AN EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF NIMASA IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Most recently, in a number of nations, efforts have been made to achieve greater efficiency in the transportation business by modifying the structure and institutional framework of the sector. The role of government, and the Federal government in particular, will be greatly diminished as a result of these developments, which have been brought about by the implementation of measures like as privatization and deregulatory policies. The maritime sector has experienced a development that is analogous to this one. Changes in maritime and port policy, on the other hand, have been rather minor in the vast majority of third world nations, including Nigeria. The nations whose national policies had a significant impact on the policy of port operations are the ones that have seen the most significant changes in their respective policies (Usoro, 2003). Examples such as the United Kingdom and New Zealand are well familiar to most people. In recent years, it seems that the policies of the government are evolving in directions that are compatible with a market structure that is more competitive. The maritime sector is still characterized by a prevalence of elements such as public ownership, government subsidies, and varying degrees of central planning in many nations. However, due to the many different arrangements that exist for the ownership and administration of ports and maritime activities, issues have been raised about the suitability of the rules that are now in place. In light of the logic presented above, the National Shipping Policy, also known as Decree No.10 of 1987, which came into effect in 1988 and established what was then known as the National Maritime Authority was created around twenty years ago (NMA). The code of conduct (40:40:20) of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which was established in 1975 and put into effect in 1983, is considered to be the progenitor of the National Shipping Policy. This code was first implemented in 1983. Since its beginnings, the organization that is now known as the National Maritime Authority has had a commendable impact on the maritime sector. This industry, in turn, has a significant part to play in the development of the national economy. The open waters off the coast of Nigeria are home to an impressively rich and varied collection of maritime resources. Despite this, Nigeria has not been successful in making the most of the opportunities presented by its natural resources. Rather, she has experienced a troubled history in the development of her maritime sector and shipping to be more specific during the course of the last half century. Prior to the year 1959, the maritime industry of Nigeria was owned, managed, and controlled solely by her colonial master and its foreign maritime commercial partners. This situation lasted for the majority of the country's history. The fundamental tenet of the cyclic theory of port oscillation is that it is made evident in the concentration and dissemination of port activity, which may be linked to the then-prevailing trend in cargo through put at the country's port. This problem was not unique to Nigeria; rather, many other African nations encountered similarly insurmountable obstacles while attempting to participate in the maritime trade of their own nation at the same time. These non-native speakers oversaw the ports, during which time they were solely responsible for the import and export cargo. Because of this, the advantages that should have accrued to a nation as a result of the management of her maritime industry were instead enjoyed by foreigners (Usoro, 2003). The cargo of goods into and out of Nigeria is almost entirely dependent on international shipping companies at the present time. In addition to this, in spite of having a "National Shipping Policy," Nigeria's maritime sector is in the midst of a crisis that might lead to its extinction. If the nation is going to be able to fully handle this issue, it probably needs to have a better understanding of what it is losing. Perhaps, a fresh start in shipping and maritime administration in Nigeria can be attributed to the National Assembly's approval of the coastal and inland shipping Act in 2003. (Wambua, 2009).

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The resuscitation of the National Maritime Authority (NMA) as the Nigerian Maritime administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) should provide space for efficiency in the maritime sector, and the carbotage regime is anticipated to enhance indigenous engagement in maritime industry to a fair amount. Based on the problem that has been discussed up until this point, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the contributions that NIMASA has made to the development of the Nigerian maritime industry and to determine whether or not there is a significant relationship between the number of ships registered by NIMASA and the revenue that has been accrued to the government (Wambua, 2009).

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main aim of this study is to evaluate of the role of NIMASA in the maritime industry. Other objectives of this study are:

1. To determine whether NIMASA plays a significant role in regulating shipping safety in terms of ship construction and navigation.
2. Determine whether NIMASA plays a significant role in administering ship registration and licensing.
3. To determine whether NIMASA has contributed positively  to the  development  of  Nigeria Maritime industry.
4. To find out if there are factors influencing the effectiveness of NIMASA in carrying out its’ statutory roles.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

1. Does NIMASA play any significant role in regulating shipping safety in terms of ship construction and navigation?
2. Does NIMASA play any significant role in administering ship registration and licensing?
3. Have NIMASA contributed positively  to the  development  of  Nigeria Maritime industry?
4. Are there are factors influencing the effectiveness of NIMASA in carrying out its’ statutory roles?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

The following hypotheses will validate this study:

H0: NIMASA does not play a role in the maritime industry.

Ha: NIMASA plays a role in the maritime industry

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be of great benefit to the maritime industry as it will highlight the role of NIMASA in the sector. It will also serve as a literature for further studies.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study focuses on the role of NIMASA in the maritime industry. Specifically, this study focuses on determining whether NIMASA plays a role in the maritime industry, determining whether NIMASA’s  contributions  to the  development  of  Nigeria Maritime industry significant and determining whether NIMASA has challenges in the maritime industry.

1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. However, the researcher were able to manage these just to ensure the success of this study.

Moreover, the case study method utilized in the study posed some challenges to the investigator including the possibility of biases and poor judgment of issues. However, the investigator relied on respect for the general principles of procedures, justice, fairness, objectivity in observation and recording, and weighing of evidence to overcome the challenges.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

NIMASA: The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, formerly the National Maritime Authority is responsible for regulations related to Nigerian shipping, maritime labor and coastal waters. The agency also undertakes inspections and provides search and rescue services.

1.10 Organization of the Study

The study is categorized into five chapters. The first chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, research questions and hypothesis, the significance of the study, scope/limitations of the study, and definition of terms. The chapter two covers the  review of literature with emphasis on conceptual framework, theoretical framework, and empirical review. Likewise, the chapter three which is the research methodology, specifically covers the research design, population of the study,  sample size determination,  sample size, abnd selection technique and procedure, research instrument and administration, method of data collection, method of data analysis, validity and reliability of the study, and ethical consideration. The second to last chapter being the chapter four presents the data presentation and analysis, while the last chapter(chapter five) contains the summary, conclusion and recommendation.

BUY THIS TOPIC ON WHATSAPP

Related Project Materials

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research work is to find out the importance of record management and effective...

ABSTARCT

This study was carried out on thesocioeconomic factors and political factors affecting students academic perfor...

ABSTRACT

This topic is a study on the Impact of Advertising on Business Profitability (A case study of...

ABSTRACT

 Solid waste management has become the greatest problem facing many urban and semiurban are...