NIMASA Explains Reason For DG’s Absence At NASS Investigative Hearing

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has explained the reason behind the absence of its Director-General, Dakuku Peterside at a meeting of National Assembly joint committee investigating activities of foreign vessel owners in the country.

Recall that the committee had on Tuesday walked out representatives of NIMASA from a public hearing in relation to the investigation, and threatened to sanction Peterside if he failed to honour the rescheduled meeting in person.

But a statement issued by Head Public Relations of NIMASA, Isichei Osamgbi on Wednesday, said the DG was absent because he led other management staff of the agency to receive members of the House Committee on Maritime Safety Education and Administration who were on oversight visit to the Agency in Lagos.

According to the statement, due to the clash of both schedules, NIMASA management communicated same to the National Assembly joint committee, requesting for a change of date.

“However, a member of the Executive Management, the Executive Director Maritime Labour and Cabotage services Gambo Ahmed led the high-powered team to represent the agency,” the statement read briefly.

“NIMASA Management respects the National Assembly and will always respond to invitation from them.”

NIMASA, formerly the National Maritime Authority (NMA) is responsible for regulations related to Nigerian shipping, maritime labour and coastal waters. The agency also undertakes inspections and provides search and rescue services.