Dr. Ade Dosunmu, a former Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has expressed concern over speculations that NIMASA could be categorized as a revenue-generating agency.
This misclassification has led to suggestions of merging NIMASA with other agencies such as Customs and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Dr. Dosunmu believes this misconception is a serious threat to the future of Nigeria’s shipping and maritime industry.
NIMASA, established in 2007, is a Maritime Safety Administration responsible for regulating shipping activities in Nigeria. It derives its authority from international conventions and protocols, including those set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
NIMASA’s primary objective is to ensure safer shipping practices and cleaner oceans in line with the IMO’s mandates.
The agency has statutory powers to enforce international conventions and protocols, which are crucial for maintaining global best practices in navigation safety and marine pollution prevention. NIMASA is also responsible for the development of indigenous shipping capacity in Nigeria.
Dr. Dosunmu emphasizes that NIMASA, as a Maritime Safety Administration, carries out technical functions that are essential for ensuring safe and clean maritime operations.
These functions include port and flag states inspections, search and rescue operations, maritime capacity building, maritime security against piracy and sea robbers, prevention and control of marine pollution, seafarer training and certification, coastal and inland shipping regulation, and maritime labor administration.
These technical responsibilities require expertise that only a Safety Administration like NIMASA can provide.
NIMASA is a member of the IMO, which regulates global shipping trade and focuses on navigation safety and marine pollution prevention.
The agency plays a critical role in implementing conventions and protocols set by the IMO, such as MARPOL, SOLAS, and STCW ’95, among others. It is responsible for enforcing these conventions and ensuring compliance by vessels operating in Nigerian waters.
While NIMASA generates revenue through its regulatory functions, Dr. Dosunmu argues that merging it with agencies that are incompatible with its philosophy and objectives would be counterproductive.
The agency’s technical expertise is vital for its effective performance in ensuring maritime safety and environmental protection. NIMASA’s specialization sets it apart from agencies like Customs, and the proposed merger could jeopardize Nigeria’s standing in the global shipping community, potentially leading to a decline in maritime trade and revenue.
Dr. Dosunmu suggests that instead of merging NIMASA, the government should focus on strengthening the agency’s technical capacities.
He recommends consulting major maritime stakeholders to obtain their input and guidance on issues affecting the industry. Given the industry’s significance to Nigeria’s economy and the country’s role in the oil and gas sector, Dr. Dosunmu emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions through extensive consultations rather than pursuing trial and error approaches.
In conclusion, Dr. Dosunmu, drawing from his extensive experience in the maritime industry, advocates for the preservation and enhancement of NIMASA’s role as a Maritime Safety Administration, highlighting the potential risks associated with the proposed merger and the need for a comprehensive stakeholder consultation process.