Reps committee to NIMASA: Weak budget performance will no longer be tolerated
The House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration warned on Tuesday that opacity and weak budget performance will no longer be tolerated. The House Committee and the
The House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration warned on Tuesday that opacity and weak budget performance will no longer be tolerated.
The House Committee and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) also aligned on the need for clear performance targets and improved accountability in the agency’s 2026 budget proposals.
Speaking at NIMASA's 2026 budget defence session, House Committee Chairman Khadija Abba-Ibrahim said agency heads must take direct responsibility for their plans, projections, and performance.
She said the exercise goes beyond routine oversight, describing it as a critical accountability test, particularly for lawmakers engaging the maritime agencies for the first time.
Acknowledging the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency's strategic importance in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and facilitating maritime trade, Abba-Ibrahim stressed that commendation must be backed by measurable outcomes.
Advertisement
300x250
She said, “This session is an opportunity for the agency to clearly articulate its 2026 roadmap and address pressing concerns—ranging from maritime insecurity to capacity development and operational efficiency.”
The committee demanded comprehensive and data-driven submissions, including details on maritime safety programmes, human capital development, revenue optimisation strategies, and the status of ongoing and proposed capital projects.
Describing the maritime sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic framework, she warned that every budgetary allocation must translate into tangible value by strengthening security, boosting indigenous shipping capacity, and driving sustainable economic growth.
Read Also: 27 Reps change party affiliation as APC membership increases to 280
The lawmakers reaffirmed their readiness to support reforms and policies that will reposition the sector, but made it clear that future approvals will depend on performance, transparency, and impact.
While defending the proposals, NIMASA Director-General Dayo Mobereola said the agency commenced full automation of its operations and revenue collection systems in 2025 following Federal Executive Council approval.
Advertisement
300x250
Central to this is the MOKOSA platform, designed to eliminate leakages and ensure that all revenues due to the government are transparently remitted.
“We are not just digitising operations—we are securing revenue and enforcing accountability across the board,” Mobereola stated.
Speaking on the long-awaited Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), the DG revealed that the scheme relaunched in January and has already attracted about 60 applications from indigenous shipping firms.
He noted that a stricter, bank-driven framework has been introduced to prevent the mismanagement that plagued the fund in the past.
“Under the new structure, financial institutions will assess risk and guarantee repayment before any disbursement. This ensures discipline and sustainability,” he explained.
Advertisement
300x250
Mobereola added that efforts to empower local ship owners—including access to vessels and critical materials—are ongoing and will gain momentum under the reformed system.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s return to the council of the International Maritime Organization after 14 years, describing it as a strategic breakthrough that will boost the country’s voice in shaping global maritime policies.
Despite the assurances, some lawmakers raised concerns over the timing of the 2026 budget presentation, questioning why it was being considered without a comprehensive review of the agency’s 2025 performance.
