Revenue diversification: Lawmakers intensify monitoring of shipyards

As part of its oversight functions, the senate committee on marine transport visited some oil and gas fabrication and shipyards in Lagos in their quest to ensure that all revenues accruing to the Federal government are collected. Speaking to journalists at Nigerdock facility on Snake Island, Lagos, Ahmed Rufai Sani, chairman, senate committee on marine transport said the inspection of federal institutions was an on-going exercise and the visit was first in the series. “This operation is a continuous exercise by the committee, and the purpose is to ensure that Nigeria is not being short-changed, to ensure that the revenue that is supposed to accrue to the government actually goes to the federation,” Ahmed said. The senate entourage, which comprises senators Ahmed Sani, Ahmed Ogembe, Binta Masi Garba, and Ben Uwajumogu, toured facilities at Nigerdock, Ladol and paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos state government.

“As I said, this visit is merely about fact-finding to ensure everything is going as it should. So far we have been impressed by what we see and we commend the company for its operations. There will be subsequent visits before we make our recommendations,” Ahmed said.  Nigerdock, a member of Jagal Energy, an indigenous Nigerian energy services company with capabilities in complex oil and gas project, shipbuilding and repairs, offshore logistics and associated base support, showed the senators its facilities including its 25,000DWT graving dock, a 3,500DWT floating dock, multiple quayside facilities and weather proof multi-purpose workshops. Maher Jarmakani, Group Co-chief executive officer (CEO) conducted the senators round the facilities.  “We took them on a tour of NigerDock facilities. We showed them our offshore fabrication unit; we showed them our ship repair facilities and our training facilities. We also took them on a tour of our administrative facilities to get them better acquainted with our operations. So they got a full tour of what we do here at Snake Island,” said Jarmakani.