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
PORTBIZNESS Celebrates Excellence in Customer Service Delivery, Holds Special Awards Night
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Popular media outfit, Portbuziness, is set to thrill the maritime and business community on Lagos come June, 2025, in an award event tagged the Distinguished Customer Service Appreciation Night.
The event is to showcase and appreciate exceptional corporate organizations and individuals who have made a mark in various fields of business endeavour.
The Award will feature a series of thought-provoking discussions and receptions to celebrate corporate organisations and individuals that are placing measurable value on people, societies and the nation in general.
In a release by James Shodiya, the Convener and MD/CEO, Portbizness, the DCS Awards & Recognitions is one unique event that will bring together brands and persons from different walks of life under one platform to examine the importance of offering quality service delivery to customers and clients under the theme: Standard & Satisfactory Service Delivery in a Challenged Economy.
The Portbizness boss stressed that the DCS Awards & Recognition is considered the Gold Standard for Corporate organisations and individuals who have gone above and beyond in offering exceptional service delivery in different areas of business.
The event, Shodiya added, will be attended by the most innovative and high-impact Corporate Organisations and nominees will be evaluated through strict observations and recommendations by authorities in various business sectors.
The event which takes place at the popular Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, will feature top brands in Telecoms, Maritime, Pharmaceuticals and Food & Beverages. Others are Transportation & Logistics, Real Estate, Hospitality, etc.
Captains of industry, Chief Executives of Companies , Government Agencies and customer service experts are expected to grace the occasion.
Gold Sponsors for the event include Trucks Transit Parks Ltd and Global Transport Policy.
Maritime Agencies
Kebbi Customs Command Introduces Health Screening, Mandatory Sports To Ensure Work-life Balance
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In a renewed effort to promote healthy living and wellness of men and officers, a factor that contributes to operational fitness, increased productivity and morale in the workplace, the Kebbi State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently took giant steps to re-introduce routine medical check-ups and mandatory weekly fitness exercises.
The first phase of the physical wellness initiative being promoted by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Chidi Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, aims to promote a work-life balance within the Service.
The programme which the CAC flagged off Thursday at the Command’s premises in Birnin Kebbi saw officers and men of the Command participating in a series of health screening and sporting activities. These included football, basketball, and table tennis all aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle among Customs officers in order to make them fit to carry out their responsibilities.
Speaking at the event, Comptroller Nwokorie reiterated the importance of regular health check-up to determine the physical fitness of men and officers. This is required for them to maintain the alertness and effectiveness
required for Customs duties. He noted that the exercise is not meant to be seen as a burden or an obligation imposed on officers. It is rather a proactive measure put in place to ensure optimal health status which impacts productivity and effectiveness.
Going forward, the Controller stated, medical examinations would be conducted fortnightly, while physical exercise sessions would be held every week without fail. The objective is to strengthen the resilience, agility, and general health of personnel tasked with enforcing Nigeria’s trade laws and combating illicit smuggling activities across the nation’s borders.
The activities concluded with officers engaging in various forms of sports and recreational games, reinforcing camaraderie and team spirit within the Command. This is essential for building a cohesive team that can work together effectively to achieve its goals.
The Kebbi Command’s renewed focus on health and physical fitness comes at a time when security agencies are under pressure to meet growing national border security expectations and anti-smuggling enforcement. By prioritizing the health and well-being of its officers, the Command is demonstrating its commitment to their success.
The Kebbi Customs Command’s initiative, observers say, serves as a model for other security agencies. By prioritizing the health and well-being of officers, agencies can improve their performance and overall effectiveness.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
For posting an impressive revenue performance, the Ogun II Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has been specifically commended with a firm pledge to address operational challenges she is grappling with.
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, made this known, Wednesday, during a working tour of the Command Headquarters in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Bisi Alade described the CGC’s visit as a morale booster for the command’s officers and men.
“Your presence here today Sir,” he remarked, “is not only encouraging but also a strong indication of your commitment to every arm of the Service.”
“It has uplifted the spirit of our officers and reinforced our resolve to deliver on the Service’s mandate with renewed vigour.”
Comptroller Alade disclosed that between January and April, 2025, the Ogun II Command generated a total revenue of ₦15.191 billion, representing a 40 per cent increase compared to the ₦9.165 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2024.
The Ogun II Command, he stated, oversees three Free Trade Zones, 67 excise factories, and one bonded terminal, making it a strategic revenue-generating and industrial oversight zone within the Nigeria Customs Service architecture.
“We shall continue to remain focused, disciplined, and professional in the discharge of our duties, while aligning with the CGC’s reform agenda,” he reaffirmed
The CAC drew attention to several challenges facing the Command, including inadequate operational vehicles, medical laboratory equipment at the Command’s clinic and the need to renovate two 30-man rank-and-file quarters. Others are improved borehole facilities and the installation of a solar power system for the office complex.
In response, CGC Adeniyi commended the Command’s performance and assured that the Service Headquarters would consider the issues raised. He urged officers to prioritise continuous professional development, stressing that competence, knowledge and dedication are essential to enable them to effectively discharge the Service’s responsibilities.
The CGC also praised Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, for leveraging the state’s strategic location as Nigeria’s industrial gateway, particularly in light of its shared border with the Republic of Benin.
“Ogun State is a strategic location in Nigeria, and the Governor is clearly repositioning the state for industrial growth,” Adeniyi remarked.
CGC Adeniyi assured the government and people of Ogun State that the Nigeria Customs Service remains a committed partner in driving the nation’s economic prosperity. He further encouraged Comptroller Alade to deepen collaboration with other security agencies and the state government to achieve
shared goals.
PORTBIZNESS Celebrates Excellence in Customer Service Delivery, Holds Special Awards Night
Kebbi Customs Command Introduces Health Screening, Mandatory Sports To Ensure Work-life Balance
CG Adeniyi Commends Ogun II Command for Massive Revenue Increase.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoContainer Movement To Seaports: NPA Meets With APM Terminals, Shipping Lines, for Coordination.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoCG Adeniyi Commends Ogun II Command for Massive Revenue Increase.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoPORTBIZNESS Celebrates Excellence in Customer Service Delivery, Holds Special Awards Night
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoKebbi Customs Command Introduces Health Screening, Mandatory Sports To Ensure Work-life Balance