Headlines
Jamoh’s two years of revolutionary stewardship in Nigeria’s maritime industry
OPERATIONS/ACTIVITIES OF NIMASA
MARITIME SAFETY
The Agency continues to improve its port and flag state functions which is the core of maritime safety. The performance of the Agency in this regard in the last 4 years is highlighted below:
Port State Inspection (PSI):
| Year | PSI | % Diff |
| 2017 | 525 | |
| 2018 | 659 | 38% (Increase) |
| 2019 | 725 | 10% (Increase) |
| 2020 | 510 | -29.65 (Decrease) |
Total port state inspection in 2019 was 726 vessels of the 5,035 vessels calls which represent a 10% improvement from the preceding year and 14.42% of the total ship call. This is however short of the 15% requirement under IMO by 0.8% of which we are working hard to surpass.
Total port state inspections in 2020 were 510 of 4,728 vessel calls. (COVID-19 lockdown impacted negatively on the Port State Inspections)
| Year | FSI | % Diff |
| 2018 | 1,737 | |
| 2019 | 2,580 | 49% (Increase) |
| 2020 | 2,244 | 13% decrease |
In 2019, the Agency performed a total of 2,580 flag state inspections representing 2,123 renewal inspections, 276 condition surveys and 181 Random Flag State Surveys. This showed a 49% increase from the 1,737 Total Flag State Inspections carried out in 2018 comprising 1,241 Flag State Renewal Inspections, 381 Condition Surveys and 115 Random Flag State Surveys. However, the decrease in 2020 is attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Marine incidents/accidents:
Sadly, the Agency recorded 22 marine incidents in 2019 and 21 in 2018. Investigations were carried out while some are still ongoing.
NIMASA has put in tremendous efforts to mitigate the tide of maritime insecurity in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea through several maritime domain awareness interventions and collaborative efforts.
NIMASA’S EFFORTS IN ADDRESSING MARITIME INSECURITY IN NIGERIA AND THE GULF OF GUINEA
- Passage of the Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Bill
- Establishment of integrated national maritime surveillance and security infrastructure
- International Ship and Port Facility Security (Code) Implementation: The implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code has steadily impacted the level of security in the nation’s port areas and facilities.
- Resuscitation of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System(GMDSS) Equipment
- The Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity (RMAC) Centre
- International collaboration: NIMASA is currently engaging international stakeholders, including BIMCO, INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and Oil Companies International Maritime Forum-OCIMF, under the auspices of NIMASA/Industry Maritime Security Work Group (NIWG) to entrench coordinated response to piracy attacks
- Institutionalization of Collaboration with National Authorities: The Agency has spearheaded the institutionalization of the collaboration between her and other frontline maritime agencies for improved maritime safety and security and efficient port operations.
CAPACITY BUILDING MILESTONES
Human Capacity Development
Statutory financial contribution to Maritime Academy, Oron
Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP): 40/60 ratio
50/50 ratio 100%
- Currently, the Agency has trained over 2600 Nigerian Seafarers in various credible maritime institutions UK, Egypt, Philippines, Malaysia, etc.
- Recently, the Agency secured the placement of over 400 cadets on board ships for the mandatory SEA-TIME training to make them globally competitive and employable.
- NIMASA also sent some of its staff on long term training abroad to build internal capacities in various aspects of the maritime industry at the prestigious World Maritime University.
INDIGENOUS SHIPPING CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Procurement of the 5th largest modular floating dockyard in Africa to reduce the cost of ship repairs and maintenance
This milestone achievement comes under a unique Fund known as the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), designed to provide financial assistance to Nigerian Operators in domestic coastal shipping to own vessels and enhance their competitiveness.
Fiscal and Monetary Policy Initiatives: We have continued our engagement with the MDAs to entrench appropriate fiscal and monetary policy initiatives to pave way for the competitive participation of indigenous operators in shipping activities in Nigeria. These include but are not limited to:
- A push for the change in terms of trade from FOB to CIF for the affreightment of crude oil (NNPC) • Single-digit interest rate for the maritime sector (CBN/NEXIM BANK/AFRIEXIM) • Concessionalforeignexchangerateforshipacquisition(CBN) • EngagementwithOfficeoftheVicePresident/EconomicManagementTeam
We continued our engagement with state governments to buy into our cargo support initiative aimed at creating a cargo pool for affreightment by indigenous operators.
Ship Tonnage Growth: Aggressive repositioning of the Nigerian Ship Registration Office (NSRO)
- The Nigerian Ship Registration Office recorded 13.8% tonnage growth from 2018 to 2019.
- This trajectory of growth was negatively impacted by the global covid-19 pandemic.
- However, the Nigerian Ship Registry ranks second in tonnage measurement in Africa after Liberia which operates an open and more flexible registry. Remodelling and commissioning of NIMASA Knowledge Centre E-Library The facility is open to staff, students/researchers and external stakeholders/maritime operators to increase the knowledge base of the Nigerian Maritime Sector
SPECIAL INTERVENTION: COVID-19 RESPONSE AND CSR
The Executive Management of NIMASA recognized from the outset the significant impact of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic on the Transport Sector in Particular and the Global socio-economic activities in general, hence set up a multi-disciplinary Committee within the Agency to provide an informed risk assessment with appropriate responses.
A major intervention of the Agency in ensuring the continued flow of trade was the declaration of Seafarers as KEY WORKERS to facilitate vital crew changes and excuse duty. Nigeria was among the first maritime nations to declare such and was commended by the IMO.
Corporate Social Responsibility support to Federal and State government by the following donations to Federal & State authorities:
- Cash donations of 30 Million Naira (N30,000,000.00) to the Federal Government Committee on COVID-19 Intervention
20 Million Naira (N20,000,000.00) cash donation to the Lagos State COVID-19 Intervention Task Force B. Provided human capital/personnel support in the following areas:
Medical Personnel Drivers Logistic officers
- Deployment of the Agency’s Fire brigade trucks to fumigate Apapa and its environs.
LOGISTICS SUPPORT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19
| State | 36-Seater Coaster Bus | 16-Seater coaster Bus | Ambu-lance | Fast intervention Marine Vessels | Personal protective Equipment (PPEs) |
| Abuja | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Lagos | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Rivers | 1 | 1 | 2 (Onne and Port Harcourt) | ||
| Delta | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Cross River | 2 (PSC to source) | 1 | |||
| Kaduna | 2 |
SPECIAL INTERVENTION: CSR FOR FLOOD VICTIMS AND IDP CAMPS
The Agency presented relief items to victims of flood disasters across the nation. Also, internally displaced persons as a result of the insurgency were not left out of Agency’s Corporate Social Responsibility. Among the 20 states covered across the 6 geo-political zones are:
- Kaduna State
- Kano State
- Cross River State
- Delta State
- Lagos State
- Niger State
VII. Benue State VIII. Ogun State IX. Ondo State
COMMENDATIONS
The IMO in December 2020 applauded our efforts in the fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea Region The Specialized Organ of the United Nation had earlier supported our action declaring Seafarers as key workers to facilitate crew changes during the COVID-19 induced international lockdown.
Recently, the IMO gave institutional backing to NIMASA’s Marine Litter Action Plan. These and many more are evidence of our collaboration with the IMO.
The global shipping and economic climate was greatly impacted by the following in 2020 all through 2021:
- COVID-19
- Lockdown
- Disruption in the global supply chain; and
- Slow down the economic activities across the globe.
Maritime Safety:
- Flag State Implementation (FSO) – Vessels inspected/surveyed in accordance with the safety requirements of the MSA 2007
Conduct of Condition survey for Flag Registration
Comparing the number of vessels surveyed for flag registration relative to the previous year, it can be observed that the 2021 figure (489 vessels) is 43.6% higher than the total number of condition surveys carried out in 2020 (276 vessels).
| Para-meter | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
| Total No of Condition Surveys for Flag Registration conducted in 2020 | 32 | 29 | 36 | 14 | 7 | 22 | 24 | 28 | 10 | 31 | 18 | 25 | 276 |
| Total No of Condition Surveys for Flag Registration conducted in 2021 | 26 | 19 | 19 | 24 | 32 | 75 | 74 | 44 | 34 | 50 | 43 | 49 | 489 |
- Port State Control (PCS) 229 foreign vessels boarded to ensure that such vessels maintained safety/pollution standard while in our ports and waters.
Port State Control Implementation
Comparing the number of vessels boarded relative to the previous year, it can be observed that the 2021 figure (673 vessels) is 24.2% higher than the total number of inspections carried out in 2020 (510 vessels).
- Examination and Certification
Total exam conducted for officers at various capacities and certification for years 2020 and 2021
OFFICERS 2021
- The total number of examinations conducted 829
- Total candidate passed and certificated 264, forming a percentage of 32%
- The total candidates failed 565, forming a percentage of 68%
- Total certificate revalidated 2021: 246 certificates.
OFFICERS IN 2020
- Total number of examinations conducted 610
- Total candidates passed and certificated 251, forming a percentage of 41%
- Total candidates failed 359, forming a percentage of 59%
- Total certificate revalidated 2020: 132 certificates.
EXAMINATION RATINGS IN 2020
- The total number of examinations conducted 1,251
- Total candidates passed and certificated 926, forming a percentage of 74%
- Total candidates failed 325, forming a percentage of 26%
EXAMINATION RATINGS IN 2020
- The total number of examinations conducted 1,327
- Total candidate passed and certificated 990, forming a percentage of 74%
- Total candidates failed 337, forming a percentage of 26%
- Online Seafarers Certificate of Competency (CoC) Verification Platform reactivated
The project has drastically reduced the forgery of Nigerian certificates and enhanced the employment of Nigerian Seafarers in the maritime sector.
- Enforcement of Safety Regulations on Barges and Tug Boards (Operation Sting Ray)
- ISO 9001 Quality Assurance Certification for the operation of the Maritime Safety Department Approval of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System for the Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standard Department by Bureau Veritas (BV) in April 2020.
- Revival of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) equipment – Necessary for sending alerts in an emergency. The GMDSS is to ensure the safety of life at sea.
- Marine Accident Investigation Data/Information
Marine Pollution Prevention and Control
- Marine Environment Management
Nigeria has entered into MoU with Maritime Transport Coordination Centre (MTCC) on Climate Change for Africa to commence activities towards ensuring GHG emission reduction in the maritime sector with emphasis on achieving 0.5% Sulphur Oxide (SO2) in Bunker fuel oil.
- Awareness creation
- Establishment of bunker (fuel oil) supply register
- Accreditation of laboratories for testing bunker oil
- Capacity building on the emission of reduction; and
- Establishment of Compliance monitoring and Enforcement Team (CMET)
- IOPC 92
Produced manual for the admissibility of claims under the fund.
The manual is to contain the price index for determining the quantum of claims for settlement in case of oil pollution.
- Update on the Trinity Spirit FPSO
Maritime Security:
- Deep Blue Project:
The Deep Blue Project was flagged off by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, 21st May, 2021.
The Agency has taken delivery of key assets of the Deep Blue Project including:
- Two Special Mission Vessels (SMVs)
- Seventeen Fast Interceptor Boats (FIBs)
- Two Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs)
- Sixteen Armoured Vehicles
Some of these assets have been deployed to the Nigerian Navy for its operational use.
- The Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity (RMAC) Centre
Provision of the Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity (RMAC) Centre Kirikiri by the US Navy Upgraded to SEA VISION to allow for monitoring of vessels along the West and Central African region.
- NIMASA/Industry Working Group
International collaboration among major international stakeholders in the maritime/shipping sector.
To entrench coordinated response to piracy and other criminalities on the Nigerian waters and prompt reportage and escalation of marine incidences to where the action is most expected and to provide navigational advisory to mariners.
- The Maritime Security & Intelligence Unit
For intelligence and information gathering and sharing that can help to stop piracy.
- Collaboration with Security Agencies
At the strategic level, the Agency ensures a close liaison with the offices of the NSA , CNS, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Army Staff and the IGP.
The Agency has played a pivotal role in the institutionalization of the collaboration between her and other government agencies for improved maritime security and safety.
- ISPS
The total number of currently operational onshore facilities in the ISPS unit is Ninety-eight (98) divided into six maritime zones.
For ease of administration because of their locations & accessibility, some zones are further subdivided.
In 2020 VIEs carried out as detailed below for the four (4) quarters
- Lagos subdivisions
- Apapa – 9
- Kirikiri – 12
- Ijora & Ijegun – 8 in first & second quarter & 11 in last quarter
- Tincan – 8
- Port Harcourt – 11
- Calabar – 9
- Onne – 9
- Eket – 4
- Warri – 16
Total 87 (Eighty–Seven)
In 2021 VIEs carried out as detailed below for the four (4) quarters
- Lagos subdivisions
- Apapa – 10
- Kirikiri – 12
- Ijora – 7
- Ijegun – 7
- Tincan – 8
- Port Harcourt – 13
- Calabar – 8
- Onne – 10
- Eket – 3
- Warri – 17
Total 96 (Ninety–Six)
Shipping Promotion and Capacity Development
- Shipping Promotion
- Concessions to boost indigenous ownership
- Strengthen enforcement of Cabotage to boost local participation
- Capactiy Development
- Human – Natural Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) – Training of over 2,600 Nigerian Seafarers in various maritime institutions worldwide and a good number of them who have completed their programmes are no gainfuully employed onboard vessels.
- Assets – Approval for CVFF disbursement to assist in vessel acquisition by indigenous Nigerian Shipowners – Most Nigerian Operators in domestic coastal shipping now own vessels and enhance their competitiveness.
- Learning Infrastructure Upgrade
- Completion of the renovation and furnishing of the conventional library
- Digitization of the convention library books/other resource materials
- Renewal of e-library management software:
2022 in Focus
- Strengthen our maritime safety and security enforcement mechanisms
- Organise a stakeholders’ engagement towards harnessing the potentials of a blue economy
- Enhance revenue for increased contribution to the consolidated revenue fund
- Movement of the Agency’s Headquarters to its newly acquired building in Victoria Island.
- Operationalization of the floating dock
- Establishment of regional maritime safety and security training centre
- Build regional maritime search and rescue clinic
- Resuscitate Lokoja office
- Construction of NIMASA zonal offices (Central zone and Eastern zone)
Analyses
The invisible toll gates:Why National Single Window is Nigeria’s ultimate economic battleground
Headlines
NANTA Exco embarks on seven-day Ghana retreat, fam trip to deepen regional tourism partnership
Gloria Odion, Reporter
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has commenced a seven-day executive retreat and familiarisation (fam) trip to Ghana, hosted by Safari World, as part of efforts to strengthen regional tourism partnerships and expand cross-border travel opportunities.
The NANTA delegation was received at Safari World Homes in Accra by the Chairman of the Safari World Group, Mr. Ernest Gyekye, who expressed delight at hosting the Nigerian travel trade leaders.
He assured the delegation of a memorable experience throughout their week-long stay.
Speaking on the significance of the visit, NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, described the retreat and familiarisation tour as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering stronger business relationships and promoting collaborative tourism development across Africa.
“This mission is not a leisure trip,” Folami said. “It is a deliberate step to implement and expand our association’s marketing advocacy for Nigerian brands across borders.”
He noted that Nigeria and Ghana share deep historical, cultural and commercial ties that should be leveraged to drive tourism growth on the continent.
“Nigeria and Ghana share history, culture, trade and people. The future of our tourism cannot be built in silos,” he said.
“This retreat is about moving from policy to practice—creating real products, real partnerships and real movement of travellers between Accra and Lagos.”
As part of the programme, the NANTA executives will engage in strategic business-to-business (B2B) meetings with their Ghanaian counterparts, tour key tourism destinations under the Safari World brand, and participate in cultural exchange activities designed to promote stronger bilateral tourism cooperation.
The itinerary spans Safari World’s three flagship destinations, including Safari Homes in Accra, the Aqua Safari riverfront experience, Safari Island Cruise, Safari Nautica, and Safari Recreation and Sports facilities in Ada, as well as the Safari Valley Eco Resort and Safari Eco Park in Dawu.
Operating under the brand promise, “One World, Three Destinations, Over 20 Unique Experiences,” Safari World is leveraging the visit to strengthen its footprint in the Nigerian travel market while positioning Ghana as a premier destination for leisure tourism, conferences, group travel, family holidays and premium tourism experiences.
A major highlight of the visit will be the Executive Dinner scheduled for July 21 at the Safari Valley Eco Resort, where key stakeholders from Nigeria and Ghana’s tourism industries will deliberate on strategies for deepening travel trade and advancing regional tourism development.
The familiarisation tour is expected to provide NANTA’s leadership with first-hand knowledge of Safari World’s tourism offerings, paving the way for the development of attractive travel packages and stronger business partnerships that will benefit Nigerian travellers and the wider West African tourism industry.
Customs
Ogun Customs spurns claims of Smugglers’ takeover of Idiroko–Sango Ota trading Route
Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed as false reports alleging that smugglers had taken over the Idiroko–Sango Ota trading route in Ogun State, describing the claims as a deliberate misrepresentation of a traffic incident.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs (SC) Chado, the Command clarified that the traffic gridlock on the route resulted from the breakdown of an articulated commercial trailer after it fell into a badly deteriorated section of Atan Road, temporarily obstructing the free flow of traffic.
According to the Command, the vehicles caught in the ensuing congestion were legitimate commercial trucks transporting red palm oil to various local markets and had no connection whatsoever with smuggling activities.
It explained that the large number of heavy-duty trucks trapped in the gridlock may have led some members of the public to wrongly conclude that smugglers had taken over the road.
“The reports that smugglers blocked the road are inaccurate. The disruption resulted from a road accident and poor road conditions. The vehicles involved were lawful commercial vehicles transporting red palm oil for legitimate trade,” Chado stated.
The Command urged journalists, social media users and the general public to verify information before disseminating reports capable of creating unnecessary panic or undermining public confidence in security agencies.
Observers within the border trade sector noted that the allegation does not reflect the prevailing security situation within the Ogun I Area Command, where anti-smuggling operations have been intensified under the leadership of the Acting Customs Area Controller, Comptroller O.O. Afeni.
Since assuming office, Comptroller Afeni has strengthened intelligence-driven surveillance, enhanced collaboration with other security agencies and host communities, and sustained pressure on economic saboteurs operating along the Ogun border corridors.
These measures, according to stakeholders, have resulted in significant seizures of prohibited goods and reinforced the Command’s resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s economy and territorial integrity.
Maritime and border trade stakeholders also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of undermining the efforts of security personnel or creating a false impression of lawlessness in border communities.
They stressed that while combating smuggling remains an ongoing responsibility, responsible and accurate reporting is equally critical to ensuring that operational achievements are not overshadowed by misinformation.
The Ogun I Area Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining its anti-smuggling campaign while facilitating legitimate cross-border trade in line with the statutory mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
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