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Tag: NIMASA

  • 67 Lawmakers, Police, Navy, NIMASA, others reject Marine Corps Bill

    67 Lawmakers, Police, Navy, NIMASA, others reject Marine Corps Bill

    Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, other Lawmakers, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Shippers Council and several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), on Monday rejected the Bill for an Act to establish Nigerian Marine Corps.

    The House Committee on Navy, on Monday conducted public hearing on the Bill, which seeks to promote maritime security and enhance the safety of the blue economy of Nigeria.

    Known as a Bill for an Act to Establish Nigerian Marine Corps to Promote Maritime Security (HB 225), the Bill, sponsored by Rep. Alex Egbona (Cross River), passed second reading on the floor of the House on Thursday, 30th November, 2023, and was referred to the House Committee on Navy for a public hearing.

    Speaking against the Bill on Monday, Rep. Agbese, who is a Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, said the Bill proposes to create a new federal body tasked with maritime law enforcement and defense responsibilities traditionally managed by the Nigerian Navy and other existing agencies, such as NIMASA, and it would lead to duplication of functions, if allowed to scale through.

    Speaking on behalf of 66 other Members of the House, Agbese stressed that, as Members of the House, it was their duty to critically examine proposed legislation with a view to ensuring its alignment with the best interests of the nation and to avoid the creation of unnecessary or duplicative structures within government agencies.

    “Acting under the mandate to promote efficient governance and resource management, we hereby call for the total and complete rejection of the bill proposing the establishment of the Nigerian Marine Corps”, he said.

    Speaking further, Agbese said, “It is our contention as Members of this legislative body that the creation of this new entity would only result in significant overlap, redundancy, and logistical strain, creating operational inefficiencies and imposing unwarranted financial demands on the government.

    “The proposed Act outlines the creation of a maritime enforcement agency charged with enforcing or assisting in the enforcement of federal laws on, under, and over Nigeria’s high seas and other waterways, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and required to maintain a state of readiness to function as a specialized service within the Nigerian Navy in times of war. This proposed body raises multiple operational, economic, and strategic concerns particularly in the areas of jurisdictional conflicts, wartime readiness, legal authority, and environmental management.

    “We have thoroughly examined this bill and its objectives and we assert that the establishment of a Nigerian Marine Corps is both redundant and counterproductive, given the existing roles, mandates, and capacities of the Nigerian Navy and other maritime agencies.

    “We therefore firmly and unequivocally call for the total defeat of the bill and a recommendation for its immediate withdrawal, while highlighting the compelling need to prioritize efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and coherent maritime governance”.

    On its part, the Nigeria Police Force described the Bill as ill-advised, stressing that it does not only lead to duplication of duties, which a section of the Force is currently undertaking, but it would result to proliferation of maritime security outfits and tantamount to a parallel unit of the armed forces of Nigeria.

    “The proposed Nigerian Marine Corps, while well-intentioned, has the potential to create more problems than it solves. A more prudent approach would be to strengthen existing agencies and optimize their capabilities to ensure effective maritime security. By streamlining existing structures and fostering inter-agency cooperation, Nigeria can enhance its maritime security capabilities without incurring unnecessary costs or creating additional bureaucratic hurdles”, said SP. Nandom Vongjen, Staff Officer Marine Section, who represented the Police Force.

    In their separate submissions, the Chief of Training & Operations of Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira; Coordinator, NIMASA, Abuja Zonal Office, Mrs. Moji Jimoh and Director, Legal Services, Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Bala Saleh; underscored the need to strengthen the already existing agencies, rather than creating new ones which could pose more security threats to the nation.

    All the Members of the Civil Society Organisations who attended the public hearing, spoke against the Bill, urging the House to kill the Bill during the third reading, describing it as unnecessary.

    Those who spoke on behalf of the CSOs include, Abdullahi Bilal, Spokesman for Security Analysts & Research Forum in Africa; Okwa Daniel, Executive Director, Centre for Social Justice, Equity & Transparency; Daniel Momoh Prince, National President, Nigerian Unemployed Youth Association; Igwe Ude-Umanta, Convener, Coalition of Civil Society Organisations on Economic Watch; Opialu Fabian, Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights & Advocacy in Africa Network; amongst others.

    While adjourning the hearing, Chairman, House Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Gadgi, assured Nigerians that due diligence would be done in carrying out legislative actions on the Bills, saying, the Committee was an impartial body and as such, would not take sides in doing its work.

  • President Tinubu signs 6 IMO Instruments of Accession

    President Tinubu signs 6 IMO Instruments of Accession

    President Bola Tinubu has signed the instruments of accession for six Conventions of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

    This is according to a statement by  the Head, Public Relations of the Nigerian Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Osagie Edward., on Wednesday.

    Tinubu said the action would  pave way for Nigeria to officially deposit the instruments of accession at the IMO headquarters, London, which serve as the repository for such conventions, the statement says.

    The President said that the move was expected to enhance Nigeria’s maritime governance and align its practices with international standards, promoting maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.

    The six instruments signed by President Tinubu are the Instrument of Accession of the Protocol of 2005 to the 1988 Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms on the Continental Shelf, the Instrument of Accession of the International Convention of Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch-keeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel 1995; and the Instrument of Accession of the Protocol Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in cases of Pollution by Substances other than Oil, 1973 as Amended (INTERVENTION PROTOCOL).

    “Others are the Instrument of Accession to the Protocol of 1996 to Amend the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC) 1976; the Instrument of Accession to the Protocol to the 1974 Athens Convention Relating to the Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage by Sea, 2002; and the Instrument of Accession to the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009,” Tinubu said.

    The president, according to the statement, formally presented the instruments to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola and the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola.

    President  expressed  gratitude to the Minister for facilitating the signing of the IMO conventions by the President after several years of being pending in the Ministry.

    “These six instruments have been lying within the Ministry for the last six to eight years, and thanks to the efforts of the minister.

    “This is a landmark achievement for Nigeria, as the IMO will soon update our records to recognize these instruments”.

    On his part, the minister reassured stakeholders of the President commitment to developing the Nigerian maritime industry in line with global best practices.

    “By signing these instruments of accession, the President has reaffirmed this administration’s determination to take its rightful position among the comity of maritime nations.

    “This development will undoubtedly further reassure member states and stakeholders of Nigeria’s resolve and determination to be a leading member of the decision-making body of the IMO.

    “The deposit of these six instruments of ratification will be carried out by the supervising Ministry, and NIMASA,” Oyetola said.

  • Helicopter crash- NIMASA to share information with IMO

    Helicopter crash- NIMASA to share information with IMO

    The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has pledged to share its findings on the recent helicopter crash into the Atlantic Ocean, near Bonny Finima in Rivers State, with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

    The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said this in a statement by the Head of Public Relations Directorate of the Agency, Mr Edward Osagie, in Lagos on Sunday.

    Mobereola said that a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder CVR otherwise known as the ‘Black Box’ was recovered at the weekend, through an Inter-Agency collaboration.

    He stated that the collaboration includes NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), NNPC, HydroDive, along with other local and international search and rescue partners.

    Mobereola commended all organs of government for the partnership during the search and recovery operations.

    He noted that NIMASA would shared information on the incident with the IMO.

    “In line with international maritime safety standards, NIMASA will report the findings about the helicopter crash into the Atlantic Ocean, to the International Maritime Organisation via the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).

    “By sharing the findings of the off-shore Port Harcourt helicopter crash with the IMO, NIMASA demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and cooperation within the global maritime community.

    “The Global Integrated Shipping Information System is an online platform developed by the IMO to support the timely and accurate reporting of incidents, accidents, and other essential maritime data.

    “This platform enables member-state to share information crucial to improving safety protocols, updating best practices, and fostering international cooperation,” Mobereola said.

    According to him,  NIMASA is committed to working closely with all relevant agencies to determine the cause of the incident and to take all necessary steps to prevent future occurrences.

    While mourning the diseased, the NIMASA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain and continued inter-agency collaboration.

    He recalled how NIMASA received distress signals at the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center, (MRCC) on Oct. 24 and the (C4i) center of the Deep Blue project and shared same with the Nigerian Navy.

    “The Nigerian Navy, immediately deployed NIMASA’s specialised Search and rescue assets to the crash site to locate the downed aircraft and conduct recovery efforts under challenging conditions.

    “The helicopter crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, at a distance of 1.4km from the starboard side of the Floating Producing Storage Offloading FPSO, NUIM ANTAN Producing Ltd. owned by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC Ltd.

    He said that the collaboration between NIMASA and other local as well as international search and rescue partners recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG.

    Mobereola said with the recovery of the ‘Black Box’, over 80 per cent of the helicopter wreck had been recovered.

    The other recovered items include rotor, three blades, engine, gearbox, windows, cockpit overhead panels, the Electronic Locator Transmitter (ELT) and the tail.

    The NIMASA DG extended the agency’s condolences to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC Ltd., the families of the victims, and others affected by the helicopter crash.

    “Our deepest sympathies are with the NNPC, the families, and loved ones of those affected by this unfortunate incident. Safety is a paramount commitment to us at NIMASA.

    “We remain resolute in our partnership with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders to ensure effective, rapid response in emergencies.”

  • Alleged N8.5bn fraud: Court discharges ex-NIMASA DG, Akpobolokemi

    Alleged N8.5bn fraud: Court discharges ex-NIMASA DG, Akpobolokemi

    A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, discharged a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi, and one other of alleged N8.5 billion fraud.

    Akpobolokemi was charged alongside a former Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield, retired Maj-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe and two other staff members of the agency, Kime Engonzu and Josphine Otuaga, on 22 counts bordering on fraud.

    They had each pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail by the court.

    Justice Ayokunle Faji discharged and acquitted Akpobolokemi and the fourth defendant (Otuaga), while ruling on a no-case submission filed by them.

    The court held that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against them.

    Meanwhile, Justice Faji held that the second defendant (Atewe) and third defendant (Engunzu) had a case to answer in counts 12 to 22 of the charge.

    The EFCC had arraigned the defendants on a 22-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraudulent conversion and stealing .

    After they pleaded not guilty to the charges, the commission opened its case and called a total of 11 witnesses and tendered several exhibits in support of its case.
    The prosecution, subsequently, closed its case.

    The defendants, however, rather than open their defence filed a no case submission before the court, on the grounds that the EFCC had not been able to link them with the alleged offences.

    Delivering his ruling on the no case submission, Justice Faji held that none of the witnesses called by the prosecution led any evidence linking the first and fourth defendants to the offences.

    The court, consequently, held that having regard to the totality of evidences led by prosecution, no prima facie case had been established against the first and fourth defendants, warranting a defence.

    The court discharged the defendants but held that the second and third defenders had a case to answer and should open their defence.

    The court adjourned the case until May 6 for continuation of trial of the other defendants .

    Akpobolokemi had in a no-case submission filed by his lawyers, Dr Joseph Nwobike (SAN) and Mr Collins Ogbonna, said that the prosecution had not been able to establish any case against him

    In the charge, the defendants were alleged to have committed the offence in 2014 in Lagos.

    They were alleged to have conspired to fraudulently convert the aggregate sum of N8.5 billion belonging to NIMASA.

    The offence contravenes the provisions of section 15 and 18 of the Money Laundering Act 2012.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu appoints new NIMASA DG

    BREAKING: Tinubu appoints new NIMASA DG

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Dayo Mobereola to serve as the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for a renewable term of four years.

    The appointment follows the exit of Mr. Bashir Jamoh, whose tenure recently expired.

    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 was also the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State from 2015 to 2016.

    In the private sector, he was Deputy Managing Director and Project Development Director at AFM Consulting Plc, London. He was also Senior Economist at British Petroleum Shipping Limited, London.

    The President expects the new Director-General to bring his vast experience to bear in his new role and to achieve the mandate of NIMASA in providing world-leading standards of maritime safety administration, maritime labour regulation, marine pollution prevention and control, search and rescue, cabotage enforcement, shipping development and ship registration, in accordance with the policies and programmes of the Renewed Hope Agenda for the sector as ably guided by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola.

  • Alleged N754.8m fraud: Absence of witness stalls ex-NIMASA DG, Akpobolokemi’s trial

    Alleged N754.8m fraud: Absence of witness stalls ex-NIMASA DG, Akpobolokemi’s trial

    The trial of a former Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi, charged with alleged N754.8 million fraud on Wednesday suffered a setback due to the absence of the defence witness.

    Akpobolokemi is standing trial alongside Ezekiel Agaba, a former Executive Director of NIMASA, on an amended 12-year-old charge bordering on alleged stealing, forgery and conspiracy.

    When the case was called, counsel for the first defendant, Mr Charles Okechukwu, told the court that the defence would not be able to open its case.

    Okechukwu said one of the witnesses was bereaved and had travelled for the obsequies.

    He said that the other defence witness was not also available.

    “We have written an application for adjournment, though we know that today is slated for defence. The defence witnesses that we intended to present are unavailable for the trial.

    “One of the witnesses lost his mother and the service of songs takes place tomorrow, so he is not in Lagos but in Bayelsa,” he said.

    The defence counsel further told the court that a letter had been written to the prosecution informing them of the development and so applied for an adjournment to subsisting dates.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Mr  Suleiman Suleiman, confirmed receipt of the said letter.

    “We were served with the said letter yesterday and in the interest of justice, we will not object,” he said.

    The second defence counsel, Mrs Grace Omole, also raised no objection.

    Justice Raliatu Adebiyi adjourned the case until Feb.27 for continuation of trial.

    When the prosecution closed its case, the defendants through their respective lawyers, Mr Collins Ogbonna and  Mr Edoka Onyeke, filed the no-case submissions.

    However, on the May 8, 2023 ruling on the no-case submissions of the defendants, Adebiyi had held that the prosecution had made a prima facie case against the two defendants on counts two, three, four, five and seven bordering on stealing.

    She had further held that a prima facie case had been made against the second defendant on counts nine, 10, 11 and 12 bordering on forgery.

    They were, however, discharged and acquitted on counts one, six and eight bordering on conspiracy.

    The judge had ordered them to open their defence on the remaining counts.

    According to the prosecution, the alleged offences contravene Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State 2011.

  • Tinubu makes fresh appointments in NPA, NIMASA [See names]

    Tinubu makes fresh appointments in NPA, NIMASA [See names]

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new Executive Directors in two agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

    A statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Thursday in Abuja, said the appointments are in the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

    The new appointees of the NPA are Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet- Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Olalekan Badmus- Executive Director, Marine and Operations and Ibrahim Abba Umar- Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services.

    The new appointees in NIMASA are Mr Jibril Abba- Executive Director, Maritime Labour, and Cabotage Services, Mr Chudi Offodile- Executive Director, Finance and Administration and Fatai Taye Adeyemi- Executive Director, Operations.

    ”The President approves these appointments with the firm belief, after studying their impressive profiles, that the new appointees will expeditiously and efficiently execute on their collective mandate to create the conditions required to significantly raise the contribution of the Marine and Blue Economy sector to the nation’s GDP.

    ”(And also) evolving the Nigerian economy into a labour-intensive and inclusive one that creates new opportunities for all Nigerians in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda, under the able guidance of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,” he said.

  • NYAC calls for dismissal of NIMASA MD over non-compliance with financial reporting standards

    NYAC calls for dismissal of NIMASA MD over non-compliance with financial reporting standards

    The Nigerian Youth Against Corruption (NYAC) has expressed grave concern following the suspension of the 2018 audited financial statement of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) due to non-compliance with financial reporting standards.

    In a press statement on Thursday night signed by its convener, Comrade Bethel Aguda, the group said, ”The non-compliance is unacceptable and reflects poorly on the leadership and management of NIMASA under the watch of Dr Bashir Jamoh, the Managing Director.”

    The statement further read:

    ”This egregious breach of financial standards and withdrawal of the audited financial statement signal a failure in the agency’s leadership to uphold transparency and accountability.

    ”Given this significant failure and the resulting penalty imposed by the FRC, NYAC calls for the immediate dismissal of Dr. Bashir Jamoh as the managing director of NIMASA.

    ”Holding leadership accountable for such blatant non-compliance is imperative, especially in an agency as pivotal as NIMASA, responsible for maritime safety and regulatory oversight.

    ”The suspension of the 2018 financial statement and the imposition of a hefty N500 million penalty underscore the severity of the situation. NYAC firmly believes that accountability at the highest levels is non-negotiable, particularly regarding financial integrity and compliance within government agencies.

    ”Dr. Bashir Jamoh’s continuation in office following such a substantial failure in adherence to financial reporting standards sets a worrisome precedent and undermines public trust in the agency’s leadership.”

    The NYAC urged the relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action to restore confidence in NIMASA’s governance and operational integrity.

    The group emphasised the need for a transparent and diligent process in addressing the matter and called on the Federal Government to ”appoint a competent and trustworthy individual to lead NIMASA, restoring credibility and ensuring adherence to financial regulations.”

  • NIMASA Act amendment bill passes first reading at senate

    NIMASA Act amendment bill passes first reading at senate

    Sen. Wasiu Sanni, Chairman Senate Committee on Marine Transport, says the bill to amend the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act has passed first reading on the floor of the Senate.

    Sanni said this on Friday during a working visit by the committee to NIMASA operational offices in Lagos.

    He noted that the senate of the tenth assembly was committed to formulating policies that would ensure Nigerians enjoy the benefits of the blue economy.

    The committee chairman averred that a constructive evaluation of the existing maritime legal framework was necessary to ascertain gaps for possible review.

    He pledged that the Senate, under the leadership of Sen. Godswill Akpabio, was committed to supporting the maritime sector in line with the vision of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “Let me inform you that the bill seeking amendment of the NIMASA Act has passed first reading on the floor of the senate.

    “I have to say, on behalf of my colleagues, that we are with you on this journey. We will not hesitate to support your vision in as much as such is geared towards enhancing the potential of the maritime sector for national growth and development.

    “With the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry by Mr President, a message has been passed to all stakeholders that the maritime industry has a huge role to play in our nation building.

    “We must align with the vision of the president, and we must support the government to achieve a better country for all Nigerians,” Sani said.

    A member of the committee, Sen. Abdul Ningi, commended NIMASA management stating that much progress had been made over the years.

    “I have visited this sgency over the years, and must note that much progress has been made. You have done very well,” he said.

    Commenting, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, noted that the agency was commited to both human capacity and infrastructural development to grow the Nigerian blue economy.

    Jamoh noted that a well-developed marine and blue economy would be strong enough to service Nigeria’s annual budget because it encompasses all economic activities associated with the oceans and seas.

    According to Jamoh, NIMASA is working tirelessly to secure the nation’s waters and by extension, the Gulf of Guinea.

    “The time has come for us as a nation to build on the recent gains in the area of safety and security of our waterways.

    “Be rest assured that NIMASA is utilising appropriated funds judiciously, evident in our investment in infrastructure.

    “We will continue in the direction President Bola Tinubu has pointed, with the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry,” he said.

    NAN

  • Oil theft: Reps direct NNPC, NIMASA, NIWA CEOs to appear before committee

    Oil theft: Reps direct NNPC, NIMASA, NIWA CEOs to appear before committee

    The House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating crude oil theft has insisted on the appearance of the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC) and others before the committee.

    They include the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

    Rep Alhassan Rurum, the Chairman of the probe panel, gave the ruling in Abuja, adding that the heads of the agencies must appear in person and not send representatives.

    Rurum said the heads of all the invited agencies must appear in person on Sept. 11, while frowning at a situation where the heads of the agencies invited did not appear but sent their directors as representatives.

    He said most of the invited CEOs wrote to the committee asking for permission to be represented by their subordinate as they were not disposed to appear in person and honour the committee’s invitation.

    He said the committee had the powers to invite and cause appearance of any individual, government officials including corporate entity charged with the responsibility of administration of public funds.

    At the hearing, the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Authority (NUPRA) said pipelines and flow stations were the major targets of oil thieves.

    They blamed faulty metering procedure, faulty instrument and lack of technology as impediments in the efforts of  agencies of the Federal Government in tackling oil theft.

    Rurum, however, said that the invited CEOs of the agencies should come with a list of all other agencies working in export terminal of all the  nation’s oil sector.