The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has taken over more than 20 of its vessels in the custody of Global West Vessel Services, Daily Trust investigations has revealed.
Global West Vessel Service, which handles maritime security issues for NIMASA has Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, as one of its major shareholders. The company purchased the ships as part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement it has with NIMASA during the regime of former president, Goodluck Jonathan.
Tompolo was declared wanted by the EFCC over alleged contract scandals he sealed with former government. NIMASA confirmed taking over the vessels when contacted by our reporter but denied revoking the entire contracts with Global West.
NIMASA’s Deputy Director, Public Relations, Hajia Lamin Tumaka, told Daily Trust that it was the management of Global West Vessels that withdrew its services because the agency had not been able to meet up with payments.
Daily Trust investigations revealed that the move to take over the vessels began soon after the exit from office of the agency immediate past Director General (DG), Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi.
Akpobolokemi is presently standing trial for allegedly diverting funds running into billions of naira belonging to NIMASA.
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Via: http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/
