Just weeks ago, in my earlier article titled “Tinubu’s 15% Fuel Duty: Taxing Pain in a Broken Economy,” I had argued that the proposed import duty, though designed with reformist intentions, was ill-timed and risked compounding Nigeria’s inflationary crisis. The central message was simple which is reform must not inflict further hardship on already struggling citizens. It is therefore commendable that the Federal Government heeded that call, demonstrating a rare responsiveness to constructive public criticism. The decision to suspend the 15 per cent duty shows that this administration is willing to listen, to adjust, and to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians above bureaucratic rigidity.

Nigeria’s economy is still recovering from the inflationary aftershocks of subsidy removal, exchange rate harmonisation, and fiscal tightening. Against that backdrop, any additional import tariff on fuel which is the single most critical commodity in the nation’s cost structure, would have triggered a cascade of price increases across transportation, food, manufacturing, and logistics. The government’s decision to halt the policy therefore, represents a holistic step toward economic relief and market stability.

When the import duty was first approved in October 2025, it was presented as a forward-looking reform. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), led by Zacch Adedeji, proposed the measure to align import costs with local refining realities and discourage importers from undercutting domestic producers. In principle, the idea had merit. It sought to strengthen local refining, promote crude oil transactions in the naira, and ensure a stable, affordable supply of petroleum products.

Yet, good intentions alone cannot override economic timing. The implementation, scheduled for late November, risked amplifying inflation at a time when Nigerians were already grappling with high transport fares, shrinking disposable incomes, and rising living costs. It would also have widened the gap between policy aspiration and market readiness, given that domestic refineries, including the Dangote Refinery and several modular plants, are still ramping up to full capacity.

By suspending the policy, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated that economic reform is not about rigid adherence to plans but about flexibility and responsiveness to market signals. This decision not only stabilizes prices but also strengthens public confidence that the government is capable of balancing fiscal goals with social welfare.

The economic logic of this suspension is straightforward that in an energy-dependent economy like Nigeria’s, any increase in fuel import cost transmits directly into inflation. Transport fares go up. Food distribution costs rise. Manufacturing inputs become more expensive. Even small-scale traders in the street feel the pinch as diesel prices affect electricity alternatives. Therefore, by preventing an artificial rise in fuel prices, the government has effectively averted another wave of inflationary pressure. It has also given room for other economic stabilisers such as improved power supply, localized production, and currency management, to take effect.

BLAISE UDUNZE

Moreover, the NMDPRA’s assurance of a robust domestic fuel supply underscores the government’s effort to ensure market stability while preventing hoarding or profiteering. Its commitment to monitor distribution and discourage arbitrary price increases is a critical safeguard for consumers and businesses alike.

However, while the suspension offers immediate relief, it also presents an opportunity to rethink the broader framework for achieving energy security and local refining growth. If the ultimate goal is to strengthen local refining, stabilize fuel prices, and secure energy independence, there are smarter and more inclusive alternatives than import tariffs. The government should guarantee crude oil supply to modular refineries through transparent contracts and fair pricing mechanisms. Many smaller refineries struggle not because they lack capacity, but because they face erratic access to feedstock. Ensuring predictable crude allocation will allow them to operate profitably and contribute meaningfully to domestic supply.

Instead of penalizing importers through duties, the government can offer targeted tax incentives and financing support for smaller refineries to expand capacity. Access to credit at concessionary rates and tax holidays for equipment importation would accelerate output growth, create jobs, and foster competition. Regulatory fairness is equally essential. The downstream sector must remain open and competitive. The government must ensure regulatory equity so that no single player, whether public or private, dominates the market. Fair competition, not favouritism, will drive efficiency, innovation, and lower prices for consumers.

Nigeria must also address the hidden costs embedded in its energy logistics. The government should invest heavily in energy infrastructure like pipelines, depots, and transport networks to reduce non-tariff costs that inflate fuel prices. Currently, poor infrastructure adds unnecessary layers of cost to the final pump price. Reforming the power sector remains pivotal. Many industries and small businesses rely on diesel generators due to inadequate grid supply. A more reliable electricity system would ease demand for diesel, freeing up supplies for transport and export, while improving overall energy efficiency.

The government should also adopt a transparent pricing mechanism that allows market participants and consumers to understand how fuel prices are determined. Transparency discourages manipulation, hidden subsidies, and monopolistic practices. When prices reflect actual costs, trust grows, and market discipline follows. Such reforms will not only strengthen local capacity but also build a foundation for competition, accountability, and long-term sustainability, which are the true pillars of a resilient energy economy.

As the government nurtures the growth of local refining, it must also guard against a creeping danger of monopolistic capture. Protecting Dangote’s investment as the largest single-train refinery in the world is understandable. The refinery represents national pride and an enormous private commitment to Nigeria’s industrialization. However, promoting a monopoly, even unintentionally, would undermine the very goals of competition and consumer protection. No single operator, however efficient, should control access to crude supply, dictate market prices, or influence import policy. The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) empowers the government to create fiscal measures that promote investment, but these must be implemented with fairness, transparency, and a clear focus on public interest.

A healthy downstream sector requires multiple active players involving modular refineries, state refineries under revitalization, and independent marketers, all operating on a level playing field. The government must therefore guarantee open access to crude oil, enforce transparent pricing of both feedstock and finished products, and prevent any operator from cornering market advantage through political influence. Monopoly breeds inefficiency, stifles innovation, and ultimately hurts consumers. What Nigeria needs is a competitive ecosystem that rewards efficiency, not proximity to power. A balanced and inclusive market structure is the surest path to sustainable self-sufficiency.

Beyond economics, this policy reversal underscores a deeper truth showing that reform must be humane. Citizens are not fiscal instruments but human beings whose welfare defines the legitimacy of policy. The suspension of the 15 percent import duty shows that the government can still listen, learn, and adapt, which is a welcome shift from the top-down approach that has often characterized Nigerian policymaking. But this responsiveness must become institutionalized. Policymaking should be driven by data and dialogue, not decrees. Stakeholders from refinery operators to transport unions and consumer groups must be part of the conversation before policies take effect. Reform, to succeed, must be sequenced with empathy, not arrogance.

Economic transformation is not measured merely by revenue gains or fiscal alignment, but by how it improves the quality of life of ordinary citizens. A humane reform process ensures that no policy, however noble, becomes a burden too heavy for its people to bear. The reversal of the 15 percent import duty on petrol and diesel is more than a temporary reprieve; it is a course correction toward sustainable and inclusive growth. It demonstrates that reform, when guided by compassion and common sense, can build confidence rather than resentment.

But government must go further to institutionalize competition, prevent monopolistic dominance, and pursue energy self-sufficiency without sacrificing fairness. Only by balancing protection with competition, efficiency with empathy, and ambition with accountability can Nigeria achieve the promise of the “Renewed Hope” Agenda. If this new direction is sustained, the suspension will not merely be remembered as a fiscal decision but as a moment when government rediscovered its moral compass, proving that in economic policy, the best outcomes are those that serve both the market and the people.

…Blaise, a journalist and PR professional, writes from Lagos, can be reached via: blaise.udunze@gmail.com  

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“We will face the challenges head-on to ensure that we turn the tide against criminals when it comes to illegalities in our maritime environment.

“Security is a collective responsibility for all of us and requires team work,” Ogalla said while on a familiarisation tour of the Eastern Naval Command on Tuesday.

He noted that the Eastern Naval Command was very strategic and promised to enhance the welfare of its officers and ratings and that of other commands nationwide for optimal performance.

“The Eastern area is our strategic area when you talk about maritime domain and the welfare of officers in this area is very paramount in achieving our objectives.

“That is why I had to rush down here to embark on my first familiarisation visit starting from the Eastern area.

“This visit covers looking at our operational readiness and facilities that will enhance the welfare of our personnel which inevitably leads to high morale and affects our operational efficiency,” he said.

Ogalla, however, sued for collaboration from all stakeholders as well as from members of the public.

The Chief of Naval Staff was accompanied by senior officers of the command including the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Olusola Oluwagbire.

Some of the facilities he visited were the Rear Admiral E. I. Okon Navy War College Quarters, Navy Reference Hospital, Navy Hotels and Suites, the Akim Navy Quarters and the Nigerian Navy War College.

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Azunna, in a statementon Friday in Lagos, noted that the project, in its 3rd edition, was scheduled to start in few weeks.

According to the Azunna, the event will hold in three locations in Nigeria; Lagos, Osun, and Rivers states with participants slated to visit the Tin Can Island Port and Apapa Port in Lagos; the famous Osun Grove; as well as some maritime assets in Bonny, Rivers State.

Our correspondent reports that the Maritime Writes Project will hold in Lagos at the LCCI Conference Centre, Ikeja from Aug. 10 to Aug. 12.

Also, Osun State is scheduled for Aug. 20 to Aug. 22 at Adeleke University, Ede and the Rivers State edition for Aug. 25 to Aug. 26 in Bonny, 9 a.m. daily at all centres.

To qualify for the 2023 Creative Writing Boot Camp, applicants are expected to submit a 250-word entry essay on Maritime Heritages with the deadline slated for July 31.

Interested participants in Lagos and Osun can register on https://forms.gle/re4LCRe4oavBT2ea7, while those in BONNY are expected to register using https://forms.gle/vpriWeQzJnoWT5dBA.

Speaking, Azunna expressed optimism that the 2023 edition and consequent works from participants would showcase real time maritime heritages that could be found in locations where the trainings would hold.

“Interested participants are expected to send in an entry essay and following selection by our faculty, they can join our highly intensive creative writing boot camp at either of the venues.

“Besides the training, participants have the chance of interacting with captains of industry who will serve as mentors during the training.

“We also offer each participant an opportunity of becoming published authors as the best five works from each state will be selected for publishing,” she said.

While revealing that the literary works would be published in a compendium, to be exhibited locally and internationally across maritime outings, she announced that the best 18 projects from 2021-2022 participants are currently being published into a compendium of maritime fiction.

Azunna said that the Maritime Writes Project was a creative writing programme that trains and guides children, youths, men and women within Nigeria to author fiction that are set within maritime industry and convey themes from the sector.

“An initiative by Media Traction, owners of Maritime TV Africa, this project debuted in 2021 with 21 participants making it to the first four-day creative writing boot camp.

“The Maritime Writes Project Faculty insists that while Africa has constantly produced world-class authors, less than one per cent of available works of literature have maritime/marine themes.

“Driving early exposure to literature with maritime themes can influence the career choices of children, with many unconsciously nursing career dreams in maritime professions and offer the industry in Africa exposure and leverage,” she said.

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Sambo gave the advice while inaugurating the new NIMASA Abuja Liaison office on Tuesday.

He said that establishing a permanent Zonal office for the agency was imperative because of its strategic role in the sector.

“Apart from the reduction of cost of governance, the New Abuja Zonal Office will serve as the centre piece of government relations on matters with bilateral and multilateral implications on international trade and cooperation.

“It will enable the agency to host foreign diplomats and other key maritime stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory, thereby helping the agency to speedily achieve its mandate.

“All these led to the acquisition of the office and served as further proof of the growth in capacity of NIMASA due to its deepened role in Nigeria’s economic development,” the minister said.

While expressing the ministry’s commitment to NIMASA and all other departments under it, Sambo said this project was a pointer to its determination in that regard.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for approving the procurement of the office, the NIMASA Chief executive and all who made the project a reality.

Sambo thanked everyone who contributed to the realisation of the project, saying more of such projects would subsequently be inaugurated in the country

Earlier, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, thanked the transportation minister and the Federal Government for ensuring the acquisition of the state-of-the-art edifice.

Jamoh said the project signaled the agency’s commitment to providing conducive, favourable and supportive working conditions to boost staff productivity.

The director-general said,”Today’s ceremony is just one more step in living up to what the world has come to expect from us.

“If we train our staff internationally, we must provide them with a working environment that matches with those international standards.

“This edifice reflects management’s commitment to providing a world-class working environment in addition to the recently reviewed and improved conditions of service for all employees.

“With this investment, we have taken things up. Top- notch by providing support, infrastructure environment, regarding safety and security.”

He, however, pledged NlMASA’s commitment to ensure a culture of maintenance to extend the lifespan of the building.

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Awwal said this while he was inaugurating several projects that cut across the naval commands in Lagos State.

Our correspondent reports that some of the projects inaugurated included: a girls hostel at the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ojo, and blocks of 16 by two bedrooms for senior rates.

Others are 24 by one Under Training Rating’s Accommodation and renovated diving wing at the Under Water Warfare School (UWWS) among other projects.

The CNS recalled that sustained and aggressive patrols within the maritime domain significantly reduced piracy and other maritime crimes in 2022.

“This culminated in delisting Nigeria from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) list of piracy prone countries in March 2022.

“This further led to lifting of War Risk Premium tag on Nigeria that reduced high insurance premium for ships in Nigerian-controlled waters to about 960 dollars as against 5,000 per dollars shipment,” he said.

Awwal, however, said there were speculations that some Gulf of Guinea countries were again considered to be tagged with the War Risk Premium, due to recent developments within the region.

“It is on this development that efforts must be doubled round the clock, to maintain positive postures toward sustained intelligence driven patrols to rid our maritime space of insecurity,” he said.

The CNS reiterated that the Nigerian Navy, as the nations maritime sentinel, would not stop to ensure the domain is safer for sustainable development of the nation’s Blue Economy.

“Furthermore, the successful arraignment and conviction of Motor Tanker, HEROIC IDUN and her crew arrested last August, is an indication of the navy’s resolve to rid the nation of maritime crime.

“The crew was sentenced after a plea bargain to pay N5 million as penalty for the charge and 15 dollars million as restitution to the country.

“It is to be noted that the vessel and crew will not be released until the penalty and restitution are paid as well as public apologies made in the print and electronic media in Nigeria and Llyod’s list,” Awwal said.

He said that the projects innaugurated were initiated to consolidate on the comprehensive transformation plan, articulated to guide the Nigerian Navy towards effective discharge of its constitutional mandate.

“These infrastructural developments are in addition to already commissioned as well as ongoing projects like the reconstruction of the Base Flat Officers Accommodation in Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT.

“Also, a 250 metres runway at Naval Air Base, Ojo, with in-built lights and non-directional beacons, to aid training and operations in restricted visibility.

“The Nigerian Navy is cognisant of the significance of essential infrastructure and facilities within bases and barracks as they hasten necessary comfort and essential ambience to bolster security, productivity and efficiency,” Awwal said.

The CNS said that it was in this regard that the Naval Headquarters had continued to prioritise infrastructural development in the hierarchy of its preferences.

“Certainly, commissioning these structures will further ameliorate deficiencies experienced at the respective units and bases.

“I urge occupants of these structures and facilities to inculcate deliberate positive maintenance culture, so that these legacy projects will serve future generations of personnel.

“We must all be encouraged by this and many other achievements of the Nigerian Navy, regardless of unguarded comments and utterances from unpatriotic individuals,” he said.

Awwal added that preparations for the 2023 Presidential Fleet Review in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tremendous support for the Nigerian Navy towards actualisation of its mandate.

“All hands must be on deck to ensure a befitting Presidential Fleet Reviewed as the administration draws the curtain,” the CNS said.

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The Director of Information, NN, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, in a statement in Abuja, described the outfits as fake and illegal.

Ayo-Vaughan said the impostors and self-acclaimed maritime security outfits made use of naval uniforms and accoutrements to deceive, harass, intimidate and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

He said that some of the outfits would go as far as selling recruitment forms to the public and even conduct secret recruitment exercises and training.

According to him, the activities of those impostors and miscreants are on the rise, notwithstanding the proscription order of the Federal Government official Gazette No. 58 Vol 100 titled “the Dissolution and Proscription of Certain Associations Order, 2013” banning all such firms/outfits.

“The Order in Paragraph 2 states that ‘As from the commencement of this Order, the dissolved and proscribed associations shall not be formed into any new associations by whatever name or title, within the meaning of this Order.

“Suffice to state that the NN in the past, had arrested and handed over for prosecution, members of some of these outlawed organisations.

“Nevertheless, their illegal activities have continued unabated in some parts of the country, particularly the South-South geopolitical zone.”

Naval spokesperson said some proscribed maritime outfits operating illegally in the nation were Nigerian Merchant Navy, Nigerian Merchant Navy Coastal Defence Force and Nigerian Coast Guard, Merchant Navy Maritime Academy.

Others, according to him, are the Nigerian Merchant Navy Coast Guard Security and Safety Corps, Maritime Security Agency as well as Nigerian Maritime Law Enforcement Agency, amongst others.

He said the proliferation of the illegal outfits was worrisome and might worsen the scourge of insecurity in the country with likely grave impact on national security.

Ayo-Vaughan said it had become necessary to notify the public and appeal for caution, urging public to forward information about the impostors and illegal outfits to the navy to facilitate their arrest.

He said the naval operatives, in conjunction with other maritime law enforcement agencies, would continue to maintain vigilance with a view to locating, apprehending and prosecuting them in accordance with the laws of the land.

“Members of the public are thus enjoined to report any suspected impostor or fake maritime security personnel to the nearest police station and/or naval base.

“In addition, members of the public are advised not to patronise or purchase entry/recruitment forms from these proscribed outfits.

“Report suspicious behaviour of any group of persons or organisations who claim to be personnel of the NN or who are found dressed in or in possession of naval uniforms and accoutrements or similar uniforms and accoutrements, including those conducting fake recruitment and naval training.

“The Nigerian Navy does not sell entry/recruitment forms to the public as is the practice of some of these fraudsters.

“Hence, anyone selling recruitment forms is not a naval personnel but an impostor.

“The perpetrators of these illegalities are warned that the Nigerian Navy as statutorily empowered, will leave no stone unturned in her bid to secure the maritime environment for enhanced security of lives and properties.”

It will also secure the conduct of legitimate maritime commerce as well as related economic activities in the territorial waters.

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The Director of Information, NN, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Ayo-Vaughan said the Naval Headquarters had on Aug. 19, 2022, announced the arrest of the vessel by the Equatorial Guinean Navy.

He recalled that the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) had entered the Nigerian Maritime Environment (NME) on Aug. 7, 2022 and headed for Akpo Field without any authorisation or clearance.

He said the MT Heroic Idun, with IMO number 9858058, was registered in Marshall Island and had an overall length of 336-metres, 60 metres breadth (nearly the size of 3 football fields) and a carrying capacity of 3 million barrels.

According to him, the vessel’s Captain, having duly responded to Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) GONGOLA, later failed to comply with the Navy ship’s order to proceed to Bonny Anchorage to await her NNPCL papers but rather altered her course southward and proceeded at top speed towards the Nigeria/Sao Tome Joint Development Zone.

It also reported her encounter with NNS GONGOLA to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) as a pirate attack, but this was later refuted by IMB because it was not.

“Fortunately, MT Heroic Idun was tracked by the Nigerian Navy’s state of the art Maritime Domain Awareness system and the ship was eventually arrested by the Equatorial Guinean authorities based on a formal request by the Nigerian Navy under the Yaoundé Code of Conduct.

“The vessel was afterwards transferred back to Nigeria on Nov. 12, 2022.

“For the brazen act of defiance to constituted authority as exhibited by the vessel as well as the false pirate attack alarm she raised, including the attempt to load crude oil without relevant approval, the NN approached the Attorney General of the Federation/ Minister of Justice and the ship and crew were charged to court at a Federal High Court Port Harcourt on Jan. 10.

Naval spokesman said it was clear that the vessel’s presence in NME on Aug. 7, 2022 was not just suspicious but with apparent intent to commit a grave crime against the nation.

He said the vessel and her 26 foreign crew pleaded guilty and elected voluntarily to enter into a plea bargain agreement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as make restitution to the government.

According to him, the plea bargain was in the interest of justice, the public and for public policy interest.

He added that the owners of the vessel made the plea agreement after due consultations in line with Section 270 (5) (a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

“Upon the acceptance of the plea bargain, both parties agreed to the fulfilment of the conditions before any release will be made.

“Accordingly, after the conviction and sentencing by the court in line with the agreed terms, MT Heroic Idun and its owners are to pay fines to the Federal Government and make an apology to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in print and electronic media as well as Llyod’s list.

“On its part, the Federal Government agreed not to further criminally prosecute and/or investigate the vessel, her owners, charterers or her crew in the matter of her crime against the state.

“Gleaning from the foregoing therefore, the release of MT Heroic Idun is subject to the fulfilment of all aforementioned conditions of the plea bargain to the satisfaction of the Federal High Court.

“The online reports and stories of the release of the vessel are thus false, mischievous and misleading.

“The Nigerian Navy assures Nigerians that in accordance with its statutory responsibilities and drawing strength from the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, the Service will sustain a posture of zero tolerance to crude oil theft and other criminal activities in NME.

“The Navy shall continue to work in synergy with other maritime stakeholders, navies of the Gulf of Guinea states and strategic partners of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria derives maximum benefit from its natural resources in the maritime area.

“No form of campaign of calumny or malicious online publications will distract the Navy from her unwavering commitment to the dutiful fulfilment of her constitutional mandate,” he said.

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Our correspondent reports that presentation, which was done in Abuja, was under the 2021/2022 Group Life Assurance Scheme of the Armed Forces.

The Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, in his remarks after the presentation of the bank drafts to the beneficiaries, urged them to utilise the money judiciously.

Magashi said that though the money was not much, but it could provide them with some level of comfort.

“I believe these cheques will help in ensuring and provide you with some level of comfort.

“We as a ministry and government will continue to provide you with comfort, because we cherished the services rendered by our deceased men and officers.

“We are not happy with their deaths, but happy they died in service to the nation, and we believe they have done the country proud.

“So, this presentation is a step in the right direction, and I urge you to utilise the money judiciously to provide some comfort for yourselves and the children left behind,” the minister said.

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke with our correspondent, commended the Federal Government and the ministry for the concern shown.

They added that the money would go a long way in alleviating the hardship the sudden and untimely demise of their breadwinners loved ones had foisted on them.

They urged the Federal Government to continue with the good works.

Meanwhile our correspondent, reports that next of kin of 644 deceased Army Officers and men, next of kin of 70 deceased Nigerian Navy officers and men and next of kin of 90 deceased officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force were presented with drafts.

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Adewumi, Director of JS Shipping and Trading, polled 21 votes to defeat Mr Jegede Paul, Managing Director of JAPAUL Group, who only got two votes from the 25 accredited voters.

Meanwhile, Mr Olawale Jubril emerged unopposed for the position of General Secretary of NISA with 20 votes, Mr Gbolahan Adu emerged Publicity Secretary; Mohammed Malik as Financial Secretary and Wor-Degbetuwa Sammy was elected as the association’s Treasurer.

Speaking with newsmen, shortly after his victory, the new President, Adewumi preached unity among the executives and the association at large as the new executives pilot NISA affairs for the next two years.

Adewumi, equally pledged to work closely with members of the association and other relevant stakeholders in the shipping industry to refloat the Nigerian Maritime Expo (NIMAREX).

“We have plans to restructure the moribund secretariat of the association and we will also look at having the famous Nigerian Maritime Expo NIMAREX again before the end of the year,” he said.

He, however, stressed that all hands should be on deck to change the narratives of the shipping business in Nigeria.

He added that plans are already afoot to reunite ship owners in Nigeria as practitioners in the sector need to speak with one voice.

On his part, the Chairman of the NISA Board of Trustees (BoT), Mr Isaac Jolapomo, charged the newly elected executives to work closer with members of the association and industry stakeholders.

Jolapomo expressed delight at the peaceful election, even as he encouraged the losers in the contest to support the new executives in order to help grow the association.

The electoral process was observed by maritime stakeholders from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Maritime Journalists, Master Mariners, among others.

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The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, said this in his official Twitter handle on Tuesday.

The information reads: “We are practising what we preach. Our deliberate policy of NIMASA staff commuting to work by water transport will soon be in effect.

“The Agency’s presence and brand will become ever-dominant in our waters.

“Players, operators and stakeholders will be able to engage with us more directly and with real-time experience and value.

“Glad to announce we have taken delivery of our brand-new mass-transit boats and operations vessels to enable us to fulfil our dual mandates of promoting the Blue Economy and regulating the maritime domain,” he said.

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