The House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration has approved the 2025 budget proposal of ₦774.77 billion for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The approval was granted on Monday during a budget defence session held in Abuja, chaired by Hon. Khadija Abba-Ibrahim. The committee unanimously adopted the proposal following a presentation by NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, represented by the agency’s Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Chidi Offodile.
According to the presentation, NIMASA projects a revenue target of ₦774.66 billion for 2025. After statutory deductions—such as federal remittances and maritime fund contributions—₦264.96 billion will be available for operational expenses.
Offodile highlighted key revenue streams including freight levies, offshore waste management, sea protection services, and ship registration. He also noted expected gains from enhanced automation, the commissioning of a modular floating dock, and partnerships such as with the U.S. Coast Guard.
In reviewing the 2024 budget performance, he reported a 79% revenue realization, with ₦370 billion collected out of a ₦467.4 billion target. Recurrent expenditures reached 87% of allocated funds, while capital expenditure stood at 51% implementation.
During the session, Hon. Abba-Ibrahim expressed concern over a shift in government policy that now mandates NIMASA to remit 50% of its internally generated revenue (IGR) to the federal treasury. This, she noted, is a significant departure from the previous arrangement that allowed the agency to retain 100% of its IGR.
The committee also questioned the credibility of the 2025 revenue target, given the ₦97 billion shortfall experienced in 2024. Further scrutiny was directed at the sharp rise in personnel costs, increasing from ₦42 billion in 2024 to ₦73 billion in 2025, prompting inquiries into potential mass recruitment or inflated benefit structures.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the feasibility of implementing ₦89 billion in capital projects under a budget where 50% of revenue is deducted at source.
In defense of the projections, Offodile emphasised that all budgets are subject to economic fluctuations. He cited anticipated growth in oil production, improved revenue collection systems, and expanded operational capacity as key drivers behind the ambitious 2025 targets.
“We are confident that with better systems and strategic partnerships, we can meet these targets,” he stated.
Before adopting the budget for presentation at the House plenary, the committee also urged NIMASA to disburse the ₦200 billion previously approved for priority projects at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
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