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NIMASA may reassess deployment of N50b floating dock, as stakeholders flay delayed process.

Funso Olojo 
The continued delay of deployment of the multi-billion dollar floating dock of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) has continued to create ripples among concerned stakeholders who flayed the shoddy manner the industry’s regulatory agency has handled the prized asset.
The floating dock, acquired by NIMASA in 2018 at the whooping cost of N50 billion, has suffered serial misfortunes as it has since then remained idle, gulping taxpayers’ money in the process.
Previous efforts to relocate it to a permanent place for eventual deployment have been futile until the Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA) came to the rescue last year when it leased its disused Continental shipyard to berth the floating dock.
As a result of this breakthrough, NIMASA, under the leadership of its former, Dr Bashir Jamoh, engaged  Melsmore Marine Nigeria Limited, as a technical partner, for the deployment of the floating dock.
On February 13 th 2024, NIMASA raised the hope of stakeholders when Dr. Jamoh, the erstwhile DG, announced the movement of the dock to a jetty at the Standard Flour Mills in Apapa in preparation for its deployment to the scheduled operational base at the Continental Shipyard, Apapa.
The heavy 50-ton cylindrical spuds, which are for anchoring the dock, he had said, are being prepared for installation.
According to  Bashir Jamoh, “We are moving slowly but steadily to our destination.
“Today, we are lifting out the cylindrical studs to be prepared for piling at the Continental Shipyard where the Floating Dock is scheduled to commence operations.
“These spuds have to be firmly installed before we can tow the Floating Dock there.
“We assure stakeholders that very soon, Nigeria will save foreign earnings with the commencement of operations of our Dock.”
That was three months ago and nothing seemed to have happened since then.
The apparent silence from NIMASA over the fate of the floating dock three months after it docked at  Standard Flour Mill jetty, preparatory to its final movement to Continental shipyard, has fuelled concerns and cynicism among stakeholders.
Commentators are now asking where is the floating dock.
They expressed worry over what they claimed was a lack of transparency and accountability over the unending deployment process.
Otunba Sola Adewumi, President of the Nigerian Ship Owners Association (NISA), has called for accountability and transparency within NIMASA.
Dr. Chris Ebare, Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), emphasized the need for specialized expertise in overseeing projects like the Modular Floating Dock.
He suggested a reevaluation of NIMASA’s approach, advocating for dedicated professionals to manage the asset independently of the agency’s leadership.
Former National President of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers & Water Transport Senior Staff Association, Engr. Matthew Alalade, expressed concerns about NIMASA’s decision-making process, urging greater consultation with stakeholders and consideration of concessioning the dock to established shipyards.
As a result of the criticism and cynicism among stakeholders, insider sources whispered to our reporter that the incumbent DG, Dr Dayo Mobereola, has been briefed about the controversy surrounding the deployment of the floating dock.
It was further gathered that the new helmsman might conduct a surgical review of the deployment process by engaging experts who will manage the giant floating dock after its eventual movement to the NPA’s Continental shipyard.
The planned review, sources continued, may not be unconnected with experts advice that NIMASA lacks the requisite expertise to manage the asset.
Presently, Melsmore Marine Nigeria Limited is the technical partner in charge of the movement of the floating dock to its final place at NPA’s Continental shipyard.
That is where their contract ends.
The Managing Director of Melsmore, Danny Fuchs, said his company is prepared to move the facility for deployment.
 “Our job is to move the modular floating dock from the present location to the waterfront of the Dolphine Jetty at Apapa.
“The Sea Lion, which occupied the leased area at the waterfront has vacated the jetty. We have a commercial understanding with NIMASA on how to execute this project,” he said.
Fuch said his company has submitted a feasibility study, taking note of the mooring system required to anchor the floating dock at the Dolphine Jetty.

“The mooring system supplied by the manufacturers of the modular floating dock is made up of two steel piles of 36 meters in length, 2 meters in diameter, and a weight of roughly 48 tonnes each.

“These massive piles need to be driven about 20 meters into the seabed.

“We will bring our expertise to bear in carrying out this project. We also hope to invite the manufacturers, Damen Shipyard to join forces in achieving this relocation project.

“We will work with Damen Shipyard to ensure the modular floating dock is seaworthy before the relocation. This is to commission the modular floating dock before relocation,” Fuch had declared.

Stakekeholders queried what has happened after the funfare which greeted the announcement of relocation.
Is Melsmore still in the process of relocation, three months after it commenced or the relocation have been completed and we are in another round of waiting before the floating dock is put to use”, an agitated operator quried.
The silence from NIMASA to address  these concerns do not also help matter , thus giving rise a resurgence of cynicism  among the doubting stakeholders.
It was the operational aspect of the floating dock after its movement to its resting place that worries stakeholders who believed  NIMASA couldn’t operate the prized asset.
“The challenges we face with the floating dock can largely be attributed to the previous leadership’s reluctance to heed expert advice, which unfortunately has resulted in the asset becoming nearly outdated before being fully operational.” the source declared
“Dr. Mobereola has been thoroughly briefed about the current status and complexities surrounding the floating dock.
“He will be actively engaging with technical experts and stakeholders to expedite its deployment and ensure it operates at full capacity as swiftly as possible,” the source, who crave for anonymity, declared.
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Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations  

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.
Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.
The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support  Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.
He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.
Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.
“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.
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Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA 

Gloria Odion,  Maritime Reporter 

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence,  brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

 As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.
It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.
He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.
 He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.
He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).
He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

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Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.
According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.
This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.
The Programme, according to the NCS,  also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.
“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.
“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.
” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per  through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.
However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.
The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.
The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.
“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.
The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.
“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.
“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.
“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.
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