PHOTO CAPTION
Director General of NOSDRA (in white), Mr. Idris O. Musa with Engr. Rotimi Fashikin, Executive Director, Operations, representing the DG NIMASA, Dr, Dakuku Peterside at the signing of MOU in Abuja
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) have said they will collaborate for the effective and quick response in the management of Marine Oil spill in the Nigerian Territorial waters.
This was made known today in Abuja at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by both Agencies yesterday. The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Petrside said it was a proactive and well calculated effort of both parties to get involved in the management and quick responses to Oil spill in Nigeria.
Represented by the Executive Director Operations in NIMASA, Engr. Rotimi Fashakin, the DG said the MoU is aimed at strengthening cooperation, coordination and mutual assistance between the two agencies with respect to Marine Oil pollution incidents in Nigeria.
Peterside noted that at the IMO Member states Audit Scheme (IMSAS) in 2016, the Auditors identified the lack of clear division of responsibilities for Oil spill between NIMASA and NOSDRA.
According to him, ‘’It was recommended that the two Agencies cooperate to achieve the common goal of effective response to Marine Oil Spill Incidents, hence the spirit of this MoU”.
The NIMASA Boss added that with the remarkable zeal shown by the two agencies to collaborate and resolve these grey areas on marine oil spill management, it is a commendable that both agencies work together to identify the areas of similar responsibilities touching on Oil spill pollution management and wished it does not end on the signing of these documents but actions be taken. The success of this MoU depends on the effective implementations of the provision of the MoU, he said.
Earlier, the Director General of NOSDRA Mr. Idris Musa commended the management of NIMASA, for the collaborations adding that the signing of the MoU was to harmonise the responsibilities of the agencies especially during Oil spill in the Marine environment.
As a lead agency for all matters relating to Oil spills response managements, we will liaise with other agencies for the implementation of the NOSCP. The NOSCP is a requirement contained under the International Convention on Oil Pollution preparedness, response and Cooperation 1990 that sets out ample requirements on oil pollution emergency plans, he said.
According to him, since the establishment of NOSDRA in 2006, NOSDRA has been committed to creating, nurturing and sustaining a zero tolerance for Oil spill incidents in the Nigerian environment.
