Maritime
INSECURITY: NIMASA Raise Alarm Of Arms Importation through Nigerian Waters.
Fresh facts have emerged that a high percentage of arms and ammunitions importation into Nigerian actually come in through the Nigerian waterways, even as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has called the attention of maritime and petroleum industry stakeholders to the need to cooperate with it to further improve the level of security on the waters.
Fresh facts have emerged that a high percentage of arms and ammunitions importation into Nigerian actually come in through the Nigerian waterways, even as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has called the attention of maritime and petroleum industry stakeholders to the need to cooperate with it to further improve the level of security on the waters.
Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi made this call yesterday at a breakfast meeting and stakeholders parley organized by the agency in Lagos.
Akpobolokemi who acknowledged that the practice have continued over the years due to the incapability of NIMASA to efficiently provide adequate security on the waters however assured that with the acquisition of new patrol boats by NIMASA normalcy will soon be restored on Nigerian waters.
“The number of arms and ammunitions that are coming into this country is alarming, some are coming through the waterways, some are coming through the airport, some are coming through the border, since we are only concerned about the waterways security we should be interested in who is involved in these kinds of business so that we can give account when we are called upon by government” the DG said.
Akpobolokemi also charged the International Oil Companies (IOC) in Nigeria to ensure that they furnish NIMASA with details of their security activities at all times and demanded that the names of companies and other information about their platforms and other relevant importation details be made available to the agency afresh.
“We appreciate the reason why operators in the industry, the oil multinational companies usually engage private people in providing vessels while the navy and other operatives board these vessels and provide security, we appreciate it because of the security challenges and at a time when NIMASA was not capable of doing that, we do not see anything wrong in that”
“However, what we intend to do is that, you can have private people supply you vessels and the navy or any of the security agents will be part of maintaining security for you, but because we are interested in knowing what is happening in our maritime domain and recommending our findings to government for further decisions, we should be kept in the picture, it is important that you have clearance from NIMASA indicating who supplied the vessels for purpose of security patrols”
Continuing, the NIMASA Director General read the Riot Act to shipping companies operating in Nigeria, even as it says that many of them through their illegal activities are sabotaging the 3% levies accruable to the Federal Government through NIMASA on every ship berthing at the ports.
Akpobolokemi alleged that many of the shipping companies operating in the country engage in manipulation of their shipping manifest as well as under-declaration of cargoes imported.
He said that many of them carry out Ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of cargo on Nigerian waters without recourse to NIMASA as the regulatory agency.
Akpobolokemi has however warned that henceforth, stiff sanctions will be imposed on any shipping company that is found wanting because according to him, these illegal activities is affecting NIMASA revenue.
Manifest must be given to us 7 days before the vessel arrive Nigeria ports for us to prepare, it is not just about collection of money, it is our duty to police these vessels in case of attacks and to ensure they don’t run into problems.
“Also worrisome is the manipulation of manifest and under-declaration of cargoes, often times we see shipping companies manipulate manifest and under-declare their cargo fort purposes of paying a small amount of money which results into huge economic loss for the government, henceforth, if we know about this, sanctions will be given”
The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez has congratulated the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
This was contained in a conveyance letter he personally signed, in which he acknowledged the strides of the Agency in building a robust maritime sector in Nigeria.
According to Dominguez, the IMO commends the significant effort, initiatives, and investment that Nigeria has made in strengthening its maritime institutions.
In the words of Dominguez, “the focus on strengthening maritime law enforcement and security architecture has been welcomed by seafarers and flag States. The Deep Blue project and the C4i Centre as well as maritime piracy laws under the SPOMO Act are just some of the many investments that have set a new gold standard in the region in maritime security capacity building.
“IMO has long supported the regional role of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct and its Member States in strengthening maritime security and law enforcement. In this respect, we have been greatly encouraged with the continuation of this regional ownership with the formation and work of the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum and Shared Awareness and De-confliction (GoG-MCF/SHADE) in 2021”.
He commended the Agency’s partnership with the various regional bodies, and expressed readiness of the IMO to work with Nigeria and other member states on many maritime issues with the aim of jointly tackling these issues.
“NIMASA’s partnership with the Interregional Coordination Centre (ICC) and the collaboration with the shipping industry, navies and the Yaoundé architecture has been instrumental in suppressing the threat of piracy to merchant vessels and seafarers in line with UN Security Council resolution 2634 (2022) on piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea and IMO Assembly resolution A.1159 (32).
“I look forward to working with you and your colleagues on many of the maritime issues that we are jointly tackling and hope to welcome you in person at the IMO,” he added.
The newly appointed Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola says the Agency’s Management under his leadership will build a purpose driven organisation.
He also promised prioritising effective communication at all levels to enhance innovation, collaboration and synergy.
Biztellers reports that he made the assertion in his maiden address on his assumption of duty, where he also noted that the Agency under his leadership would prioritize safety, security, efficiency, environmental sustainability amongst others.
He said, “We must strive to foster innovation and excellence in everything we do. The maritime industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing market dynamics, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
“As leaders in the sector, we must embrace innovation, adapt change, and continuously seek ways to enhance the efficiency, competitiveness, and resilience of our maritime operations.
“I do not doubt that every individual within our organization has the potential to achieve greatness; we will therefore, ensure that we build a purpose-driven organisation by investing in our staff, processes, and the entire system to achieve our mandate. I aim to foster an environment of innovation, collaboration and synergy, creating an atmosphere that encourages the development of our employees’ skills, talents, and creativity.”
He also used the opportunity to express gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for entrusting him with the responsibility of steering the affairs of the Agency.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for entrusting me with this crucial responsibility.
“I am highly aware of the immense trust and confidence the President placed in me. It is with great enthusiasm and a sense of purpose that I step into this position, fully committed to steering our organisation toward greater heights, while upholding the highest standards of integrity, diligence, and service to our nation”, he said.
He thanked the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for his guidance throughout the appointment process, and expressed readiness to work with the Minister in achieving the objectives of the Ministry for the sector.
Earlier, the Agency’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chudi Offodile who led other Management staff to receive the DG noted that the entire Management and staff of the Agency were elated to welcome him to the Agency, while also pledging the cooperation of the staff for the success of the Agency.
Recall that on March 11, 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Dr. Dayo Mobereola to serve as the DG of the NIMASA for a renewable term of four years.
Dr. Mobereola holds a Ph. D and an M. Sc in Transport Economics from the University of Wales, United Kingdom.
He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Transport, England, and a fellow of the same institute in Nigeria.
He was the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) from 2003 to 2015 and the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State from 2015 to 2016.
Outgoing Director-General, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh has handed over the affairs of the Agency to the Acting Director-General, Hon Chudi Offodile.
The change of baton ceremonies took place at NIMASA Towers in Victoria Island, on Monday.
Biztellers reports that Hon Offodile, was NIMASA’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, before his new role.
Dr. Jamoh handed over to Hon Offodile in compliance with the Federal Government Establishment Circular tagged “End of Tenure Processes for Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments, Director-Generals, Chief Executive Officers of Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-Owned Companies and Succession Guideline” dated 4th December 2017.
Dr Jamoh’s tenure expired on March 10, 2024.
He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for giving him the opportunity to serve in the capacity as Director General and urged the next leadership of the Agency to consolidate on the gains of the past four years.
He said, “I wish to express gratitude to Almighty Allah and the Federal Government for the privilege given me to serve Nigeria in this capacity, as I count myself a privileged Nigerian to have occupied this position, while also contributing my quota to the Nigerian maritime sector.
“Let me also use this opportunity to assure the staff of the Agency that wherever I am, I will still remain a part of this family; a place I have spent the active 30 years of my life.”
He also used the opportunity to thank staff of the Agency for the cooperation enjoyed and their professionalism in assisting the Agency in the realization of its mandate. He enjoined them to keep up the good work and cooperate with the new leadership of the Agency.
On his part, Hon Offodile thanked Jamoh for bringing his wealth of experience to the sector, while also stating that the expertise of the outgoing DG would continue to be required in the industry.
“I want to express my gratitude to the outgoing DG for being a guide to me upon assumption of office as the Executive Director, Finance & Administration, four years ago. The industry will continue to call on you for your expertise,” the Acting DG said.
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