The Speaker , House of Representatives ,Mr. Dogara Yakubu has expressed disappointment over the manner the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) was ” milked in the past to serve mainly private interests. ”
According to the Speaker, the public perception of NIMASA is that of an agency of government that serves as a cash cow, and is profligate, unaccountable and wasteful of government resources.
Dogara who stated this in his speech during the Public Hearing by House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, held at House of Representatives New Building Complex, Abuja ,however expressed hope that under the current dispensation of Change, with a new leadership, and especially as a result of this investigation, NIMASA’s milk will now flow to the public purse to be deployed solely for the public good.
While pointing out that the Public Hearing is pursuant to House Resolution of Wednesday March 9, 2016 which mandated the Committee on Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration to investigate the ‘Revenue Leakages and Operational Deficiencies in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA): (HR.90/2016)’,he said the Committee is expected to track the implementation and compliance by both NIMASA and various stakeholders with the NIMASA Act of 2007 and the Cabotage Act of 2003,
He also noted that the Public Hearing is coming up at a time when , “Our nation is in dire need of individual and collective contributions in the area of diversification of our sources of revenue as well as revenue generation enhancement generally.”
He equally submitted that Legislative authority over maritime affairs, and revenue matters is undoubtedly within the purview of the National Assembly.
” Thus the House of Representatives has constitutional power to conduct this investigation. Item 36 of the Exclusive Legislative List contained in the 1999 Constitution provides for exclusive legislative authority of the National Assembly on “Maritime shipping and navigation”. He added .
Stating further , Dogara said “Section 59 (1)( b) of the Constitution provides that the National Assembly shall have power over money Bills, and in particular, “a bill for the imposition of or increase in any tax, duty or fee or any reduction, withdrawal or cancellation thereof.
“The House of Representatives in the exercise of its oversight functions over all agencies of the Federal Government is committed to actualising the current Federal Government policy of de-emphasising over-dependence on oil revenue and emphasizing the strengthening of other revenue streams. The Maritime industry, a veritable revenue generating giant is one of the sectors through which the Federal Government can realise this noble economic diversification policy.
” Indeed, the House is currently conducting a Sectoral Debate on the Diversification of the Economy as contained in the Legislative Agenda of the 8th House of Representatives. This debate which has featured some Hon Ministers addressing the House plenary is expected to lead to improved strategies of oversight, new laws and amendment of existing laws to ensure diversification of the Nigerian economy.
“Thus, investigating the claim of non-remittance and under-remittance of 3% levy on both wet and dry cargoes, 2% Cabotage surcharge and other revenues due and collectible by NIMASA and blocking such Revenue leakages is a major contribution to this effort.”
However , the Speaker commended the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration for its pro-active drive to sensitize the Maritime industry to institutionlise a revenue generation/collection platform that will be the envy of other industries in terms of process, integrity and seamless interface with other revenue-generating agencies.
Meanwhile he urged all stakeholders to embrace the great initiative and offer robust contributions towards putting the maritime industry in the forefront of economic diversification.
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