- To begin CVFF disbursement
Nigeria will unfailingly begin the implementation of the ban on single-hull tankers by December 31 this year as earlier scheduled, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said.
Following the International Maritime Organisation’s extension of deadline on the ban of single-hull tankers not engaged in international trade, NIMASA had in 2015 revised its schedule for the phase-out of single-hull tankers operating in Nigeria, extending it to December 31, 2020.
In a virtual meeting with the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) Thursday, Jamoh restated the agency’s committment to the complete phase-out of single-hull tankers by December 31.
“Operators still using this type of tanker should make adequate preparation to comply because there will be no going back on this decision,” a statement by the Head of Corporate Communications, Philip Kyanet, quoted Jamoh to say.
“We have discussed the timeline for discontinuing the use of single-hull tankers and were given five years to comply with the ban, which is, to all intents and purposes, a generous allowance.”
He described shippers as “the beacon and hub of any developing economy,” noting that “the journey to success for the current management of NIMASA depends on the shipowners. We shall continue to pursue our functions of promoting and regulating shipping, in collaboration with shipowners and all relevant stakeholders.”
On concerns about the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), Jamoho informed the shipowners that the agency has secured the approval of the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, disburse the contributory fund, which is meant to assist operators in acquiring maritime assets.
According to him, “only the details are being discussed, with a view to avoiding past mistakes and ensuring effective and efficient utilisation of the fund. We have also submitted proposals to the minister to seek fiscal and monetary incentives for our shipowners.”
