NIMASA to automate ship registry as stakeholders decry $1trn loss to non-disbursement of CVFF.

In a landmark engagement with maritime stakeholders in Lagos, Mr. Mobereola, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), laid out a bold vision for the future of the maritime industry, emphasizing the need for progress and alignment with national objectives.

During his inaugural address, Mobereola highlighted key areas for immediate action, stressing the urgency of automating the ship registry to streamline operations. He also underscored the importance of gender inclusion and pledged to address any existing gaps through necessary policy amendments.

Furthermore, Mobereola emphasized the agency’s commitment to synergizing with the Minister’s goals for the Blue Economy, recognizing the pivotal role of collaboration in driving sustainable growth.

In a separate intervention, Dr. Emeka Akabogu, a leading maritime lawyer, drew attention to critical challenges facing the sector. He highlighted the lack of accurate data on Nigerian-registered ships and seafarers, citing substantial financial losses attributed to the non-disbursement of the Cabotage Vessels Financing Fund (CVFF) and the absence of robust local marine transportation infrastructure.

Dr. Akabogu also underscored the untapped economic potential of Nigeria’s coastal resources, lamenting the significant losses incurred due to illegal maritime activities and limited participation in international freight services.

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Providing statistical insights, Dr. Akabogu revealed that Nigeria currently boasts 4,419 registered ships, with a combined tonnage of 5.8 billion. He detailed, “Of these vessels, 2,136 are validly registered, totaling a gross tonnage of 4.2 billion. Additionally, there are 61 invalidly registered ships, along with 1,033 Cabotage-registered vessels, boasting a gross tonnage of 1.9 million. Furthermore, there are 18 foreign-owned vessels, totaling a gross tonnage of 125 million.”

The interactive session concluded with a firm commitment from NIMASA to consider stakeholders’ input in shaping the agency’s strategies for the next four years. With ambitious plans in motion and a clear focus on collaboration, the Nigerian maritime industry appears poised for transformative change under Mobereola’s leadership.