The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has affirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to fostering an enabling environment for the operations of Dangote Ports and Refinery. During a courtesy visit by a delegation from Dangote Port operations, led by Managing Director Akin Omole, both parties worked out modalities for adherence to Cabotage regulations and other relevant federal regulations.
Dr. Jamoh expressed NIMASA’s dedication to ensuring that regulatory instruments, particularly those under the Cabotage law, do not impede the business activities of Dangote Ports and the upcoming Dangote Refinery. Acknowledging the potential impact on NIMASA’s revenue due to a reduction in ships importing petroleum products, he emphasized the agency’s prioritization of long-term benefits to the Nigerian economy and its citizens.
“I suggested a joint committee with membership from NIMASA and Dangote to sit down and look at issues objectively. Our priority is to ensure regulatory implementation does not impede the operations of Dangote Ports and, by extension, Dangote Refinery,” stated Dr. Jamoh.
Highlighting the importance of a collaborative approach, the Director General and the Managing Director of Dangote Ports Operations, Mr. Akin Omole, agreed to establish a working committee. This committee, composed of representatives from both entities, will address operational concerns at the refinery within a 14-day timeframe.
Mr. Omole emphasized the need for smooth business operations, stating, “In shipping, a day’s delay is a huge cost, we have an average of over $50,000 demurrage on a ship per day, so we want to be sure that these kinds of delay are not experienced. All bottlenecks, hindrances that will cause the delay will be addressed jointly and collaboratively with our team and NIMASA team.”
The collaborative efforts between NIMASA and Dangote Ports underscore a commitment to regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and the overall success of the Dangote Refinery. This cooperative approach is anticipated to ensure a seamless and compliant operation within the maritime regulatory framework.
