NIMASA Moves to Automate Payment Processes
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has revealed its plans to automate its payment collection processes to bring about greater efficiency and curb revenue leakages.
The Director General of the agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, made this known when he hosted representatives of major shipping companies operating in Nigeria under the aegis of the Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) in his office recently.
Peterside said that the payment system was being reviewed to ensure efficiency.
He assured the delegation that NIMASA would institute more transparent ways of calculating the three per cent levy charged on all inbound and outbound cargoes.
“We are automating our payment platform in line with our strategic growth plan to ensure greater efficiency in the payment process. The new process will be integrated with similar platforms of sister agencies in order to correctly ascertain levies chargeable per freight and eliminate the bottlenecks currently being experienced,’’ he said.
Peterside reiterated NIMSA’s commitment to the elimination of piracy and other criminal activities on the waterways was unwavering.
The DG also told the delegation that the federal government through the office of the National Security Adviser will soon launch a high capacity satellite system which will assist the military in dealing with maritime crimes.
Peterside also urged the shipping companies to support the NIMASA’s capacity building programme by providing sea time experience for cadets sponsored under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP). Representatives of the shipping companies, who had earlier raised the issue of maritime security and payment procedures, also commended the DG for his commitment in dealing with the issues raised.
The association expressed its commitment to the development of the Nigerian maritime industry.
The association promised to support the capacity building initiatives of NIMASA by providing the requisite sea time experience for the NSDP cadets.