The total lack of transparency in the management of a modular floating dockyard acquired by Nigeria through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in 2018 has stired up fresh concerns in the country’s maritime industry.
Nigeria acquired the modular floating dock to curb a disturbing capital flight of N180 billion and to create thousands of job and advance maritime capacity.
Unfortunately, these benefits and purpose of acquiring the floating dock have not materialized as NIMASA has failed to position the maritime facility for use, six years after it was acquired.
In February 2024, NIMASA announced that it had engaged a private firm to move the facility to the Continental Shipyard provided by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
The Nigerian Economy reports that the shipyard include but not limited to the dolphin jetty, waterfront of the jetty adjourning the slipway, an administrative block, a construction, welding and mechanical workshop and a civil maintenance workshop, among others.
The floating dock was expected to provide both direct and indirect employment to Nigerians with a multiplier effect on maritime capacity development.
However, six years later, industry stakeholders have begun to ask for the floating dock which is now conspicously missing on Nigerian waters.
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime industry are now raising pressing questions about the whereabouts and management of the N50 billion Modular Floating Dockyard.
Despite promises of relocation and utilization, the floating dock remains elusive, fueling concerns about transparency and accountability within the agency.
Since February, when NIMASA announced plans to move the dock to Continental Shipyard in Apapa, the deployment has yet to occur.
This delay has fueled skepticism among industry observers, who question NIMASA’s commitment to managing the multimillion-dollar asset effectively.
The acquisition was initially celebrated as a significant boost to Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, aimed at enhancing the country’s vessel maintenance and repair capabilities.
The modular floating dock acquired by NIMASA at N50 billion in 2018
However, promises of deployment have been repeatedly unfulfilled, leading to accusations of underutilization and mismanagement.
Criticism has been directed at NIMASA’s leadership, particularly under former Director-General, Bashir Jamoh, for perceived lapses in strategic planning and execution.
Otunba Sola Adewumi, President of the Nigerian Ship Owners Association (NISA), has called for accountability and transparency within NIMASA.
Dr. Chris Ebare, Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), emphasized the need for specialized expertise in overseeing projects like the Modular Floating Dock.
He suggested a reevaluation of NIMASA’s approach, advocating for dedicated professionals to manage the asset independently of the agency’s leadership.
Former National President of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers & Water Transport Senior Staff Association, Engr. Matthew Alalade, voiced concerns about NIMASA’s decision-making process, urging greater consultation with stakeholders and consideration of concessioning the dock to established shipyards.
Amidst these concerns, a staff of NIMASA who pleaded anonymity offered a critical perspective on the situation.
“The challenges we face with the floating dock can largely be attributed to the previous leadership’s reluctance to heed expert advice, which unfortunately has resulted in the asset becoming nearly outdated before being fully operational,” the source said.
According to the source, the new Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, is aware of the issues and committed to resolving them.
“Dr. Mobereola has been thoroughly briefed about the current status and complexities surrounding the floating dock. He will be actively engaging with technical experts and stakeholders to expedite its deployment and ensure it operates at full capacity as swiftly as possible.” the insider added.
In August 2023, NIMASA took over areas leased to it by the NPA at the Continental Shipyard for the operations of the Modular Floating Dock.
The areas include but not limited to the dolphin jetty, waterfront of the jetty adjourning the slipway, an administrative block, a construction, welding and mechanical workshop and a civil maintenance workshop, among others.
During the handover ceremony, the then Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, confirmed that “The Modular Floating Dockyard is a national asset that would provide both direct and indirect employment to Nigerians with a multiplier effect on capacity development.”
