MARITIME: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, STAKEHOLDERS SET TO AUTOMATE ALL PROCESSES

In its quest to ensure the growth and development of the maritime sector in line with the Presidential order on the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria, the Federal Government is set to automate all shipping related administrative processes in order to reduce subjectivity and corruption, thereby promoting transparency in the Nigerian maritime industry.

R-L: Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, CON, Chairman, Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Emmanuel Olajide Adesoye and Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside during the 2^nd edition of the maritime Stakeholders’ interactive forum tagged: “Implementation of Executive Order I (Ease of Doing Business) in a secure maritime environment” held in Warri, Delta State.

This is one of the major consensus reached in the communiqué issued at a one-day maritime Stakeholders’ interactive forum held in Warri, Delta State with the theme; “Implementation of Executive Order One (1) - Ease of Doing Business in a secure maritime environment”.

According to the eighteen point communiqué, Stakeholders agreed that in order to realize the desired accelerated growth of the Nigerian maritime sector, the Ministry and its Agencies should explore alternate financing windows such as the establishment of Maritime Bank to address the financing gap created by the unsuitability of lending rates of Nigerian banks for the shipping business; consider reviving NIMAREX as a platform for bridging the gap between the Nigerian shipping industry and prospective international investors so as to provide impetus for growth and investment.

Furthermore, it was established in the communiqué that the Ministry and its Agencies should take urgent steps to address the challenge of under-declaration of cargo by ships calling at Nigerian ports to plug the substantial revenue leakage thus created; that the Ministry and its Agencies should cause the urgent dredging of the Escravos Bar to facilitate the access of large dry cargo vessels into Warri ports.

On the issue of safety and security of the maritime space, Stakeholders were also of the view that the Ministry and its Agencies should collaborate with the maritime Communities with a view to relying on their local knowledge and intelligence for fighting maritime crimes like piracy, sea robbery and vessel hijack.

Also, the need for manpower development and capacity building was discussed as the communiqué urged that the Ministry and its Agencies should consider a return to the former system whereby the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Inland Waterways Agency (NIWA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) all contributed to the training of Master Mariners who are currently counted at 180 with above 75% being above the retirement age.

The issue of the Apapa gridlock and access road challenges was not left out as Stakeholders charged the Ministries and its Agencies to consider establishing transit parks for trucks waiting to access the ports and implement an automated call-up system that prevents their proliferation around the ports amongst other issues discussed at the forum.

Other areas highlighted are; that the Ministry and its Agencies should consider establishing Complaints Desks and online feedback platforms to promote the ease of doing business in Nigerian maritime industry; amongst other pressing issues, all geared toward the realization of a robust and business friendly maritime sector that can compete favourably with its counterparts in other climes. 

Corroborating the Stakeholders yearnings as stated in the communiqué, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside stated that the Federal Government through the Ministry of Transportation and other Agencies under the Ministry will continue to working hard to ensure less human contacts with processes in the maritime sector, which is intended to give way to transparency and discourage sharp practices in the sector and assured the forum that all the points raised will be given urgent and due attention.

“The Federal Ministry of Transportation shapes the policy that drives the industry and we are servants in the industry; hence we will join hands with all Stakeholders to build this industry in order to be able to continue to provide economic opportunities for our people. I therefore charge you all to shape opinions that will help Nigerians know that some people are working hard to take the maritime sector to the next level,” Dr. Peterside said.

On their parts, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barrister Hassan Bello and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman also lend their voices and unanimously agreed that automation of all processes and collaboration with all Stakeholders are keys to realizing a robust maritime sector, which also demands the support of all industry players. 

The Maritime Stakeholders Interactive Forum was convened to provide a platform for exchange of ideas by the Ministry of Transportation, its Agencies and industry Stakeholders on Government policies, processes and their immediate and potential impact. The ultimate aim of this initiative is to ensure ownership of Government policies by the people most likely to be affected by the policies.

MARITIME INDUSTRY AWARDS TO GROW BLUE ECONOMY - DAKUKU

…MAERSK, GAC, CHARKINS Others Bag NIMASA Achievement Awards

… As agency awards its staff to promote professionalism

In recognition of the numerous contributions of Stakeholders to the growth and development of the maritime sector in Nigeria, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) bestowed awards on outstanding maritime companies; Maersk Nigeria Limited, Gulf Agency Company (GAC) Nigeria Ltd, Charkins Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre among others, alongside some Staff of the Agency who have demonstrated commitment to the sector over the years.

L-R: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr.Dakuku Peterside, Minister of Labour, Productivity and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi and the Board Chairman, NIMASA, Maj. Gen. Jonathan Garba (rtd) at the NIMASA Corporate Dinner and Awards Night held in Lagos.

According to the Director General of the Agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside the awards were to identify and encourage industry players who have distinguished themselves and contributed to the development of the sector in the past year. This he said will further encourage and energize others to be active towards the growth of the blue economy.   

The awards which was held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos at the weekend to honour stakeholders that have distinguished themselves in various categories such as; Shipping Company of the Year 2017 (Dry Cargo), Shipping Company of the Year 2017 (Wet Cargo), Maritime Education and Training Institute of the Year 2017, Manning Agent of the Year 2017, Seafarers' Employer of the Year 2017 as well as the Agency’s best staff for the year and some others who have meritoriously served the agency for numerous years amongst others.

Speaking further, the DG also stated that the initiative is in line with the repositioning and restructuring drive of the current leadership of the Agency for the growth of the industry which is geared towards fostering a better relationship between the Agency and its key Stakeholders.

Dr. Dakuku Peterside commended the awardees especially the long serving staff of the Agency for their efforts in building a viable maritime sector for Nigeria over the years through their selfless service and dedication. He charged the winners and all other stakeholders to continue to do more for the growth of the sector as this awards is a call to double our efforts.

 “Today we will be honouring some of our best. We will be honouring those who have distinguished themselves, those who have laboured late at night to ensure that ships sail safe and berth on our shores. We will also be honouring industry stakeholders that have also contributed to the growth of this industry; every day by the little things we do, we contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy. We are a major oil producing nation, but if our oil is not shipped out of this country, we would not bring any value to that God given gift, and so, we play different roles”, the DG said.

Dr. Peterside also charged the staff of NIMASA to redouble their efforts in order to ensure that the tempo is sustained while he reiterated the Agency’s continued penchant for capacity building.

“On our part as Management, we will ensure training remains priority and we enjoin all staff to key to the repositioning agenda of the current leadership of the Agency as this is the only way to ensure consistent growth and development of individuals and by extension the maritime sector,” he stressed. 

The NIMASA boss called on stakeholders to continue to support the cause of the Agency in repositioning the Nigeria maritime sector in line with global best practices and assured that there are better days ahead, saying “All I can say to you is that there are better days ahead; NIMASA can never go back to those dark days, it will be better in each passing day”.

He also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi and the NIMASA Board led by Major General Jonathan India Garba (Rtd) who were both present, for their unrelenting support in the day to day running of the Agency.

The high point was the presentation of a plaque and cheque of One Million Naira to the best staff of the year, 2017; Mr. Titus Ajayi from the Finance Department.

The occasion was also graced by notable Nigerians, which include Oba of Lagos, His Royal Highness, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and the Honourable Minister of Labour & Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige amongst others.

The NIMASA dinner and awards night is an initiative to reward and recognize industry players and staff who have put in quality years of service and to encourage hard work amongst staff of the Agency.

JUDICIARY KEY TO DEVELOPING BLUE ECONOMY - DAKUKU

… Says Agency Committed to Continuous Collaboration to Grow Maritime

  The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside has stated that the Agency is taking deliberate steps to work with the Judiciary and other arms of Government to reposition Nigeria’s maritime industry, by providing necessary updates on information and law in the maritime sector.

L-R: Former Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Auta, Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Chair of Panel, Hon. Justice Emmanuel Ayoola and the Director General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Prof. Adedeji Adekunle, SAN, at 7^th Strategic Admiralty Law Seminar for Judges organized by NIMASA in collaboration with NIALS Lagos on Monday, February 12, 2018

Speaking at the opening of the 7^th Strategic Admiralty Law Seminal for Judges with the theme “ Towards effective Admiralty in a Blue Economy” organised jointly by NIMASA and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) which held in Lagos, Peterside stated that in initiating the seminar, the Agency noted the complex and time sensitiveness of maritime issue and the consequent requirement for prompt resolutions.  

L-R: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Chair of Panel, Hon. Justice Emmanuel Ayoola and the Director General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Prof. Adedeji Adekunle, SAN, at the 7^th Strategic Admiralty Law Seminar for Judges organized by NIMASA in collaboration with NAILS Lagos on Monday, February 12, 2018

According to the DG “In initiating this event, the Agency is not unaware of the complex and time sensitive nature of maritime issues and their attendant requirement for speedy resolutions often through judicial pronouncements by superior courts of records. The scenario no doubt puts pressure not only on those entrusted with the responsibility of responding to the economic exigencies, but also on judicial officers responsible for balancing important notions of justice, contract and the law”

The DG also noted that the objective of the seminar over the years has been to sensitize the target Judges on contemporary maritime law issues both within and outside the Nigerian Jurisdiction as shipping is a multi-jurisdictional enterprise.

He further added that in line with NIMASA’s commitment towards ensuring capacity building for critical stakeholders, the Agency decided to expand the scope of attendees to cover Justices of the Court of Appeal because of their critical roles in the dispensation of justice.

“This seminar was initiated by NIMASA for Judges of the Federal High Court bearing in mind the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court over Admiralty matters.  Over the years however, the participating audience was expanded to include Judges of the State High Courts of littoral states of the Federation and now Justices of the Court of Appeal because of their critical roles in the dispensation of justice in admiralty matters” he said.

The DG opined that notwithstanding the stride being made by the Agency in the area of safety and security of the Nigerian maritime domain, the Management of the Agency equally recognize the need for increased partnership and collaboration amongst all stakeholders - the Judiciary inclusive, in the actualisation of our collective vision for environmental, social and economic growth and the sustainability of our shipping and maritime transport sector in a Blue Economy.

Earlier in his remarks, the DG NIALS, Prof. Deji Adekunle commended the NIMASA leadership for continuous collaboration with relevant stakeholders to advance the Nation’s maritime industry. He said the institute will continue to collaborate with the Agency and provide necessary assistance to NIMASA in its bid to ensure a safe and secure maritime space.

It should be noted that the Strategic Admiralty Law Seminar for Judges is an initiative of NIMASA designed to sensitize judges on maritime law issues. This year’s event is the 7^th of the series and it is organised by NIMASA in collaboration with NIALS. Present at the event include; Former Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Auta, Hon. Justice Emmanuel Ayoola amongst other notable legal luminaries

Another feat by Dakuku Peterside: ISPS CODE IMPLEMENTATION: USCG EXPRESSES SATISFACTION WITH COMPLIANCE LEVEL

…As NIMASA reiterates commitment to best practices

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has expressed satisfaction at the compliance level of Nigeria with the International Ships and Ports Security (ISPS) facility Code at the nation’s ports.

A delegation from the USCG led by Lt. Commander Jacob Hopper of the International Port Security (IPS) Liaison for USCG in West and Central Africa and Europe who were on a two-day visit to some of the ports in Lagos stated that there has been a lot of improvements in the nation’s port as a result of the security architecture put in place.

Speaking further, John Hopper commended the feat achieved by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) which is the Designated Authority (DA) for the code in Nigeria and also noted that he was elated by the level of expertise and knowledge demonstrated by the NIMASA personnel during the visit.

While describing the NIMASA team as very resourceful, he charged the Agency not to rest on its oars in ensuring total compliance to the issues relating to safety and security at the nation’s ports.

Earlier, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside thanked the USCG for their continuous support and noted that the Agency remains committed to the ideals of international best practices in carrying out its mandates.

The NIMASA DG who was represented by the Executive Director, Operations, of the Agency, Engr. Rotimi Fashakin, FNSE also said that the goal of NIMASA is to attain 100 per cent compliance with the ISPS Code and it remains open to all forms of collaboration with Stakeholders both locally and internationally, geared towards making Nigeria a maritime hub in Africa.

“Let me commend your support to us over the years and tell you that it has kept us on our toes, thereby assisting us achieve this feat you have noticed today. We also seek your continuous partnership; because for us in NIMASA, it is work in progress and we remain open to all forms of partnerships that can assist us reach our desired goals” the DG stated.  

He also used the opportunity to inform the team that NIMASA has successfully updated the Global Integrated Ship Information System (GISIS) since 2017, and called for an update by the US Port Security Advisory (PSA) as it still display 2013 information about Nigeria.

It may be recalled that NIMASA was appointed the DA for ISPS Code implementation in Nigeria in May 2013 and has since then left no stone turned in ensuring that the nation’s ports are compliant in line with global best practices, which has earned the Agency several commendations.

ROTIMI AMAECHI AT CHATHAM HOUSE UK, SAYS FG APPROVES INTEGRATED MARITIME SECURITY

---Dakuku assures of zero tolerance to piracy in Gulf of Guinea

The Minister of Transportation, Rt. Honourable Rotimi Amaechi has disclosed that the Federal Government has approved an Integrated National Security Strategy (INSS) for the Nigerian maritime sector. The strategy which will be implemented in collaboration with other countries in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) is aimed to stem the tide of insecurity on the region’s territorial waterways.

Rt. Hon. Amaechi who made this known during a paper presentation titled; “Nigeria’s role in responding to the causes and consequences of maritime insecurity” at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, London stated further that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is already implementing a comprehensive maritime strategy in collaboration with other partners in order to enhance the fight against piracy attacks in the region.

Accordingly, he hinted the audience that “In pursuit of this objective, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria visited Malabo in Equatorial Guinea last year, where the two countries signed an agreement on the establishment of combined Maritime Policing and Security Patrol committee to enhance the security of the Gulf of Guinea and help curb maritime crimes like piracy, crude oil theft and smuggling”.

Speaking further, Amaechi noted that NIMASA has established a command and control centre for enhanced situation awareness, response capability, law enforcement and regional cooperation amongst others, all geared towards an enhanced water security and by extension, the entire nation.

The Minister also used the opportunity to assure the international community that the anti-piracy bill which is currently before the national assembly will hopefully be passed before the end of this legislative year.

On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside who delivered a paper at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, London titled; “The problem of maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea is real…”, noted that the Agency through collaboration with other relevant government bodies is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring zero tolerance to all forms of piracy and illegalities on the nation’s territorial waterways and the entire Gulf of Guinea.

The DG also noted that the Federal Government of Nigeria has adopted a multi-dimensional interventional approach to tackle the issues relating to piracy namely; legal/legislative approach; through the pushing of the enactment of the anti-piracy law, proper policy framework; through presidential intervention on maritime security to build regional coalition and corporation, regulatory and operational approach; through effective enforcement of port and flagged state control and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy and Air Force to increase response capacity amongst others.

Speaking further, he also highlighted four strategic pillars the Agency has adopted for tackling the issue of piracy tagged; “Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy” namely; situational awareness, law enforcement, response capability and regional cooperation all aimed at achieving a virile and robust maritime sector.

Dr. Peterside who is the current Chairman of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) also assured the international community that NIMASA will continue to collaborate with other relevant bodies both locally and internationally in order to realize its vision of a prosperous maritime sector in Nigeria and the West and Central Africa Sub-Region.

While calling for continuous collaboration amongst partners across continents, the NIMASA DG noted that improved profiling and information sharing on maritime criminality and illegality, enhanced maritime domain awareness and surface to air patrol capabilities, functional legal framework, integration of national inter-agency efforts, youth empowerment programmes amongst others are factors that can help bring solutions to the issues surrounding insecurity in the maritime space.

The Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, is an independent policy institute based in London with a mission to help build a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world.

The institute engages governments, the private sector, civil society and its members in open debates and private discussions about the most significant developments in international affairs. Each year, the institute runs more than 300 private and public events: conferences, workshops and roundtables in London and internationally with partners. The convening power of the institute attracts world leaders and the best analysts in their respective fields from across the globe.

NIGERIA, STRATEGIC TO TACKLING MARITIME CRIMES IN GULF OF GUINEA – DG NIMASA

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside has described the Nigerian maritime sector as strategic to tackling issues of insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

Dr. Peterside, who stated this while presenting a paper titled; “Nigeria’s role in combating maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea” at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, London, noted that Nigeria which accounts for 65 per cent of cargo generated and accounts for the largest population within the region is central to the success or otherwise of the fight against piracy in the GoG.

While acknowledging that maritime insecurity has economic, social and environmental implication in the region, the NIMASA DG told the international community that Nigeria is leaving no stone unturned to solve the challenges, which has led it to approaching the menace through a total spectrum maritime strategy which include law enforcement, Regional Cooperation, Response Capability building and enhanced maritime domain awareness for all organs of government responsible for maritime security.

“We in Nigeria have installed satellite surveillance systems, Coastal Radar systems, and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System GMDSS amongst others. The Anti-Piracy bill which is currently undergoing legislative procedures is aimed at criminalizing piracy and all maritime crimes in the country’s maritime domain with attendant punishment enshrined in the Nigerian legal framework.” He said.

The NIMASA DG noted that the implementation of an Integrated National Surveillance and Waterways Protection Solution with command and control infrastructure in the Agency is part of Nigerian government deep blue contract to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea.

In his words, “The deliverables from the deep blue project are expected to bolster Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and increase monitoring and compliance enforcement within the Nigerian waters and it’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)”. The fact that the Nigerian Navy has stepped up its activities in the Nigerian creeks which has seen the figures of illegal refineries destroyed rise exponentially from 97 in 2015 to over 1221 in 2017”.

Dr. Dakuku also cited global maritime piracy statistics obtained from icc-css, which shows a decline in piracy attacks in Nigerian waters from 445 in 2010 to about 180 in 2017 as an indication that the fight against piracy in Nigeria is headed in the right direction.

Accordingly, the NIMASA DG noted that Nigeria’s intervention has led to the establishments of ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Security Strategy (EIMS), and Inter-Regional Coordination Centre (ICC) in Yaoundé Cameroun and that Nigeria played a leading role in the establishment of African Integrated Maritime Security (AIMS).

Speaking further, he highlighted factors that makes Nigeria strategic in the fight against maritime crimes in the region to include; being the country with the highest number of military contingent and might within the region, huge deposit of oil and gas; thereby making it a place of interest for international energy dynamics, the geo-strategical location of Nigeria and the country with the largest delta areas of the world characterized by thousands of creeks.

On the operational level, he disclosed that NIMASA, through collaboration with the Nigerian Navy in 2012-2013 established “Operation Prosperity”, which has seen to the reduction of criminal activities in the region. “NIMASA on behalf of Nigeria also houses one of the five designated Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC)”, he said.  

Dr. Peterside who is the current Chairman of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) called for continuous collaboration amongst partners across continents and proffered that improved profiling and information sharing on maritime criminality and illegality, enhanced maritime domain awareness and surface to air patrol capabilities, functional legal framework, integration of national inter-agency efforts, youth empowerment programmes amongst others are factors that can help bring solutions to the issues surrounding insecurity in the maritime space.

The Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, is an independent policy institute based in London with a mission to help build a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world.

The institute engages governments, the private sector, civil society and its members in open debates and private discussions about the most significant developments in international affairs. Each year, the institute runs more than 300 private and public events: conferences, workshops and roundtables in London and internationally with partners. The convening power of the institute attracts world leaders and the best analysts in their respective fields from across the globe.

MARITIME IS A SURE SOURCE OF GROWING OUR ECONOMY – AAMA CHAIRMAN

     …As MOWCA Seeks Co-operation with AAMA

The Chairman of the Association of African Maritime Administration, (AAMA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside has stated that the maritime sector is crucial to the growth and development of the African economy.

The AAMA Chairman who stated this when the Secretary General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Ambassador Alain Michel Luvambano paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos, said that regional co-operation is required in order to achieve all the goals of the Lome Charter and the African Integrated Maritime (AIM) Strategy, geared towards repositioning the sector in Africa, in order to allow it compete favourably with its counterparts in the other continents.

“Maritime is a sure source of growing our economy and from the highest point of government we are talking about blue economy; it is also our goal to realize the dream of our leaders aimed at the development of the maritime sector in Africa and collaboration is the key to realizing it” the AAMA Chair said.    

Dr. Peterside who is also the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) assured the Secretary General of MOWCA that AAMA on its part will continue to champion the course of revitalizing the African maritime sector through various forms of collaboration and will support MOWCA since both bodies have similar objectives and shared vision of realizing a prosperous Africa through its maritime resources.

Speaking earlier, the Secretary General of MOWCA who was accompanied by the Technical Director of the organisation, Colonel Mariko Mamadou expressed gratitude to the AAMA Chair for the support the organisation has been receiving from the association.

He further stated that MOWCA as an organisation is seeking collaboration with AAMA, stating that both bodies have similar mandates of contributing to the economic growth and the development of the maritime administrations on the African space.

Accordingly, he said, “promotion of the sector is based on performance and Nigeria is seen to be taking the lead in the region, hence the need to co-operate and partner together. Also, every other continent is getting united and it is good for Africa to also get united so that we can be a formidable force to be reckoned with in the comity of maritime nations”.  

AAMA is the umbrella body of heads of maritime administrations in Africa with the sole aim of working together to reposition the maritime sector in Africa in line with global best practices.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside who was appointed to Chair the body during the 3^rd AAMA Conference hosted by Nigeria in 2017 has continued to champion the course for the growth and development of the continent through collaboration with relevant international bodies.