NIMASA, Navy To Partner On Blue Economy
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and the Nigerian Navy have inaugurated a Committee to establish ways in which the synergy between both organs of government can be channeled into creating a welcoming environment for investment in the Blue Economy. Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA Osagie Edward, in a statement said, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC West), Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, who inaugurated the 8-Man Committee charged them to come up with policies to create a welcoming maritime environment for investment in the Nigerian Blue Economy. Membership of the 8-Man Committee includes on the Navy side, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, FOC, Western Naval Command; Cdre K.O. Oguntuga, Commander NNS Beecroft; Cdre N.S. Kaman, COO Western Naval Command and Capt. A. U. Tijani. The Committee members representing NIMASA namely, Director Deep Blue Project, Chief Otonye Obom; Head Shipping Development, Kurahson Inuwa; Head, ISPS, Isa Mudi; and Deputy Director, Cabotage Services, Aisha Usman Dangote. You will recall that the Agency’s Director General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, during a visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Navy to the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos recently, had announced the constitution of an 8-Man committee, comprising four each from the Navy and NIMASA.
Blue Economy Top Agenda As Jamoh, Pauli Meet In Abuja
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has met with Professor Gunter Pauli to discuss how Nigeria can advance its Blue Economy. Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA Osagie Edward, in a statement said, the Abuja meeting is a follow up to the session the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had with Professor Pauli, where the need for the NIMASA DG to meet with experts like Gunter Pauli, was highlighted. Jamoh noted that having Professor Pauli interphase with stakeholders of the new Ministry would definitely help develop viable policies for the smooth take-off of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry. “I had the opportunity to meet the man that formulated the global policies around Blue Economy, and we have discussed various ways to harness the resources in the Nigerian waters in a sustainable manner. He has expressed his willingness to work with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to formulate policies that will help Nigerians begin to enjoy the gains of the establishment of the Ministry,” Jamoh said. On his part, Prof Pauli said he is willing to assist the Nigerian government develop policies around the Blue Economy for the benefit of Nigerians. Prof. Pauli, an economist and entrepreneur, created models of the Blue Economy, which is now a global concept. He has worked with many countries to draw policies for their blue economies.
Blue Economy Can Provide 350m Jobs If Harnessed Properly —NIMASA DG
The Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh has posited that Nigeria’s blue economy has the capacity to offer 350 million jobs if adequately harnessed. Jamoh, who was represented by the Acting Coordinator of NIMASA, Abuja Office, Hajia Rakiya Lamai, said during the NIMASA Special Day at the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair, Abuja. According to him, Nigeria’s vast under-utilised blue economy offers huge opportunities for growth and development to overcome its present economic challenge. “The blue economy has enormous potential as it offers the country the opportunities of 350 million new jobs if adequately harnessed. “Ocean resources like fishes, shrimps and other sea foods have not been satisfactorily harnessed, just as ship repairs are done in neighbouring countries and in faraway Turkey because the facilities are lacking locally. “With a combination of modern technology, relevant laws and support from the Federal Government, relevant agencies and stakeholders, disbursement of CVFF Funds, NIMASA is working to fulfill its mandate of regulating operations in the maritime industry,” he said. He said NIMASA was intensifying efforts to secure the Nigerian maritime environment and develop indigenous capacity for shipping expansion to provide value addition for sustainable growth and development of the Nigerian economy. Jamoh further said waterways expansion would be a much better incentive than tax waivers as it would encourage more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and private sector involvement in the maritime transport business. According to the NIMASA boss, moving toward waterways expansion will boost Port services and encourage the much-needed development in the industry. “While we await a cohesive policy to fully kick into gear, we must all become ‘Blue Ambassadors’ (Advocates for the Blue Economy). “The Blue Economy is every Nigerian’s Economy; the Media, Civil Society and other non-state actors, all have a role to play in galvanizing greater national awareness and participation. “We must rethink our waters, we need a total rethink from a ceremonial view; events such as Argungu Fishing Festival as well as others which must be redesigned and repackaged from the standpoint of the blue economy,” he said. He said efforts ought to be doubled to banish sea blindness amongst Nigerians and make seaward and sea-related activities more mainstream and attractive. He added that a Public Private Partnership (PPP) ought to be harnessed for maritime cluster development.
We’ll introduce reforms to enhance Blue Economy success, says Oyetola
*Visits Nigeria Shippers Council Headquarters in Lagos The Federal Government is committed to creating a conducive working environment for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to streamline the handling of overtime cargoes at all ports in Nigeria, ensuring effective and efficient service delivery. Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, made this commitment during his recent visit to the NSC Headquarters in Lagos. Oyetola expressed his assurance that the government would address challenges faced by the NSC and implement necessary reforms to advance the Blue Economy agenda of the current administration. While he applauded the NSC’s contributions and achievements, he also voiced concerns over the deteriorating condition of port infrastructure, cargo overstay, and the activities of foreign fishing firms. The Minister emphasized that cumbersome bureaucratic processes contribute significantly to prolonged cargo clearance times, leading to frustration among shippers and the abandonment of containers at ports. Oyetola pledged to engage with the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to resolve the issue of abandoned cargoes and address related bottlenecks. During his visit, Hon. Emmanuel Jime, the Executive Secretary of the NSC, highlighted key issues that require immediate attention, including amending the NSC Act to establish effective port economic regulation. Jime emphasized the NSC’s role as a policy-making laboratory in the marine sector and its objective to position Nigeria as the Maritime Hub in the sub-Western Region. Jime also cited ongoing concerns for the NSC, such as implementing a one-percent (1%) freight stabilization fee on imports and exports, enforcing the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), and establishing a National Fleet. He expressed confidence in Minister Oyetola’s commitment to making a positive impact on the maritime sector. In addition to the NSC visit, Minister Oyetola also met with the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN). Chinyere Uromta, the Acting Registrar, appealed to the Minister to reconsider the exclusion of CRFFN from the federal budgetary allocation. She highlighted the crucial role the Council plays in the freight forwarding sector, contributing to the integrity of the supply chain and the Nigerian shipping industry. Uromta emphasized that CRFFN operates as a federal regulatory agency and serves as an international regulator of freight forwarding practices on a global scale. She called for an urgent amendment to the CRFFN Act to align with its professional status. Oyetola commended CRFFN’s efforts and expressed a willingness to consider their request.
FG proposes creation of national shipping carrier to revitalise maritime sector
The Federal Government is committed to revitalizing the maritime sector in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to enhance the welfare of Nigerians. During a recent facility tour of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s (NIMASA) Headquarters and various centres in Lagos, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, outlined his vision for the sector. Oyetola emphasized the need for transformative measures in the maritime industry to position Nigeria as a major player. One of his key recommendations is the establishment of a national carrier through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to facilitate freight transport within the country. Notably, Nigeria stands as the only member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) without a national shipping line flying its flag. The Minister highlighted that creating a national carrier would help eliminate the burden of the 30% freight charge associated with chartering vessels. However, he clarified that his call for a national line should not be confused with advocating for the revival of the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL). Furthermore, Oyetola expressed interest in NIMASA’s Modular Floating Dock, recognizing its potential to generate employment opportunities and curb capital flight. He urged the agency to engage stakeholders to support this initiative. Addressing the potential of the Blue Economy, the Minister underscored that Nigeria, with one of the world’s largest wetlands, is well-suited for coastal tourism development. He also committed to exploring opportunities in fishing and other sectors to stimulate economic growth. Bashir Jamoh, the Director General of NIMASA, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for establishing a dedicated Ministry for the Maritime sector. This move has long been advocated by stakeholders and Nigerians. With the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, Nigeria joins seven other countries worldwide with standalone Blue Economy Ministries. Jamoh assured that this development positions NIMASA to elevate Nigeria’s global maritime presence.
NIMASA registers 8,014 seafarers in 30 months
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has revealed that a total of 8,014 seafarers were registered in 2021, 2022, and the first six months of 2023. A statement by NIMASA Assistant Director, Public Relations, Osagie Edward, stated that 24 MLC, 2006 certificates were issued in the year 2021, 49 MLC, 2006 certificates issued in the year 2022 and 63 MLC, 2006 certificates have been issued in the year 2023 (January-July). “Thus, a total of 8,014 seafarers have been registered from 2021 to 2023 (Jan-July) and 136 MLC, 2006 certificates issued after inspections within the same years. “Moreover 65 stevedoring companies, 26 terminal/jetty operators and 1,395 dockworkers have been registered from 2021 to 2023 (January-July). “NIMASA under the current administration led by Dr Bashir Jamoh, have placed 3,705 seafarers on board Cabotage vessels in the year 2021, 7,238 seafarers placed in 2022 and 1013 placed in 2023 (Jan – July). Overall, a total of 11,956 Nigerian seafarers have been placed onboard Cabotage vessels from January-2021 to July- 2023. “Resultantly, 539 Nigerian seafarers have been recommended for replacement in the first quarter of 2023,” NIMASA said. According to the Agency, in December 2022, it sent forth 235 Nigerians to India and Greece as Batch B of the 435 young Nigerians are expected to be trained as Licensed Deck and Engine Officers including Naval Architects under the Agency’s Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) with an additional 200 having been previously sponsored for overseas training under Batch A. The NSDP was initiated in 2008 with the sole mandate of training Nigerian youths to become seafarers and Naval Architects in fulfilling one of its cores in the area of Maritime Capacity Building. The programme was designed to train Nigerian youths up to Degree level in Marine Engineering, Nautical Sciences and Naval Architecture in some of the best Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs) abroad and to position them to compete effectively in the global Maritime Industry as a means of developing the Nigerian maritime space. Speaking at the time, the NIMASA Director General Dr Bashir Jamoh, had noted that the Agency was working with countries who are committed to an understanding for mutual recognition of Certificate of Competency, CoC, and that had underpinned the selection of the chosen Institutes to train the beneficiaries. “It is also noteworthy that the Agency has succeeded in providing sea time for all beneficiaries of the NSDP. This implies that the bedrock for young Nigerians to earn foreign currencies and improve remittances to the country has been set by the Agency,” he said. The NIMASA spokesman further said that “One of the cardinal principles of the Cabotage regime is the localization of manning vessels operating in Nigerian waters. To a considerable extent, NIMASA has ensured the placement of Nigerian seafarers on board Cabotage vessels in line with its placement function and the provisions of the Cabotage Act, 2003. “Improving on this, Cabotage manning applications are now processed on the condition that all foreign crew especially Ratings on board vessels are to be replaced with Nigerian seafarers/cadets within two-three weeks of operations.”
NIMASA moves floating dock to new Dolphin Jetty
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)’s floating dock would be moved to its new site by a Nigerian-registered company, Melsmore Marine Nigeria Limited. The floating dock will be moved from the Naval Dockyard to the waterfront of the Dolphin Jetty at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dockyard which used to be the Continental Shipyard. Mr Danny Fuchs, the Managing Director, Melsmore Marine Nigeria Ltd, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday in Lagos. Fuchs said they were committed to executing their project. “Our job is to move the Modular Floating Dock from the present location to the waterfront of the Dolphin Jetty at Apapa. “THSD SEA LION which occupied the leased area at the water front have vacated the jetty now. We have a commercial understanding with NIMASA on how to execute this project,” he said. He noted that they had submitted a feasibility study taking note of the mooring system required to anchor the modular floating dock at the Dolphin jetty. Fuchs said the mooring system supplied by the manufacturers of the modular floating dock was made up of two steel piles of 36 meters length, two meters in diameter and a weight of roughly 48 tonnes each. He said these massive piles need to be driven about 20 meters into the seabed, adding that they would bring their expertise to bear in carrying out the project. “We also hope to invite the manufacturers, Damen Shipyard, to join forces in achieving this relocation project,” he said. While addressing the officials of Melsmore, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, emphasised the need for them to review the action plan in the light of realities on ground with detailed deliverables, and key performance indicators with clearly stated timelines. “Nigerians eagerly await the deployment of the modular floating dock. This is a national asset, which has potential to boost maritime trade, create jobs, develop skills, by providing training avenues to various maritime training institutions in Nigeria. “It will also attract foreign investment and prevent capital flight, thereby generating revenue,” he said.
Modular Floating Dock: NIMASA takes over continental shipyard
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has taken over areas leased to it by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) at the Continental Shipyard for the operations of the Modular Floating Dock. The areas include: the Dolphin Jetty, Waterfront of the jetty adjourning the slipway, an administrative block, a construction, welding and mechanical workshop and a civil maintenance workshop, among others. During the ceremony, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said the handing over of the Continental Shipyard to NIMASA marks the final lap in the quest of the Agency to deploy the modular floating Dockyard. The Director General, who was represented by the Head, Public, Private Partnership, PPP, Unit Mr. Kabiru Diso assured stakeholders that the Modular Floating Dockyard would soon be deployed since all grey areas between NIMASA and the NPA have been cleared. “The Modular Floating Dockyard is a national asset and now that all grey areas between the NPA and NIMASA have been addressed, we are very close to the deployment of the Modular Floating Dock. Our goal is to domicile dry-docking of vessels in the country thus saving the nation foreign exchange currently expended on dry-docking vessels outside the shores of Nigeria. The floating dock will also provide both direct and indirect employment to Nigerians with a multiplier effect on capacity development,” he said. The Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC), had issued a certificate of compliance for an Outline Business Case (OBC) for the operation of the floating dock, while also describing it as bankable and sustainable. The modular floating dock, which has the capacity to handle up to 10,000 Metric Tons vessels, would be run on a Public Private Partnership arrangement.