NIMASA DG States Commitment to CVFF Disbursement, Promises to Make Floating Dock Works
By Ranmilowo Ojalumo
The Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, has disclosed that the agency is committed to ensure that the Cabotage Vessels Finance Fund (CVFF) is disbursed to right beneficiaries in a way that will be beneficial to ship owners, the industry and Nigeria economy.
The NIMASA DG said this at a media parley on Monday in Lagos, stating that the agency is being careful so that when the CVFF is disbursed, it doesn’t end up in wrong hands and wrongly used in such a way that it will not bring the desired benefit.
According to Dr Mobereola, when the funds were disbursed about 25 years ago, the funds were lost because it didn’t bring the desired benefit and part of the reason was because it didn’t get to the right person.
“We are being careful so that when the fund is disbursed, it will be given to the right person and enhance the development of shipping. We also want to ensure that When it starts, it will be continuous”, Dr Mobereola said.
The NIMASA DG however assured that the CVFF is currently with the federal government and not with any individual, insisting that the fund is for the shipping industry use.
Meanwhile, the NIMASA boss has said the agency is putting effort in place to ensure that the modular floating dock becomes operational as soon as possible.
Dr Mobereola explained that work is currently ongoing to ensure that the floating dock begins to work.
“We are not running away from the modular floating dock. Many proposals are already on the table and we are studying them. We want to put it to use as soon as possible to generate revenue and also to create jobs. We will put it to good use to ensure it is beneficial to seafarers and to the industry at large. Very soon, things will start happening”, the NIMASA DG said.
Also speaking on safety on the sea, the NIMASA DG stated that the agency is collaborating with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to reduce vessel capsizing and as well improve safety on the water way.
Speaking on the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) and the cadets currently at Centurion University in India, Dr Mobereola said the agency is reviewing the engagement processes for the National Seafarers Development Program to ensure students receive quality education and become valuable professionals in the industry. He said NIMASA is committed to ensuring that cadets return to Nigeria well-prepared and employable.
Dr. Mobereola also pointed out that the agency is taking broader initiatives among which is the review of the NIMASA Act of 2007, stressing that the revised bill would introduce regulations for all maritime infrastructures as well as both large vessels and small boats, with a particular focus on the smaller vessels that are being used for illicit activities, such as piracy and sea robberies.
