Joyce Mmereole Okoli
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector are increasingly vocal about the delayed deployment of the N50 billion Modular Floating Dock procured by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Despite assurances of relocation and utilization, the whereabouts of the floating dock remain unknown, sparking concerns regarding transparency and accountability within the agency.
NIMASA had announced plans to move the floating dock to Continental Shipyard in Apapa in February, but the deployment has yet to materialize. This delay has raised eyebrows among industry observers, who question NIMASA’s ability to effectively manage the multimillion-dollar asset.
Initially hailed as a significant enhancement to Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, the acquisition aimed to bolster the country’s vessel maintenance and repair capabilities. However, repeated delays in deployment have led to accusations of underutilization and mismanagement.
Criticism has been directed at NIMASA’s former Director-General, Bashir Jamoh, for perceived shortcomings in strategic planning and execution. Calls for accountability and transparency within NIMASA have been echoed by industry figures such as Otunba Sola Adewumi, President of the Nigerian Ship Owners Association (NISA), and Dr. Chris Ebare, Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS).
Dr. Ebare emphasized the need for specialized expertise in overseeing projects like the Modular Floating Dock and advocated for independent management of the asset. Former National President of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers & Water Transport Senior Staff Association, Engr. Matthew Alalade, urged greater consultation with stakeholders and proposed concessioning the dock to established shipyards.
A NIMASA staff member, speaking anonymously, attributed the challenges with the floating dock to the previous leadership’s reluctance to heed expert advice, resulting in the asset becoming outdated before being fully operational.
However, there is hope for resolution under the new Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who has been briefed on the complexities surrounding the floating dock and is committed to expediting its deployment and ensuring full operational capacity through active engagement with technical experts and stakeholders.