Even as Nigerian firms complain of neglect in the implementation of the Cabotage Act and specifically about alleged abuse of the all-important waiver clause, investigations have shown that a major beneficiary of the waiver is a firm called Bourbon Interoil Nigeria; which has its origin in France.
Shipping Position Daily learnt that the company currently has an application before the Minister of Transport; Senator Idris Umar, seeking waiver for 50 of its vessels that are currently engaged in coastal trade in Nigeria.
The company had applied to the minister in 2011 for the ships to continue to enjoy waiver and also continue to fly foreign flags on Nigerian waters.Confirming the seemingly awkward arrangement, the minister told a recent seating of the Ad Hoc committee of the House of Representatives on the controversial Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) that Bourbon had hinged its request on its assurance that the waiver comes with the potential to train more than 1400 Nigerians onshore and offshore.
According to the minister, the waiver clause to the firm also comes with the promise that it will enhance earnings for the CVFF, in addition to creating an additional 250 jobs in the Onne, Rivers state-based West Atlantic Shipyard. The firm also promised to donate 42 vessels in support of Cabotage.
The minister also confirmed that the firm applied for an extension of the waiver and that it was granted up to February 2014 when the ships are expected to start flying Nigeria flags.
And apparently agreeing that the waiver clause may have been abused, the minister confirmed that report of a committee that was set up to review the process had been submitted and awaiting deliberations by stakeholders.
http://shippingposition.com.ng/article/shocking-french-firm-dominates-nigeria%E2%80%99s-cabotage-trade
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