Maritime
2022: INERTIA IN THE MARITIME SECTOR BAD OMEN FOR NIGERIA
For Nigeria to overcome the lingering inertia in the maritime sector, government must decisively address the foreign exchange question, neglect of eastern ports, crude oil theft and other matters. Foremost maritime lawyer, Chief EMMANUEL OSUALA NWAGBARA stated this in a chat with IZUCHUKWU OZOEMENA.
Q: As 2022 rushes to end, the persistent inertia in Nigeria’s maritime sector remains a huge worry. What’s your take?
Ans: What happens globally affects Nigeria because she’s a member of the comity of nations. Whether we like it or not, the Russia/Ukraine conflict has a debilitating effect on the global economy including the economy of countries outside Eastern Europe including Nigeria.
In Nigeria, we see that there is a scarcity of foreign exchange right now; the economy is not smiling. This is complicated by government’s failure to take advantage of certain aspects of the implications of the war in Eastern Europe. For instance, while other countries are increasing their crude oil supply at least to meet their OPEC quota, Nigeria has lost on her quota from about 1.8mbd to less than 900mbd as we speak. Nigeria has failed to take advantage of the rise in demand for oil occasioned by the war. Therefore, Nigeria is not doing well in generating forex. That means her economy gets a harder hit with what is happening in Eastern Europe. The cost of importation has also risen. Since Nigeria is not able to take advantage of the war to increase her OPEC quota and is therefore losing revenue, she is spending so much borrowing to finance her imports. Importers are not able to import and this impacts on businesses in the maritime sector.
So, a port that should be bubbling with activities if we had all the forex to import is virtually empty because Nigerians now have to source their forex from the autonomous market which is very expensive.
Another way to look at the inertia in the maritime sector is the failure of the NPA to develop the eastern ports and work with the Navy to ensure security in the eastern ports area. NPA has refused to deepen the channel in the eastern flank. That would have been an opportunity for business boom. Even with low imports into Nigeria, many vessels still queue outside Lagos ports. That will not happen if the eastern ports were given attention and many of the vessels diverted there to discharge and pick cargo. Because of that, there’s no movement or business from the eastern ports to Lagos or vice versa. Even with the vessels that queue up, export business is not booming. Many of our exports go bad before reaching the ports because the access roads are clustered. If NPA is truthful, nothing stops it from diverting all exports to Onne Port which still measures 14+ metres draught.
If a vessel like Lady Jane that came in last April will take about 600 containers of agro products for exports, it means if NPA dedicated Onne Port for exports, there will be lots of movement. It means other interests will come in to invest in the waterways so that containers can go from Lagos to Onne, Port Harcourt, Calabar, etc. There will be more push from NPA and security agencies to collaborate for security on the waterways at all times.
Q: Federal Government is yet to convince all that politics is not the main reason the eastern ports are still suffering neglect. Do you agree?
Ans: When you refuse to do what you should do to spread development, it is likely to have a political undertone. Let us starve this section of the country of development. That is what we are saying that should not exist in Nigeria’s maritime sector because it’s all negative when you fail to do the right thing. If the economy is smiling because the eastern ports are busy, it means less restiveness from that area.
It is wrong political decisions by regulatory agencies that are keeping the economy down. Politics should not be brought into businesses that create development. Port development is strictly commerce. It is better Nigeria develops all ports as any city with a port has no business with poverty. We should not bring politics to ports development.
Q: Is it right that instead of adequately empowering security agencies to protect oil pipelines, government is contracting the job to non-state actors?
Ans: It is an acceptance by government that confidence in the security agencies has been eroded. This means self-indictment. Why should that be? I do not share the idea that locals should be excluded from protecting our national assets such as oil pipelines and installations that pass through their territory. What we need is a healthy relationship between the security agencies and the indigenes. Government should do everything possible to promote good livelihood of the locals so as to earn their cooperation with the security agencies to protect the oil installations. Government should go back to the drawing board, look at positions people have taken over what is happening to the oil pipelines and address the issues holistically. Various organizations in the locality should work with security agencies to ensure that the pipelines are protected.
Maritime Agencies
Dredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has distanced itself from a report entitled ‘Dredgers Association Appeals to Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Extortion, Urges Governor to Call Alebiosu, Cardozo to Order’, published on October 23, 2026 by some online blogs.
In a disclaimer jointly signed by Batare Akpomejero and Richard Ntan, National President and Secretary respectively, the Association categorically stated that the publication is fake and could not have originated from its National Leadership or any authorised organ of the dredgers’ body.
DAN clarified that it neither authorised, approved nor issued any petition or press release accusing Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Lagos State, and Mr. Cardozo of harassment, intimidation or extortion of dredgers and tipper operators.
The Association further stated that it had no record of the alleged impounding of trucks and demand for ₦500,000 as reported in the publication, adding that it completely dissociated itself from the claims.
Reaffirming its relationship with the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, DAN described its engagement with the government and the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development as cordial and collaborative.
On matters relating to dredging regulations and the interpretation of Supreme Court judgments concerning shoreline authority, the Association explained that discussions were being pursued through appropriate institutional channels and dialogue with relevant federal and state authorities, rather than through media confrontations.
Consequently, DAN has disclaimed the report in its entirety, urging the public, the Lagos State Government, Hon. Alebiosu and other stakeholders to disregard the publication as a statement issued on behalf of the Association.
DAN also expressed regret over any embarrassment, inconvenience or reputational damage the publication may have caused the Lagos State Government, the Honourable Commissioner and other officials mentioned.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lawful, sustainable and collaborative dredging operations across Nigeria, while maintaining constructive engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is committed to translate maritime policies into practical results as part of efforts to ensure safer waterways, reliable infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.
NIWA Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Yusuf Girei made the commitment while congratulating stakeholders in his goodwill message during the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration.
This year’s celebration whose theme was“From policy to practice: Powering excellence,” has in attendance was graced the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, FSM, MCIPM; Chairperson and Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Mfon Usoro; Directors and Heads of Departments, CEOs of Parastatals under the Ministry, members of the diplomatic corps, industry stakeholders and the media.

“This year’s theme,” Alhaji Girei said, “reminds us that strong policies create value only when they are translated into meaningful action. In the maritime sector, that means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services that support trade and economic growth.”

He noted that NIWA remains committed to working with State Governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, modernise facilities and protect the waterways on which many livelihoods depend.
Speaking about excellence in the maritime sector, he described it as a shared responsibility that requires skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and a culture that places safety and sustainability at the heart of operations.

“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” he added.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary and all stakeholders whose commitment keeps the maritime industry moving, and urged participants to turn shared ambition into practical results.
The celebration peaked when Alhaji Girei joined in the award presentation for the Primary School Children’s Essay Competition category sponsored by NIWA. The first position went to Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, who won N200,000 cash and a laptop computer. The second position went to Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, who received N150,000 and a laptop computer, while the third position went to Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, who received N100,000 cash and a laptop computer.
On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of NIWA, he wished all stakeholders a successful World Maritime Day celebration.
Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF President, Chief Ezisi, Visits PTML Customs, Urges Deepened Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has given kudos to the Controller of the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller N. I. Miko, for the support extended to freight forwarders at PTML, enjoining him to sustain the tempo and assist the NAGAFF chapter to deepen the relationship for mutual benefits.
Chief Ezisi made the commendation, Thursday, when he led the association’s high command on a familiarization visit to the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the PTML Command.
Ezisi who used the opportunity to welcome the CAC to the Customs Command also introduced the newly-elected executive of the NAGAFF PTML Chapter democratically elected to manage its affairs for the next four years.
Describing NAGAFF as a law-abiding organisation which has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Customs Service, Chief Ezisi stressed the importance of collaboration, compliance and professionalism in facilitating legitimate trade.
He urged Miko to maintain open communication with the chapter’s leadership and whenever disagreements or operational challenges arose, the national leadership would intervene where necessary to resolve issues.
As in other large organisations, Ezisi acknowledged, members with different dispositions and approaches to matters populate NAGAFF and managing them and their differences remains the hallmark of effective leadership at all times.
He also told the CAC that as a body, NAGAFF has in place an active special intervention outfit, a compliance team with guiding slogan, “If you see something, say something.” This body monitors the activities of her members and other freight forwarders who willingly subvert compliance standards in the line of duties.
NAGAFF, he explained, is a non-profit association of freight forwarders whose headquarters relies on the contributions and activities of its chapters to fulfill its responsibilities to the industry.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko, assured NAGAFF members of the Command’s continued cooperation. He described the relationship between Customs officers and freight forwarders at the terminal as very cordial and will always be, going forward.
Miko recalled NAGAFF’s organizational structure, describing it as impressive, particularly the commitment to training and capacity development of members through the NAGAFF Academy .
The PTML Command would continue to support freight forwarders, the CAC pledged as Customs officers and industry operators would continue to deepen the existing harmony and cooperation in the workplace.
He assured that the Command would continue engaging terminal operators on the need to improve the working environment for both Customs officers and freight forwarders.
Miko encouraged freight forwarders to report any shortcomings in the conduct of Customs officers, assuring them that the command would take feedback seriously and work towards improvement.
He also urged stakeholders to acknowledge good performance, emphasising that constructive engagement, mutual respect and collaboration were essential to effective operations.
He reaffirmed his management’s readiness to sustain the healthy relationship with the association and other stakeholders.
Giving a vote of thanks, NAGAFF’s Vice President (Headquarters), Simeon Nwonu, expressed pleasure of the assurance of a continued cordial relationship and accessibility stakeholders associate CAC Miko with right from the Apapa Command.
He thanked Comptroller Miko for the warm reception, expressing confidence that NAGAFF members operating at PTML would benefit from continued engagement.
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