Nigeria: NIMASA DG affirms commitment to uninterrupted operations at Dangote Refinery
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has assured that creating a conducive environment for the seamless functioning of the Dangote Ports and Refinery remains a top priority for the agency.
This affirmation follows a collaborative effort between NIMASA and Dangote Port Operations to establish effective measures for Cabotage adherence.
During a courtesy visit by a delegation from Dangote Port Operations, led by the Managing Director, Mr. Akin Omole, Dr. Jamoh emphasised the commitment to work closely with Dangote Ports, ensuring compliance with regulatory instruments, particularly those under the Cabotage law.
Both entities have agreed to form a working committee, tasked with addressing operational concerns at the refinery within a timeframe of 14 days.
Dr. Jamoh explained, “Our priority is to ensure regulatory implementation does not impede the operations of Dangote Ports and, by extension, Dangote Refinery.
“While the Dangote Refinery’s operation may lead to a reduction in NIMASA revenue due to decreased imports of petroleum products, the long-term benefits to the Nigerian economy and its citizens outweigh immediate financial gains.”
Addressing the potential financial impact, he added, “Nigerian economic growth and long-term benefits to the masses are far better than immediate revenue for NIMASA.”
Mr. Akin Omole, the Managing Director of Dangote Ports Operations, expressed the commitment of his team to ensure strict adherence to the Cabotage Act.
He stressed the importance of streamlined operations to avoid unnecessary delays and costs, stating, “In shipping, a day’s delay amounts to a significant cost. We want to be sure that these kinds of delays are not experienced, and all bottlenecks causing delays will be jointly addressed with our team and the NIMASA team.”
This collaborative effort reflects a proactive approach by both NIMASA and Dangote Port Operations to foster a conducive environment for the successful operation of the Dangote Refinery, ultimately contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy.
