Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has explained why 12 per cent of revenue generated by the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) revenue cannot go to the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State.
He kicked against a proposal to commit 12 per cent of the agency to the specialised variety.
The minister told his audience that the institution gets subvention from the Federal Government through the Education Ministry.
Amaechi spoke at a public hearing on three bills relating to the maritime industry organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration.
Represented by the Director, Legal Services, Pius Oteh, Amaechi described the proposal as excessive as it does not adequately take cognisance of the diverse responsibilities of NIMASA in a challenging fiscal environment.
He said the proposal, in one of the Bills to amend the NIMASA Act 2007 to strengthen the institution, appears to not recognise the fact that as a public institution regulated by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) and Federal Ministry of Education, the institution would equally be entitled to funds publicly appropriated by the National Assembly every year.
He, however, said the Ministry, because it recognises the crucial role that the institution plays in developing local capacity within the maritime sector, would continue to support the university.
House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, said the Bills aim to ensure the maritime sector of the national economy operates optimally.
