NIMASA-GATE: Table of Fraud Charges – 7 Cases, 160 Counts, N108.2 billion against Akpobolokemi & ors.
| S/N | ARRAIGNER | DATE | FORUM | JUDGE | PROSECUTION LAWYER | DEFENDANTS | DEFENSE LAWYERS | CHARGE SUMMARY | CHARGES (Precis) |
| 1 | EFCC | December 3, 2015 | Federal High Court in Lagos | Justice Saliu Saidu |
| (1) Frank Akpobolokemi (NIMASA DG)
(2) Captain Ezekiel Agaba, (3) Ekene Nwakuche, (4) Felix Bob-Nabena, (5) Captain Warredi Enisuoh, (6) Governor Juan, (7) Ugo Fredrick, (8) Timi Alari and two companies, (9) Al-Kenzo Limited and (10) Peniel Engineering Services Limited.] | (1) Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), counsel to Akpobolokemi | 30 Counts, Conspiring among themselves to convert N3.4billion belonging to NIMASA. | 30 Counts N3.4 billion |
| 2 | EFCC | December 4, 2015 | Federal High Court in Lagos | Justice Ibrahim Buba | EFCC's lawyer Festus Keyamo | (1)Patrick Akpobolokem (2) Captain Ezekiel Agaba, (3) Ekene Nwakuche, (4) Governor Juan – and three companies; (5) Blockz and Stonz Limited, (6) Kenzo Logistics Limited and (7) Al-Kenzo Logistic Limited. | (1)Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), counsel to Akpobolokemi (1st defendant (2) Agaba's lawyer, N.O. Balogun | 22-count by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), they were accused of allegedly converting N2,658,957,666 between December 23, 2013 and May 28, last year | 22 counts N2.6 billion |
| 3 | EFCC | ???
[March 22, 2016] | Federal High Court | Justice Buba | Festus Keyamo | former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo and International Global West Vessel Ltd, Odimiri Electrical Ltd, Kime Engozu, Boloboere Property and Estate Ltd, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Ltd, Gregory Mbonu, and Captain Warredi Enisuoh |
| 40 counts of alleged N34bn fraud | 40 counts N34 bn |
| 4 | EFCC | January 22, 2016 | Federal High Court | Ibrahim Buba |
| Akpobolokemi, Tompolo and 11 others. |
| 22 counts of alleged N22.7bn fraud | 22 counts N22.7 bn |
| 5 | EFCC | Jan. 25, 2016 | Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere | Justice Raliat Adebiyi |
| (1)Patrick Akpobolokemi (2) Captain Ezekiel Agaba, (3) Ekene Nwakuche, (4) Governor Amechee Juan, (5) Vincent Udoye, (6) Captain Adegboyega Sahib Olopoenia and (7) a company, Gama Marine Nigeria Limited. | (1)Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), counsel to Akpobolokemi (1st defendant) | 13-count charge LD/2181C/15
(1)The 1st to 5th defendants (Akpobolokemi, Captain Agaba, Nwakuche, Juan, Udoye) were alleged to have between October 30, 2014 and May 6, 2015 converted to their personal use N346,844,680 property of NIMASA released to them for the implementation of Voluntary International Maritime Organisation Member State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS). They were also alleged to have on or about May 28, 2015 with a dishonest intent converted to their own use the sum of N257,000,000.00 released for the implementation of VIMSAS. (2) Captain Olopoenia, Udoye, and Gama Marine Nigeria Limited were alleged to have on February 2, 2015, with a dishonest intent converted to their own use the sum of N16,000,000.00 property of NIMASA. | 13 counts N754,740,680
[=N346,844,680 + N257,000,000 + N16,000,000]
|
| 6 | EFCC | April 18, 2016 | Federal High Court Ikoyi
| Ibrahim Buba | Festus Keyamo | Government Oweize Ekpemupolo , Pondi Ebimorbowei Kestin,Igo Akpobolokemi,Julius Akpobolokemi,Stephen Akpolobokemi,Victor Akpobolokemi,Norbert Akpobolokemi,Emmanuel Ebizimo Akpobolokemi, Clement Akpobolokemi (all above charged In absentia) Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi, Kime Engozu, Josephine Otuaga,Rita Uruakpa, Mieke Dive Training Institute,Oyeinteke Global Network Ltd, Wabod Global Resources.Ltd,Boloboere Properties Estate Ltd, Gokaid Marine Oil and Gas Ltd,Muhaabix Global Services ltd,and Watershed Associated Resources.
|
| Conspired together to obtain N47.693 billion, property of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency. Alleged to have led NIMASA to acquire some parcel of land for the temporary Campus of the Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoro Warri, and falsely told the agency that the said land was free from encumberances, which representation they knew to be false. | 22 counts N47.7 billion |
| 7 | EFCC | May 27, 2016 | Federal High Court in Lagos | Justice Saliu Saidu | Rotimi Oyedepo | Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi, Major-General Emmanuel Atewe, Kime Engozu and Josphine Otuaga, | Dr. Joseph Nwobike & Co | One of the counts reads in part: "That you, Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi, Major-General Emmanuel Atewe, Kime Engozu and Josephine Otuaga, sometime in between 5 September, 2014 and 22 May, 2015., in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court, with intent to defraud, conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence, to wit: Conversion of the sum of N8,537,586,798.58, property of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act."
In an 11-count criminal charge (Number FHC/L/217/16) filed before the court by Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa, prosecution counsel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), it was alleged that Mr. Akpolobokemi, Mr. Atewe, a serving army officer, Kime Engozu, and Josephine Otuaga conspired to steal and convert N19.7 billion from the agency between 5 September, 2014 and 22 May, 2015. The money was alleged to have been stolen and converted through a number of companies. These, according to the charge, are Jagan Trading Company Ltd., Jagan Global Services Ltd., Al-Nald Ltd., Eastpoint Integrated Services Ltd. and De-Newlink Integrated Services Limited. | 11 counts N19.7 billion |
| S/N | ARRAIGNER | DATE | FORUM | JUDGE | PROSECUTION LAWYER | DEFENDANTS | DEFENSE LAWYERS | CHARGE SUMMARY | CHARGES |
Former NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi, Major-General Atewe Arraigned For Alleged Theft Of N19.7b
Former commander of the Niger Delta Joint Task Force, Major-General Emmanuel Atewe, former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi, and two others alleged to have swindled NIMASA to the tune of N19.7 billion were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday.
In an 11-count criminal charge (Number FHC/L/217/16) filed before the court by Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa, prosecution counsel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), it was alleged that Mr. Akpolobokemi, Mr. Atewe, a serving army officer, Kime Engozu, and Josephine Otuaga conspired to steal and convert N19.7 billion from the agency between 5 September, 2014 and 22 May, 2015.
The money was alleged to have been stolen and converted through a number of companies. These, according to the charge, are Jagan Trading Company Ltd., Jagan Global Services Ltd., Al-Nald Ltd., Eastpoint Integrated Services Ltd. and De-Newlink Integrated Services Limited.
The alleged offenses are contrary to and punishable under Sections 18(a), 15(1) (3), Money Laundering Act, 2012, Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act Cap 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them. Consequently, the EFCC prosecutor urged the court to adjourn for accelerated trial.
--May 4, 2016NIMASA-GATE: Table of Fraud Charges – 6 Cases, 149 Counts, N88.5 billion against Akpobolokemi & orsMy People:Although he occupies only a small bottom right corner of Dasukigate's Diagraph (see Figure 1 below), ex-NIMASA DG Patrick Akpobolokemi's allegations of fraud - along with at least fifteen others - dwarfs many others in this season of probes. He is bouncing between at least six courts (see Table 1 below, to keep things straight), facing 149 counts for a total of about N88.5 billion.It is incredible that with Akpobolokemi being in the DG position only from 22 December 2010 till July 16, 2015, such grave allegations can be made...barely four-and-a-half years on the job....such systemic failure.Bolaji Aluko_________________________________________________________FIGURE 1_________________________________________________________TABLE 1: NIMASA-GATE: Table of Fraud Charges – 6 Cases, 149 Counts, N88.5 billion against Akpobolokemi & ors.
S/N
ARRAIGNER
DATE
FORUM
JUDGE
PROSECUTION
LAWYER
DEFENDANTS
DEFENSE LAWYERS
CHARGE
SUMMARY
CHARGES
(Precis)
1
EFCC
December 3, 2015
Federal High Court in Lagos
Justice Saliu Saidu
(1) Frank Akpobolokemi (NIMASA DG)
(2) Captain Ezekiel Agaba, (3) Ekene Nwakuche, (4) Felix Bob-Nabena, (5) Captain Warredi Enisuoh, (6) Governor Juan, (7) Ugo Fredrick, (8) Timi Alari and two companies, (9) Al-Kenzo Limited and (10) Peniel Engineering Services Limited.]
(1) Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), counsel to Akpobolokemi
30 Counts, Conspiring among themselves to convert N3.4billion belonging to NIMASA.
30 Counts
N3.4 billion
2
EFCC
December 4, 2015
Federal High Court in Lagos
Justice Ibrahim Buba
EFCC's lawyer Festus Keyamo
(1)Patrick Akpobolokem (2) Captain Ezekiel Agaba, (3) Ekene Nwakuche, (4) Governor Juan – and three companies; (5) Blockz and Stonz Limited, (6) Kenzo Logistics Limited and (7) Al-Kenzo Logistic Limited.
(1)Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), counsel to Akpobolokemi (1st defendant (2) Agaba's lawyer, N.O. Balogun
22-count by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), they were accused of allegedly converting N2,658,957,666 between December 23, 2013 and May 28, last year
22 counts
N2.6 billion
3
EFCC
???
[March 22, 2016]
Federal High Court
Justice Buba
Festus
Keyamo
former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo and International Global West Vessel Ltd, Odimiri Electrical Ltd, Kime Engozu, Boloboere Property and Estate Ltd, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Ltd, Gregory Mbonu, and Captain Warredi Enisuoh
40 counts of alleged N34bn fraud
40 counts
N34 bn
4
EFCC
January 22, 2016
Federal High Court
Ibrahim Buba
Akpobolokemi, Tompolo and 11 others.
22 counts of alleged N22.7bn fraud
22 counts
N22.7 bn
5
EFCC
Jan. 25, 2016
Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere
Justice Raliat Adebiyi
(1)Patrick Akpobolokemi (2) Captain Ezekiel Agaba, (3) Ekene Nwakuche, (4) Governor Amechee Juan, (5) Vincent Udoye, (6) Captain Adegboyega Sahib Olopoenia and (7) a company, Gama Marine Nigeria Limited.
(1)Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), counsel to Akpobolokemi (1st defendant)
13-count charge LD/2181C/15
(1)The 1st to 5th defendants (Akpobolokemi, Captain Agaba, Nwakuche, Juan, Udoye) were alleged to have between October 30, 2014 and May 6, 2015 converted to their personal use N346,844,680 property of NIMASA released to them for the implementation of Voluntary International Maritime Organisation Member State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS).
They were also alleged to have on or about May 28, 2015 with a dishonest intent converted to their own use the sum of N257,000,000.00 released for the implementation of VIMSAS.
(2) Captain Olopoenia, Udoye, and Gama Marine Nigeria Limited were alleged to have on February 2, 2015, with a dishonest intent converted to their own use the sum of N16,000,000.00 property of NIMASA.
13 counts
N754,740,680
[=N346,844,680 + N257,000,000 + N16,000,000]
6
EFCC
April 18, 2016
Federal High Court
Ikoyi
Ibrahim Buba
Festus Keyamo
Government Oweize Ekpemupolo , Pondi Ebimorbowei Kestin,Igo Akpobolokemi,Julius Akpobolokemi,Stephen Akpolobokemi,Victor Akpobolokemi,Norbert Akpobolokemi,Emmanuel Ebizimo Akpobolokemi, Clement Akpobolokemi (all above charged In absentia)
Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi, Kime Engozu, Josephine Otuaga,Rita Uruakpa, Mieke Dive Training Institute,Oyeinteke Global Network Ltd, Wabod Global Resources.Ltd,Boloboere Properties Estate Ltd, Gokaid Marine Oil and Gas Ltd,Muhaabix Global Services ltd,and Watershed Associated Resources.
Conspired together to obtain N47.693 billion, property of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency. Alleged to have led NIMASA to acquire some parcel of land for the temporary Campus of the Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoro Warri, and falsely told the agency that the said land was free from encumberances, which representation they knew to be false.
22 counts
N47.7 billion
S/N
ARRAIGNER
DATE
FORUM
JUDGE
PROSECUTION
LAWYER
DEFENDANTS
DEFENSE LAWYERS
CHARGE
SUMMARY
CHARGES
_________________________________________________________SOME REPORTSPUNCHEFCC arraigns Tompolo, Akpobolokemi's brothers in absentia
April 18, 2016Ramon Oladimeji
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arraigned a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, in absentia on 22 counts of N47.6bn fraud.
Also arraigned in absentia in relation to the alleged fraud were six brothers of a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi – Igo, Julius, Victor, Norbert, Emmanuel and Clement.
Tompolo, Igo, Julius, Victor, Norbert, Emmanuel and Clement were declared as being "now at large" when the charges were read before a Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday.
But Akpobolokemi himself, two females – Josephine Otuaga and Rita Uruakpa – and one Kime Engozu, who were also listed as defendants in the amended charge, were present in court on Monday to answer to the charges.
The other defendants in the charge were five companies, namely: Mieka Dive Training Institute Ltd/GTE; Oyeinteke Global Network Limited; Wabod Global Resources Ltd.; Boloboere Properties Estate Ltd.; Gokaid Marine Oil and Gas Ltd.; and Watershed Associated Resources.
The charges bordered on conspiracy, advanced fee fraud and money laundering.
In one of the counts, the EFCC alleged that the defendants conspired among themselves to defraud the Federal Government between December 2, 2014 and April 10, 2015,
by inducing the Federal Government to deliver an aggregate sum of N11.9bn to them.The EFCC claimed that the accused persons induced the Federal Government by "falsely pretending to the Federal Government that a parcel of land and its appurtenances situated at Mieka Dive Training Institute, Kurutie, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State had been acquired by NIMASA for the temporary campus of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko."
By allegedly making fraudulent and false representations to the Federal Government, the EFCC said the defendants violated Section 1 (b) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other fraud related Offences Act, 2006 and were liable to punishment under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
In another count, the EFCC accused the defendants of fraudulently converting a sum of N13,027,564,822 belonging to NIMASA to their private own sometime in 2014.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.
The defendants were also accused of swindling the Federal Government to the tune of N11.940bn, by presenting a forged Certificate of Customary Right of Occupancy of Bendel State of Nigeria dated May 6, 2014 to NIMASA on the false claim that the forged document was genuine and issued by Warri South-West Local Council, Delta State.
For the alleged offence, the EFCC said the defendants were liable to being punished under Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation, 2004.
But Akpobolokemi and his alleged accomplices pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The presiding judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba, subsequently admitted them to bail.
Akpobolokemi, who had earlier been arraigned along with others by the EFCC at two different times before Justice Buba, was allowed to continue with a bail granted him by the judge on March 22, 2016.
The 2nd defendant, Engozu, who had also been earlier arraigned, was also allowed to. continue with the bail granted him on March 22, 2016.
The 3rd and 4th defendants – Otuaga and Uruakpa – were granted a N50m bail each with one surety in like sum.
The judge said the surety must be resident in Lagos and must own of a developed landed property and swear to an affidavit of means.
The defendants and the sureties were asked to submit their passport photographs to the court.
Further proceedings in the case were adjourned till May 30 and 31, 2016.
NIGERIAN EYE
EFCC arraigns ex-NIMASA boss, Akpobolokemi, on fifth charge
The Economic and Financial Crimes has again arraigned a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi, on 13 counts of alleged N754.7m theft.
Akpobolokemi was arraigned alongside six others on Monday before Justice Raliat Adebiyi of a Lagos State High Court in Igbosere.
The fresh charge marked LD/2181C/15 bordering on stealing and forgery was the fifth that the EFCC would be filing against Akpobolokemi between December 3, 2015 and Monday.
Akpobolokemi had first been arraigned alongside nine others on 30 counts of alleged N3.4bn fraud before Justice Saliu Saidu of a Federal High Court in Lagos on December 3, 2015.
He was again arraigned on December 4, 2015 along with five others on 22 counts of alleged N2.6bn fraud before Justice Ibrahim Buba of also of the same court.
There is a pending 40 counts of alleged N34bn fraud against him before Justice Buba, where he is expected to take his plea on February 8, alongside a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo and eight others.
Only on last Friday, the EFCC filed another 22 counts of alleged N22.7bn fraud against Akpobolokemi, Tompolo and 11 others.
In the new 13 counts before Justice Adebiyi, Akpobolokemi was charged alongside six others.
His co-accused, with whom he was arraigned on Monday, are Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Vincent Udoye, Adegboyega Olopoenia and Gama Marine Nigeria Limited.
Among other things, the EFCC alleged that the accused fraudulently converted to their personal use a sum of N346,844,680 released to them by NIMASA for the implementation of Voluntary International Maritime Organisation Member State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS)._________________________________________________________3 YEARS AGOZiakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, General Director of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), speaks with Upper Reach about the importance of private sector involvement and the growing number of local human resources in the shipping sector
The last Nigerian presidential elections were the most democratic and transparent so far, and will hopefully pave the way towards a steady and fruitful development. Sadly the international community still has a distorted image of Nigeria. What needs to be done in order change that perception, and create a universally recognised and respected brand Nigeria?
You are absolutely right that the last elections were the best in the history of this country. The government, led by His Excellency President Goodluck Jonathan desired to bring positive change to Nigeria. It came with the Transformation Agenda in the different economic sectors, and you can see those changes gradually permeating into the very fabric of the Nigerian society. Change may take a long time to manifest in fullness, therefore patience is required.
Some negative stereotypes about the country may not be right. We are engaging the international community, as in the government, to send the right message that we are on course in our democratic culture and drive. I think it is a matter of time before the entire world appreciates what the government is doing. The government is making fantastic improvements in different parts of the country, which have been neglected for so many years. So only one or two years of the current administration is not enough to effect all of the changes needed, but as you can see we have started very well. In some sectors you see the transformation that is taking place, so the international community should render the support that the government of Nigeria needs to complete its transformation programme.
The Ministry of Transport has stated that the country's maritime sector can only be developed with full participation of the private sector. Do you agree with this strategy? How would you describe the partnership between the private and public sectors in Nigeria?All over the world public-private partnerships (PPPs) are gaining ground. The government alone cannot develop any single sector in any economy. The private sector can come in with expertise, skill, enthusiasm, and the intention of recouping their investment. To make profit you have to work very hard, bring productivity, be creative, go digital, etc. The hallmark of capitalism is not letting the government do everything for you. In mixed capitalism there needs to be a symbiotic relationship between what the government and private sector bring in. They have to cooperate; they are two sides of the same coin. The days of socialism are gone, but extreme capitalism also isn't ideal. There is still a need for the public and private sectors to come together to help develop society.
In the transport sector the same thing is applicable. If the private sector doesn't key into the development programme in the transport and maritime sector, there is hardly anything we can do. The private sector can come in with their creativity and expertise, the government can set the direction, policy, and framework, and the development can go forward.Senator Idris Umar, the Minister of Transport said, "We will encourage participatory individuals in the maritime industry so that the goals can be achieved for the development of the nation. In an interview with Business Day in 2010, it was estimated that only 2%-5% of vessels are owned by Nigerians. How do you predict a change of this figure to 2%-5% indigenous vessel ownership?
It is obvious that the number of Nigerians participating in the maritime sector is quite low. But in terms of a definite figure of 2%-3%, I cannot defend that. We are encouraging private investors to enter the maritime sector because they alone can help the government bring the necessary changes we are all craving. About a month or so ago, because of the interest in the maritime sector, the government organised a presidential retreat, so that the government, private sector, and policymakers could all come together, to come up with an agenda to encourage Nigerians to participate and benefit from the huge potential that exists in the industry. We appreciate that Nigerian participation is not at an ideal level, but we have started the drive towards changing that status quo.
NIMASA was created on August 1st 2006 when the National Maritime Authority merged with Maritime Labour Industrial Council. Its mandate was to ensure the orderly development, protection and manpower training in the shipping industry. Could you please take us through the turning points of NIMASA under your administration?One when of the greatest things that is happening in NIMASA is in the area of manpower development. This year alone we are going to train close to 2,000 seafarers in different parts of the world. They were sent to different maritime academies and universities worldwide for training, in order to boost manpower development in the sector. That is ongoing. In terms of maritime safety and security, we are reducing the piracy problems in the maritime domain. The government has given us all the desired support in achieving that. The government has also invited the private sector to participate in the coastal activities. For instance, the issue of national carrier and carrying crude or government-bound cargo participation will lead to investment and employment. The government is making giant strides in that and decisions are being taken. Right now there is a subcommittee as a result of the presidential retreat to harmonise all the different opinions in uniformed action that will support the maritime aspirations and goals, and key assets of the Transformation Agenda. I think we're headed in the right direction.
In terms of physical infrastructure we are establishing the maritime university to build manpower, building shipyards, making presentations to government in liberalising shipbuilding and repair yards in the country, and creating incentives for investment in ships used in domestic trade. NIMASA is building its own ship and dockyard, after which we'd like the private sector to interface with NIMASA in running it. Similarly with the maritime university that is approved for development. Because we are sensitive to the fact that manpower is crucial to developing the maritime sector, we have decided to establish Institutes of Maritime Studies in four Nigerian universities. Some of these projects have already taken off, and by the grace of God we're going to see them completed. This way we will be able to compete with any other country in any part of the world. Across all fronts we are making strategic gains. The framework and policy has been developed, so it is now time for implementation. When I came in, we visualised every tender. We looked at our mandate, where we were, where we are, and where we're going.
We incorporated every shade of opinion by engaging stakeholders, and we ultimately came up with the four-point agenda to develop the maritime sector, allow indigenous people to participate in the trade, empower Nigerians and create employment, and bring peace and stop illegalities in our maritime domain. We need to sustain this environment for tomorrow's children, so a lot of things are on-going. Safety and security-wise we are on top of the matter; it is not business as usual.
Manpower is certainly crucial for development. Do you think Nigeria will be self-sufficient to fill the growing needs of the maritime sector?Yes, our goal is to be self-sufficient. We should be masters in domestic, coastal trade, providing expertise and the shipyards to build the vessels, and dockyards to repair the vessels. We should have the locally-trained manpower to cater for to the industry. We should have the enabling environment to do that. Once all of these things happen, the idea that we're pushing today is going to be a reality tomorrow. The vision is already there, and we are now marching towards that vision.
Can you tell us exactly where you're sending your trainees?We are sending our citizens to different parts of the world, to maritime academies in Egypt, India, and the UK. Since the number keeps growing, we are now contacting other academies in Europe and Asia to train them, while building our own indigenous academies at the same time. We are making conscious efforts to improve the quality of education in our existing maritime academies and giving them a lot of support. We are also taking steps in intervention policies, but the most important thing is to produce the manpower that is needed for development. There may not be just one country that has trained such a number of seafarers at a time. This training is a scholarship programme because this industry is critical to our survival, employment generation efforts, and so many things that we're talking about in Nigeria. Even for our peace. So the students are being sent abroad while we're developing our own indigenous academies.
NIMASA recently entered into a PPP with Global West to provide the needed platforms, and has already yielded positive results. How do you see the future for PPP projects, especially in the maritime sector? How are you making the process more accurate, effective, and less time-consuming?One of the greatest things that have happened since I entered the maritime sector is the PPP approach to doing things. PPP has enabled NIMASA to meet each of its primary responsibilities; safety, security, enforcing environmental laws, etc. We have started receiving the platforms that are needed for us to implement our day-to-day operations in terms of our regulatory functions. PPPs are eventually going to cause our revenues to improve. We are very conscious of our core mandate, and right now we have started seeing the results. All of the vessels arrested for illegal activities have been as a result of the PPP structure that has been created.
In terms of our regulatory compliance and laws, ensuring all standards including safety, security, and environmental protection, and the government's desire for increased revenue, we are going to be there. This is going to be reflected in our books in a matter of months. The PPP structure is an on-going process, but we make giant strides every day. At the end of the day, the main reason why NIMASA was established should be realised. There are many prospects for PPPs, and by the grace of God, many other PPPs will come. The government doesn't have a monopoly on creativity and expertise.
There are many talented Nigerians in the private sector, and there needs to be a balance by incorporating the private sector, acknowledging the policy framework, and contribute to the maritime sector in Nigeria. We want to encourage different kinds of PPP programmes in different areas of our maritime industry.
In June the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) stated that they would collaborate with NIMASA as partners. In August you announced cooperation with the Nigeria Air Force. Both of these partnerships are part of the current administration's Transformation Agenda to position Nigeria as a maritime and transport hub in Africa. How would you describe the current stages of cooperation with both entities, and where would you like to go from this point on?Government agencies must not operate at across purposes. There should be a common agenda to transform and develop Nigeria. That is the underlying principle that all of us should work towards. Even though NIMASA is the main regulatory body, it cannot be an island. We need the support of other strategic stakeholders; the Nigerian customs, Navy, security establishments, etc. The more we integrate and work together, the more we are going to achieve our common dreams of empowering our people, generate employment, and bring peace. That is why we decided to partner with the Air Force, because of their capabilities in aerial surveillance. They are well-trained, knowledgeable, and an enterprising institution in Nigeria. Therefore if we have any shortcomings, we can interface with them to help us solve the problem, and vice versa. Then our common objective of creating security, safety, search and rescue in the maritime sector can be achieved. In the PPP we signed with the NPA, they stand to benefit four times more than NIMASA, because the resources we receive on a yearly basis are a quarter of what they receive. As more ships are captured that are avoiding our duties, they will no longer be able to avoid those costs. We can never reach our optimal desire by isolating ourselves. We must interface, and there is a lot of interest being shown by agencies and institutions who are ready to help; particularly the Air Force. We have seen how cordial they are, and continually provide us their helicopters for logistics. Government Agencies must always work together to solve problems in our various sectors.
NIMASA has presented a draft Anti-Piracy Bill, and you personally drew attention to the problem of illegal arms coming through Nigeria's waterways. Although you have few powers of enforcement, what is NIMASA doing to fight against piracy and other illegal activities in Nigerian waters?The definition of piracy is not very straightforward and strict, and here it can include sea robbery. So a legal definition must be given to piracy so that you can enforce those laws. If anybody is caught in the act of piracy, they should face judicial action in our courts. Therefore there should be a definitive law as to what constitutes piracy.
We have also presented a bill to stakeholders, which galvanizes the feelings about a piracy law. Subsequently we need to inform the Federal Government through the Ministry of Transport that will now present that proposal to the Executive Council.
Once it becomes law, we must implement. We have not sent any bill to the National Assembly on piracy because if it is going to go through as an executive bill, there are other channels. The Minister must be in the picture, and he must take this proposal to the President or Executive Council, who will subsequently send it to the National Assembly. But we can create an enabling environment to gauge how people feel about this issue, so I forward my recommendations to the government so they can make decisions.
In terms of prosecution, we as an institution have not been given the right of prosecution. The EFCC, the police, and the attorney general are the ones who can prosecute. When we have a case and there are grounds for prosecution, we take it to them. We always seek the assistance of the government to help us fight crime. A fortnight ago we arrested a vessel, its crew, and some elements of its company that were engaged in shady oil businesses and gun-running. This attracted NIMASA patrol boats, and we handed the case to the EFCC. They will probably handle the economic aspect of it, and the non-economic issues, such as gun-running, will be handled by the police as directed by the government.
With regards to foreign direct investment (FDI) coming to the country, the UK government has established its new 2011-2015 plan where £1.2 billion pounds will be invested in Sub-Saharan Africa. What are Nigeria's main competitive advantages that make them deserve part of this FDI?One of the reasons why the government was so enthusiastic about the PPP agreement is to attract foreign investment in the maritime sector. We must make the environment safe, and stop the criminality. There must be transparency, and that is the objective of the government, so that expatriates can come with their associates to invest. If you don't offer safety and security – no matter how good the plans are – no investors will come. We have to implement our plans in the sector, so investors bring their funds to the region. Private and foreign investment is key for development. No country can develop only with their own resources. China for example has a population of more than 1 billion, but still they look for investment everywhere. No country can be an island, not even Nigeria with all its resources and potential. While we open our business for international participation, there are certain things that Nigerians should be encouraged to do in the local market. But there are areas where we need expertise from our partners in the West; it is a win-win situation for both parties.
Personally you have had a great impact in the development of Nigeria's maritime sector that suffered massively after the collapse of NNSL and the failure of the 2003 Cabotage Act. Under your supervision NIMASA is finally having the right direction for becoming one of the main players in Africa. What is the legacy that you would like to leave behind for Nigeria?We are not interested in just building personalities in NIMASA; we want to develop the institution. I want to leave a legacy where government institutions are run transparently, and there is accountability. I want to see an agency where all the systems are digitalised. I want maritime piracy to disappear; we have zero tolerance for piracy. We want to put a stop to the individuals that are stealing crude oil. We want to register every cargo that enters or leaves Nigeria. We want to emulate the Philippines, who are one of the world's main providers of seafaring services; we also want to enter that business niche. We want to have maritime academies to help to close the knowledge gap. We want private investments so that thousands of Nigerians can be employed in the maritime sector. We also want to see Nigerians participating in the Cabotage trade. As an institution, we want to leverage on this Cabotage Law to employ Nigerians in fields where they can do well. We want to see a complete transformation of the sector. With the help of God, all these objectives will become a reality by the end of my tenure. We want to see a visible change.
All what we have accomplished until now should encourage Nigerians to give them confidence that things are gradually becoming right in the market. The goal is very robust, so the plan of action marching towards that goal must equally be very robust. What steps adopted today will make Nigeria become a global hub in the supply of seafarers and first class mariners? We are laying the foundations for that, and I will see that nothing interferes with that. In 10-20 years, I want to see 10,000-20,000 seafarers of Nigerian origin. I want to see this country develop thanks to the measures we are taking today. We want to put an end to criminality in the maritime domain. Nigeria has to earn back its respect in the eyes of the world. Nigerians are good people. The very few criminals here should not be used to stereotype the entire country._________________________________________________________
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