NIMASA Denies Opposing Ali Becoming Chair of Customs Board

Eromosele Abiodun

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has refuted the news making the rounds in certain sections of the media (not THISDAY) purporting that it is opposed to the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), also serving as chairman of the Board.

NIMASA in a statement said, “The reports which quoted Mr. Momoh Alhassan, a staff of the agency also stated that NIMASA was pushing to be represented on the Board of the NCS. 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 sensitise 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.”

It added, “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 said it 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,” it added.