The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has said that it would make the 3rd conference of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AMAA) which is set to take place in Nigeria, a historic event.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, who disclosed this during a press conference to mark his administration’s one year in office, added that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) sees the conference as crucial to enhancing the capacity of Maritime Administrations in Africa in the adherence and implementation of IMO instruments.
Dr. Peterside noted that the 3rd AAMA Conference, with the theme: Sustainable Use of Africa’s Oceans and Seas, is set to draw a roadmap for the future sustainable work plans of the Association.
The event is scheduled to hold from 20th to 21st April 2017 at the Transcorp Hilton hotel, Abuja, Nigeria.
Also speaking at the conference, Dr. Peterside revealed that NIMASA would soon take delivery of the fifth largest modular floating dockyard in Africa which would save Nigeria at least $100m annually.
Dr. Peterside said, “I am delighted to inform you that NIMASA will soon take delivery of the 5th largest modular floating dockyard on the African continent.
“The dockyard will save the Federal Government of Nigeria at least $100m annually. This will be a direct savings from the dry docking of vessels operating in Nigeria, which are mostly done outside the country at the moment.”
He said also that the agency was pushing for increased participation of Nigerians in the carriage, insurance and other ancillary services relating to the distribution of crude oil, adding that this would be done through the change of trade term from Free On Board to Cost Insurance and Freight.
He said, “One major factor that edges Nigerians out in the affreightment of Nigerian cargo, especially crude oil lifting, is the prevalent FOB trade terms. Nigeria as a nation has no control over the distribution of its crude oil with respect to carriage, insurance and other ancillary services. Under a CIF arrangement, the tide will change in favour of our indigenous operators.”
Peterside added that the agency was joining forces with well-meaning Nigerians to move for the change of trade term from the FOB to the CIF to reasonably involve indigenous operators in Nigerian cargo affreightment.
He said, “This will not only give distribution control of our hydrocarbon resources to Nigeria but will also enable us to empower our people through cargo lifting and meaningful participation in the entire value chain of our export goods.
“As you are aware, the CIF will enable Nigerians to participate in cargo lifting, cargo insurance, create jobs for our teeming cadets and other ancillary economic and security derivatives.
“The plans are on top gear to reach out to relevant agencies of government and very soon, we shall do an executive memorandum to the Federal Executive Council for consideration and approval”
