Unlike the years before it, one might be tempted to say that, 2014 was indeed a year like no other.
Whether one likes it or not, 2014 is gone, and we are now in 2015, expecting that, it will usher-in a much better maritime industry.
Unlike 2014 that opened with a shocker in the name of the extension of the contract of the service providers for destination inspection of imports into Nigeria, 2015 actually began with some good news for industry stakeholders.
Unlike the years before it, one might be tempted to say that, 2014 was indeed a year like no other.
Whether one likes it or not, 2014 is gone, and we are now in 2015, expecting that, it will usher-in a much better maritime industry.
Unlike 2014 that opened with a shocker in the name of the extension of the contract of the service providers for destination inspection of imports into Nigeria, 2015 actually began with some good news for industry stakeholders.
The extension of the take-off date for the full commencement of the auto policy from January 1 to April was most unexpected going by the assurances that various top government functionaries had given.
The announcement, which was made by the Director General of the National Automotive Council (NAC) Aminu Jalal made it the second time that government would deferr the take-off of the new tariff regime within a period of six months.
By the extension, vehicles imported into the country will continue to attract only the 35 percent duty.
However, some other issues that ushered 2013 into 2014 are also issues to ponder about in 2015 and this is why some have argued that nothing has changed.
The state of access routes into Lagos ports was the main issue in 2014 as it was in 2013; it is most likely going to be a major issue, even as 2015 begins to roll.
All assurances that were given by ministers and even officials of the Federal Ministry of Works and other relevant ministries as regards the completion of Apapa Oshodi expressway have remained just what they are – assurances!
It is sad that the crisis which engulfed the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) in 2012 has survived three years and there is no hope that 2015 would change anything. The crisis has made the CRFFN to operate without the statutory governing council.
Even though 2014 ended with little signs that the status quo would change. It is sad that the CRFFN is again coming into 2015 without a governing council and also with its delayed request for collection of transaction fees that are payable on all imports into the country.
The attitude of the leaders of the freight forwarding associations towards the resolution of the conflict which has crippled the council is totally ridiculous and counter-productive. We appeal to both NAGAFF and ANLCA to bury their ego and lead the reconciliation efforts. It is in the ultimate interests of their members.
We are however very hopeful that the CRFFN logjam will finally be resolved in 2015 to enable the body put its act together and get back to the good old days.
As we move into 2015, we are optimistic that Nigerian ports will continue to witness high vessel traffic and that the nation’s port system will witness more sanity.
As we begin the 2015 movement, we can’t but remember that one issue that is becoming a regular feature every year (at least in the last seven years) is the delay in the passage of maritime sector bills at the National Assembly. It is taking the legislators too long a time to pass the Ports and Harbour Bill and the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria Bill, among others.
Good enough, 2015 is an election year and a good opportunity to remember members of the National Assembly about their indebtedness to the maritime sector, especially with the non passage of the Port and Harbour Bill, a bill which incorporates the Independent Port Regulatory Commission (IPRC). The Bill enjoys an unenviable record of being one of the most delayed and the most controversial legislations since the return to democratic rule.
It is also our hope that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) will live up to its responsibilities as the Port and Flag State Control custodian in Nigeria. We note with concern that the agency has allowed the Nigerian Navy (especially the JTF) to take the shine off it in the quest to make the nation’s coast and inland waters safe for navigation.
Throughout 2014, what dominated the media scope were reports of the exploits of JTF in the fight against pirates, oil thieves and sea robbers in the Niger Delta and around the coast of Nigeria.
While we have nothing against the memorandum of understanding between the NIMASA and the duo of Nigerian Navy and Air Force, we are however not comfortable with the background that NIMASA has pushed itself into in the execution of its mandate as the focal agency for maritime safety and security in Nigeria.
The Maritime Guard Command, which is domiciled in NIMASA, is being bogged down by the contract with Messrs Global West Vessel Specialist, which is for the purpose of proving platforms for the policing of the nations’ waters.
We are very optimistic that 2015 will be better than 2014. Our optimism is borne out of the hopes that we have expressed above.
We also hope and pray that our readers have a very happy and prosperous 2015.
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