House of Reps seeks 90% implementation of NIMASA’s budget

House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration has resolved to support the rebuilding efforts of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in its quest to reposition, reform and restructure the agency for the benefit of the nation’s economy. The committee challenged NIMASA’s management on 90 percent implementation of its budget, calling on the management to spend funds appropriated to it, according to the provisions of the law, so that the value of the projects can be realised. The Chairman of the Committee, Mohammed Umar Bago said this when he led other members of his committee on oversight visit to the agency, assuring the unflinching support of members to enable the agency deliver on its mandate, in ensuring the growth of the maritime sector, especially now that the economy is in a recession. The Committee Chairman called on the management to see their visit as a wakeup call, noting that “in the 8th Assembly, the legislative agenda is the same. “All of us apply the same approach now in trying to bring out the best in our parastatals. We should not be seen as vindictive or punitive but as partners in progress”, he said. In his remakrs, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside assured the Committee of the agency’s readiness to cooperate with it in the interest of the maritime industry and the country as a whole. “When you are given an assignment, you are expected to be accountable. You are expected to conduct the assignment in a transparent manner. The oversight function is part of accountability. The National Assembly appropriates for us, so we are expected to be accountable. And so we have given account of our stewardship”, he said. The NIMASA’s boss assured the Committee that there would be a significant improvement in the operations of the agency, even as he welcomed the call for a synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government for the benefit of Nigerians. He said, “The beauty of democracy is collaboration, synergy between the executive and the legislative arms of government. We are all working for a single purpose to help Nigerians. We are working to help the people to ensure that life is better for all. No single arm of government can do it alone, we must work in a collaborative manner”.