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The Federal Government has gazetted a new set of guidelines for stevedoring operations at the nation’s seaports, as part of the new administration’s resolve to refocus the sector.
Acting Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro, disclosed this Thursday while playing host to the Executive Committee of the National Association of Stevedoring Companies, led by its National Chairman, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola.
The guidelines, which were developed pursuant to relevant Sections of the NIMASA Act and the Nigerian Ports Authority Act, are aimed at addressing the appointment of stevedoring companies, inspection and enforcement, application fees, charges and dues as they apply to stevedoring operation
The NIMASA boss, who assumed office last week, assured the Stevedoring companies of a quick resolution to some of the issues challenging their operations in the ports.
He disclosed that the enforcement of the newly gazetted operational guidelines for the conduct of their business will commence in earnest after due sensitisation of relevant stakeholders with the provisions.
“I can assure you that the guidelines we have put in place, which also have applicable sanctions will address all the issues you have raised and we are committed to enforcing all its provisions once we have sensitized all relevant stakeholders,” the DG said.
Baba Jauro also said that the Agency would continue to engage its sister agencies with a view to resolving all outstanding issues for the benefit of the maritime sector and the country at large.
Earlier in his address, the President of the Association Mr. Bolaji Sunmola noted that the association in line with its 2014 regulation is prepared to collaborate with the Agency in the areas of human capacity development, which is intended to help in the areas of job creation in the maritime sector.
He expressed the displeasure of the Association on how its rights and privileges were allegedly being trampled upon by some government agencies.
To this end, he called on the Agency to step into the situation to forestall a breakdown of law and order in the nation’s ports.
