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Federal Government on Thursday ordered the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to begin full implementation of the Cabotage law as part of its measure to enthroning efficiency in the maritime system.
Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation, who gave the charge in Abuja while swearing-in the governing boards of NIMASA and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), said neglect of such vital mandate would no longer be tolerated, as was the case in the past administration.
The law is classified into nine segments, each dealing with different aspects of the Act, which include Short Title And Interpretation, Restriction of Vessels In Domestic Coastal Trade, Waivers, Licence To Foreign Vessel, Registration, Enforcement, Offences, Cabotage Vessels Financing Fund, and others, he said.
The minister remarked that so far, a lot of work had gone into setting up a major National Shipping Line that would give opportunity to Nigerian investors to buy into the shipping business, thereby creating jobs and increasing revenue drive. When functional, he said the law would help reposition the economy, especially in the light of current economic challenges.
“I need to see NIMASA implementing the Cabotage law to the letters. The last administration did very little in this regard and we must go beyond this level. So, NIMASA should get down to work immediately. So far, we’ve gone very far with the establishment of a national shipping line. Investors are needed to come and invest into the project,” he said.
He explained that the reason for the inauguration of the two boards was to comply with the guidelines for administrative procedures in the Federal Public Service (chapter 7), adding that chairmen and board members of the two agencies had been selected by the President to pursue implementation of government policies at all times.
