Maritime Agencies
CILT 2023 CONFERENCE/AGM: Experts X-ray Hindrances to AfCFTA, Offer Solutions.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
For the umpteenth time, attention is being drawn to the fact that for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to achieve the desired goal of trade and economic integration in Africa, political leaders must demonstrate the political will to address the twin setbacks of insufficient transport infrastructure and unprofessional activities of government agencies at ports, numerous road checkpoints and border stations especially along the West African corridor.
Professor of International Economic Relations at Covenant University, Nigeria, Prof. Jonathan Aremu, stated this in Lagos, Monday, while delivering a
paper entitled “Cross-border Trade and Regional Integration”. He was the lead speaker at the 2023 Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
The conference which was massively attended by experts in logistics and transportation from Nigeria and beyond featured the theme “Designing the Future of Transportation and Logistics in Africa”.
They were unanimous in identifying dilapidated transport infrastructure and an unfriendly business environment as some of the biggest threats AfCFTA is grappling with. Until these are realistically sorted out, they said, the trade regime remains a pipe dream.
Speaking on challenges posed by activities of government officials at ports and land borders, Prof Ngozi Egbuna, former Director-General, West African Monetary Institute (WAMI), Lagos, observed that it is only when Nigerians are exporting non-perishable items that they quickly overlook and accommodate delays arising from poor transport infrastructure and anti-trade posture of agencies of government as exemplified in bribery and corruption. But what happens to goods on transit if they are time-bound and perishable? She featured on the showcase session which dwelt on Cross-border Trade and Regional Integrity.
In a bid to ensure that cross-border trading is simple and seamless, she strongly advised African governments to prioritize the improvement of transportation infrastructure. Access to finance and trade efficiency in the continent must be at par with what obtains in developed economies.
Port operations in Africa must be without encumbrances.
“I remember going to Cairo for an AFREXIM Bank trade fair. As at the time we were leaving Cairo after the event, some goods hadn’t arrived for them to be displayed at the trade fair. Some of those goods were coming from Ghana, Kenya and Addis- Ababa. They didn’t arrive until the end of the trade fair. This is a challenge we have in Africa,” Prof. Ngozi Egbuna regretted.
In her submission, one of the discussants, Chief Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa was particular about the role of Customs, infrastructure and government policies as challenges Nigeria in particular must address.
Ezenwa, former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Chairman, Le Look Nig Ltd, also pinpointed the absence of integration of supply-chain arrangements in AfCFTA’s considerations.
“Business is war; there are enemies on every side. In this AfCFTA, we don’t even know what the integration is all about when it comes to export trade. From manufacturing to supply-chain, customs operations to transport infrastructure, on every side there are challenges. This explains why we have more informal trade across the borders.”
She warned that AfCFTA cannot achieve the ideals it was conceived to address if these problems persist.
“When we produce our goods and ship to Ghana, we find that sometimes the goods are detained at the Customs shed at Ghana. The goods spend about 6 weeks to be cleared in Ghana, even though it was a shop in Ghana that ordered for these goods, ” Ezenwa gave as example.
She described Customs as an enabler in AfCFTA trade. Documentation processes for shipping to Ghana and some other African countries, she observed, are too cumbersome. There must be a workable and effective Return Policy for African exports and goods to be traded under AfCFTA.
In her goodwill message, former Aviation Minister, Dr Mrs Kema Chikwe congratulated CILT Nigeria for always being at the vanguard of championing worthwhile transportation issues. She regretted that Africa cannot confidently claim that she has made commendable progress with the state of transportation infrastructure. She advised governments to be more effective in designing impactful policies to drive African integration. “We can’t make progress if we can’t effectively connect by air,” for instance. Dr. Anthonia Ekpa, former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Special Duties, re-echoed the role of corruption as earlier stated. She observed that corruption remains a major challenge to regional trade and integration especially in the ECOWAS subregion.
“Traders are encouraged to use the land borders and ports, but Customs, Police and other agencies don’t seem to understand that goods are time-bound. Sometimes goods are seized and forgotten at the warehouses of the security agencies.”
“Regional integration means allowing citizens and goods from one country easily access the other nation. Nigeria flouted this for a long period with the border closure and we know that there were huge socio-economic consequences for nations on both sides of the border,” Ekpa said.
In his intervention, Chairman, Ecomarine Group, Mr. Mahmud Tukur, noted that shipping to several African countries remains more expensive than trading with Europe and Asia where trade barriers are non-existent. He questions why African policy makers have refused to learn a lesson from this.
Speaking through Mr Dayo Balogun, Managing Director, Ecomarine, Tukur suggested that AfCFTA should seriously consider developing what he described as short-sea shipping and regional cabotage to retain monetary benefits of AfCFTA trade.
Dwelling on the logistics environment in Nigeria, the Ecomarine boss remarked that moving a container from China to Lagos ports is seamless and cheaper than doing the same from Lagos to Kano.
Tukur called for massive investments in transportation infrastructure. He stressed the need to dredge and activate eastern ports as soon as possible, expand rail services and roads. and Barge operations must also be encouraged.
In her welcome address earlier, President, CILT Nigeria, Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro stated that the conference theme was carefully chosen to align with the revitalized push for intra-African trade under the AfCFTA.
“The conference theme and content underscore the crucial role of efficient and sustainable logistics and transport in the attainment of the goals of AfCFTA”, she declared.
“As the world looks to the large market and youthful population in Africa, professional bodies such as ours continue to drive intelligent and incisive conversations intended to produce pragmatic policies and competent implementing organs of government that promotes growth of the private sector in wealth creation so that Nigeria and other African States can evolve into major players in the global economy.”
Declaring the event open, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo (SAN), remarked that efficient movement of goods and people not only fuels economic growth but is intrinsically tied to the nation’s food security initiatives.
“In the realm of aviation and aerospace development, we are presented with opportunities to redefine the landscape of transportation, fostering economic growth and enhancing our commitment to sustainable development goals. The relevance of our discussions here today extends seamlessly to the 8-point agenda set forth by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In our pursuit of a more prosperous future, the transportation and logistics sector plays a pivotal role in translating vision into reality.”
The Aviation Minister who was represented by his Special Adviser, Henry Agbebire, observed that a well-managed logistics and transport system enhances job creation.
“The aerospace and logistics sectors are dynamic engines of employment, providing opportunities that span a spectrum of skills and expertise, contributing significantly to the overarching goals and aspirations of the government of our nation. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships, we can not only optimize logistics but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future,” he assured.
At the event, the Chairman, 2023 Conference Planning Committee, Prof. Kayode Oyesiku, previewed a 9-chapter entitled “Perspectives on Sustainable Innovations in Global Logistics and Transportation”, a compendium of academic and scholarly presentations by experts and international delegates at the 2022 CILT National Conference.
Transportation gurus such as the CILT International President-elect, Chief Teete Owusu-Nortey, a Ghanaian; CILT International Vice President and Chairman, African Forum, Alhaji Ibrahim Jibril; President, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA) Nigeria, Prince Segun Obayendo and Founder, Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT), Hajia Aisha Ali-Ibrahim graced the occasion.
Others included Capt Sunday Umoren, the Secretary-General, Abuja MoU on Port State Control; Founder, ABC Transport Plc, Mr. Frank Nneji; former President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Chief Eugene Nweke, among other logistics eggheads.
Maritime Agencies
NIGERIA’S IMO FEAT: NIMASA Hails Media Contributions, Seeks Support For Sustained Momentum.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) has acknowledged the invaluable support and contributions of Nigerian journalists, especially the maritime media, to the recent success of Nigeria at the International Maritime Organization(IMO) elections.
It could be recalled that Nigeria won the elusive category C council election at the IMO after 14 years of failed attempts.
Receiving the new leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) led by Mr Tunde Ayodele at the Headquarters of NIMASA, Edward Osagie, the Deputy Director and Head of the Public Relations Department of the agency noted that maritime media complemented the untiring efforts of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA to showcase the enormous maritime potentials of Nigeria and its capacity in maritime administration that eventually won the country the coveted global seat.
The NIMASA Chief spokesman highlighted the importance of developmental journalism to nation’s building while admonishing the media, especially maritime media, to guard against reportorial styles that could de-market the country.
”The international community is taking note of every single report we write as journalists about the country and it’s what they use to assess us as a nation.
” That is why it is imperative for us as journalists to allow patriotism and commitment to nation building guide the way we write”
He however frowned at attempt by few journalists to push wrong narrative over the recent incident of the arrest of a vessel, MT SKIPPER , detained by the United States Coast Guard (USCG)over alleged crude oil theft and other transnational crimes.
Osagie reiterated the fact that the detained vessel was neither flying Nigerian flag nor its purported owners, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, registered with NIMASA as a shipping company.
He said that what identifies a vessel is the flag it flies and since the detained vessel did not carry Nigeria’s flag, those who tried to ascribe its ownership to Nigeria did so either out of sheer mischief or ignorance.
Osagie however lauded MARAN for its responsible journalism, acknowledging the support of its members to NIMASA despite the agency’s perceived shortcomings in their expectations.
” Despite the fact that the agency may not have met all the expectations of members of MARAN, they haven’t written negative reports on our activities and operations” Osagie noted.
” MARAN brand is a brand I am proud of and we are also proud of in the
industry. MARAN has not done badly in its reportorial duties.
”At NIMASA here, we will support anything you request and in any area we are able to support, we will support the administration for a smooth management of the association.
”And by the grace of God, we will not let you down. God bless you.God bless MARAN” NIMASA Chief image maker declared.
Ayodele has led his caretaker committee members to NIMASA to consolidate on the long-standing relationship between the agency and MARAN.
Leading his PR team to receive the MARAN leadership, Osagie expressed happiness on the visit which he believed will further boost the cordial relationship between the two parties
”I am glad that you’re here today. It’s a special day. I’m glad to have you in our midst today” Osagie enthused.
The two parties engaged in frank discussions aimed at enhancing their operations and further boost their shared values and partnership.
Ayodele informed his hosts that MARAN will continue to practise responsible journalism that will enhance the operations of NIMASA in particular and boost the credibility of the country to the outside world.
He therefore asked NIMASA to reciprocate this gesture through actions that will enhance the professional integrity and impact the welfare of his members.
Osagie however pledged the support of the agency for the new caretaker committee and the MARAN as a whole, a situation he said is in alignment with the belief of NIMASA’s management in the values which the agency shares with the association.
Maritime Agencies
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: No Hiding Place for Smugglers, D.C.Afeni Pledges, Confiscates Exotic Cars, 2bn Worth of Contrabands in 11 Days.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Barely taking over the mantle of leadership in the Ogun 1 Customs Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) following the transfer of Comptroller Godwin Otunla to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, the ‘brand new’ Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Deputy Controller O. O. Afeni, within 11 days, confiscated smuggled items valued at over ₦2 billion. These include exotic cars worth over N28 million. It is recalled that D.C. Afeni mounted the saddle on December 4, 2025 when he was appointed a CAC on acting capacity.
Addressing journalists at the Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko , Wednesday, the acting Area Controller declared a renewed crackdown on smuggling activities. He sounded a note of warning to smugglers saying that with him in charge, there will be no hiding place for perpetrators within the Command’s jurisdiction.
Different illicit items the Command intercepted include 16 parcels of heroin (16kg) valued at ₦240 million, 3,355 wraps of Cannabis Sativa worth ₦435.08 million, 2,200 kegs of foreign groundnut oil valued at ₦264 million, and 5,417 cartons of foreign spaghetti estimated at ₦162.51 million. The seizure, the Acting CAC observed underscores the command’s intensified efforts to curb the influx of illicit drugs and smuggled goods through Nigeria’s southwestern border corridors.
Also confiscated were narcotics which were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Accepting the narcotics, the Idiroko Area Commander of NDLEA, Ekundayo Williams commended DC Afeni for what he described as spectacular seizures.
Maritime Agencies
Lekki Deepsea Port Set to Achieve Full Capacity Before Expectations, Deepens Barge Operations, among others.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Barely three years since the commencement of port operations, the Lekki Deepsea has achieved half of its projected operational capacity. There has been a noticeable spike in container throughput especially since September, 2025, and chances are that the establishment will meet her full operational capacity before expectations. With this incredible growth rate, the port is set to overtake others in Nigeria by next year.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Ltd, Mr. Wang Qiang disclosed this in Lagos, Tuesday, during an end-of-the-year interaction and media tour of the facility to observe scanners, Customs at work and shipside night offloading of containers from a vessel at the quayside.
Mr Qiang who featured alongside other members of the top management of the port during the media chat said Lekki Deepsea Port currently operates at close to 50 percent capacity, reflecting increasing confidence by shipping lines and cargo owners in the ability of Nigeria’s first deep seaport to deliver not only for the local and regional market but even beyond. Top management officers present during the media parley included Weilian Zhong, C.O.O, Lekki Port, Jedrzej Mierzewski and Ajay Tyagi
“We already reached 50 per cent of our capacity now – almost 50 per cent of the port capacity,” he stated. He attributed this development to steady improvement in the number of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) the port handles monthly.
He said cooperation is needed from stakeholders to improve efficiency badly needed in cargo movement. Critical stakeholders include government, the business community, importers, exporters (foreign and local). On trans-shipment, Qiang implored cooperation by all to achieve competitive trans -shipment. Efficient multimodal connectivity, he explained, is crucial in efforts to accelerate and maintain the desired growth at the port.
Barge operations, the Lekki Port boss said, has become an important means of evacuating cargo as it currently accounts for about 10% means of cargo movement. Since inception, the port has moved 3000 TEUs of cargo even as plans are in top gear to improve on the capacity.
On concerns about cargo dwell time, he announced that Lekki Deepsea Port cannot, on its own, reduce this. Importers, Customs, banks and all other players must collaborate to resolve issues of cargo dwell time. When cargoes move seamlessly, the port makes money.
The Lagos -Calabar coastal road is one infrastructure that will be of huge assistance in stemming down congestion, improve overall access and cargo evaluation from Lekki Deepsea Port, he explained. Even then, he added, rail connectivity remains essential, particularly given the quantum of industrial activities taking place along the Lekki corridor.
“I believe the train option is something the government is concerned about, and with the level of industrial activities in this region, we expect that it will be provided,” he added.
While reiterating that Lekki Port is a fully automated terminal, Wang asserted that delays may persist until all stakeholders, including government agencies, fully align with end-to-end digital processes.
He explained that Customs procedures, particularly physical cargo examinations, and other port services must be fully digitalised to significantly reduce cargo dwell time.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Freeport Terminal (LFT), Capt. Jedrzej Mierzewski, expressed excitement that after only two years of operations, LFT has already become the number two terminal in the Nigerian market.
“We are the fastest-growing terminal in the country, combining modern infrastructure, operational excellence, and a clear ambition to become a leading transshipment hub for West Africa.
“Our growth supports the Nigerian economy by strengthening trade connectivity and helping to reduce the cost of foreign trade through efficient, reliable, and competitive port services.
“For automation to work efficiently, all players must be ready – customers, government and every stakeholder. Only then can we have a fantastic system.”
He also stressed that improved connectivity would allow the port to effectively double capacity through performance optimisation without expanding its physical footprint.
Speaking on the new tax regime coming into effect in 2026, he urged the government to adopt a simplified tax framework that supports ease of doing business. He cited Germany and other countries where goods are cleared from ports with a 30-day window allowed for value added tax (VAT) remittance.
NIGERIA’S IMO FEAT: NIMASA Hails Media Contributions, Seeks Support For Sustained Momentum.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: No Hiding Place for Smugglers, D.C.Afeni Pledges, Confiscates Exotic Cars, 2bn Worth of Contrabands in 11 Days.
Lekki Deepsea Port Set to Achieve Full Capacity Before Expectations, Deepens Barge Operations, among others.
FIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
WIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.
MARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
Industry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.
Shippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
MMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
MARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
Oyetola, Iheanacho, To Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Launch MARAN’s New Book
IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
MAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
MAN: Only A NASS Review Can Convert It To A Conventional University, Governing Council Warns.
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
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
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
Photo News: Salah Celebration
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
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