He added that the agency also released N2.5 billion to the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State.
“As of October 31, we had contributed N16bn into the Consolidated Revenue Fund. We have since increased our contribution and in that contribution, we have exceeded our budget target,” he said.
Speaking at the sideline of the budget defence, Hon Peterside affirmed that the Agency has achieved tremendous success towards improving ease of doing business by reducing the number of agencies at the port.
According to him, “I don’t think we have issues with port congestion, the problem is the access roads to our various ports and Federal Government is taking it as a priority programme. That is what I can say. The issue ab-initio is not port congestion, it is that access roads to ports are bad and we were not able to evacuate cargoes from the port early enough. If the access roads were in order, then it will be easier for us to evacuate cargoes.
“In addition to that, if you notice the new programme, we are connecting all ports by rail to the hinterland that will also help in evacuating cargoes from the port to hinterland. And of course, you are aware of the dry port programme being pursued by the Nigerian Shippers Council. So all of that would help in alleviating what you called congestion of ports.”
Speaking further, Peterside stated that NIMASA was working to ensure the review of existing maritime laws in the country to meet up contemporary demands of the industry.