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

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12 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 Security: NIMASA, Nigerian Navy Renew Collaboration  MoU

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3 weeks ago

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August 12, 2026

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CAPACITY BUILDING: NIMASA RENEWS MoU WITH WORLD MARITIME UNIVERSITY

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy have renewed their strategic partnership with the endorsement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen maritime security, enhance safety and deepen coordinated enforcement across Nigeria’s maritime domain.

The MoU was signed at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters, Abuja, by the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.

The renewed agreement marks a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between both institutions and represents the first formal renewal of their partnership since the original MoU was signed in 2007.

The agreement provides a framework for enhanced collaboration in the promotion and maintenance of maritime security and the effective implementation of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and other relevant maritime laws and regulations within NIMASA’s mandate.

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Speaking at the signing ceremony, the NIMASA Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, commended the commitment of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to strengthening inter-agency collaboration as a key driver of maritime security and the development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.

He said the renewed MoU would provide a stronger institutional framework for both organisations to discharge their respective statutory mandates while consolidating the gains already recorded in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain. This he said will enhance achieving the goals of President Bola Tinubu GCFR for the Blue Economy.

According to him, the agreement is also designed to address emerging maritime security challenges through improved coordination, information sharing and operational cooperation.

“As we renew this partnership today, I urge our respective teams to ensure that the spirit of this agreement translates into practical and measurable outcomes,” Dr Mobereola said.

Dr Mobereola also expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy for their continued support and commitment to the renewal of the partnership.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, described the signing as a milestone in the enduring relationship between the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA.

He noted that the renewed MoU contained important additions aimed at strengthening the response to the evolving nature of maritime security challenges.

One of the key provisions, he said, is the integration of the Deep Blue Project into the collaborative framework, providing a stronger basis for cooperation between the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Guard Command and the project.

He also highlighted the introduction of a joint reporting protocol for communication and information sharing during operations, which he said would facilitate timely decision-making and a more coordinated response to maritime incidents.

Vice Admiral Abbas further welcomed provisions for greater institutional engagement, including an annual conference to enhance collaboration, review progress and address emerging challenges.

“Whether we like it or not, the water is where we get whatever we are getting—our revenue, everything and even the trade we engage in, in large percentages, is done through the water. So this institution has to be very strong,” he said.

The renewed MoU is expected to deepen operational cooperation between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, particularly in maritime security, information sharing, coordinated responses to maritime incidents, enforcement of applicable maritime laws amongst others.

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Maritime

Nigeria, Liberia Strengthen Regional Maritime Cooperation

Published

3 months ago

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June 3, 2026

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The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to advancing regional maritime integration, cooperation and capacity development across Africa.

Mobereola made this known when he received the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Liberia in Lagos, Dapo Akinosun, at the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos.

The NIMASA DG described the meeting as a reflection of the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between Nigeria and Liberia, particularly within the maritime sector.

According to him, stronger collaboration among African nations remains critical to unlocking the continent’s maritime potential, strengthening the Blue Economy, and promoting sustainable regional growth of the continent.

On the significance of maritime cooperation, Mobereola said: “The time has come for African nations to upscale maritime collaboration. The partnership between Nigeria and Liberia will help us build capacity, strengthen regional cooperation, and create opportunities for African youths within the global maritime industry.

“We must collectively build maritime capacity beyond borders. Sea-time training and practical exposure will position Nigerian and African youths to compete effectively in the international maritime space.”

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He also appreciated the Liberian Government for supporting Nigeria’s successful bid for the Category C seat of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), noting that both countries have sustained productive maritime relations over the years.

In his address, Akinosun stated that the visit was aimed at reinforcing the enduring relationship between Nigeria and Liberia while promoting stronger maritime cooperation between both countries.

The Envoy described the maritime sector as a key driver of economic growth, regional integration, and Blue Economy development, while commending the management of NIMASA for efforts towards repositioning Nigeria’s maritime industry for sustainable growth and investment.

“Nigeria has demonstrated genuine commitment to maritime partnership and regional growth. Liberia looks forward to deeper collaboration with NIMASA in maritime administration, safety, capacity development, and trade promotion for the advancement of Africa’s Blue Economy,” Akinosun said.

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Business

Sahara Group expands fleet with new 40,000 cbm LPG Carrier

Published

6 months ago

on

March 14, 2026

By

Modupe Asudo

Sahara Group, a leading global energy and infrastructure conglomerate, has commissioned MT Asharami Ghana, a 40,000‑cubic‑metre Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carrier, expanding its fleet capacity, while strengthening Ghana’s clean energy supply chain and LPG distribution network.

The dual‑fuel vessel improves operational efficiency, enhances supply reliability, and supports lower‑emission LPG logistics as consumption grows across Ghana and the wider sub‑region.

Ghanaian President Mahama and Sahara Executive Directors

Speaking at the commissioning in Ulsan, South Korea, President John Dramani Mahama described the vessel as “a significant milestone in strengthening the infrastructure that underpins the global LPG supply chain,” noting that expanded shipping capacity is critical to improving supply security, reliability and efficiency for countries that rely partly on LPG imports.

He commended Sahara Group, WAGL Energy and all partners involved for their “leadership, technical expertise and strategic foresight,” adding that the project reflects “the power of partnership” in advancing safe, efficient, and responsible energy distribution.

President Mahama wished the MT Asharami Ghana safe sails, expressing confidence that the vessel would inspire further investment and collaboration across Africa’s energy value chain.

According to Wale Ajibade, Executive Director, Sahara Group, the vessel supports Ghana’s clean energy ambitions through integrated infrastructure.

“MT Asharami Ghana is more than a vessel; it is part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen LPG supply security and support Ghana’s clean energy ambitions. It secures an additional 25,000-Metric-tonne stock security for the Ghana economy, alongside the soon to be commissioned 6000-metric-tonee of 12.000-metric-tonne land storage in Tema,” he said.

With the addition of Asharami Ghana, Sahara Group’s LPG carrier fleet now comprises six delivered vessels with a combined capacity of 202,000 cubic metres. Supported by partnerships with WAGL Energy, NNPC Limited and other stakeholders, an additional 270,000 cubic metres of capacity is under construction and due for delivery by September 2028.

Temitope Shonubi, Executive Director, Sahara Group, said Asharami Ghana is part of Sahara’s integrated LPG infrastructure strategy spanning shipping, storage, and downstream distribution globally, including the development of a 12,000‑metric‑tonne land‑based LPG storage terminal in Tema, with a 6,000‑metric‑tonne first phase scheduled for completion in May 2026.

He thanked Yaa Serwaa Alifo, MD of Asharami Ghana, for her resilience and insistence to dedicate a ship of “this magnitude solely to the Ghana Market and its landlocked neighbours.”

Ghana is targeting LPG adoption of 50 per cent of households by 2030, up from about 30 per cent today. Sahara’s investments will support clean energy access for more than 35 million people, while strengthening Ghana’s role in regional LPG trade to neighbouring and landlocked West African markets.

The commissioning comes in Sahara Group’s 30th anniversary year, guided by the Sahara Beyond XXX milestone, underscoring Sahara’s focus on building an enduring enterprise that delivers responsible growth, shared prosperity and long‑term impact across its markets.

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