MARITIME THIS WEEK: Recap of News Events

MONDAY MARCH 2, 2020

Abiodun OBA

Ondo Deep Seaport: Averting another Apapa Disaster

The Ondo Deep Seaport being proposed to be sited at Araromi in Ilaje local government area of Ondo state, is a done deal.

Conceptualised last year, the deep seaport project has so far received the blessings of the Federal government through the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) which has bought into the project.

The infectious enthusiasm of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state has in no small measure helped to drive the project.

Akeredolu was so determined to bring the project to fruition that he was ready to sacrifice other projects in the state to ensure the success of the seaport project.

We are as excited over this Ondo port project as Akeredolu due to its unquantifiable benefits not only to the people of the state but the entire country in general.

Anxiety As NIMASA DG’s Tenure Ends In One Week

There is palpable tension at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as the tenure of the Director-General of the agency comes to an end in one week.

Dr. Dakuku Adolphus Peterside assumed duty as the Director-General/CEO of NIMASA on Tuesday, March 15, 2016.

However, his appointment took effect from 10th March 2016.

The four years tenure of the DG is expected to end next week Tuesday but the presidency is yet to make any announcement on the renewal or otherwise.

However, intense lobbying is going on in the presidency over the refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to announce either a replacement or otherwise of the DG.

TUESDAY MARCH 3, 2020

NIMASA gets international recognition over anti-piracy efforts

Global bodies such as International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) and Maritime Safety and Security, Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) have commended the untiring efforts of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to curtail the activities of pirates on Nigerian waters.

INTERTANKO said it was certain improved maritime safety and security were in the offing, with the current measures being put in place by Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside.

Also, the head of Maritime Safety and Security, Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), Jakob P. Larsen, commended the NIMASA boss for his role in ending piracy and kidnapping in the Gulf of Guinea.

Fidelity Bank to reward & improve living standard of customers

Fidelity Bank will continue to keep its promise of rewarding and improving the living standard of its customers.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nnamdi Okonkwo, who was represented the Divisional Head, Retail Banking, Richard Madiebo gave this assurance at the presentation ceremony of cheques to winners in the bank’s Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) promo season 4 at the Oshodi branch of the bank in Lagos.

“GAIM is part of the series of our promo which has held over the last 13 years and this is the ninth promo that we have held. This promo is meant to improve the standard of living of our customers and also drive the financial inclusion narrative of the Federal Government. With this, we have been able to avail prizes in cash and consolation prizes.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 4, 2020

Maritime Union Issues Fresh Strike Threat Over Terminal Benefits

Fresh industrial crisis looms at the nations seaports as maritime workers under the aegis of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Tuesday issued a 21-Day ultimatum to shipping companies over failure to review the existing terminal benefits being paid to its members.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman, Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Jack W. Langrishe, and a copy made available to newsmen, the maritime workers lamented the inability of SAN to review industry conditions of service for end of service payment, Redundancy payment, retirement benefits and gratuity scheme.

Covid-19: Expert Harps on Harmful Effect on Port Economy

The Co-founder, Sea Empowerment Research Centre, Mr. Francis Uchechukwu Aniezechukwu has harped on the harmful effect of Covid-19 otherwise known as Coronavirus to the nation’s port economy.

During a chat in Lagos, he said the disease is an ill wind that blows no good to any economy.

“It is an ill wind that blows no strata of the world economy any good. China housing 7 of the world busiest ports and the hot bed of the virus makes it a volatile case for the maritime industry,” he said.

THURSDAY MARCH 5, 2020

‘NIMASA DG’s Absence at NASS Panel Not AN Affront’

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has explained reasons why its Director-General, Dr Dakuku Peterside could not appear before the National Assembly joint committee investigating activities of foreign vessel owners in the country on Tuesday.

In a press statement sent out by the deputy director, public relations of NIMASA, Mr. Isichei Osamgbi yesterday, the agency DG was receiving another delegate of the House of Representatives which took a tour of some of the newly acquired special mission vessels by the agency.

Recall that the investigative panel in Abuja on Tuesday had walked out the representatives of NIMASA led by Ahmed Gambo from the public hearing.

The panel threatened to sanction its Director-General, Dakuku Peterside, if he failed to honour the rescheduled meeting by appearing in person.

NIMASA has however explained that this action is not a deliberate affront on the national assembly.

Customs, NAFDAC resume destruction of N14.7 bn Tramadol in Ogun

The Nigeria Customs Service and National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have restated their commitment to suppress the smuggling of drugs and other harmful pharmaceuticals into the country.

Speaking at the resumed destruction of tramadol and other prohibited/fake drugs worth N14.7b at Oke-Diya dumpsite in Sagamu, Ogun State, Chairman of the joint committee, Victor Dimka told journalists that smugglers will continue to suffer huge economic losses if they continue with such importations

Dimka, who is Comptroller Enforcement at Customs Headquarters, described the seizures made in different parts of the country as a proof of uncompromising commitment to enforcement by Customs and NAFDAC officials.

FRIDAY MARCH 6, 2020

FG revises the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline project

The Federal Government has revised the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline project.

The Minister of Finance/Budget Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, said the FEC approved the revised sum of $2.5bn for the project while briefing State House correspondents after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

The session was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa.

According to Ahmed, the original proposal for the project in 2017 was $2.89bn.

She stated that the project had multiple advantages, including job creation and increase in revenue to government.

LPG sellers must comply with extant rules guiding the sector – DPR

Operators in the downstream subsector of the Nigerian petroleum industry have been advised to comply with extant rules guiding the sector.

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) said the advice became necessary as it would clampdown on illegal Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sellers in Anambra.

DPR Operations Controller, Awka office, Mr Okiemute Akpomudjere, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen.

Akpomudjere said all LPG dealers must have a valid operating licence, warning those who transferred gas from big cylinder to smaller cylinder to desist as it was risky for public and individual health.