Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA recently witnessed a change in the baton of its leadership. Dakuku Peterside, a former Nigerian lawmaker and River State governorship candidate under the banner of All Progressives Congress, APC was appointed as the Director General and Chief Executive Officer.
Although Peterside’s appointment is viewed with mixed reactions by some industry experts and stakeholders as they argue his lack of relevant and core maritime knowledge and experience; others think his training and expertise in economics and management stand him in good stead.
NIMASA has been troubled by alleged corruption and mismanagement of fund by its former DGs – the most recent being Patrick Akpobolokemi, the last DG before Peterside. Akpobolokemi and five others are standing trial on a 13 count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and fraudulent conversion of funds to the tune of NGN 687 294 680 million.
Whether Peterside will reverse the reportedly ingrained incompetence and malfeasance in the agency, restructure and reposition the maritime sector remains to be seen.
