A maritime expert and former Chairman of Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA); Dr Chris Asoluka, has appealed to owners of abandoned wrecks to cooperate with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) by removing the wrecks promptly to ensure a safe and secured maritime environment.
According to a statement by the Head, Corporate Communications Team of NIMASA, Mr Isichei Osamgbi on Monday in Lagos, Asoluka said that abandoned wrecks posed danger to navigation and safety of lives and property.
He commended the wreck-removal initiative of NIMASA, adding that the efforts of the director-general of the agency, Dr Dakuku Peterside, to reposition the maritime sector was long overdue.
The maritime expert said that NIMASA’s initiative wrecks should be pursued vigorously
Asoluka expressed confidence that the process would no doubt have a positive impact on the global perception of Nigerian waters.
Peterside had said that NIMASA was working with the Federal Ministry of Transportation to review the process, especially the ones on the channels.
He noted that a marine notice had been issued by NIMASA to that effect and “anyone who refuses to comply with the notice will have his or her wrecks removed forcefully and might also face litigation.’’
The director-general said this was in line with NIMASA’s enabling Act and the International Protocol on Wreck Removal.
“The Nairobi convention provides for the process through which a ship can be declared a wreck; NIMASA as a law abiding Agency had been following the law diligently and we will continue to do so,” Peterside said.
He said that the agency had resolved to continue to improve the maritime sector for better performance in line with international best practices.
The director-general also said that wreck removal process became inevitable to enhance efficiency of port operations.
The reports that Section 22 (1) (n) of the NIMASA Act enables the agency to remove and receive wrecks.
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