The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, expressed concerns about a potential decline in revenue due to the commencement of operations at the Dangote Oil Refinery.
Dangote Refinery recently announced the initiation of diesel and aviation fuel production, marking a significant development as Nigeria’s first privately owned oil refinery with a $19 billion investment and a daily production capacity of 650,000 barrels.
Dr. Jamoh, during a meeting with a delegation from Dangote Port operations, highlighted the anticipated reduction in NIMASA revenue, attributing it to a decrease in ship imports of petroleum products and the subsequent impact on the 3% freight levy collected by the agency.
Despite this potential loss, he emphasized NIMASA’s commitment to supporting the refinery’s success, prioritizing Nigeria’s long-term economic growth over immediate revenue.
To address operational concerns and ensure regulatory compliance, both parties agreed to establish a joint working committee within 14 days.
Dr. Jamoh proposed a collaborative approach, forming a committee with representatives from NIMASA and Dangote to objectively address issues.
Managing Director of Dangote Ports Operations, Akin Omole, emphasized the need for smooth business operations, aiming to avoid delays and bottlenecks that could incur significant costs in the shipping industry.
The collaborative efforts between NIMASA and Dangote aim to facilitate the refinery’s operations while adhering to federal regulations on wet cargo afreightment.
