Minister of Transport, Amechi, okays re-structuring of NIMASA

The Minister of transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has given the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, the go-ahead to implement the report of the committee set up to re-structure the apex maritime agency.
Amaechi who disclosed this at the “World Maritime Day Celebration” in Lagos, said he has directed the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Sabiu Zakari, to officially instruct NIMASA management to immediately commence the implementation of the report of the committee. The minister said that he had expected the NIMASA management to begin implementation of the committee’s report but that the Director General had told him that they were waiting for his directive to commence.
Similarly, he frowned at the fact that ship owners are being charged extra because of what foreign shipping lines termed “Security situation in the nation’s waters.” According to him, “The threat to life and property is a very serious challenge to any industry. Security of our waterways is a phenomenon that must be addressed decisively and urgently if foreign participation is to be expected in our shipping industry. The minister also assured stakeholders at the event that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a new security strategy for securing the nation’s waterways. According to him, “Talking about security (in our waters), the President has approved a robust strengthening of our security apparatus for us. “We are talking with the military on it, we are supposed to meet today (Wednesday) but because of this (WMD celebration) it has to be shifted to tomorrow (Thursday).” “When they finish and we resolve, you are going to see what will happen. Anyone that thinks he has expertise should meet us in the waters.” He also assured stakeholders that he would work closely with the National Assembly to ensure that the “Transportation bills” at the law making body are passed as soon as possible for effective performance of the sector. He further said that “Transport Sector Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly are receiving legislative consideration. It is hoped that the expeditious passage of the bills would give effect to the proposed reform aimed at strengthening the relevant maritime agencies for more effective performance.” The minister explained that government is not unmindful of the unwholesome practices by some foreign shipping companies and their local collaborators operating within the sub-region, who often impose additional surcharge on shippers without prior consultation with relevant government agencies.