NIMASA, Ghana to Strengthen Partnership on Cabotage Implementation

May 4, 2023
Cabotage implementation

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has expressed delight at the opportunity to share knowledge on Cabotage implementation with the Ghanaian Maritime Authority (GMA).

This is as it commenced a 10-day programme to understudy the implementation of the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act, also known as the Cabotage Law, in Nigeria under a collaborative arrangement.

The Director General of NIMASA, Mr Bashir Jamoh, noted that it would not only enhance regional collaboration but also have a multiplier effect of increasing local participation in the regional maritime industry.

“As a regulatory and enforcement agency, we are committed to ensuring that our core mandates are accomplished in such a manner that will provoke economic development for Nigeria while growing indigenous capacity in line with international best practices,” he said.

“Since the advent of the Cabotage Act in Nigeria, about 68 per cent of vessels trading within the country’s maritime space are now Nigerian-flagged. We have also made progress in the area of placement of Nigerian seafarers on board Cabotage vessels, as well as building vessels from the keel, particularly smaller crafts.”

He also spoke about the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) introduced to offer financial assistance to operators, stating that the fund is obtained through the collection of a 2 per cent surcharge from the total contract sum performed by any vessel engaged in Cabotage trade.

Mr Jamoh expressed optimism that the amended Cabotage Act will be signed into law very soon.

”The Cabotage Act was signed into law in 2003 after two decades of implementation and reality on the ground, it is now clear that the law requires amendment, and the Nigerian National Assembly has made tremendous progress towards having the revised Cabotage bill assented to by Mr President.”

On her part, the Director, Legal/ Board Secretary of Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Mrs Patience Diaba, expressed delight at the opportunity to learn from the Nigerian experience in its implementation of the Cabotage law.

Mrs Diaba opined that Ghana is privileged to have an opportunity to learn from the experience of Nigeria, stressing that the valuable insights would ensure Ghana avoids the pitfalls and challenges that plagued Nigeria at the initial stage.

“We appreciate the time and efforts of the NIMASA team, who will be sharing their insights and expertise with us over the next few days. We look forward to a fruitful discussion and site visits, especially the visit to Port Harcourt and other activities that have been planned for us.

“We are confident that our time will be rewarding, and we will return to Ghana better informed and equipped to implement the Cabotage regime in our nation. We are excited to begin this 10-day study tour,” she said.

Adedapo Adesanya

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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