Maritime Agencies
MARAN 2023 ANNUAL LECTURE: Industry Heavyweights, Others Confirm Attendance.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
It has been confirmed that the maiden Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL) being organized in Lagos by the pioneer maritime journalists’ association, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) will be graced by who-is-who in the maritime sector and beyond.
Already, many industry heavyweights have confirmed the desire to be physically present at the event which holds on November 29 at the Rockview Hotel, GRA, Apapa.
These personalities include the former Minister of Interior and Chief Executive Officer, Genesis Worldwide Shipping Ltd, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, the President General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Prince Adewale Adeyanju, Engr Greg Ogbeifun, Chairman, Starz Group and Chief Isaac Jolapamo.
Industry associations that have confirmed attendance are Nigerian Ship Owners Association (NISA) and the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN).
The maiden Annual Lecture whose theme is “Maritime Security: Emerging Threats and Actionable Steps,” will deliberate on the long-standing threats to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea with a view to proffer long-term, sustainable solutions.
In a press statement signed by the President of MARAN, Godfrey Bivbere, he stated that the 2023 MAMAL would effectively address maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) region and protect seafaring and fishing communities in the affected countries.
As the foremost umbrella body of journalists covering the Nigerian maritime sector, MARAN strongly commends the collaborative initiatives and efforts of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and other maritime agencies which led to a significant reduction in piracy incidents in Nigerian waters and the GoG throughout 2022.
MARAN commends the establishment of the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum for the Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (GOG-MCF/SHADE), an initiative that has enabled stakeholders within and outside the region to connect and discuss frequently how best to tackle piracy in the area. This has yielded verifiable results.
The Special Guest of Honour is Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, HE Adegboyega Oyetola while the keynote Speaker is the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh.
Other speakers include former NIMASA DG, Barr Temisan Omatseye, Alhaji Aminu Umar, President, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS); Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, President, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) and Capt Waredi Enisuo.
the Nigeria Ship Owners Association, NISA, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, SOAN, and lall other relevant stakeholders.
Stakeholders in the maritime sector including Shipowners, NIMASA, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Navy, Shipping Lines, Terminal Operators, and major seafarers’ organizations are all expected to grace this epoch-making event.
Maritime Agencies
HALF-YEAR REVENUE DISPOSITION: Apapa Customs Hits N1.38Trillion, Confiscates Prohibited Goods Worth Billions.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following diligent commitment of officers to duty, improved stakeholders’ compliance to legitimate trade and the strategic leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in the first half of 2025, collected ₦1.378 trillion, a remarkable 35% increase in the revenue figure achieved in the corresponding period of 2024.
“We insisted on maximum revenue collection and plugged leakages through effective demand notices,” the Apapa Command Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Babatunde Olomu announced in Lagos, Thursday, while addressing the press.
The Command, the CAC stated, also recorded several milestones including the first-ever use of the Single Goods Declaration (SGD) through the new B’Odogwu digital platform designed to streamline cargo clearance, reduce congestion and deepen trade facilitation.
In a bid to further modernize operations, he added, the Command is presently collaborating with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and industry stakeholders to revive rail cargo movement from Apapa Port to other parts of the country with the aim to decongest roads and cut logistics costs.
Between January and June, 2025, the Command intercepted 27 containers of contrabands whose combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) stands at ₦9.27 billion. These include unregistered pharmaceuticals, expired food products and codeine syrup.
Others are used clothing, stolen vehicles and wildlife parts imported in violation ofradr the CITES treaty.
”As a standard, we will never compromise the health, well-being, safety of Nigerians on the altar of trade facilitation. Every consignment going through our port undergo diligent check through scanning and physical examination when required.”
”It is pertinent to note that trafficking of wild animals contravenes the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) which Nigeria is a signatory to. Equally on the detention list is a container of matches imported without the required End-User Certificate as provided for on our extant laws.”
In his submission, Buba Makawa, Commander, Narcotics, Apapa Command of the NDLEA decried the situation whereby importers of fake pharmaceuticals and other illicit drugs use fake companies and addresses to avoid being detected.
”Most of the drugs being imported are brought in the name of fake companies. We had some cases we are prosecuting at the Federal High Court. We had to use their NIN to trace the perpetrators. If we use the Bill of Laden, it won’t lead anywhere.”
Within the period, three bonded terminals were sealed for various infractions, with one already facing prosecution, the CAC told the maritime press.
“We have demonstrated our capacity, and we shall continue to do more,” Olomu declared.
The Area Controller described intelligence- sharing as “a critical force in defeating criminal networks” and commended other sister agencies who volunteer massive collaboration to enable the Command discharge her duties.
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.
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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
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Maritime Agencies3 hours agoHALF-YEAR REVENUE DISPOSITION: Apapa Customs Hits N1.38Trillion, Confiscates Prohibited Goods Worth Billions.