FUNDS GENERATED UNDER CVFF STILL INTACT; AS MOBEREOLA PROMISES THAT MODULAR FLOATING DOCK WILL SOON BE PUT TO USE
Funds generated under the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) is still intact and has not disappeared, dispelling the rumours from maritime stakeholders that government may have misapplied the fund.
Director General of the NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola told newsmen today during an interactive session that the fund is being warehoused by the federal government.
He stated that the funds will soon be put into use.
According to him, years ago the fund was given to the wrong people as according to him, it did not bring any benefit to federal government.
‘We are now looking for the next opportunity so that once we start, it will be for the benefit of every one’
According to him, it won’t be start and stop, noting that the management would put into consideration international developments in the maritime domain.
Mobereola stated that the cabotage fund is not just mainly the acquisition of vessels but would also look at what cargoes the vessels are ferrying.
‘With the CVFF taking off, we are going to ensure steady cargo inwards and outwards’
On whether Nigeria would go for a flag vessel, he was not disposed to the idea, saying ‘ we shouldn’t go the way of Nigeria carrier to be owned by the federal government.
He suggested that such carriers will be owned by shipowners to be classified as Nigerian vessels which will carry inward and outward cargoes.
They will sail to all countries of the world, he deposed.
On the modular floating dock which has been lying fallow for a number of months now, the Director General assured that it will soon be put to use ‘as soon as possible’
The coming on board of the floating dock will help the cadets, assist in revenue generation and create employment.
‘We are almost there, we will soon put the floating dock afloat’
On the issue of debts owed the agency, he disclosed that ‘we have engaged two companies to recover our debt’
Dr Mobereola noted that the creation of the Marine and Blue economy ministry will afford the nation the opportunity to help Mr president turn around the economy.
He told the maritime media that they will remain party in progress , enlisting the NIMASA Support for capacity training for the members of the fourth estate of the realm while assuring of round the year patronage.