Dakuku Hails Appeal Court Judgment On NLNG/NIMASA

 

Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has hailed the Appeal Court judgment in the case between the Agency and the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, Limited over levies payable to the maritime regulator, saying it has re-affirmed confidence in the judiciary. 

 

The Court of Appeal in Lagos on Friday set aside an earlier judgment of the Federal High Court, Lagos, which had exempted NLNG from the levies, on the grounds that NIMASA was not given fair hearing at the lower court.

 

 Justice Mohammed Garba, who delivered the judgment, ordered that the case be sent back to the high court for fresh trial under a different judge.

 

Reacting to the ruling, Dakuku said NIMASA remained law abiding and will continue to work closely with the judiciary in matters that need clarity and interpretation.

 

He said: “This judgment has further shown that the judiciary is unbiased and remains a beacon of hope for Nigerians. On our part as a responsible government agency, we will continue to work closely with the judiciary and other stakeholders to ensure that we realise our mandate of creating a robust maritime sector in line with best global practices.

 

“NIMASA and NLNG are neither foes nor competitors. We are corporate cousins working together for the common good of our great country. Judgments like this only serve to strengthen our institutions and ensure greater bonding.”