Minister Orders Probe into NIMASA Contract Allegations as SAMET Petitions Executive Director

By Barnabas Esiet.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has ordered an investigation into allegations against the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and its Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Abba Jibril.

The Springdale Academy of Maritime Education and Training Trust (SAMET) in India petitioned the Minister, accusing Abba Jibril of renegotiating the terms of the National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) MoU in an “unconventional manner” and with alleged “intention to achieve personal gratification.”

The petition, dated July 19, 2024, claims that the renegotiation was done contrary to the provisions of the MoU and has put the affected cadets at risk of accomplishing their mission.

The Minister subsequently issued a query to the NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, to respond to the allegations within seven days.

SAMET had earlier petitioned the NIMASA DG over alleged breach of contractual agreement, demanding immediate payment of all sums due and payable as per the invoices submitted.

The Indian company also sought an assurance that further business relationships would be governed by strict adherence to best international practices.

The law firm representing SAMET, Kunle Adegoke & Co, stated that NIMASA has persistently treated its obligations under the MoU with “utter levity and disregard.”

The firm claimed that the Executive Director’s insistence on renegotiating the terms of the MoU is not consistent with the existing obligations of the Agency under the MoU.

Another law firm, AI Law from the United Kingdom, also wrote to the NIMASA DG, expressing concern over the conduct of the Executive Director, including alleged harassment, bullying, and contractual discrepancies.

The firm sought an immediate investigation, prompt settlement of overdue invoices, and an assurance that future interactions would adhere strictly to the agreed terms.

Abba Jibril has denied the allegations, stating that he has not breached any aspect of the MoU and has not sought financial inducement from vendors.

He claimed to have raised a red flag over discrepancies in the contract and insisted that NIMASA had not breached any aspect of the MoU.