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Cabotage Law is fully effective in Nigeria and has created thousands of Jobs-NIMASA DG

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10 years ago

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NIMASA DG, Patrick Akpobolokemi

NIMASA DG, Patrick Akpobolokemi

Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi during the  Question and Answer session of the World Press Conference organized by his Agency in Lagos shed lights on the Agency’s activities in the Nigerian Maritime sector over the last four years, claiming that the Cabotage Act is in full effect in Nigeria and has even created thousands of jobs for Nigerians .  Kunle Kalejaye was there to capture his response for BIZTELLERS.
Excerpts:
 ‎Was it all rosy for NIMASA in 2014?
 
I don’t even like an easy life. When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I pray for is that may the day be very difficult because out of a rough sea you will make a good captain.
When you lay things on a plater of gold, you cannot conquer things you even envisage. If you have children and everything is at their disposal, money food, cloths house, they will not appreciate what you are doing and will not understand what is life. The time they will understand what life is all about is when you are no more there to provide for them.
So the training I have is to take life as a difficult place we have come in and actually life is a difficult place. Even in our own individual life’s you will have challenges even if God speaks to us directly or loves us best, we will have challenges.
So if you come into a maritime administration as NIMASA and you think it is going to be easy it’s not possible. You see people who are stealing oil and you confront them, you think it will be easy? You see people in organised piracy, sea robbery, kidnapping in the water ways and you think it will be easy? You see people who don’t want to conform to vessles regulation, you see the bureaucracy of getting things to work. Nothing can be easy!
But the thing is that you must not give in to fear, you must have a goal and ask God for support. The most important thing is the purity of your intention that is going to save you. If your intentions are not pure God will see you ‎no matter how you want to hide.
So it has been very challenging but we are making unusual gains out of the difficult situations. The maritime administration has stayed for so long, why is that it is just in the past four years that we are talking about domain awareness? Satelite? Radial? Patrol boat?
These things comes with too much trouble but the troubles are also our inspirations and your prayers are also the thing making us to succeed. Your quite time of prayer goes a long way to help us because only one of the problem is enough to give anybody high blood pressure but we thank God none of us has high blood pressure because you are all praying for us and our intentions even though we make mistakes are not inpure.
Kindly tell us the number of jobs created under the CABOTAGE act?  
 
I know that thousand of jobs are created but to pin it to a precise number as we speak is difficult now. However, after now we can speak with the CABOTAGE unit to give us the number of jobs created under the CABOTAGE regime, there is nothing hidden about it. But I know that we have created thousand of jobs.
These are not things that we have to go to the street to be telling people. When oil companies now do advert, they will mention that ‘Adherence to the CABOTAGE Act’ is mandatory.
Why the delay for a National Carrier?
 
I appreciate the anxiety because if I was in your shoes, that is what I will do to the DG, asking him how many jobs have been created under the CABOTAGE act? Why the delay for a National Carrier?
In the first four years, the efforts put in place have not materialised into practical reality that will enable us have a national carrier but we are setting the foundation for it
We equally know that the areas we are lacking is too much and we are taking them one at a time and it is becoming too difficult.
Right now as we speak a committee on National Carrier has been constituted, a blue print is been worked upon which we want the government to address and we will not allow government at all level to rest until they given us what Nigerians are asking for.
So by the next four years of this regime, a national carrier will come. Therefore I appreciate your anxieties, your feelings about it because it is a constructive way to think.
How many vessels has been attacked under your watch?
 
‎What I know is that in the last one month plus the number of vessels attacks we have stopped in Lagos area alone and the number of pirate in our custody is alarming. None of them succeeded, some of them have been handed over to the navy, and civil defence for persecution. Some of the vessels are in our custody.
If any pirate wants to attack any vessel in Lagos, it will take the grace of God for them to succeed because while they are planning to attack the vessel, we are already aware of it and ready to strike them.
Besides the satellite, we have other mode of operation that we can use to get these people. If you kidnap we will go after you! That is why we are saying that people should not pay ransom for hostages to be released. We have to go after them and crush them. We will all die some day and that is the truth about the matter. It is either we die in the hands of pirate or in the hands of robbers or in our sleep or sickness or without any cause, everybody will die at some point in time.
So the issue of fear to approach pirate or afraid  ‎one kidnappers should not be there. They use to text me but I will reply them that we are coming after them and will crush them.
We must fearlessly approach any person that is causing us problems. For pirate in Lagos area cannot operate because before they go out, we crush them and we are going to sustain that. If I tell you the number of vessels that we have arrested including pirates and areas we have conqured in collaboration with JTF alone, you will be surprise.
Why are wrecks still in Lagos waterway?
 
Government has awarded contract to remove wrecks in all our maritime domain. They have started and by the grace of God, the wrecks are going to be removed. The first phase of the job has been awarded in the Southern areas, in Lagos among others.
Let me tell you something, You will issue marine notice 20 times to tell people to remove their wrecks but nobody will show up but the day you want to remove their wrecks that has been abandoned for fives years suddenly you will see the crew. The next day they have gone to court to get injunction. Am telling you what is happening.
We have so many court cases against us to remove wrecks. We have the mandate to remove these wrecks but if I tell you the number of litigation against us. That is to tell you that we must change our ways.
Somebody’s wrecks that is negative in terms of money will go court and say that it is $10 billion meanwhile the actual cost of the vessel might not be up to $1 million. After using the it for 20 years and abandon it he is coming to ask for $10 billion ‎compensation. That is the true situation.
Help to educate our people because wrecks can cause navigation problem, criminals hide there and that is why some don’t want us to remove it because criminals are helping them do their biding.
How many Nigerians have benefited from Seafarers program?
Over 2,500 of them. We have two windows , the first window is state and NIMASA partnership. From the MoU we have with the various state, we contribute 40 percent they contribute 60 percent but we contribute far beyond 40 percent because the traveling expenses, medical fee, feeding, accommodation etc of the seafarers are taken care of by NIMASA.
However, some states refused to partner but we created another window that is the one that is addressed as first aid participation and the number is very few. Therefore, the bulk of the over 2,500 seafarers are NIMASA full time training, full time scholarship. We spend billions of naira yearly for this training. 
 
How many arrest and persecution of sea pirate and oil theft have been executed?
I must be honest with you, persecution is a major problem. If I tell you that we have been successful in persecution, am not telling you the truth. To implement the laws of this country is a major problem.
When you take a pirate to court, in the next one hour you see him sending a text that is his back and is going to deal with you‎. Sometimes is it very sad when I think of things like this.
It is not about what we can do because there is separation of powers. What the law say we cannot do, we cannot do!
Because of this issue of persecution, we assembled judges and appealed to them to look into cases of pirates. If someone steals crude oil and is jailed for six months or one year, it will serves as a big discouragement to others not to do the same thing. But after 24 hours you will see the theft calling you that he is back!
It is a major problem for us and it is not what we can fix single handedly rather all of us must come and find a solution.
Our job is to arrest sea pirates, crude oil theft and present them to the court but what happens thereafter, I don’t know the magic.
Why has CABOTAGE not being enforced?
 
If people think we have not being enforcing CABOTAGE, No! That is not the situation. For Nigerians to get the job, we had two meetings with all the oil majors, we came up with some resolutions, we have subcommittees and we told them that Nigerians must get the cargo, Nigerians must get the job.
 So the sub-committees have started their job, we have met with  the oil majors and in January, 2015, reports will be submitted then all parties will jointly agree and we will call the private sector to come and listen to us and make input to the implementation of the CABOTAGE regime.
When NIMASA detains a vessel for none compliance with Cabotage Act, we will give you a detention order and tell you what and what you have done. Some will evade our taxes and the rest of them and then begin to cry foul.
Some will want to link us with politics and the rest but we are not politicians, we are doing our job. If you violate our laws  ‎irrespective of your political affiliation the first thing we will do is to detain your vessel, take you to the court, if you bribe your way out of court, well that is your luck!
We have to do our job and leave posterity to judge if we did our own part of the bargain or not. We are going to go after them, the OPTS is already working with us with the purpose to implement the Cabotage  regime and other necessary business.
Once we are through with all the resolution and the rest of them, we will invite the press and tell them that this is the communique that has been agreed on, this is the timeline for ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, waver conditions etc.
I have personally written to oil companies to give jobs to Nigerians when they have vessels. No matter tight my schedule is, I have personally gone to inspect some of these vessels and I have written to so many companies saying “this vessel by the estimate or by the assertion of management meets the requirement of the Cabotage law…..and on no condition should this job be given to any foreigner.”
I have written so many of these letters and many Nigerians have gotten jobs but I will not come and announce this kind of thing.
Once you draw my attention that you have these vessels, just give me the information and that oil company will not move if they like take me anywhere.
If I don’t fight them, I can be removed before the time God prescribe for me in this job so the best thing is to prepare to fight for Nigerians. When someone brings in a vessel that Nigerians can do whereas our boys are not working, there is unemployment, there is crime, and will sit down comfortably and allowe these kind of things to happen. No it can’t happen.
So we will go after them one after the other and ask them if they are CABOTAGE compliance? If no, what are the reasons? If it is something that is exceptionally difficult for us to handle at that time, we will now look into the problem.
Since the inception of this agency, there has never been this kind of enforcement of regulation before. The only difficult aspect of the CABOTAGE law that we have not been able to implement is the distribution of CVFF but in terms of employment, the crew and the jobs, I have personally being signing them.
When people write letters that they have vessels, I personally go to inspect them and I tell them on no account should job be given to a foreigners because these  Nigerians ‎have gone to collect heart breaking loans from Nigeria banks and if you don’t give the person job is it not hypertension you want to give to him?
And when the person gets the job, is it not Nigerians that he is going to to employ? Do I have a farm where I will employ all Nigerians? This is the only way to go but it will come with so much bad name. That is the truth but it is you the press that will help us
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Maritime

Maritime Stakeholders Back Bill For Nigeria Coast Guard At Public Hearing

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2 weeks ago

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December 9, 2024

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Read Farewell Address By Osun Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola

 

Stakeholders and experts in Nigeria’s maritime sector have expressed support for the Coast Guard Bill before the National Assembly, with many describing the proposed legislation as a boost to the federal government’s efforts in securing the maritime space.

At a public hearing convened by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport to discuss the bill for the establishment of the Nigeria Coast Guard (NCG), stakeholders presented varying views, with the majority supporting the creation of the NCG.

The majority of presentations voiced strong support for the establishment of the Coast Guard, with notable endorsements from prominent figures including Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Dr. Ade Dosunmu, MON, former Director General of NIMASA; Mrs. Jean Anishere, SAN, representing the Nigeria Bar Association; and Rear Admiral Ekwerre U. Ekwerre (Rtd), former Flag Officer Commanding the Training Command of the Nigerian Navy.

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Dr. Olisa Agbakoba described the bill as timely but emphasized the need for professional input to address certain concerns within the draft. He expressed his willingness to assist in this process. Dr. Ade Dosunmu offered full support for the bill, suggesting that the Nigerian Navy should focus on blue-water operations and national defense against external threats, while the Coast Guard should address maritime crimes and incidents along Nigeria’s extensive 855-kilometer coastline using more adaptable resources. He referenced successful maritime nations such as India, Singapore, China, the United States, Japan, Egypt, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates, all of which have well-defined roles for both the Navy and Coast Guard.

However, Dr. Dosunmu cautioned against assigning functions such as hydrography and oceanographic research to the Coast Guard, as these responsibilities are already managed by other agencies, and incorporating them could divert focus from the Coast Guard’s primary mission.

Jean Anishere, SAN, articulated her support for the bill while highlighting certain ambiguities that must be resolved before it can be enacted. She pointed out specific provisions in the bill that require clarification and further refinement.

Retired Rear Admiral Ekwerre U. Ekwerre addressed concerns raised by the Nigerian Navy and advocated that the Navy should concentrate on defense, showcasing military strength, and conducting diplomatic operations within territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He asserted that the Coast Guard should be responsible for enforcing maritime laws in the nation’s inland waters.

In summary, while the majority of stakeholders endorsed the establishment of the Nigeria Coast Guard, they also called for careful consideration of the bill’s provisions to ensure clarity and effectiveness in its implementation.

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Maritime

How Innovative Financing Would Aid Africa’s Maritime Sector – NIMASA DG

Published

3 weeks ago

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December 2, 2024

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Innovative financing models have been identified as the vital catalyst for achieving sustainable development in the African Maritime industry.

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, made the declaration at the 7th Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

He assured attendees of Nigeria’s commitment to advancing a future where Africa’s maritime sector thrives sustainably.

In his words, “Nigeria is committed to collaborating on technology and innovation to enhance safety, security, decarbonization, and the marine environment for a sustainable future.”

According to him, the conference presents a pivotal opportunity to address our shared challenges, particularly those related to sustainable energy, regional security, and economic growth.

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“We are here to advocate for innovative financing models and international support that will facilitate sustainable growth. As Nigeria pursues infrastructure development and digital transformation within our maritime sector, we call on our regional and international partners to support these efforts through technical and financial backing.

“Our priorities at the AAMA conference include exploring collaborative avenues to enhance maritime safety and security. By reinforcing our adherence to frameworks like the Djibouti and Yaoundé Codes of Conduct, we aim to solidify Nigeria’s role in combating piracy and maritime crime across West Africa,” he stated.

The AAMA was established to lay a firm foundation for regular consultations, enabling African maritime administrations to build joint positions on issues of common concern in the maritime sector.

When Nigeria hosted the 3rd AAMA conference in 2017, a master plan was developed outlining the measures necessary to advance the maritime agenda as envisioned in the African Maritime Transport Charter. The Association has also created a platform to strengthen cooperation at the regional, continental, and international levels, harmonizing policies and goals essential for the growth of the African maritime sector.

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Maritime

Oyetola Counts On Nat’l Marine and Blue Economy Policy To Chart New Course For Dev’t

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4 weeks ago

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November 27, 2024

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The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola is of the view that a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy is essential for the development of the Nigerian maritime sector.

Biztellers reports that Oyetola shared the view, on Tuesday, while declaring open a stakeholders’ validation session aimed at developing the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy in Nigeria, in Lagos.

The former Osun State Governor emphasized that the National Policy will create a sustainable pathway for economic growth in fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, tourism, and seabed mining, while also ensuring environmental sustainability.

He further noted the need for a robust National Policy to address challenges in the sector, including environmental degradation and illegal activities such as Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

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In his words, “A robust National Policy will ensure that we address these issues through a comprehensive framework that aligns with international best practices while safeguarding our marine resources for future generations.

“It is worth noting that Nigeria has achieved notable progress in maritime governance, including the ratification and domestication of international protocols and conventions. These measures have strengthened our safety and security framework, resulting in a remarkable three-year period with zero incidents of piracy in our waters. Nonetheless, the recurring boat mishaps underscore the pressing need for immediate action.

“This policy seeks to implement comprehensive strategies to ensure the safety of all waterways. However, challenges such as the recent spate of boat mishaps demand urgent attention. Consequently, this policy aims to establish comprehensive measures that will enhance safety across our waterways.

“As we develop this policy, the Ministry remains committed to repositioning Nigeria as a dominant player in the marine and blue economy, both regionally and globally. We are also pursuing Nigeria’s candidacy for election to Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which underscores our determination to strengthen our voice in global maritime governance”.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olufemi Oloruntola, noted that the validation workshop is a key step in shaping the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy — a framework designed to address Nigeria’s specific needs and aspirations while embracing sustainable development principles. “It provides an opportunity for stakeholders to review, refine, and enrich the draft policy through a participatory and inclusive approach,” he said.

The draft policy, which consists of nine parts, offers an elaborate overview of our country’s marine and blue economic endowments and their current state. It affirms our mandate, vision, and mission, setting the stage for the policy’s objectives and aspirations. It further dissects these aspirations into five broad parts of legal and institutional framework; maritime transport, trade and shipping; fisheries and aquaculture; marine abiotic resources; and marine innovation and technology. It also identifies a range of cross-cutting issues and concludes with an assessment of stakeholders to support the implementation structure. Overall, it is a comprehensive document.

Also present at the event were the Chief Executive Officers of all the agencies under the Ministry, including Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency; Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority; Barrister Akutah Pius, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council; and Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority.

Other attendees included Funmi Folorunsho, President, African Shipowners Association; Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, Managing Director, Starz Marine; and the President, National Association of Stevedoring Companies, among other stakeholders.

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