NIMASA To ENCOURAGE PRIVATE SHIP-OWNERS , ACQUIRE VESSEL THAT WOULD BE A NATIONAL CARRIER -DR MOBEREOLA

NIMASA To ENCOURAGE PRIVATE SHIP-OWNERS , ACQUIRE VESSEL THAT WOULD BE A NATIONAL CARRIER -DR MOBEREOLA

By prince Benson Davies

Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola said on Monday while speaking to maritime Journalist that the Agency have foreclose the establishment of a government- owned shipping line rather it will encourage private Nigeria ship owners to acquire vessels that would be as National Carrier.

Speaking with newsmen during an interactive session since coming on board four months ago Dr.Dayo Mobereola disclose that the Agency has commenced wide range of consultations with strategic global shipping stakeholders including the UN with a view to ending the controversial insurance premium on the country’s shipment.

He disclosed that the primary objective of his recent visit to the Chatham House was to enlist the support of the United Kingdom government so that the issue of the retention of the outrageous insurance premium would be brought up before the UN Security Council.

He insisted that the cartel behind the premium might not easily give in unless very serious pressure is mounted on it, which is why the agency is currently rallying global support.

“There is a very strong cartel behind the premium and they make so much money from it and would not likely give in easily. Even if we have zero piracy attack for the next 10 years, we cannot win the fight alone. This is why we have decided to work with international partners, so we had to take the fight to the UN. One of the issues I raised during my visit to the Chatham House was how the War Risk Insurance placed on Nigerian-bound cargo can be removed.

NIMASA boss noted that the Agency under his watch is working towards boosting the country’s indigenous fleet while also encouraging other foreign ship owners to fly the country’s flag, adding that everything would be done to automate the country’s ship registry to make it attractive to foreign liners.”

Dr. Mobereola acknowledged the unfortunate situation where many former NIMASA workers, who devoted significant portions of their lives to public service, have yet to receive their due entitlements. He stated, “We are actively collating data to expedite the payment process for the surviving retirees, though it is regrettable that some have passed away without receiving their benefits.”

Dr Mobereola provided updates on the Cabotage Vessels Financing Fund (CVFF), noting that the fund, which is intended to support Nigerian ship owners, remains secure with the Federal Government. “The CVFF is not just revenue; it’s a critical investment in the development of Nigeria’s shipping sector,” he explained, adding that the agency is working on improving the processes and guidelines to maximize the fund’s impact.

On the issue of the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP), Dr. Mobereola reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to enhancing the quality of training for Nigerian cadets. He clarified that the agency is not planning to recall cadets from foreign training institutions but will ensure these institutions adhere strictly to agreed standards to produce competent and employable seafarers.

He concluded by emphasizing NIMASA’s role in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s agenda to diversify Nigeria’s economy. He highlighted the Marine and Blue Economy as crucial sectors for achieving this goal, aiming to shift Nigeria away from its dependence on crude oil.

That the country have a lot to gain in the blue economy to reclaim our economic power in the world ,