Cabotage Act : Maritime Lawyer slams FG over non-implemention

ABIOLA Seun ~

A Maritime lawyer, Mrs Jean Chiazor-Anishere, has criticised the Federal Government over its inability to successfully implement the Cabotage Act.

In a chat with newsmen, Chiazor-Anishere who is also the President, African Women in Maritime (WIMA) disclosed that Nigerians are rich in knowledge of Cabotage trade but had issues with the implementation of the act introduced in 2003.

She however urged the Federal Government to implement the Cabotage Act 2003 to enable Nigeria to achieve the status of maritime hub in West and Central Africa.

She said, “We are the big brother of Africa with 15 years of introducing Cabotage Act, but we are yet to implement it.

“Until Nigeria implements the Cabotage Act, it will be difficult for our sister countries like Ghana, and Togo to say they want to do the same.

“Cabotage Act is the same with what is being practised in America under the Jones Act.
“There is need for lawyers to check areas in the law that are causing delay,” she said.

Recall that the Cabotage Act is also known as the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act 2003.

Cabotage Act entails that all the major components of a vessel and superstructures are fabricated either in Nigeria or assembled entirely in Nigeria.
It also requires that all officers on board a ship and its crew are Nigerian citizens.
Cabotage also stipulates that vessels owned by Nigerians are registered in Nigeria.