Reps Flays Absence of NIMASA Officials At Edmund Chilaka's Book Launch

 

▪︎ DG, NIMASA,  Dayo Mobereola 

Sunday, 28 July 2024-

Haboursandport.com: "Despite the focus on NIMASA’s legislation, officials from the agency were notably absent from the presentation of a book titled 'Nigeria’s Shipping Policy and Maritime Trade up to the Early 21st Century', by Edmund Chilaka.

This observation is made by the House of Representatives via its X handle, and signed by Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr, the House Spokesman. 

At the event , the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration highlighted the necessity of revising the 17-year-old NIMASA Act of 2007 to better leverage Nigeria’s maritime potential. 

Represented by Rep. Adesola Adedayo Samuel (APC, Lagos), the Committee Chairperson, Rep. Khadijah Bukar Abba Ibrahim Waziri (APC, Yobe), proposed targeted amendments rather than a complete repeal and re-enactment. 

Several key areas for amendment as outlined by Rep. Adedayo include:

1. Modernisation of Terms: Updating terminology such as replacing "Free On Board (FOB)" with "Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF)" to align with contemporary practices.

Introduction of Open International Registry: Advocating for a more beneficial open registry system over the current closed registry. 

2.  Enhanced Prosecutorial Powers: Expanding enforcement capabilities for better compliance with Clause 59.

Clearer Definitions: Defining the functions of Coast Guards and specifying board appointments, similar to the structure for the CEO and Executive Directors. 

3.  Financial Independence: Strengthening Clause 17, subsection 7 to enhance financial autonomy.

Interagency Collaboration: Improving coordination and avoiding duplication of functions among government agencies. 

Stakeholders and experts at the event emphasised the critical need to increase cargo allocations for indigenous shipowners.

They argued that such measures would support sustainable local shipping operations and strengthen Sections 35-38 of the NIMASA Act concerning the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).

This advocacy aims to revitalise dormant sectors of the Marine and Blue Economy and mitigate capital flight, which currently sees an estimated $9 billion annually in freight costs paid to foreign shipping lines.

Participants emphasized the need for clear cargo reservation policies and maintaining a percentage of cargo for domestic shipping companies. 

They also called for a more proactive role for @NIMASAOfficial in international trade and cargo management. 

In alignment with its Legislative Agenda on Economic Growth & Development (Agenda 4), the 10th House remains committed to shaping Nigeria’s economic trajectory & encouraging the development of a comprehensive Nat’l Blue Economy Strategy to ensure sustainable growth in the sector."