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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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Chevron expresses deep commitment towards capacity development of media practitioners , trains 30 Lagos journalists
Funso Olojo
Chevron Nigeria Limited, one of the foremost operators in the upstream sector of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, has reiterated its passion and commitment towards continuous training of media practitioners in the country to enhance their professional capacity.
Mr Esimaje Brikinn, the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs of the International Oil Company (IOC), made this commitment on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024 while declaring open a one-day media capacity building training programme held in Lagos in partnership with the Lagos council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ).
Brikinn, who was represented by Mr Victor Anyaegbudike, the Manager, Communications, Chevron Nigeria Limited, said that the oil company decided to partner with the Lagos NUJ due to its firm belief in the value derivable from development of human capital.
30 Journalists drawn from different media organizations in Lagos, participated in the training programme which was the second in the series of such capacity training programme sponsored by Chevron Nigeria Limited.
The maiden edition of the programme was held last year across three states of the nation: Lagos, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory where over 90 journalists participated which was geared towards building the capacity of media practitioners to enhance their skills and abilities to perform their duties.
“As members of the fourth estate of the realm, your role as agenda-setters and opinion moulders cannot be over-emphasized.
” I want to thank you for your impactful role in reporting the oil and gas industry and providing effective perspectives to the complex industry operations.
“We continue to partner with the media for the development of the society.
“In this light, we also recognize the need for capacity building of the media practitioners to enhance their capacity to perform their duties.
“That is why CNL sponsors the Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) programme in collaboration with the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos.
“Over 120 journalists have benefitted from the programme since its inception in 2014.
“Through programmes such as AWARES, we help to improve professional capacity and build lasting partnerships with our media stakeholders.
“We are also partnering with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to organize capacity-building programmes that will involve an increasing number of journalists in Lagos, Asaba and Abuja before the end of this year.” the Chevron manager declared.
Esimaje Brikinn also revealed the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes of the company in its host communities and Nigerian society which he said have greatly impacted the lives of the people.
“We also recognize that the success of the larger society invariably translates to success in our business; and we believe it is in our long-term interest to add value to society as we create value for our stakeholders.
“CNL seeks to make human investments that deliver long-term transformative returns.
“This is achieved through our Nigerian Content development activities.
“In Nigeria, Chevron supports Nigerian Content development by providing employment to Nigerians, and contract opportunities in all our projects up to an estimated annual average over $1 billion.
“We also contribute to the sustainable development of communities where we operate.
” Our legacy Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), a community-led participatory partnership model for community engagement and sustainable development was pioneered by CNL in 2005.
“For over 16 years of the implementation of the GMoU, CNL contributed billions of naira to the Regional Development Committees (RDCs) that represent the community clusters in our area of operations to execute hundreds of projects.
“Currently, we are transiting to the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) under the Petroleum Industry Act as we continue to focus on ensuring the development of our communities.
Also, through Chevron’s Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), we are impacting hundreds of lives in the Niger Delta and supporting economic empowerment in the region.
“Besides oil exploration and production, Chevron Nigeria Limited is the highest contributor of high-quality domestic gas in Nigeria among the IOCs.
” We are committed to lowering carbon emission and reducing gas flaring in Nigeria.
“Through investments in gathering and processing of associated gas, routine flaring has been reduced by over 97% in the past 10 years in CNL’s operations.
Chevron’s vision is to be the global energy company most admired for its People, Partnership and Performance.
“We believe that energy is essential to modern life, and providing that energy is a profound responsibility. Our purpose is to develop the affordable, reliable, ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress around the world” the Chevron chief stated.
Earlier, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi commended Chevron Nigeria for its desire to train journalists for the second time in the last 8 months.
“It is a great pleasure and our deep gratitude that the Management of Chevron Nigeria Limited has volunteered to sponsor this laudable training programme to widen our horizon of business and economy of the nation for the second year.
“This training is coming up at a very auspicious time that the economy of the nation and business climate is undergoing surgery and rejuvenation by the Federal Government.
“It has, therefore, become imperative to collate all shades of opinion, and views on how to bring the Nigerian economy back on track.
“The Management of Chevron Nigeria Limited no doubt is passionate about the transformation of the nation’s economy and I am sure this is one of the reasons why this training programme is being organised” the Lagos NUJ chairman has said.
Four papers were presented at the capacity building programme with the theme”Driving Nigeria’s Business & Economy: The Media Perspective”.
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I left legacy projects, built unprecedented trajectory of revenue generation at NPA– Bello Koko thumbs his chest as he bows out
Funso Olojo
The immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, has given account of his stewardship as he handed over the baton of leadership to his successor, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho.
The handover took place on Monday, July 22nd, 2024 at the headquarters of the agency in Lagos.
Taking to his X handle, an excited Koko said he had left behind legacy projects and built a legacy of unprecedented revenue generation which he hopes his successor will build on and surpass.
“I handed over the mantle of leadership to my successor, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho having served for eight years—first, as Executive Director, Finance & Administration, and later, as acting Managing Director and as the substantive Managing Director.
“The handover note carefully documented accounts of our operations and stewardship.
“We raised the bar higher than we met it and built a legacy of unprecedented growth in revenue generation and remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF); from revenue of ₦381 billion in 2022 and ₦501 billion in 2023 to ₦541 billion in the first half of 2024 and remittances to CRF increasing from ₦93.4 billion in 2022 to ₦206 billion in 2023 and to ₦255 billion in the first half of 2024—surpassing our year-on-year total revenue generation and remittances.
“Since port authorities run on an input-output model, we cleared the decade-long Apapa – Tincan – Mile 2 traffic for landside operations and provided tugboats, mooring boats, pilot cutters, bollards, fenders across all port locations for effective seaside operations, maximized crane productivity and ensured a reduced transit time for vessels and trucks.
“These led to a reduction in both the vessel and truck turn-around times.
“The vessel TAT went down from an average of 6.5 days to an average of 5 days, while truck TAT went from an average of 10 days to a few hours.
“The FEC approval to expand Snake Island in a PPP arrangement to decongest the Tincan & Apapa ports and a willing private investment of $300m is one of the many approvals we pulled for port expansion and development.
“Others include the ports of Ondo, Burutu, and Badagry deep seaports.
“We have also completed some key projects that are ready for commissioning.
“These projects are crucial to staff development and improved efficiency.
“Some of them include;
• The staff clinic at Lagos Port Complex.
• The inter-agency building at TinCan Island Port will accommodate agencies in the port in one place to enhance operational efficiency.
• The staff clinic at Lagos Port Complex.
• The inter-agency building at TinCan Island Port will accommodate agencies in the port in one place to enhance operational efficiency.
“• Security mobile scanners at the Lagos Port Complex.
• Administrative buildings of the Tincan, Warri, and Rivers Ports.
• Administrative buildings of the Tincan, Warri, and Rivers Ports.
“• Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria’s Headquarters.
• Upgraded Revenue Invoicing Management System (RIMS 2.0).
• Employee’s electronic medical records management.”Some other projects have reached advanced levels of approval or are at the procurement stage. These include;
• The Vessel Tracking System.
• The Port Community System.
• The development of a 25-year National Ports Master Plan.
• Upgraded Revenue Invoicing Management System (RIMS 2.0).
• Employee’s electronic medical records management.”Some other projects have reached advanced levels of approval or are at the procurement stage. These include;
• The Vessel Tracking System.
• The Port Community System.
• The development of a 25-year National Ports Master Plan.
• The Port Modernization Project.
• The surveys and rebuilding of the Escravos breakwaters and more…”In retrospect, there are areas we could have done better.
• The surveys and rebuilding of the Escravos breakwaters and more…”In retrospect, there are areas we could have done better.
“However, given the resources and time constraints, we were able to institutionalize organizational culture, promote efficiency, implement key port reforms, and adhere to international best practices.
“We hope and pray that the incoming management continues on this trajectory and exceeds our achievements.
“In the next couple of weeks, I will take a break to catch up with friends, watch movies, read more books, and reflect on the journey ahead.
“Nonetheless, I will always be available to offer a helping hand when needed” he declared.
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Dantsoho, new NPA MD, pledges to preserve legacy of Bello- Koko as he assumes duties
Funso Olojo
The new Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Abdullah Dantsoho, officially assumed duties at the NPA headquarters on Monday, July 22nd, 2024.
While formally taking a handing-over note from Mohammed Bello-Koko, the immediate past MD of the agency, Dantsoho pledged to sustain the momentum of the ports automation and digitalization programme of his predecessor.
According to him, his main goal will be to reposition the Organization for increased productivity and greater efficiency, improved revenue generation, and enhanced staff productivity.
He assured the Authority of his commitment to the ongoing digitization process; Port Community System, port modernization plan, and equipment renewal programme
It would be recalled that a week ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the removal of Mohamed Bello-Koko barely three years into his tenure as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA).
He approved the appointment of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as the new Managing Director of NPA.
Dr. Dantsoho holds a Doctorate degree in Maritime Technology from Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, and a Master’s degree in International Transport from Cardiff University of Wales, United Kingdom.
Before his appointment, he had served in various roles in the Nigerian Ports Authority as Assistant General Manager; Technical Assistant to the Managing Director; Port Manager, Onne Port; and Principal Manager, Tariff & Billing.
Mohammed Bello-Koko was appointed by former President Mohammadu Buhari in 2016 as the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the agency, the position he held till May 2021 when he was appointed as the Acting MD when the erstwhile MD, Hadiza Bala Usman was suspended.
In February 2022, Bello-Koko became a substantive NPA MD until July 12th, 2024 when he was removed.
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