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 Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola has assured stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime sector of inclusivity, towards the development of the sector.
He made this assertion during an interactive session with maritime stakeholders in Lagos, where he also pointed out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy had ureged stakeholders to partner with the Government in developing the sector.
Dr Mobereola said, “It is important that we develop clear objectives, goals, and strategies to advance the industry and align with the vision of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
“While the Agency will continue to play its part in serving the industry, it is important that we all collaborate to achieve a sustainable maritime sector, as all efforts should be inclusive and collective.”
The Director General seized the opportunity to reassure shipowners on the Agency’s commitment to expediting the automation of the ship registry, a move, which would significantly boost shipping development in Nigeria by enhancing efficiency and streamlining processes.
Earlier in his, welcome address, Captain Iheanacho, a former Nigerian Minister of Interior and chairman of the occasion, expressed the industry’s delight at the appointment of Mobereola, whom he described as a seasoned and accomplished maritime professional.
He noted that Mobereola’s extensive experience and expertise will be invaluable in driving the administration and development of the Nigerian maritime industry forward.
He expressed optimism that under the current leadership of the Agency, Nigeria would make significant strides in promoting ship safety, shipping development, maritime security, and environmental sustainability in our waters.
He noted that Mobereola’s dedication to capacity building will undoubtedly position Nigeria as a key player in the global maritime industry.
He added that stakeholders are willing to collaborate with the DG to move the sector forward.
“We expect the DG to be fully aware of the impact of technological developments in the Marine and Blue Economy industry, to guide in the formulation of policies to be developed. We look forward to working together with you to address the challenges ahead and to seize the opportunities that lie before us”, Iheanacho said.
Captain Iheanacho acknowledged the hard work, resilience and determination of past Directors-General and other stakeholders who were present, noting that their commitments contributed to the robust framework from which the Agency and the maritime industry at large are benefiting.
In his presentation titled; Marine and Blue Economy: Navigating to the Promised Land, Dr. Akabogu, a maritime lawyer, proposed various reforms including policy and agenda verification, enhanced data and technology utilization, minimum industry standards, deliberate recruitment of professionals, empowerment protocols, development of standard shipping development courses, and accountability measures for NIMASA and the industry as a whole. He emphasized the need for routine meetings based on clear identifiable milestones to drive accountability and progress for the sector.
On her part, Princess Vicky Haastrup, the President of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), emphasized the critical importance of dockworkers in the industry. “Where there are no dockworkers, there are no ships”, she said. Therefore, the training of dockworkers is very critical.
Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, the President General of the Nigerian Maritime Workers Union (MWUN), who supported Haastrup’s position, emphasized the importance of continually training dockworkers and ensuring a decent work agenda, in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.
Alhaji Aminu Umar, who spoke on behalf of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, emphasized the need for further discussions and interactions regarding the International advancements in the maritime industry. He urged the Director-General to consider the independence of the Ship Registry as observed in other maritime countries.
The various women’s associations in the industry; WISTA, WIMOWCA, WILAT, who were represented by Mrs. Tosan Emore-Edodo advocated for increased participation of women in the industry and called for support in promoting advocacy efforts.
Past Directors General of NIMASA who attended the event; Dr. Ade Dosunmu, Architect Ferdinand Agu, Barrister Temisan Omatseye; as well as former Board Chairman of NIMASA, Tijjani Ramalan, all pledged their support for the current administration.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, was also present at the event, which had representation from the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA), Association of Master Mariners, Ship Building and Ship Repair Association, among others.
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.
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