SAA: Master Mariners Kick Against Levies Collection From Vessels At Lagos Anchorage

The Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM) on Monday, kicked against the collection of levies from ships at Lagos anchorage , even as it lamented that the practice in Nigeria waters negate international maritime conventions and standards.

The body called on the Federal Government to procure more patrol vessels for the navy with support funding to keep the platforms functioning.

The mariners who also faulted private sector involvement in maritime safety and security as not being the best way to secure the nation’s waters , urged the Federal Government to empower the Nigerian Navy in discharging her duties effectively.

NAMM reiterated that modern equipment to monitor the nation’s maritime space are available but what is lacking is the ability to respond swiftly to security issues.

Addressing journalists in Lagos on Monday, National President of NAMM, Captain Tajudeen Alao, decried a situation where security of ships in some designated area of Lagos anchorage was only for vessels that can afford charges from a private company.

Alao lamented that it is the responsibility of government to ensure safety of vessels on anchorage within Nigerian territorial waters adding that all vessels trading on Nigerians waters must be secured and protected by the Navy.

Reacting to recent endorsement of Ocean Marine Solutions Limited (OMSL), a private company, by the Senate to continue security services in some part of Lagos anchorage, Alao said such practice run against Section 17 of the United Nations Convention on Law of the Seas (UNCLOS)

Alao noted that the Senate Committee did not involve mariners in their recently held public hearing, added that the practice of having private company collect monies from vessels on our waters is not only capable of making our ports expensive but can cause vessels to consider calling at ports in neighboring countries.

Leaving vessels incapable of paying the fees to the risk of being attacked on Nigerian waters , according to him , does not present the country as a reliable state in the comity of maritime nations.

He described maritime security as a coastal state responsibility of flag state and members of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) . Alao listed the functions to include to provide safety, security, management of the marine environment , prevent ships from attacks including providing search and rescue services.

” It is against international norms for people to provide security for themselves on Nigerian waters. Dissemination of navigational warnings, weather reports, removal of wrecks and all others are responsibilities of IMO member states.

” There are areas you cannot anchor, prohibited anchor, dumping grounds are clearly made known to ships within the country’s waters.

“Even the little oil and gas jobs that we do, the end users and government are losing money. For every boat provided, Federal Government pays 50 or 60 percent.

” Federal Government money being spent is tax payers money. Special anchorage area at additional cause is against international practice.

“During cement armada in the 1970s Nigerian Navy was providing security for all the vessels from Lagos to Calabar.

Similarly, Rear Admiral Godswill Ombo( Rtd) described the practice of levy collection from ships at anchorage as a bad practice and unhealthy for maritime operations.

According to him, the collection is ridiculous , misnomer and must not be encouraged by the government.

” No person should approach a ship at anchorage anywhere in Nigerian waters and ask for money. Declaring any place Secure Anchorage is a misnomer. The body to secure our waters is the Navy

“It is the prerogative of any captain bringing a vessel into Nigeria to stay at the anchorage or continue passage. It is the responsibility of the Nigerian government to secure the vessel. The vessel will pay port charges and NIMASA levies, which are normal.

” Why should anyone ask ships to pay for being in our anchorage? ” Ombo asked rhetorically.

Another top member of the association Captain Iheanacho Ebubeogu, stated that “vessels moving on Nigerian waters must be protected and not those that have money should be protected privately

Ebubeogu, a former employee of Nigerian Ports Authority ,said the practice will scare away shipping business to neighbouring countries in the region.