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
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) unveils “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue” as the theme of her unification conference scheduled for November 13 in Lagos , several prominent personalities in Nigeria’s maritime industry and political landscape have indicated interest to attend.
These include the former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho; Senator Wasiu Eshilokun; former President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Eugene Nweke; and Dr. Kayode Farinto, former Acting National President of ANLCA.
Also participating are key policymakers, heads of maritime agencies, industry leaders, legal practitioners, freight forwarders and other critical stakeholders whose voices cannot be ignored while deliberating on the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barrister Temisan Omatseye, will chair the conference, while the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, will attend as Special Guest of Honour.
Renowned maritime lawyer, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, SAN, will deliver the keynote address at the event which takes place at Airport Hotel, Ikeja.
Discussions will particularly focus on ongoing reforms, infrastructure development and strategic interventions required to strengthen the maritime industry’s contribution to national economic growth.
According to Elder Dele Aderibigbe and Jerry Aguigbo, the NNMJ President and Public Relations Officer respectively, the conference will provide an avenue for constructive engagement among government representatives, maritime professionals and private-sector operators on practical measures to reposition Nigeria’s maritime industry for improved efficiency, productivity and global competitiveness.
Seaport modernisation, rehabilitation and renewal of critical port infrastructure, trade facilitation, ease of doing business, revenue optimisation and strategies for identifying and eliminating financial leakages across the maritime value chain will form key discussion points at the Unity Conference.
Participants will also examine opportunities for expanding Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, generating employment, strengthening maritime safety and security, and enhancing the competitiveness of the nation’s seaports.
The conference is expected to attract heads of government agencies, managing directors of shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, licensed customs agents and other influential stakeholders across the maritime industry.
The Unity Conference also avails stakeholders opportunity to evaluate existing government policies and reforms, identify implementation gaps and recommend sustainable solutions to improve port operations, facilitate legitimate trade, increase government revenue and unlock the vast economic potentials of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The organizers further underscored the strategic importance of maritime journalism in promoting transparency and accountability, providing credible industry analysis and sustaining informed public discourse on government policies, regulatory interventions and reforms affecting the marine and blue economy.
The NNMJ leadership expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen relationships among industry stakeholders, encourage meaningful policy engagement and reinforce collective efforts towards building a more efficient, transparent and globally competitive maritime industry.
Maritime Agencies
AMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the 2026 National Convention and Stakeholders’ engagement of the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) kicks off November 12 – 14, the
body has called for accelerated reforms and development in Nigeria’s maritime capacity training sector to ensure job creation for graduating cadets.
The convention will bring together maritime professionals, policymakers, regulators and shipowners, academics, cadets and other stakeholders for high-level deliberations on the future of the industry.
Speaking during a pre-event briefing in Lagos, Saturday, AMANO President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa described the conference as a platform for policy alignment, innovation and practical solutions as it is more than a re+union of alumni.
This year’s convention, Maiguwa explained, is deliberately focused on moving from talk to action — with emphasis on reforms that can be implemented in maritime education, shipping, port operations, safety and blue economy development.
The convention will also provide an opportunity to introduce newly graduated cadets of MAN, Oron and their lecturers to maritime companies, institutions and stakeholders thus expanding their exposure to professional and employment opportunities.
Maiguwa had at the Academy’s 2026 Cadets Passing-Out Parade last week, urged graduands to embrace networking, professional development and mentorship as essential tools for building successful careers and invited them to the Lagos convention.
As part of its commitment to excellence, AMANO also announced cash awards of ₦150,000 each for Best HND Graduating Cadet and Best ND Graduating Cadet.
Stakeholders say the 2026 convention is coming at a critical time when Nigeria is pushing to unlock its blue economy, modernise its ports, strengthen its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and translate maritime policies into measurable results.
The three-day event is expected to feature keynote addresses, panel sessions, technical workshops, exhibitions and networking sessions, with recommendations to be presented to government and industry for implementation.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigeria Association of Women in Journalism (NAWOJ), Lagos Chapter has honoured veteran journalist, Hajia Hadiza Omowole, as Iconic Woman of the month for November.
This is contained in a release in Lagos jointly signed by Mrs Jumoke Falayi-Johnson and Mrs Anu Thomas, NAWOJ Chairperson and Secretary respectively.
Falayi-Johnson described Omowole as a true beacon of excellence, resilience and compassionate leadership, noting her selfless dedication to mentoring young journalists, empowering grassroots women and advocating gender equity..
Omowole’s tenacity, she stated, dedication to service and visionary leadership beautify the world. She described her as Mother-General whose pioneering spirit leaves indelible mark on journalism profession and society generally.
”Omowole holds Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from University of Benin and Master’s in Media, Culture and Technology from University of Bedfordshire, UK, spanning over three-decade distinguished journalism career.
”The veteran journalist joined News Agency of Nigeria in 1992, rising steadily through editorial ranks serving as Senior Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and now Managing Editor and Head of Lagos Operations,” Falayi-Johnson said.
She noted that beyond editorial leadership, Omowole served two historic terms as National President of NAWOJ from 2014 to 2020, becoming first president re-elected, championing welfare and advancement of women journalists nationwide.
Through community specialist work, counselling and initiatives supporting rural and needy women, Omowole continues to serve as an inspiring pillar of guidance for the association and media industry.
The entire NAWOJ Lagos family celebrates Omowole’s unwavering commitment, pioneering spirit and incredible service to humanity, collectively wishing her more success in journalism, leadership and humanitarian endeavours ahead.
Omowole remained actively involved in institutional engagement, public communication, youth development and advocacy for health, child development and gender equality across Nigeria.
In her remarks, NAWOJ Lagos Secretary, Mrs Anu Thomas, noted that the association proudly recognised outstanding contributions of Omowole to journalism, women empowerment and leadership development in Nigerian media landscape.
Falayi-Johnson reiterated association’s pride in celebrating Omowole, describing her enduring legacy as an inspiration for upcoming female journalists and a testament to excellence in media leadership nationwide.
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.
AMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP: NAWOJ Lagos Honours Omowole, NAN’s Managing Editor.
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Oyetola, Omatseye, Akabogu, Other Dignitaries To Attend Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists Unity Conference in Lagos.
SCAN SUMMIT, 2026: Conversion to Earn Higher Interest Rates, the Bane of the CVFF, Omatseye says.
Dredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
2026 World Maritime Day: Nigeria Subscribes to Safer Waterways and Excellence.
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