Headlines

National Assembly seeks to impose additional financial burden on NIMASA

Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation

—–proposes 12 percent deduction for Maritime University

—–as Amaechi kicks

Eyewitness reporter

The House of Representatives is seeking to impose an additional financial burden on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) that will see further slatch from its revenue.

In its ongoing amendment of the NIMASA ACT 2007 and Cabotage Act, the lawmakers are proposing a 12 percent deduction from the agency’s revenue for remittance to the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State.

Already, NIMASA is burdened with a five percent statutory contribution to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom state, a financial obligation that has severally set the two government institutions on a collision course due to delayed or non- disbursement of the allocations.

However, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the supervising ministry, has kicked against the proposed deduction so the agency will not be overburdened with additional financial responsibility in the face of its huge existing obligations.

Consequently, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, opposed the proposed 12 percent deduction from NIMASA revenue for the maritime university.

The Minister, who was represented by the Director, Legal Service of the Ministry, Paul Oteh at the hearing, expressed reservations about NIMASA funding the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko.

“The ministry does not support 12% of NIMASA revenue going to the University”, Amaechi declared.

”The proposal, in our view, also does not recognize the fact that the university, like other public institutions under the supervision of the NUC and the Federal Ministry of Education, is ordinarily entitled to public funds as may be appropriated by the National Assembly on an annual basis.”

The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, who was represented by the Agency’s Executive Director Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Eng. Victor Ochei, corroborated the position of the Honorable Minister as NIMASA too stoutly opposed the proposed deduction.

In his contribution to the Public hearing on the proposed amendment, the Nigerian Navy supported the amendment of the NIMASA Act, urging the National Assembly, to look critically at the security component of the bill to ensure that the relationship between the two agencies is enhanced.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Awwal Gambo, who applauded the initiative, said it will improve NIMASA’s institutional capacity and enhance Maritime Administration in Nigeria.Gambo, who was represented by Rear Admiral Solomon Agada, said, “the provision of a separate section on marine casualty and the proposed establishment of a Maritime Accident Investigation Unit, will improve compliance with extant regulations, such as the international regulations for preventing collision at sea, 1972 and thus enhanced Maritime safety.”

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila, during the public hearing on the proposed amendment, disclosed that the 9th Assembly embarked on the Amendment of the NIMASA Act 2007 and the Cabotage Act 2003 due to the need to improve the regulatory instruments in the Nigerian maritime sector to meet the need of current realities.

He stated this while declaring open the two-day public hearing by the House Committee on Maritime Safety Education and Administration on the Merchant Shipping Act, Repeal and Enactment Bill 2021, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act Repeal & Enactment Bill 2021, Coastal & Inland Cabotage Amendment Bill 2020.

The Speaker noted the need for appropriate regulation of the Nigerian maritime industry in tune with the realities of the times to ensure maximum utilization of the nation’s maritime sector.

On her part, Chairman House Committee on Maritime Safety Education and Administration Honorable Linda Ikpeazu said the public hearing was to ensure that the decision of the Legislature regarding the Bills are taken from a well-informed position premised on submissions from maritime stakeholders from all aspects of the industry.

She said: “It is common knowledge that the maritime sector is a foundation and catalyst to the growth of nations that possess marine endowments. Nigeria, by any standard, is well endowed by ocean coastline, rivers, and rich marine biodiversity.

“Not only are we focused on making the maritime sector a key alternative source of revenue and economic growth to our dwindling oil resources, but we are also poised to develop a prosperous blue economy for our nation, akin to similar success in the maritime nation around the world.

In his submission, the Honorable Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, commended the National Assembly for embarking on the review of the Laws governing the maritime sector, noting that the new NIMASA Bill under consideration, will enhance the capacity of the Agency to effectively regulate the Nigerian maritime industry in line with international best practices.

The Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, WISTA, CIOTA Nigerian Welfare Board, National Association of Master Mariners amongst others were stakeholders who made presentations and supported the proposed amendments to the two Acts of the National Assembly under consideration.

Related Topics:featured NIMASA allocation to Maritime University

Up Next

Fire guts EFCC exhibit dump in Port Harcourt

Don't Miss

Egyptian maritime Don visits NIMASA

Click to comment

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.

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.

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.