Nimasa and the Implementation of Cabotage Policy for the Development of Indigenous Maritime Capacity

Authors

Maiwada Muktar, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.Follow
Mahmoud Habib Aliyu, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.Follow
Aminu Ibrahim, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.Follow
Kigbu D Hafsat, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.Follow

Abstract

The paper is a study of NIMASA Act on the development of indigenous maritime capacity since its enactment in twenty years ago with so much promises and expectations from various stakeholders in the Nigerian shipping industry. The Policy Implementation theory was utilized as framework for the study. In carrying out this research study, both primary and secondary data were used. The findings revealed that the policy has not met the expectations of the indigenous operators. Despite the existence of the Cabotage policy as enshrined in the Cabotage Act, in addition to the provision of vessel purchase fund, the development of indigenous shipping has not significantly improved. The main problem identified in this study is that the Nigerian Cabotage Act was skewed in favour of foreigners and to the disadvantage of Nigerians. However, the study concludes that the renewed efforts of government, especially NIMASA, if sustained, will change the situation for the better. Also, on the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), government should make haste to ensure that all impediments to access the Fund by indigenous operators are promptly removed and commence disbursement of the Fund. This will ensure the acquisition of relevant and needed vessels by the indigenous shipping operators, thereby giving them the necessary impetus to actually participate in the cabotage trade to the benefit of Nigerians and the achievement of the objectives of the Cabotage Act.

Recommended Citation

Muktar, Maiwada; Habib Aliyu, Mahmoud; Ibrahim, Aminu; and D Hafsat, Kigbu (2023) "Nimasa and the Implementation of Cabotage Policy for the Development of Indigenous Maritime Capacity," The World Research of Political Science Journal: Vol. 6: Iss. 2, Article 1.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/wrpsj/vol6/iss2/1