From right, DG NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR presents a plaque to the Director, Legal/ Board Secretary Ghanaian Maritime Authority GMA, Mrs. Patience Diaba, who led the delegation to Nigeria.

In line with regional cooperation, the Ghanaian Maritime Authority GMA has commenced a 10- day programme to understudy the implementation of the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act 2003, also called the Cabotage Act, which is being facilitated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

Meanwhile, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh OFR, while addressing the Ghanaian delegation, expressed delight at the opportunity to share knowledge on the implementation of the Cabotage policy, noting that it will not only enhance regional collaboration, but also have a multiplier effect of increasing local participation in the regional maritime industry.

Jamoh said: “As a regulatory and enforcement agency, we are committed to ensuring that our core mandates are accomplished in such a manner that will provoke economic development for Nigeria, while growing indigenous capacity in line with international best practices.

“Since the advent of the Cabotage Act in Nigeria, about 68 percent of vessels trading within the country’s maritime space are now Nigerian-flagged. We have also made progress in the area of placement of Nigerian seafarers on board Cabotage vessels, as well as building vessels from the keel, particularly, smaller crafts.

“The Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund CVFF introduced to offer financial assistance to Nigerian operators, is obtained through the collection of a two per cent surcharge from the total contract sum performed by any vessel engaged in Cabotage trade. We are optimistic that the amended Cabotage Act will be signed into law very soon.

” The Cabotage Act, was signed into law in 2003 after two decades of implementation and with the reality on ground, it is now clear that the law requires amendment and the Nigerian National Assembly has made tremendous progress towards having the revised Cabotage Bill will be assented to by Mr. President”

On her part, the Director, Legal/ Board Secretary of the GMA, Mrs. Patience Diaba expressed delight at the opportunity to learn from the Nigerian experience in its implementation of the Cabotage policy.

Diaba noted that Ghana is privileged to have an opportunity to learn from the experience of Nigeria; stressing that the valuable insights would ensure Ghana avoids the pitfalls and challenges that plagued Nigeria at the initial stage.

“We appreciate the time and efforts of the NIMASA team who will be sharing their insights and expertise with us over the next few days. We look forward to a fruitful discussion and site visits, especially the visit to Port Harcourt and other activities that have been planned for us.”

“We are confident that our time will be rewarding and we will return to Ghana better informed and equipped to implement the Cabotage regime in our nation. We are excited to begin this 10-day study tour”, Diaba said.

Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services of NIMASA, Engr. Victor Ochei, while speaking earlier, admitted that Nigeria’s achievement on the Cabotage regime did not come without hitches, pitfalls and struggles that were surmounted through consistency.

Ochei said: “Our achievements, processes, knowledge acquired and experience are what we will be sharing with you within this short period of time. Luckily, you will be gaining these set of skills without the inclusion of the pitfalls we had to learn from to attain our current level.”

“In the course of this under-study, we intend to chronologically take you on a historical sojourn and enlighten you on our famous “4 Pillars of Cabotage”. We shall put you through the enabling legislations and instruments that empower us to operate as well as our enforcement procedures amongst others”.