In a bid to address operational concerns and ensure the smooth functioning of the Dangote Refinery, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Dangote Refinery have jointly established a special committee.
The committee, with a two-week mandate, will investigate and provide recommendations for seamless refinery operations.
The agreement was formalized during a courtesy visit by Mr. Akin Omole, the Managing Director of Dangote Port Operations, representing Dangote Petroleum Refineries and Petrochemicals FZE, to Dr. Bashir Jamoh, the Director-General of NIMASA, in Lagos on Tuesday.
Jamoh nominated the director of cabotage and the director of internal audit as NIMASA’s representatives in the committee. The aim is to collaboratively address operational challenges and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
“I suggested a joint committee between the agency and the Dangote Refinery for us to sit down and look at issues, and where you don’t understand, explanations will be given on the do’s and donts,” Jamoh stated during the meeting. He emphasized the importance of democratic collaboration and understanding rather than imposing regulations.
Jamoh highlighted the potential positive impact of the refinery’s commencement on the domestic oil requirement capacity of the country. He assured that NIMASA’s concern is not to be overly stringent but to address grey areas that could hinder operations while ensuring compliance with the Cabotage Act of 2003.
In response, Omole expressed full support for the collaborative approach and emphasized the importance of smooth business operations without obstructions or delays.
He acknowledged the significance of addressing bottlenecks and hindrances that could cause delays, ensuring joint efforts with NIMASA to overcome operational challenges.
Omole also underscored the strategic importance of the Dangote Refinery, not only for Nigeria’s economy but for the entire African continent. The refinery, a critical infrastructure project, holds substantial economic implications and is expected to contribute significantly to the region’s growth.
The committee’s formation signifies a proactive approach to foster cooperation between regulatory bodies and major industrial players, aiming to streamline operations, adhere to regulations, and contribute to the economic development of the country and the continent.
