Indigenous Ship Owners Seek Control Of Coastal Trade

The Nigerian Ship owners Association (NISA) has urged the Federal Government to enforce the Cabotage Act, otherwise known as the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act.
Speaking through its General Secretary; Capt. Niyi Labinjo, the group said in Lagos yesterday that the enforcement of Cabotage law would enable domestic ship owners to effectively participate in the coastal trade and commerce.
According to him, the implementation of the laws would enhance the capacity of indigenous ship owners grow and dominate coastal business in the country.

“Enforcement of the Cabotage law can be better; we must continue to appreciate the fact that the Cabotage Act is meant for Nigerians.
“We must not be afraid as maritime administrators in ensuring  that our domestic trade is reserved for only our people and that is the essence of the law,’’ Labinjo said.
He also urged the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency to assist in ensuring that the Cabotage laws function effectively in Nigeria.
The Cabotage law enacted in 2003 was patterned after the United States of America’s Jones Act of 1938, which had helped developed the country’s indigenous capacity in shipping.
The law was also designed to enable indigenous shipping companies acquire adequate tonnage to enable them participate in the coastal trade.
In all, the Cabotage Act is primarily meant to stimulate the development of indigenous capacity in the Nigerian Maritime industry.http://shippingposition.com.ng/article/indigenous-ship-owners-seek-control-coastal-trade