NIMASA DG lauds Supreme Court judgement affirming FG’s exclusive control of inland waters

The Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA) Dr. Bashir Jamoh has applauded the Supreme Court judgement which reaffirmed the authority of the Federal Government through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to control activities in Nigerian inland waterways describing it as a welcome development.

In the Supreme Court judgment delivered Friday January 5th, 2024, Honourable Justice okoro, validated an earlier federal High Court ruling, FHC/CS/ 543/ 2012, which pronounced NIWA as the authentic authority over Nigerian inland waterways

Jamoh, in a post on his official X handle said with the judgement, issues of ambiguity and multiple taxation would finally be laid to rest as states will no longer levy investors.

This, according to him, will improve the Ease of doing Business in the maritime sector and ultimately attract more investment from both local and international investors.

Jamoh urged the Lagos State government and other parties concerned to embrace the judgement and collaborate with NIWA and NIMASA to better harness Nigeria’s maritime potentials for the benefit of all Nigerians.

He said, “The Supreme Court Jdgement reaffirming the authority of the Federal Government through NIWA and NIMASA to control activities in Nigerian Inland Waterways is a welcome development.

“This should bring to an end; issues of ambiguity and multiple taxation, as States will no longer levy investors, this being a responsibility of the Government at the Federal level, thus improving the Ease of doing Business in the maritime sector and ultimately attract more investment from both local and international investors.

“This ruling will go a long way in the Federal Government’s effort to exploit potentials of the over 10,000 Kilometers of inland waters in the country.

“I wish to advise all parties concerned, particularly the State governments to embrace the judgement and collaborate with NIWA and NIMASA to better harness Nigeria’s maritime potentials for the benefit of all Nigerians.”