The Asiwaju Maritime Network (AMN) has put forth a compelling proposal advocating a collaboration between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to streamline revenue collection processes.
This proposal comes in the wake of the Presidential Policy Advisory Council’s recommendation to merge NIMASA, FIRS, and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to consolidate revenue streams from these agencies.
In a letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu titled: “Alternative Views on Presidential Policy Advisory Council’s Recommendation to Merge the FIRS, Customs, and NIMASA into the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS),” a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent, AMN suggests a harmonious solution wherein NIMASA would continue generating levies, but the collection and monitoring thereof would be overseen by FIRS through a formal agreement.
The group said under this envisioned arrangement, FIRS would be entrusted with the task of collecting all charges, levies, and other revenue designated by legislation and regulations for NIMASA.
According to Mr. Usman Shuaibu, National Convenor of AMN, said the collected fees would then be remitted to NIMASA on a monthly basis, and FIRS would further furnish monthly reports on levy collection in a prescribed format, ensuring timely collection and remittance of these fees.
Shuaibu further stated that the proposal aligns with the Presidential Policy Advisory Council’s intent without necessitating an outright merger of agencies, thereby safeguarding their distinct functions.
While acknowledging the advantages of merging certain maritime agencies, AMN also proposes a broader consolidation encompassing NIMASA, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s successful model, AMN believes such a merger would foster effective coordination, eliminate redundancies, curb wasteful practices, and enhance service delivery.
The group said by leveraging the strengths and expertise of each agency, a unified maritime authority can ensure seamless coordination across various segments, including maritime safety and security, port operations, and inland waterway transportation.
Shuaibu emphasized that NIMASA possesses unique functions that do not align with the proposed merger with Customs and FIRS. He however said the NPA, NIWA, and NIMASA merger, if implemented, could foster a cohesive approach in shaping policies, regulations, and infrastructure to bolster the maritime industry’s growth and sustainability.
