By Uzor Odigbo
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has threatened to sanction any manning agent who refuses to remit check-off dues of seafarers to the unions representing them.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh issued the threat on Tuesday at the official commissioning of the new secretariat of Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) in Lagos.
Jamoh, who was represented at the occasion by Captain Kennedy Fiemotongha, said that the Director-General of the apex maritime agency was doing his best to leave the agency better than he met it.
While commending the efforts of the executives and members of the association for getting such a befitting secretariat especially during the pandemic, Jamoh added that the agency was working hard to see that the welfare of Nigerian seafarers significantly improves.
He said, “I am proud of this achievement because it is the pride of all and I want the work to keep going.
“I appreciate the efforts of all members and stakeholders for making this day a reality
On the challenges of non remittance of check-off dues to the union, the NIMASA boss called on the leadership of the union to tender such matter before the agency for appropriate action against such manning agency even as he stated that many manning agents were not registered by NIMASA.
“To crown it all, NIMASA has tried its best in terms of security and it’s still trying and in case of any challenge, be free to approach him.
“Like the challenge of where manning agents are not remitting check-off dues, this I think can be addressed if they are put in the right forum.
“If anyone is found wanting because most of the manning agents are not approved by NIMASA, that’s why you should bring your complaints to NIMASA,” he submitted
