Guardian Nigeria
More than three months after the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) announced preparations to deploy its N50 billion floating dock, the maritime asset remains stationary at the jetty at Standard Flour Mills, Apapa.
This delay persists 118 days after initial announcements, raising concerns about NIMASA’s commitment to operational efficiency.
NIMASA, on February 13, 2024, had assured stakeholders that the relocation of the modular floating dock to its operational base at Continental Shipyard, Apapa, was underway.
The former director general, Bashir Jamoh explained that the process involved lifting cylindrical studs for piling at the Continental Shipyard, a necessary step before towing the dock.
Jamoh emphasised that the dock’s operations would soon save Nigeria significant foreign earnings of about N180 billion.
However, findings reveal that the floating dock has yet to be moved, remaining idle and unused.
This stagnation casts doubt on the public-private partnership arrangements meant to facilitate its operations.
Maritime stakeholders have voiced their concerns about the prolonged inactivity of this critical asset.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Port Consultative Council (NPCC), Bolaji Sunmola, called for a comprehensive reassessment of NIMASA’s core values and strategic objectives.
He questioned whether managing a floating dock aligns with NIMASA’s fundamental mission.
“NIMASA needs to define its core values and what it is established to do,” Sunmola stated.
He pointed out the operational challenges facing the national fleet and the substantial resources tied up in the floating dock, suggesting that the agency consider leasing or concessioning it to private entities.
Sunmola stressed that the government should focus on creating an environment conducive to private sector involvement rather than managing such assets directly.
Sunmola believed the effective management of the modular floating dock could revolutionise Nigeria’s maritime industry by reducing dependency on foreign dry-docking services, saving foreign exchange, and creating employment opportunities.
He concluded that the NIMASA could transform the dock into a cornerstone of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure by reassessing its core functions and embracing private-sector collaboration.
A member of the Nigerian Ship Owners Association (NISA), Sola Olatunji, highlighted the importance of repair yards to the maritime industry.
He maintained a positive outlook on the dock’s potential, urging NIMASA to operationalise the dock swiftly.
Olatunji emphasised the need for NIMASA to adopt a strategic and collaborative approach, finalising site preparations at the Continental Shipyard, and addressing any technical or logistical challenges.
He recommended that engaging with private sector partners to manage and operate the dock could enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.
Olatunji noted that the future of NIMASA’s floating dock remains uncertain, calling for decisive action to unlock the potential of this significant national asset.
