N50bn NIMASA modular floating dry dock idles away

—–gulps N 3.6 millions as maintenance cost daily

Segun Oladipupo |

The over N50 billion modular dry dock acquired by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), rots away in Lagos as is yet to be deployed for use since its purchase over a year ago

Investigations revealed that the equipment gulps a whooping N3.6 million daily for maintenance and other logistics.

Industry observers have also queried the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) over disuse of the facility which was touted as been capable to generate employment and boost ship repairs prior to its purchase in 2018.

The issue of the multi- billion naira equipment is said to have been politicised .

The apex maritime regulatory agency in charge of the equipment is said to be confused in what to do with the equipment since it seems it does not have a need for it at the moment.

Recall that NIMASA had on June 11, 2018 taken delivery of the much-talked floating dock, which it said would help boost ship repairs capacity, generate wealth and create employment for Nigerians .

At N3.6 million maintenance cost daily, the agency spends well over a hundred million on the equipment monthly without any economic importance generated from it.

However, the equipment has gulped close to N2 billion since its acquisition close to one and half years ago.

Seafarers and master mariners who spoke on the development, expressed concerns that NIMASA has shrouded the floating dock and huge daily maintenance cost in secrecy.

National President, Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, Comrade Alalade Matthew noted that the delay in functionality of the dry dockyard is a minus to the Peterside Dakuku administration, adding that the facility is due for maintenance.

According to him, the issue of the dry dock is politically motivated, urging the NIMASA to debrief Nigerians on the current situation of the equipment.

“Putting the floating dock under the care of the Nigerian Navy is not ideal in anyway but they know what they are doing.

“I will advise the DG of NIMASA and his management team to look inward and not play politics with the dry dock because it has so many prospects to boost the maritime industry.