By Abba Collins
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime industry are expressing concerns and asking questions about the N50 billion Modular Floating Dock that was acquired by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The whereabouts and management of the dock are unknown, causing worries about transparency and accountability within the agency.
NIMASA announced in February that the dock would be moved to Continental Shipyard in Apapa, but this has not happened yet.
Despite the agency’s promises to relocate and use the floating dock, it remains missing and is causing worries about transparency and accountability
This delay has made industry observers skeptical about NIMASA’s ability to effectively manage this valuable asset worth millions of dollars.
Initially, the acquisition of the dock was seen as a significant improvement to Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, with the goal of enhancing vessel maintenance and repair capabilities.
However, the repeated failure to deploy the dock has led to accusations of underutilization and mismanagement.
Criticism has been aimed at the leadership of NIMASA, particularly under the previous Director-General, Bashir Jamoh, for perceived failures in strategic planning and implementation.
The President of the Nigerian Ship Owners Association, Otunba Sola Adewumi, has called for transparency and accountability within NIMASA.
The Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, Dr. Chris Ebare, highlighted the importance of specialized expertise in overseeing projects like the Modular Floating Dock and suggested that NIMASA’s approach be reevaluated, with dedicated professionals managing the asset independently of the agency’s leadership.
Former National President of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers & Water Transport Senior Staff Association, Engr. Matthew Alalade, expressed concerns about NIMASA’s decision-making process and urged greater consultation with stakeholders, as well as considering the concessioning of the dock to established shipyards.
In addition, an anonymous NIMASA staff member offered a critical perspective on the situation.
According to the NIMASA staff who does not want his name in print, “The difficulties we are experiencing with the floating dock can mostly be attributed to the previous leaders’ unwillingness to listen to expert advice.
“Unfortunately, this has caused the asset to become almost obsolete before it could be fully used. The anonymous staff further said that the new Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, is aware of these issues and is determined to solve them.
” Dr. Mobereola has been fully informed about the current situation and challenges related to the floating dock. He will actively collaborate with technical experts and stakeholders to speed up its implementation and ensure that it operates at its maximum capacity as quickly as possible, he stated.