MaritimeNews

NIMASA To Curb Nigerian-certified Seafarers Rejection With Diplomatic Ties

…accuses cartel of foisting war risk insurance premiums on Nigeria

In a bid to enhance the opportunities available to seafarers with Nigerian certification, the nation’s apex maritime regulator, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has promised to improve its diplomatic ties with shipping nations.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, gave this assurance during his maiden engagement with maritime journalists in Lagos, on Monday.

Several Nigerian-certified seafarers have been denied employment opportunities onboard ships flagged by other nations on account of the absence of bilateral trade agreements between these nations and Nigeria.

According to the NIMASA boss, under his administration the agency will prioritize diplomatic relations and enter clear Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that highlight the nation’s maritime needs in partnerships with other countries.

Mobereola equally assured that NIMASA is working to address the limitations of Certificate of Competency (COCs) and the issuance of Near Coastal Voyage (NCV) rather than the Officer of the Watch (OOW) certificates.

Speaking on the menace of Extra War Risk Insurance (EWRI) levied on Nigeria, the NIMASA boss asserted that a powerful cartel within the international insurance sector is behind the high war EWRI premiums charged on Nigerian-bound cargoes.

He lamented that despite a significant reduction in piracy and sea robbery incidents in Nigerian waters, the persisting premium has continued to add to the cost of trade for Nigeria.

“One of the points I raised during my recent visit to Chatham House is how the war risk insurance placed on Nigerian-bound cargoes can be reduced. It is a cartel that is behind the war risk insurance premium. They are making so much money from it and will rather keep it as it is than remove it.”

“Even if Nigeria maintains zero piracy on her waters for the next ten years,if we don’t force the issues they will continue to charge us. They won’t remove the war risk insurance because they are making so much money from it,” the NIMASA boss argued.

Noting that Nigeria cannot successfully challenge the insurers alone, Mobereola expressed optimism that with the support of international maritime organizations and the United Nations, the country can push for a reduction in premiums in line with actual risk.

He sought the media partnership via the developmental reportage of the industry, even as he asserted that efforts are being intensified to put the modular floating dock into use for revenue generation and employment.

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