Maritime Agencies
PORT STATE CONTROL: Equatorial Guinea Joins Abuja MoU
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
November 23, 2023, Equatorial Guinea finally became a member of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in West and Central Africa, otherwise known as the Abuja MoU.
This makes the central African nation the 20th member-state of the group.
Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU, Capt Sunday Umoren disclosed this in Lagos while exchanging views with Falcon Watch Online.
“It means we have two countries in the region left now for all the countries to subscribe as full members. The outstanding countries are the Arab Republic of Mauritania and the Republic of Namibia. These are the countries that are yet to sign up,” the Abuja MoU boss said.
At the occasion, Capt Umoren explained, the Vice President and Minister of Transportation of Equatorial Guinea were present as witnesses.
“Also present were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea, the South African Ambassador and the Cameroonian Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea. They were in attendance to celebrate a wonderful day, a great celebration for Equatorial Guinea.”
On the significance of Equatorial Guinea joining the Abuja MoU, Capt who referred to it as a great day said it will be celebrated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), other MoUs worldwide and the maritime world because with the addition, there is an increase in the number of countries whose ports are now part of the watch dog regarding the propagation and insistence on safety in navigation.
“The port state regime is actually a safety net such that no substandard ships can trade within the regions and around the world”.
“If in a region you have countries that are not full members or not acceding to become full members, it means those countries will not be conducting port state inspection of ships. Substandard ships can easily visit those ports and come out. What does that mean? It means a weak link.”
He stated that substandard ships trading could actually get involved in accidents and spillage and if they are carrying oil, the marine environment will be polluted.
“So, coming into the Abuja MoU means that we are tightening the noose around the region.”
He was optimistic that by the time the remaining two countries join, it means all countries in the West and Central African region have agreed and signed to monitor their waters and their countries to ensure that no substandard vessels are sailing within the system.
“So, everyone will be happy because the probability of substandard vessels slipping through will almost be nill. This means safer seas, safer world for all.”
He said his organization is still engaging the few countries left in the region.
“We are engaging them. We’re quite hopeful that by next year, we will have all the countries in the region subscribe and acceed to full membership of Abuja MoU.”
Port State Control is the inspection carried out on visiting foreign ships to verify their compliance with international instruments on safety, pollution prevention and seafarers’ working and living conditions. It is a means of enforcing compliance in cases where the owner and flag state have failed in their responsibility to implement or ensure compliance.
The Port State can require deficiencies to be put right and detain the ship for this purpose if necessary. It is therefore also a Port State’s defense against visiting substandard ships.
The Secretariat is established to develop a system of harmonized Port State Control Inspection Procedures for the region with the aim of eliminating substandard ships. In pursuit of a strategic direction and with consistent alignment with the context of the organization through a risk-based approach, the Abuja MoU Secretariat is committed to continuous improvement of its quality management system in line with the International Organization for Standardization requirements (ISO 9001:2015) and the IMO Resolution A.686 (17), 1991.
The Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for West and Central African Region, generally referred to as the Abuja MoU, is one of the nine regional MoUs established pursuant to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A. 682 (17) of 1991. The Organization operates under a cooperative agreement with the IMO.
The Abuja MoU was established in Abuja, Nigeria, on October 22, 1999 as an inter-governmental organization comprising the Maritime Administrations of countries abutting the South Atlantic coast of Africa.
The regime covers 22 countries from Mauritania to South Africa.16 of these countries signed the MoU to establish the organization.
Countries that have completed the procedures and have become full members are Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Congo Brazil, Cote D’Ivoire and Democratic Republic of Congo. Others are Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea- Conakry, Liberia and Nigeria.
Others are Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Togo.
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.
Container Movement To Seaports: NPA Meets With APM Terminals, Shipping Lines, for Coordination.
ANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATIONS: FOU, Zone ‘A’ Ups the Ante, Confiscates Bulletproof Vests, Cannabis Sativa,etc, worth N1.2bn
INLAND WATERWAYS SAFETY: Oyetola Flags Off 3,500 Life Jacket Distribution Campaign in Lagos.
Dangote Hits Another First, Named “Most Admired African Brand” in Addis Ababa.
NPA Secures Approval to Dredge Lekki Deepsea Port Channel To 19 Metres
Apapa Customs , International Network and NDLEA Collaborate to Confiscate Unregistered Pharmaceuticals.
Nigeria Hosts French Ambassador, Seeks Support for Her IMO Council Membership Quest.
TRADE FACILITATION: Nigeria And Benin Customs Deploy SIGMAT To Address Diversion And Fraud
Improving Ease of Doing Business: NPA Set To Clear Ports Corridor
Seme Customs Collects N847m in a month, facilitates non-oil exports valued at N16Bn
CVFF Disbursement: NIMASA Raises the Bar, Undertakes Sensitization To The Delight of Stakeholders.
NPA Debunks Corruption Allegations, Urges Media To Always Seek Clarifications.
Distribution of ‘Poisoned Rice’: Count Us Out, says Seme Customs
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
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.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
MUAZU SAMBO: Showcasing Nigeria’s Maritime Potentials At The Global Arena
Photo News: Salah Celebration
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
MARAN Salutes DCG Adeniyi On His Elevation As Customs Comptroller-General.
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
PUBLIC RELATIONS: New Image Maker Mounts the Saddle at NPA.
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoContainer Movement To Seaports: NPA Meets With APM Terminals, Shipping Lines, for Coordination.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoCG Adeniyi Commends Ogun II Command for Massive Revenue Increase.
-
Maritime Agencies1 week agoPORTBIZNESS Celebrates Excellence in Customer Service Delivery, Holds Special Awards Night
-
Maritime Agencies1 week agoKebbi Customs Command Introduces Health Screening, Mandatory Sports To Ensure Work-life Balance