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.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Come September 10, 2026, top government officials, industry leaders and maritime stakeholders will converge to discuss and chart a new course for the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
The event being put together by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria
(MARAN) to mark her MARAN Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL) holds at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme: “Nigerian Ports Modernisation, Charges and the Competitiveness Question.”
The event is expected to provide a high-level platform for discussions on the reforms needed to make Nigerian ports more efficient, cost-effective and globally competitive.
Deliberations, the organizers say, will focus on key issues affecting the nation’s maritime industry. These include port infrastructure modernisation, operational efficiency, port charges, trade facilitation and policy reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, will attend as the Special Guest of Honour, highlighting the Federal Government’s commitment to deepen reforms in the maritime and blue economy sectors.
The keynote address will be delivered by Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU). She is expected to outline the Federal Government’s policy direction and the role of coordinated reforms in improving port efficiency, attracting investment and driving economic growth.
MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, disclosed that the lecture will be chaired by TANTITA Security Services Limited. He said the event will bring together government officials, maritime agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies, port users, investors, academics, development partners and media practitioners for robust discussions on the future of Nigeria’s port industry.
Onigbinde noted that MAMAL has earned a reputation as one of the maritime sector’s foremost policy dialogue platforms, providing stakeholders with the opportunity to exchange ideas, build partnerships and recommend practical solutions to challenges confronting the industry.
He added that this year’s lecture is expected to generate actionable recommendations on reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, improving operational efficiency, enhancing investor confidence and accelerating Nigeria’s quest to become a preferred maritime and logistics hub in the sub-region.
MARAN has therefore called on stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to participate actively in the event, describing MAMAL 2026 as a strategic forum for shaping policies and partnerships that will drive sustainable growth, competitiveness and innovation in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF Tasks Bonded Terminals To Suspend All Illegal Fees Collections, Refund N178m.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has called for immediate suspension and refund of illegal tolls and charges allegedly being collected from freight forwarders at some bonded terminals in Lagos.
The demand is contained in a notice by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, National Coordinator of the Compliance Team, addressed to managers of bonded terminals operating under the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone A, Lagos.
In the notice, NAGAFF gave the affected terminals seven days to provide documentary evidence of the legal authority backing the disputed charges or face possible regulatory and legal action.
The association alleged that some bonded terminals, alongside individuals purportedly acting on behalf of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), have been imposing additional charges on imported containers and cargo handling separate from statutory fees payable to relevant government agencies.
According to NAGAFF, the alleged charges are as high as $3,000 for a 20-foot container and $6,000 for a 40-foot container. The Association says more than ₦178 million has so far been collected from its members under the disputed charges.
NAGAFF explained that it had repeatedly requested evidence of lawful authorisation for the collections, including gazettes, approved tariffs and other regulatory instruments, but these have not been provided.
The association also questioned the transparency of the collections, citing what it described as the absence of official receipts issued by relevant regulatory authorities, published tariffs or legal notices establishing the charges.
Continuous collection of the disputed fees, the Association argues, amounts to an unlawful restriction on trade facilitation even as it imposes additional financial burdens on freight forwarders operating through the affected terminals.
NAGAFF therefore demands an immediate halt to the collection of the disputed charges and the refund of all sums it considers to have been unlawfully collected from its members.
It further requests that where a refund cannot be made immediately, the affected terminals submit a written proposal for reconciliation and refund within a seven-day period.
The association warns that failure to meet its demands could trigger further regulatory and legal measures including petitions to relevant government agencies, moves to shut down affected bonded terminals and legal proceedings to protect the interests of its members.
NAGAFF also called on the Managing Director of the NPA to make available relevant instruments prohibiting the collection of association dues within ports and terminal areas.
Specifically, the association requested access to a purported NPA port order and a Lagos High Court order relating to the payment of such dues, saying the documents would help clarify the regulatory position on the disputed collections.
NAGAFF insists that all charges imposed on freight forwarders and cargo owners within the port and terminal environment should have clear legal and regulatory backing for the sake of transparency.
Such transparency and accountability, the Association says, were necessary to promote efficient trade facilitation and protect freight forwarders and cargo owners from what it described as unjustified financial burdens within the maritime sector.
The notice was copied to the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), port managers, as well as the Founder and National President of NAGAFF.
Maritime Agencies
CGC Restates Position on Illicit Arms, Unveils Intercepted Weapons and Drugs Worth N373m
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, has restated the resolve of the Service to stop at nothing to identify, track, arrest, and prosecute every individual connected to criminal enterprises as Nigeria’s ports will never be safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics or other prohibited goods.
The CGC made the vow in Lagos, Thursday, during a press conference at the Tincan Island Port Command to unveil a container bearing parts of pump-action rifles alongside the seizure of two 40-footer containers laden with cannabis-infused products concealed among imported goods.
The operations, he explained, underscore the unwavering commitment of the Customs shield Nigeria’s borders from prohibited importations that threaten national security and public health.
”On 8 July 2026, Container No. TEMU 184536/9 arrived at Tincan Island Port aboard MV VELIKA and was flagged through our intelligence-driven risk management system for enhanced monitoring. Acting on credible intelligence, officers placed the container under surveillance and subsequently subjected it to a detailed physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station.
The examination uncovered concealed crates containing knocked-down components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles, which are currently undergoing detailed technical examination and inventory to determine the exact quantity and configuration recovered.”
”Investigations extended beyond the seizure. On 31 July 2026, one suspect was arrested at Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container. Documentary evidence, financial records, and telecommunications analysis established his connection with the named consignee, including a ₦10,000 payment received from a company account linked to the consignee on the day of his arrest. Two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively pursued.”
”In a separate enforcement operation, officers intercepted two 40-foot containers conveying illicit cannabis-infused products concealed alongside two used vehicles, two used pumping generators, rolls of blue polypropylene spunbond fabric, new tubular batteries, and thunder arrester cables.
”The seizures include: 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies (8,720 pieces; 17.44kg) valued at ₦308,792,640.
125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies (740 packs; 515.2kg) valued at ₦40,700,000.
73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies (442 packs; 309.4kg) valued at ₦24,310,000.
The combined street value of all illicit substances seized is ₦373,802,640.”
He described the interceptions as strategic and worrisome because they demonstrate the growing sophistication of transnational criminal networks who exploit legitimate trade channels to traffic illicit weapons and dangerous narcotic products. The interceptions also reaffirm the effectiveness of the Nigeria Customs Service’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk profiling systems, and strong inter-agency collaboration.
CGC Adeniyi gave kudos to officers and men of the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for being vigilant, professional and dedicated.
He also appreciated the continued support of sister security and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the nation.
”I assure Nigerians that the Service remains resolute in securing our borders, facilitating legitimate trade and preventing the importation of prohibited and dangerous goods. We encourage members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support our efforts against smuggling and transnational organised crime.”
”We will continue to keep the public informed as investigations progress and prosecutions commence.”
Key Industry Stakeholders To Focus on Ports Competitiveness as MARAN Hosts MAMAL.
NAGAFF Tasks Bonded Terminals To Suspend All Illegal Fees Collections, Refund N178m.
CGC Restates Position on Illicit Arms, Unveils Intercepted Weapons and Drugs Worth N373m
Topfield College Clinches Overall Position as Customs’ WASA Sports Event ends in Lagos.
ECTS: PTML Customs Mounts an Awareness Campaign
AfCFTA: Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin To Establish Joint Customs Strategic Steering Committee on Beitbridge Communique.
TRANSQuest MAGAZINE @ 21: With Huge Maritime Endowments, Stakeholders Warn, Nigeria Can’t be Poor, Government Must Realign Her Priorities.
CSR: Customs CG Hosts Apapa Students in Sports, Pledges Sponsorship for Outstanding Young Athletes.
Disaster Imminent in Apapa as Widening Cracks Overtake Liverpool-Marine Road Junction. ………. Stakeholders Send SOS to Government.
Tochukwu Ezisi, NAGAFF President, Bags RATTAWU’s Logistics Excellence Award.
Oyetola Vows to Strengthen Local Capacity, Innovation, Responsible Investments As STARZS Celebrates 40th Anniversary.
NCDMB Hails STARZS @ 40, Reiterates Objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010.
OPERATION WHIRLWIND: Customs Auctions 20,500 Litres Of Confiscated PMS, NMDPRA Warns Against Products Diversion.
Jumoke Oduwole, Industry, Trade and Investments Minister, Commends STARZS at 40, Tasks African Trade Ministers on AfCFTA.
Apapa Port Customs Seizes Cannabis Sativa Worth over N26.5bn
STARZS INVESTMENTS COMPANY LTD: 40 Years of Private Indigenous Initiative, Shaping Nigeria’s Maritime Future.
ABUJA MoU: WE FUNCTION BEHIND A MASK, says Capt Umoren
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
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
JANUARY-MAY REPORT: Seme Customs Hits N2.6bn, Facilitates ₦35.1bn Exports.
HALF YEAR, 2024: Apapa Customs Nets ₦1.024 Trillion, Records 143% Increase.
B’Odogwu: Apapa Customs Collects ₦161b in 3 Weeks, Assures of Improvements .
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
Photo News: Salah Celebration
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
Mama Theresa Enisuoh Due For Burial April 27
Adesuwa Ladoja Becomes MD/CEO, Lagos Free Zone.
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
-
News2 weeks agoDisaster Imminent in Apapa as Widening Cracks Overtake Liverpool-Marine Road Junction. ………. Stakeholders Send SOS to Government.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTochukwu Ezisi, NAGAFF President, Bags RATTAWU’s Logistics Excellence Award.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoCSR: Customs CG Hosts Apapa Students in Sports, Pledges Sponsorship for Outstanding Young Athletes.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoECTS: PTML Customs Mounts an Awareness Campaign
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoTRANSQuest MAGAZINE @ 21: With Huge Maritime Endowments, Stakeholders Warn, Nigeria Can’t be Poor, Government Must Realign Her Priorities.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoAfCFTA: Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin To Establish Joint Customs Strategic Steering Committee on Beitbridge Communique.
-
Maritime Agencies1 week agoTopfield College Clinches Overall Position as Customs’ WASA Sports Event ends in Lagos.
-
Maritime Agencies3 days agoCGC Restates Position on Illicit Arms, Unveils Intercepted Weapons and Drugs Worth N373m