LAGOS/Nigeria: In a significant development aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Dangote Refinery have jointly established a special committee. The committee, tasked with addressing operational concerns of the refinery, has been given a two-week timeline to provide a comprehensive report for implementation, ensuring the smooth operations of the refinery.
The collaborative effort was solidified during a courtesy visit by Mr. Akin Omole, Managing Director of Dangote Port Operations, representing Dangote Petroleum Refineries and Petrochemicals FZE, to Dr. Bashir Jamoh, the Director-General of NIMASA, on Tuesday in Lagos.
Mr. Jamoh nominated the Director of Cabotage and the Director of Internal Audit to represent NIMASA on the committee, emphasizing the importance of a joint approach. He stated, “I suggested a joint committee between the agency and the Dangote Refinery for us to sit down and look at issues, and where you don’t understand, explanations will be given on the do’s and don’ts.”
He further highlighted the significance of democratic processes, stating, “If no objections, I will like us to adopt what I suggested because we are in a democracy; I cannot just sit down because I am a regulator and impose things on you.”
The Director-General emphasized that the commencement of the refinery’s operations would significantly boost the domestic oil requirement capacity of the country. He assured that NIMASA’s concern lies in addressing grey areas that might hinder the refinery’s operations without compromising the laws of the land.
Dr. Jamoh said, “Since the commencement of the operations of the refinery, NIMASA did not take any sledgehammer and insist on the full compliance of the Cabotage Act. Our concern is the grey areas and how it can be addressed so that it cannot jeopardize laws of the land.”
In response, Mr. Omole expressed full support for the collaborative initiative, emphasizing the importance of ensuring compliance with the Cabotage Act to prevent delays and bottlenecks. “All bottlenecks, hindrances that will cause delay will be addressed jointly and collaboratively with our team and NIMASA team,” he said.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Dangote Refinery, Omole emphasized its impact not only on Nigeria’s economy but on the entire African continent. The joint committee is expected to play a crucial role in streamlining operations and addressing any impediments to ensure the refinery’s seamless functioning.
