THE Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM) have raised the alarm that the implementation of a new Near Coastal Voyage (NCV) code might stop Nigerian seafarers from fully participating in shipping of goods under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Speaking during its Quarterly paper presentation held in Apapa, Lagos, the National President of NAMM, Captain Tajudeen Alao explained that some of the Nigerian seafarers with NCV certificate may not enjoy the benefits of AfCFTA trade because of the limitations in the law.
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Recall that under the new regulations awaiting gazetting, the NCV Code is defined as a voyage during which the vessel does not go more than 150 nautical miles from a safe haven in Nigeria.
He urged the governments to provide more opportunities for regional seafarers through a new NCV Code.
According to the NAMM President, “The NCV is challenged, because by this convention, you cannot go beyond Cape Verde to Congo. It used to be not more than 30 miles from the shore, but the new Code is telling you not to go beyond 150 miles from the port of safety.
“That means within Nigerian waters, if you go away to the sea, you are not covered by the law, not to mention the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of about 220 nautical miles.
“So we need to look into this critically for us to key into AfCFTA. As at now, unless the Code comes, we might have shot ourselves in the legs”.
He added Africa needs substantial investments in ship ownership, port facilities and demand, supply, and markets determinants, if it is poised to excel in shipping-related gains that are linked to trade liberalisation within the continent.
Earlier, the Secretary General of the Abuja MoU, Captain Sunday Umoren disclosed that the Abuja MoU is working with stakeholders to review and develop a new Near Coastal Voyage (NCV) Code, which would be launched soon.
In his words, “The Near Coastal Code is aimed at the standardization and harmonization of trainings, operations and general requirements for specified vessels within the member states of the Abuja MoU.
He said the acceptance and enforcement of the NCV Code will assist in removing the barriers on vessels trading within the region.
