Maritime
Maritime workers insist on strike over NIMASA, NLNG face-off
LAGOS – Leaders of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, have insisted that the threat to shut down the nation’s Maritime sector over alleged refusal of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd, NLNG, to the statutory levies to Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, still subsists.
MWUN had in the second week on May in a petition to President Goodluck Jonathan, issued a 21-day to NLNG to pay to NIMASA without further delay, all accumulated 3% levies on gross freight and 2% surcharge due on its cabotage contracts to NIMASA failing which the union will shut down all the ports operations in the country including NLNG areas of operation.
At a rally to commend President Jonathan for ongoing capacity building and oversea training of Nigerians in critical maritime sector, warned that at expiration of ultimatum (this week), if the issue was not resolved in favour of NIMASA, the ports would be shut down.
President-General of MWUN, Anthony Nted Emmanuel, said “we have made it clear that after 21 days, if the issue is not resolved and NIMASA paid accordingly, we will shut down the sector. We hear they are meeting; our concern is not meeting, but resolution that will compel NLNG to pay the accumulated levies and dues. This affects our members and their training. The default started in 2004, but we hear there is agreement for the payment to commence in 2009. But the payment has not been effected. So, we are waiting and mobilizing.
The union had petitioned President Jonathan, pleading with him to intervene in the on-going dispute between NIMASA and NLNG and compel NLNG to pay NIMASA’s statutory levies in the interest of the welfare and training of Dockworkers and seafarers.
Similarly, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to call NLNG, to order, over its alleged refusal to pay the statutory levies of 3% gross freight on international inbound and outbound cargoes carried by NLNG vessels engaged in cabotage trade to NIMASA.
TUC argued that whether such vessels owned by their subsidiary, Bonny Gas Transport Limited or chartered by them, and the 2% of contract sum on their vessels, whether owned by their wholly-owned subsidiary, Bonny Gas Transport Limited or chartered by them, engaged in cabotage trade should be paid to NIMASA.
At a briefing Nted, said “we are aware that the law setting up NIMASA i.e. the NIMASA Act 2007 in section 15 stipulates that the Agency shall be funded by monies accruing to it from among other sources – 3 percent of gross freight on all international inbound and outbound cargoes from ships or shipping companies operating in Nigeria… as part of the funds to meet the operational cost of the Agency. The law also makes it clear that all ships and shipping companies operating in Nigeria are expected to obey this provision. We are also aware Sir, that apart from its general duty with respect to the development of shipping and merchant shipping and seafarers, NlMASA i.e. the only Agency of government statutorily empowered to: “Provide direction on, qualification, certification, employment and welfare of maritime labour in Nigeria; regulate and administer the certification of seafarers; establish maritime training and safety standards; enforce and administer the provisions of the Cabotage Act 2003/ and develop and implement policies and programmes which will facilitate the growth of local capacity in ownership, manning and construction of ships and other maritime infrastructure in Nigeria; among other responsibilities.”
“The foregoing provision clearly puts NIMASA at a very strategic position with respect to maritime labour issues in Nigeria particularly as regards the training of Seafarers and Dockworkers. Iv1r President would recall that this was the sole duty of the defunct Joint Maritime Labour Industrial Council, JOMALIC, before the Council was merged with the then Nigerian Maritime Authority, NMA, to form the present NIMASA in 2007, Hence it is now the statutory responsibility of NIMASA to undertake the training, certification, development of Seafarers and Dockworkers in order to meet the needs of the industry. Also by the nature of the maritime industry world-wide, maritime training has to be done both locally and abroad.
“It is a known fact that training and other maritime infrastructure development are capital intensive. Hence NIMASA’s responsibility in this regard cannot be’ met with its lean budgetary allocations. It is in this respect that we are particularly surprised to learn of the flagrant refusal by the NLNG to pay the statutory levies due to the government on it is shipping activities as well as the 2% levy on its cabotage activities in Nigeria’s coastal waters. Needless to state that the said refusal by the NLNG to pay the accumulated 3% gross freight on its business activities from its inception in 1989 to date has drastically reduced the revenue available to NIMASA and in turn undermined its ability to carry out its operations, perform its statutory responsibilities and in particular compromised its ability to meet its core functions with respect to maritime labour issues in Nigeria. We recognize the danger posed by the said refusa1by the NLNG to meet its statutory responsibility with respect to payment of taxes and levies due from its operations; including the negative precedent as other companies may be tempted to toe the same line of action. This Union strongly believes that the NLNG should be subject to the laws of this country because it is operating and doing business in Nigeria.”
Meantime while, commending President Jonathan, for capacity building and empowering Nigerians to take up critical jobs in the nation’s maritime industry, MWUN President-General
called on the President to do more and ensure that in the nearest future Nigeria would become a supplier of highly trained professionals in maritime industry to other sub-Saharan countries.
According to Nted, over 2000 Nigerians had been sent abroad for training captains, Marine engineers, Naval Architects among others, saying before the end of the year 1000 would going for similar training.
He recalled that Nigeria used to a have a fleet of vessels managed by Nigerian National Shipping Line, but all had disappeared and the captains, Marine engineers and other highly trained professionals had left Nigeria for greener pasture.
According to him, “Today, President Goodluck Jonathan, has been trying to revive this area dearth of highly skilled professionals in the country and so far, he has done well. But like Oliver Twist, we are expecting more. The President through NIMASA has been sending many Nigerians out of this country for training on Maritime related programme. A time will come when other countries in sub-Saharan Africa will be coming here to look for captains on board, Marine Engineers and Naval Architects. Over 2,000 have gone and at the end of this year, another 1,000 will be traveling out for seminar training. Some of them have travelled to Philippine, India among other countries.
“You know that the Philippine is a centre of maritime activities. Many countries send their nationals there to be professionally trained. Most of the vessels that ply Nigerian waters are foreign vessels and majority of the seafarers you see on board are the Philippinos, the captains, the marine Engineer and so on. The implication is that they have taken the jobs meant for Nigerians. That is why we are happy with what the government is doing. That is why we said let us organize solidarity to thank the president for what he has done in the Maritime industry. And also ask for more. We are not politicians. All we are doing today is not politically motivated. When they do what is wrong we will shout and when they do what is right, we will say Mr. President thank you. It is not all the time we criticize. We also come out to commend when it is right. In the Maritime industry, we believe in constructive criticism.”
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.
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.
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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