Omatseye replaces Dosunmu as NIMASA boss

By   Godfrey Bivbere, Godwin Oritse & Ifeyinwa Obi
LAGOS—After weeks of speculations over the fate of Dr. Shamsideen Dosunmu as Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Federal Government yesterday announced his removal from office and his replacement with Mr. Raymond Temisanre Omatseye.

A  statement from the Ministry of Transport, signed by Shehu Danyaya on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, noted that President Umaru Yar’Adua has approved the sacking of the erstwhile NIMASA boss but, however, did not give reasons for his removal.

The statement also noted that two of the three Executive Directors of the agency were also relieved of their appointments.

Those affected are Dr. Danjuma Dabo, Executive Director, Finance and Administration as well as Mr. Henry Abebe, Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services. The only surviving ED is Ishyaku Shekarau, who was in charge of Maritime Safety and Shipping Development.

To take over from the two Executive Directors are Adeniran Aderogba, who would over see the finances of the agency and Barr. Ibrahim Zailani who takes over as Executive Director Maritime Labour and Cabotage.

The press statement read in part, “The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mallam Umaru Musa Yar’Adua GCFR  has  approved the appointment of Barrister Raymond Temsare Omatseye as the Director-General of the  The Nigerian Maritime Administration And Safety Agency (NIMASA).

He replaces Dr. Ade Dosumu.”
It further stated that “appointed are: Adeniran Aderogba as Executive Director Finance; Ishiaku Shekarau as Executive Director Maritime Safety and Security; and Barr. Ibrahim Zailani as Executive Director Maritime Labour and Cabotage.

It would be recalled that the apex maritime regulatory agency under Dosumu has been having a running battle with the Senate Committee on Marine Transport over what they called “budgetary indecipline and lack of accountability.”

They also frowned at the ability of the agency to keep proper accounts of its income and expenditure which resulted in the rejection of the agency’s budget three times in the last five months.

Almost seven months into the year, the budget to the apex regulatory agency has not been approved by the National Assembly.

Dosunmu will be remembered for leading Nigeria back to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation, IMO and for initiating the National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP); a scholarship programme aimed at encouraging Nigerians pick up careers in the shipping sector.