By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

Contrary to expectations, NIMASA’s N50billion modular floating dock has remained a subject of controversy since 2018 when the apex maritime administration and safety regulator acquired it.

Initially moored at the Marina Waterfront, concerns have continued to mount about the whereabouts and management of the facility. NIMASA appears not to be doing enough to convincingly respond to pressing questions stakeholders have been asking about its fate.

Despite promises of relocation and utilization, the floating dock remains elusive, thus fueling concerns about lack of due process, transparency and accountability within the agency.

Last February, NIMASA announced plans to move the dock to Continental Shipyard in Apapa. Four months down the line, the deployment has yet to occur and no concrete reasons have been given to explain this.

This delay has fueled skepticism especially among industry watchers, who have continued to question NIMASA’s commitment to managing the multimillion-dollar asset effectively.

When the floating dock was acquired in 2018, ship owners who hitherto went to neighbouring maritime nations to dry-dock vessels heaved a sigh of relief. It was celebrations galore as they were made to believe that the new facility represented a significant step in the country’s efforts towards upgrading her critical maritime infrastructure. To them, Nigeria had taken a significant step to enhance her ability to maintain a unique position as a foremost vessel maintenance and repair nation in the West and Central African region.

To the chagrin of stakeholders, however, promises of deployment have been repeatedly made and flouted. And explanations as to why this is so remains scanty, resulting to accusations of neglect, underutilization and mismanagement.

Criticisms have been directed at NIMASA’s leadership, particularly under the immediate-past Director-General, Dr Bashir Jamoh, for perceived lapses in strategic planning and execution.

Standing out in these criticisms is Otunba Sola Adewumi, President, Nigerian Ship Owners’ Association (NISA) who has sued for accountability and transparency within NIMASA.

Dr. Chris Ebare, Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) is not left out in this as he has emphasized the need to involve specialists and experts in managing critical industry facilities such as the Modular Floating Dock.

He suggested a re-evaluation of NIMASA’s approach towards the use and deployment of the facility, advocating that only dedicated technocrats and professionals be given a free hand to manage the asset independent of any form of interference from the agency’s leadership.

Engr Matthew Alalade, former National President, Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers & Water Transport Senior Staff Association, has equally voiced concerns about NIMASA’s decision-making process especially on the use of the floating dock. He urges greater consultation with stakeholders especially professionals in the field. NIMASA, he suggests, should consider concessioning the dock to established shipyards to ensure proper management.

Amidst these concerns, a staff of NIMASA who pleaded anonymity offered a critical perspective on the situation.

“The challenges we face with the floating dock”, he opined, ” can largely be attributed to the previous leadership’s reluctance to heed expert advice, which unfortunately has resulted in the asset becoming nearly outdated before being fully operational.”

He further stated that the new Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, is aware of the issues and is committed to resolving them.

“Dr. Mobereola has been thoroughly briefed about the current status and complexities surrounding the floating dock.

He will be actively engaging with technical experts and stakeholders to expedite its deployment and ensure it operates at full capacity as swiftly as possible,” he stated.

Expectations are high that as an insider had said, the new helmsman will be favourably disposed to make a difference this time by accommodating expert views on the use of the critical facility to enable Nigeria realize the motive for acquiring the facility. But when and how he is going to do this remains embedded in the bowel of time.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says no amount of intimidation or harassment from unscrupulous elements in the society will prevent her from fulfilling her core duties of trade facilitation, revenue generation and suppression of smuggling.

Already, in collaboration with other security agencies, the Service is working tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly killing of her officer, Customs Assistant II Auwal Haruna at the Gamji Makaho checkpoint in the Dankama area of Katsina State on April 17, 2024, while on official duty.

As contained in a statement by the National Public Relations Officer, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi deeply mourns the incident and has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen officer.

“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) stands resolute in its condemnation of such violent acts against its officers and men,” the statement said.

“Violence against our officers,” the statement quoted the CGC as saying, ” is utterly unacceptable, and we will pursue every avenue to bring those responsible to justice.”

“The safety of our personnel and the security of our borders remain paramount. We are committed to working with traditional rulers, government bodies, and sister agencies to combat this heinous crime against our personnel.”

“Intelligence available to us indicates that certain unpatriotic community members are harbouring suspected accomplices involved in this heinous crime.

“We implore these individuals to embrace patriotism by aligning with the law and refraining from condoning illegality.”

The CGC counselled that it is in the best interest of various communities and the nation to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to root out criminal elements and ensure that justice prevails.

“The NCS urges the public to join hands in the fight against these brazen criminals. We implore the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities of these daredevil smugglers to the nearest customs formation.

“Together, we can create a safer environment for our officers and a more secure nation for all.”

The CGC reaffirmed that under his leadership, the Service remains steadfast in her commitment to combating smuggling and other cross-border crimes. The Service, he restated, will not falter in its mission to uphold the law and protect the interests of the Nigerian people.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

In response to a directive from Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone “A,” Assistant Comptroller-General Hammi Swomen, Friday, led a delegation on a condolence visit to the Jibowu, Lagos, family home of Susan Odulaja, one of the victims of the February 24 tragic stampede during the sale of 25kg bags of rice at Yaba, Lagos.

During the visit, the Zonal Coordinator expressed the NCS’s deepest condolences to the family as he recalled the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of four precious lives during the disposal of 25kg bags of rice at a reduced price of N10,000.

“We are here to support this family and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being,” he stated.

He explained that the visit was the second time the Service was reaching out to the family as a demonstration of her commitment to showing compassion and empathy to those affected by the tragedy.

“We are here on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs to support this family. This is our second visit, but it is to demonstrate our continued support to the family.” he explained.

Commiserating with the widower, Michael Odulaja, ACG Swomen pledged the NCS’ commitment to work with the family and support them continuously.

“The Service is mindful of the effects of this loss, and we have pledged to work with this family and support them continuously.”

“When you are grieving and have people around you, it reduces the trauma.”

He assured that following the visit, the delegation would report to the CGC to enable him consider, in concrete terms, the nature of intervention to embark upon, going forward.

In response, Mr Odulaja appreciated the ACG and his delegation for the visit and support, saying: “I thank God and the Nigeria Customs Service for their support. Any support that they give us, I will ensure that I use it wisely and invest it in the children.”

It is recalled that the Service issued a press statement after the unfortunate incident on the 26 of February 2024, promising to follow up with the families of the stampede victims.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time,” the statement said, “and we assure them of our unwavering support.”

“We are working with the hospital officials to establish contact and engage directly with the victims’ families on the next step.”