Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has categorically refuted the recent claim made by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), asserting that the agency has acquired three properties in England.

During an interview on a Channels Television program last Friday, Falana accused NIMASA of procuring real estate in the United Kingdom as a means to accumulate dollars. He stated, “NIMASA has just bought three properties in England under this regime.

For what? Just to take out dollars. Please, let us run this country in the interest of our people. We are not a poor country, but the government has managed it in such a way that poverty is in ascendency.”

Falana also addressed the issue of the floating of the naira, describing it as unlawful. He emphasized, “There’s no provision for floating the naira. It’s illegal. You say, ‘The value of the naira will be determined by market forces. That is not there in the law. I’ve had to sue the Central Bank of Nigeria at the Federal High Court because Section 16 of the Central Bank Act has imposed a duty on the Central Bank to fix and determine the rate of the naira vis-a-vis other currency.”

Falana pointed to Section 20(1) of the CBN Act, asserting that only the currency notes issued by the Central Bank, specifically the naira, are considered the official legal tender in Nigeria. He also highlighted Section 20(5) of the Act, which deems it an offense, punishable by six months imprisonment, for anyone to use any other currency in Nigeria without the approval of the central bank.

Addressing the importance of strengthening the naira, Falana suggested that unless government officials take significant steps to solidify the naira’s status as the sole legal tender in Nigeria, the country’s progress could be impeded.

Responding to these allegations, Osagie Edward, the Assistant Director of Public Relations of NIMASA, released a statement on Friday to dispute the claims made by Falana.

Edward clarified, “Our attention has been drawn to the allegation by Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, leveled against the Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, bordering on acquiring three properties in England under this regime.”

Edward unequivocally stated, “We wish to state that there is no truth in the allegations, as NIMASA did not acquire any property in England, as claimed by Femi Falana. Furthermore, the Agency has not acquired any property in any foreign country in over 30 years.”

While acknowledging the right of individuals like Falana to express their views, NIMASA firmly demanded that he take responsibility and retract his claims. The agency also cautioned the public, urging them to verify the

accuracy of information before making it public. The public is advised to disregard the statement by Femi Falana SAN.

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