Fear Grips NIMASA Staff As Amaechi Orders Financial Audit

President Muhammadu Buhari and his ministers are sending serious fear down the spines of many. As you read this, tongues are wagging and fear seems visible on the faces of the staff of Nigerian Maritime and Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has ordered an immediate financial and staff audit of the money-spinning agency.

Minister Amaechi gave the directive on Monday during his maiden tour of Lagos ports and a stop-over at NIMASA Resource Centre located around Kirikiri area of the state.

Amaechi directed the acting DG of NIMASA, Haruna Jauro, to forward details of all contracts awarded for verification as he lamented that even though the agency collects over N100billion yearly, nothing is shown for the huge money.

He also requested for staff nominal roll and details of staff employed by the agency and their qualifications.

Minister Amaechi said: "Over N100 billion is given to this agency yearly and I am yet to see how it has been spent. I am yet to see some of the projects being executed by this agency."

He instructed the DG to forward the staff nominal roll of the agency to the Federal Ministry of Transportation to know the true position of things. 

"From my inspection so far, I discovered that the Search and Rescue clinic is not equipped; the canteen is in deteriorated condition; the chairs are not okay and the place is leaking.

“Other countries operating maritime industry are achieving 48 hours cargo clearance, so Nigeria is not an exemption. I believe in transparency and hard work. We should endeavour to do what people are expecting us to do.

“I will inform the public about the activities of the maritime industry to make sure you do what people will like to know," Amaechi assured.