Maritime Agencies
ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED, UNREGULATED FISHING: Omatseye Advocates Strict Surveillance of EEZ.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
There is need for a total satellite coverage of Nigeran waters, including the expansive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), to regularly monitor fisheries and fishing activities real time. This will discourage illegal fishing and foreign poachers who illegally invade Nigerian waters to deplete fishes therein.
Temi Omatseye, former Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, stated this, Thursday, while contributing to discussions at a breakfast maritime business roundtable on fishing and fisheries organized in Lagos by Zoe Maritime Resources Ltd. He advocated that for proper harnessing of fisheries and associated resources, a new Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs should be created instead of domiciling it in the Ministry of Agriculture.
Speaking on the topic “Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF)”, President, Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NIOA), Mrs. Benedette Okonkwo, deplored the drastic reduction in the number of fishing vessels in Nigeria from 250 in 1983 to only 150 presently.The menace of IUU fishing in Nigeria, she explained, has led to the depletion of fishing trawlers in the country by more than 100 industrial fishing vessels in the last two decades.
She asked the Federal Government to enact decisive and enforceable legislations to grow the fishing industry to compliment strides being recorded under the Blue Economy.
“NITOA has been involved in industrial fishing activities in Nigeria since 1986 when some notable Nigerians initiated the idea of having a unified body to represent its members on issues of mutual interest with a combined fleet of over 250 vessels and over twenty fishing companies which had drastically reduced to 150 vessels with about five presently struggling to survive.”
“There is the need to establish Fisheries Terminal here in Lagos where about 95% of the industrial fishing operators are based. Furthermore government should do well to resuscitate the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) Scheme to make it more robust workable and transparent”.
Trawler owners, she lamented, are overburdened by overzealous government agencies overseeing sea fishing. This is detrimental to the growth of an industry that should be a veritable source of local fish supply and foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria.
It is on record that with a population of about 140 million local demand for fish far outweighs the supply. This means that there is constant demand for fish and fish products which should keep the local fishing industry buoyant. The reality on ground tells a different story.”
Mrs Okonkwo stated that records show a steady decline in local catch and production of fish in Nigeria.
In the 1970s, she explained, domestic production of fish ranged from 600,000 to 700,000 tons.
“By 1983, this dropped to $38.00 tons. In 2000, local catch was 441,337 and today the figure is no better. Responsibility for this decline has been laid at the feet of IUU fishing. This involves trawlers coming from other jurisdictions to sweep the Nigerian coast not only of sizeable fish supplies but also her juveniles,” she lamented.
In her submission, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Abisola Olusanya lamented that while fishermen are ageing, the youths who should take over are not showing any interest. Speaking through her representative, Mr Emmanuel Audu, the Commissioner recommended that modern ship boats and improved technology should be made available to attract the youths to the vocation.
By way of intervention on the IUUF menace, Mr. Akanbi Williams of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), questioned the veracity of statistics from several international organizations. He stated that they remain fabricated as there are no reports from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to substantiate them. Although the menace of IUU fishing is prevalent in the country and sub-region, Williams acknowledged, it is not at an alarming dimension as being reported.
Speaking from the prism of insurance, the Managing Director of YOA Insurance Brokers, Mrs. Enitan Solarin posited that some of the losses encountered by fishing operators could be covered by insurance.
On her part, Managing Director, YOA Insurance Brokers, Mrs Enitan Solarin spoke on the need to increase insurance awareness in Nigeria’s fishing industry to indemnify operators against losses when they occur. Solarin was represented by Mrs Bolanle Anjorin.
In her welcome address earlier, Barr Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore, Chair, Zoe Maritime Resources Ltd, organizers of the event, explained that as Nigeria begins to develop her blue economy, the challenges of IUU fishing must be tackled headlong.
She paid glowing tributes to guests at the event including the Consul-General, Kingdom of the Netherlands who shared his country’s experience in handling the subject of IUUF.
Fitz Williams Ventures Ltd, YOA Insurance Brokers, Morbod Shipping, Yamaha and Clina-Lancet Laboratories, among others, sponsored the event.
Maritime Agencies
Nigeria Canvasses Regional Co-operation, Investment Drive at Liberia Fisheries Summit.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
H. E. Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and Chairman, Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, is pushing for stronger regional co-operation and increased investment in the fisheries sector across West and Central Africa.
According to a release by Dr Bolaji Akinola, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Communications, the Minister made the call in Monrovia, Liberia, Monday, while speaking at the National Fisheries Investment Conference, March 30 to 31, 2026. The conference which was declared open by Liberia’s President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, was attended by Ministers responsible for fisheries and aquaculture from across the West African subregion.
Describing the gathering as timely, Oyetola said it provided an important platform to unlock opportunities in fisheries and the wider blue economy. “This Conference comes at a critical time for our region,” he said, noting that the sector remains central to food security, employment and economic growth.
According to him, millions of people across West and Central Africa depend on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods, while fish remains one of the most affordable sources of protein. However, he warned that the sector continues to face serious challenges.
“Despite our rich marine and inland water resources, the sector continues to face significant challenges,” he said, citing declining fish stocks, weak infrastructure, and limited access to finance and modern technology.
Dr. Oyetola emphasised that addressing these challenges requires a clear focus on sustainability, investment and regional collaboration. He stressed that without proper management of marine and inland resources, long-term gains would be impossible.
“Our oceans, rivers, and coastal ecosystems must be carefully managed… without sustainability, long-term benefits cannot be achieved,” he stated.
He said the the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is repositioning fisheries and aquaculture as key drivers of the blue economy. He explained that policies aimed at boosting local production, reducing imports and strengthening regulation are already delivering results, including continued access to international markets for shrimp exports.
He also highlighted broader reforms in Nigeria’s blue economy, including actions to tackle marine pollution, improve port infrastructure and enhance maritime security. According to him, the country’s recent record of zero piracy incidents has helped improve investor confidence in the Gulf of Guinea.
On investment, the minister called for greater funding across the entire fisheries value chain including aquaculture, processing, cold-chain logistics and export development. He noted that with the right policies in place, the sector could generate jobs, particularly for young people, and contribute significantly to economic growth.
He also underscored the importance of regional co-operation, pointing out that fish stocks cut across national boundaries.
“No single country can tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing alone,” he said, adding that stronger collaboration through regional bodies such as the FCWC is essential.
In his role as Chairman of the FCWC Ministerial Committee, Oyetola reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening joint efforts in fisheries governance. He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including a regional record of fishing vessels, coordinated patrols and information-sharing systems aimed at improving enforcement and sustainability.
The minister further noted that the FCWC is working to harmonise fisheries policies among member states and promote trade within the region, with the goal of improving value chains and attracting investment.
Maritime Agencies
PORTS MODERNIZATION, NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW TO TACKLE PORTS CHALLENGES, Says NPA MD.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has, once again, reiterated plans to revolutionize the nation’s ports system with the implementation of the National Single Window Project and Ports Modernisation system.
The Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this during an interactive session with maritime journalists in Lagos.
Represented by Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the Agency, the MD said the modernisation project will cover all seaports ports nationwide. However, the project is set to kick off in Lagos ports with a significant investment of $700 million from the Federal Government.
He allayed concerns being expressed in some quarters that the eastern ports are excluded from the 746 million pounds ports modernization deal signed in the UK recently, assuring that the deal would involve ports nationwide on phases. He stated contrary to opinions being canvassed and fears being expressed on the fate of other ports, the case of Apapa and Tincan ports is understandable because ports business is international and the customer decides where his cargoes go. NPA is merely an umpire; the port users’ interests and preferences remain paramount.
The ports modernization process is expected to tackle pressing issues such as port congestion and delays in cargo clearance which have long plagued the sector.
According to Dantsoho, the NPA is also working to improve logistics, including rail transportation from APMT terminal and alternative cargo transport options.
The NPA is reviewing the Efficiency, Throughput, and Optimization (ETO) initiative put in place to address logistics chain challenges in the country’s port system. The review, Dantsoho assured, would yield a more effective implementation plan with provisions to ensure the ETO works seamlessly.
”When we were doing the dredging, the ports in the East were also carried along,” he said.
Government investments are focused on areas with returns on investment which is why Lagos is the starting point.
The NPA MD expressed optimism that the agency’s vision for the ports industry would leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
He urged the media to play a proactive role in monitoring societal developments, emphasizing the importance of a free and vibrant press in driving progress and accountability.
”The media has been advised to be creative and step up its role as watchdog of the society,” he concluded.
Maritime Agencies
Oyetola Welcomes EU Delegation, Urges Stronger Role Against Illegal Fishing, Maritime Crimes in the GoG.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
A call has gone out for deeper collaboration with the European Union (EU) to address emerging maritime threats, particularly illegal fishing, trafficking and environmental crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, made the call in Abuja,Thursday, while receiving a delegation from the EU Evaluation Mission on the Gulf of Guinea Inter-regional Network (GoGIN II) Project. Evolving security challenges in the region, Oyetola emphasized, require a broader, more integrated and sustained response anchored on strong international partnerships.
According to a press release by Dr Bolaji Akinola, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Communications, the delegation led by Ms Stéphanie Vergniault, is in Nigeria as part of an independent assessment of the EU-funded initiative, which supports maritime coordination and information sharing across the Gulf of Guinea.
Dr. Oyetola reiterated Nigeria’s firm commitment to the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security, describing it as a vital platform for regional cooperation, collective response and intelligence exchange. He noted that EU-backed interventions such as GoGIN II have played an important role in strengthening this framework, particularly by enhancing maritime domain awareness and facilitating closer collaboration among national and regional agencies.
The Minister acknowledged the impact of the YARIS information-sharing system in improving coordination among maritime stakeholders, while stressing the need to sustain and optimise its operational use. He also highlighted the importance of improving interoperability between regional centres and national institutions, alongside continued capacity building and technical support.
Pointing to Nigeria’s own efforts, the Minister cited the success of the Deep Blue Project, which has contributed to a significant reduction in piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Gulf of Guinea in recent years. The progress recorded, he said, demonstrates the effectiveness of combining national ownership with regional and international support.
As the GoGIN II programme nears completion, the Minister urged stakeholders to focus on consolidating its achievements and ensuring long-term sustainability through stronger regional ownership mechanisms. He stressed that maintaining the gains recorded would be critical to securing the maritime domain and supporting economic activities across the Gulf of Guinea.
Earlier, Ms Vergniault explained that the evaluation seeks to assess the programme’s performance, operational results and sustainability, while identifying lessons that could shape future maritime security initiatives. She noted that the mission, which also includes Captain Alioune Diop, is engaging key stakeholders in Nigeria to gather operational feedback on the use of the YARIS platform, the programme’s contribution to coordination under the Yaoundé Architecture, and the prevailing challenges in the maritime sector.
Nigeria Canvasses Regional Co-operation, Investment Drive at Liberia Fisheries Summit.
PORTS MODERNIZATION, NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW TO TACKLE PORTS CHALLENGES, Says NPA MD.
Oyetola Welcomes EU Delegation, Urges Stronger Role Against Illegal Fishing, Maritime Crimes in the GoG.
Maritime Journalists’ Group, MARAN, Set To Honour Her Past Leaders.
Tincan Customs Posts Over N120.4bn in February, 2026, A Huge Leap Above the February 2025 Records.
TRADE FACILITATION: FG Unveils National Single Window To Encourage Coordinated and Technology-Driven Trade System.
NIMASA Collaborates With KAIPTC To Empower West African Women For Digital Participation In Maritime Sector.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, 2026: NIMASA Commits To Women Inclusion in Maritime Sector.
Apapa Customs Hits Smugglers Hard After CGC’s Visit, Intercepts ₦3.398 Billion Codeine Syrup In 5 Days.
MAN, Oron, Pushes Actualization of Her Mandate Beyond Nigeria, Seeks Strategic Partnership with Liberia Maritime Training Institute
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DOUBLE CAPTAIN!
NPA’s 2025 Operational Performance Report Validates FG’s Economic Diversification Initiatives.
Dedication To Service Earns NIWA’s Engr Sarat Braimah the Nelson Mandela Pan African Leadership Award.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Tantita Security Donates Command Centre, Vehicles to Boost NSCDC Operations.
SEME CUSTOMS HITS N3.4Bn IN FEBRUARY FOLLOWING A SURGE IN EXPORT OF AGRO PRODUCTS.
”NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW WILL CUT CARGO CLEARANCE TIME BY 75%,” NAGAFF President, Tochukwu Ezisi says.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Photo News: Salah Celebration
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
HALF YEAR, 2024: Apapa Customs Nets ₦1.024 Trillion, Records 143% Increase.
JANUARY-MAY REPORT: Seme Customs Hits N2.6bn, Facilitates ₦35.1bn Exports.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
Mama Theresa Enisuoh Due For Burial April 27
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoApapa Customs Hits Smugglers Hard After CGC’s Visit, Intercepts ₦3.398 Billion Codeine Syrup In 5 Days.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMAN, Oron, Pushes Actualization of Her Mandate Beyond Nigeria, Seeks Strategic Partnership with Liberia Maritime Training Institute
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoINTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, 2026: NIMASA Commits To Women Inclusion in Maritime Sector.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNIMASA Collaborates With KAIPTC To Empower West African Women For Digital Participation In Maritime Sector.
-
Maritime Agencies7 days agoTincan Customs Posts Over N120.4bn in February, 2026, A Huge Leap Above the February 2025 Records.
-
Maritime Agencies7 days agoTRADE FACILITATION: FG Unveils National Single Window To Encourage Coordinated and Technology-Driven Trade System.
-
Maritime Agencies5 days agoOyetola Welcomes EU Delegation, Urges Stronger Role Against Illegal Fishing, Maritime Crimes in the GoG.
-
Maritime Agencies5 days agoMaritime Journalists’ Group, MARAN, Set To Honour Her Past Leaders.