industry.

He said Nigeria can achieve its desire to reduce its over dependence and expresses optimism that Nigeria can make more from blue economy like Namibia which has 33% of it’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the sector.

 

Addressing concerns raised about the quality of education and training the cadets are receiving at Centurion University, the DG emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring that the cadets return to Nigeria as well-prepared and employable graduates.

“We have not decided to bring those students back home. What we are doing is reviewing how the school has been engaged. Is it in the students’ best interest? Will they be well-prepared graduates who are employable by the industry?” the DG stated.

The DG underscored the agency’s dedication to the cadets’ futures, noting that the issue is a top priority. “These are the issues on our table right now, and we deliberate on them daily. I assure you that when we develop the best approach, it will be clear that we are acting in the cadets’ best interest, not our own,” he added.

He further explained that the goal is for these “young, vibrant, intelligent students” to return and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector. “We want to ensure that the platform for them is right, and that is what we are working towards. When we present our plan, you will recognize that it is in the best interest of both the nation and the students,” he assured.

The DG also touched on the agency’s initiatives, including the ongoing review of the NIMASA Act of 2007. He noted that the revised bill would include regulations for all maritime infrastructures, from large vessels to small boats, particularly focusing on the smaller vessels that are often used for illicit activities such as piracy and sea robberies.

“In the new bill, we aim to ensure that every boat in our waters is regulated, registered, and monitored,” he stated.

On the media engagement, the DG itemised the importance of media patronage, while acknowledging the role of journalists in shaping public perception and  accountable.

He noted that “What is most important is data and knowledge sharing. If we do not provide you with accurate information that we have spent time and knowledge collecting, we cannot expect you to report accurately,” he noted.

He also promised improvements in media relations, including the training of media practitioners, which is included in the 2024 budget. Additionally, he mentioned that the remuneration of media professionals covering the sector is under review, reflecting the agency’s commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with the press.

The DG urged the media stakeholders to continue raising industry issues and comparing them with international best practices.

He encouraged open dialogue and collaboration for the benefit of the maritime sector and the nation as a whole. “When you speak, it is perceived as being in the industry’s best interest. I encourage you to continue raising these subjects, comparing them with international practices, and advising us on what the NPA and Shippers Council should be doing,” he sai