Maritime Agencies
TAAM CONFERENCE 5.0: Expert Tasks FG On Local Capacity Development In Shipping
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Notable maritime personality and former President, African Ship Owners Association, Barr Temisan Omatseye, has strongly deplored the situation whereby in this time and age,
foreign interests still control about 98% of Nigeria’s cargo resources in terms of shipment of export and import especially oil and gas cargo, leaving a paltry 2% for indigenous operators.
He reminds the Federal Government that this anomaly has been allowed to persist despite the abundant maritime potentials and human capabilities Nigerians possess.
Omatseye, the former Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), stated this in Lagos, Friday, while delivering a keynote address at the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference put together by the SIFAX Group in league with the Maritime Forum of the University of Lagos.
He spoke on the topic ‘Measurable Standards In The Nigerian Maritime Industry:Forging A Path Towards Sustainable Shipping’.
Omatseye reminded the audience that as a major maritime nation, Nigeria has in excess of 90sq kilometres of ocean waters, 850 nautical miles of coastlines and over 4,000kilometres of inland waterways and eight seaports, which make her a rich and great maritime nation.
Following the monopoly of operations which the Federal Government allows foreign liners in lifting and importing cargo, he regretted, indigenous shipping firms have become depressed and incapacitated; foreign liners now enjoy a field day, imposing all manner of arbitrary freight and sundry charges on Nigeria-bound cargo to the disadvantage of Nigeria, her economy and her people.
One way this problem can be addressed, he said, is for the Federal Government to commence with despatch what he calls a Fleet Replacement Programme to enable indigenous shipping lines acquire modern vessels that meet current technology and global acceptance in shipping.
“One of the quickest ways to achieving this is through the immediate disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, CVFF, which has accrued since 2004 from 2% of every contract awarded under the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act 2003.”
He was emphatic that no reason should further delay the disbursement of the fund through implementable regulations at this time to serve the purpose for which it was created.
As a matter of urgency, he added, government should begin to grant national carrier status to indigenous shipping companies as provided for in section 36 of the NIMASA Act, 2007, which statutorily empowers such national carriers to lift all project cargoes belonging to the Federal, State and Local Governments in the country. Government, he suggested, must begin to operationalize Nigerian laws in order to discourage foreigners from intimidating indigenous operators.
He called for the establishment of more deepsea ports and ship repair and building infrastructure in designated free trade zones.
“The establishment of Shipping Free Trade Zones which would create Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) is necessary at this point. To achieve this, the government should put measures in place for the optimal functioning of the Ajokuta Rolling Mill for the large quantities of steel products that would be required”.
A deliberate policy for manpower training and tax-free remittances of seamen, he said, is desirable even as welders with international certification should be trained in Nigeria. Marine architects, nautical engineers and the like must be locally trained to design local vessels that meet global standards in terms of quality and specifications.
Omatseye strongly recommended that the Lagos anchorage be made an international shipping hub by providing dedicated areas for bunker operations.
The Federal Government should work with her training institutions to design international LNG bunker operations while a fleet development programme will enhance the construction of new-build vessels to run on both diesel and natural gas.
At the event, Chairman of the SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi who was represented by Bode Ojeniyi, the Managing Director, Sky Capital (a subsidiary of the SIFAX Group) noted that the days of over-reliance on oil for Nigeria’s economic sustenance were over, especially given the uncertainties in the global oil and gas market as well as the rising need for cleaner sources of energy. This makes it imperative that potentials the country’s maritime sector has to offer are urgently exploited.
“Looking carefully at the theme of this year’s conference,” Afolabi stated, “you will discover that it is an ambitious one, as we are looking beyond positioning in Africa. Judging by the potential of the industry, we are of the opinion and belief that Nigeria’s maritime industry can rank among the best in the world. It will only take careful planning, progressive policies, generous funding, enabling environment, friendly economic policies, manpower development and massive infrastructural development.”
“A good foundation for sustainable growth and positioning we earnestly crave has been laid. The sector has professionally-run government agencies including the Nigerian Ports Authority, NIMASA and the Nigerian Shippers Council that have contributed significantly to the growth that we already have.”
Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh who was represented by
the Director of Internal Audit, Mrs. Olamide Odusanya, observed that
the theme of this year’s event is in sync with the vision of the agency to remain a leading Maritime Administration in Africa.
He said that NIMASA is committed to her core functions of ensuring safety and security of lives, cargo and even the vessels within the country’s maritime domain while also not losing focus of her shipping development functions as well.
Maritime Agencies
Industry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), in conjunction with Portbizness News is set to host the second edition of her annual Trans-border International Trade Discourse in Badagry.
According to a statement jointly issued by James Shodiya, the Project Director, and Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, the President of BACCIMA,
the conference slated for December 12 and 13 takes place by 2pm each day. Venue is Sycomore Hotel & Suites, Ajara, Badagry, Lagos.
It is designed to discuss actionable strategies to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance competitiveness within the framework of the Continental trade agreements such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA).
The organizers note that in an increasingly interconnected global economy, Cross-Border Trade has become a critical vehicle to deliver regional growth, economic integration and sustainable development.
But in Nigeria, trans-border trade continues to grapple with numerous challenges such as tariff and non-tariff barriers, infrastructure gaps, inconsistent government policies and limited access to funds.
”Against this backdrop, Portbizness News is partnering with the foremost Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines & Agriculture ( BACCIMA) to host the 2025 edition of its
PORTS & TRANS-BORDER INT”L TRADE DISCOURSE – a high level Platform that brings together policy makers, trade practitioners, business leaders, researchers and development partners to discuss challenges and opportunities in promoting seamless trade across borders.”
The event’s theme is ‘Bridging Borders, Building National Prosperity and Strengthening Regional Trade’. Day 1 covers Lecture, Discourse and Gala Night, while Day 2 will feature a Delegates’ Excursion to Tourist Destinations.
Chairman of the event is Hon (Dr) Segun Musa, Chairman/Chief Consultant, Global Transport Policy while Dr. Azeez A. Mustapha and Mr Kola Awe, Chairman, NACCIMA Export Group are the keynote speakers .
Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, Executive Chairman, Badagry Local Government is the Special Guest of Honour while Alhaji Olanrewaju Akeem, MD/CEO, Taloid Group of Companies will be Father of the Day.
Mother of the Day will be Comrade Onome Monije, ANLCA PRO, Tincan Chapter.
Maritime Agencies
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
A change of guards took place Thursday at the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, with Comptroller Godwin Otunla, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), handing over to Deputy Controller Oladapo Afeni on acting capacity. The change in leadership is sequel to a directive from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Adewale Adeniyi.
The Command’s image maker, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, disclosed this in a press statement.
At the handing-over ceremony, the image maker stated, the new Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs for reposing confidence in him and pledged to advance and deepen ongoing reforms in trade facilitation, revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.
Describing the Ogun I Command as a strategic gateway to the nation’s economy and a critical line of defence against illicit cross-border activities, DC Afeni stated that he was aware of the unique operational challenges available.
“It is a great honour to assume the leadership of Ogun I. I am fully aware of the vast and sensitive terrain of this Command and its importance to national security”.
He pledged to consolidate on the gains of his predecessors as he strives to deepen continuous improvement in efficiency, enforcement, intelligence-led operations, stakeholder collaboration and community relations.
He further emphasised his commitment to deepening inter-agency cooperation, suppressing smuggling to the barest minimum and prioritising the welfare and professional growth of officers under his watch.
DC Afeni, an accomplished administrator with nearly two decades of service, holds a B.Tech in Industrial Design from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and Strategic Studies from the University of Lagos. His professional training spans conflict management, international negotiation, strategic leadership and rural border patrol operations. He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and a fellow of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (Chartered).
In his valedictory speech earlier, the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, described his tenure as challenging yet fulfilling. He highlighted strides made under him in curbing smuggling, enhancing trade facilitation and improving personnel welfare. He noted that strengthened inter-agency collaboration under his leadership significantly boosted security within the Command’s area of responsibility.
He expresseed confidence that DC Afeni would consolidate on his achievements and lead the Command to greater heights.
Maritime Agencies
Shippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr Pius Ukeyima Akutah has given a guarantee to maritime industry players, particularly shippers, that with a new approach to maritime development being championed by the Council preparatory to the passage of a new ports regulation Act to constitutionally bestow on her the status of the ports economic regulator, a law very important in dealing with all elements of their concerns has been packaged.
Dr Akutah spoke, Thursday, at the sidelines of the 10th Annual Law Week 2025, a colourful event organized by the Nigerian Bar Association, Badagry Branch, at the Gbajabiamila Conference, Centre Lagos State University, Ojo, where he was specially invested as ‘Honorary Life Member of the Heritage Bar’.
”I guarantee Nigerians and, particularly, the maritime sector players, that that law, when it comes into force, is going to protect their investment; is going to set up the standards that everyone will follow, to provide predictability of investment in the sector. So, investors will no longer be afraid of putting their money in that sector because they will be sure that their money will need investment results and returns. So it’s a law that we are waiting for, and I know that the law is meant for the good of the maritime sector in Nigeria.”
He explained that the 1978 decree, now CAPN 133 of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act, is totally a spent law.
“It’s of no use whatsoever in the maritime sector”, he stated.
” We have a new approach to maritime development, and we should have a law that is very important to deal with all the elements that will come up for a regulator like the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.”
”That piece of legislation is very crucial for us to proceed. And I want to thank the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate President for giving attention to that bill when it came before them, and the Minister of Justice for also looking into it. So the two challenges we faced after the bill was passed, those have been cleaned up already, and the bill is back into the National Assembly for a process that will lead to a final assent by Mr. President .
Reacting to suggestions on the need for alternative disputes resolution in maritime matters, Akutah, a lawyer and technocrat of high repute, advocated that the mechanism be made very effective and efficient in tackling maritime disputes.
”Over the years, this has been advocated but not so much has been done yet. But a lot is going on. Even in the court reforms, we have the Admiralty jurisdiction of the Federal High Court which fast-tracks these processes. But yet again, because of certain unforeseen factors in the administration of justice, sometimes those delays are imminent and you can’t help it. But then the issue of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms is very crucial.
He recalled handling the case of a vessel, ‘Heroic Idiom’ as a prosecutor at the Federal Ministry of Justice, securing an out-of-court dispute resolution before being seconded to the Nigerian Shippers Council as Executive Secretary. The vessel, he explained, was accosted in Equatorial Guinea and brought back to Nigeria.
”I was a prosecutor in the case at that time before I left the Ministry of Justice. And then, if I must say, there are some other reforms going on in the Nigerian Shippers Council today. One major reform is in the area of law reform.”
He explained that at the Nigerian Shippers Council, there is a unit that is dedicated to handling maritime disputes.
”I will say that last year alone, that unit was able to resolve cases that would have cost over 6 billion in legal fees and damages and delays and all of that in maritime disputes. So we are doing everything possible to ensure that that mechanism is promoted over and against court resolution of matters so that before any case can go to court, let’s try arbitration. Let’s try any other alternative dispute resolution mechanism that are available to us in the sector..”
”Even in the Ministry of Justice where I was a prosecutor, certain cases were resolved without necessarily going to court. The courts are there. They are actually the last resort.
”When all resolution mechanisms fail, then you can approach the courts because they are statutory institutions to resolve disputes. But that doesn’t mean that individuals cannot resolve disputes by themselves, especially commercial disputes where money is involved, investments are involved in it.
So if you tie down your investments for 10 years, pursuing a legal battle in court, by the time you come back that investment has been dissipated to almost nothing. So we encourage alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to be applied first in handling maritime disputes. Majority of them are commercial disputes, not criminal cases, so to say.
Even in criminal cases, there is room for parties to settle, especially, like I said, where there is a commercial element in it and money is involved. If the parties have agreed to sort out their differences, why do you proceed to court? So this is very important.
Industry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.
Shippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
MMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
MARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
Oyetola, Iheanacho, To Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Launch MARAN’s New Book
IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
MAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
MAN: Only A NASS Review Can Convert It To A Conventional University, Governing Council Warns.
MAN, ORON, Charges Graduating Cadets To Uphold Academy’s Core Values.
Customs Embraces OSS, A Special Platform, To Deepen Trade Facilitation
MARAN Launches Major Industry Publication In December
PTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
Apapa Customs Unveils ECTS To Deepen Trade Facilitation, Boost Revenue And National Security.I
BADAGRY: Customs Broker Deplores Role of Unapproved Checkpoints As Baggage Maritime Magazine Celebrates
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
Photo News: Salah Celebration
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoIMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOyetola, Iheanacho, To Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Launch MARAN’s New Book
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoMARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoShippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoMMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
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Maritime Agencies5 days agoOGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.