The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has dismissed report in sections of the media purporting that the Agency is opposed to the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) also serving as chairman of the Board.
In a statement on Saturday, the Agency said one of its staffs, Mr. Momoh Alhassan, who is being quoted only expressed personal opinion on the issue and not that of the agency.
“We want to state categorically that this is NOT the position of the Agency. The event which was held in Lagos and organised by the Nigerian Customs was intended to sensitize stakeholders and garner feedback on the proposed amendment to the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA).
Mr. Momoh Alhassan, though a staff of the Agency was merely expressing his opinion in his personal capacity.
“NIMASA is not unaware of the correct procedure to be adopted in making its own presentations on matters of this nature which the Agency regards as very important.
“Being a draft law that will be forwarded to the National Assembly for legislative input and passage, the Agency will articulate its position at a public hearing at the National Assembly when the need arises.
“As a responsible organisation, NIMASA is dedicated to its core mandate of promoting the development of indigenous commercial shipping in international and coastal trade and the regulation of the maritime industry in Nigeria.
“The Agency will therefore always commit to only those ideals that can further this course,” the statement signed by Head of Corporate Communications at NIMASA, Hajia Lami Tumaka, reads.
