Maritime Agencies
AMES 2024: OGBEIFUN Regrets Nigeria’s Indifference To Global Shipping, Urges A Reawakening.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Engr Greg Ogbeifun, a towering figure in Nigeria’s shipping industry, has taken time off retirement to tell truth to power regarding what the Federal Government must do to reap the huge gains embedded in the marine and blue economy now a new ministry is in place in order not to keep incurring losses which he conservatively valued at over $9.2 billion annually.
AMES President, Engr Israel Obadan, presenting an award to Iroghama Ogbeifun, CEO, Starzs Investment Co Ltd.
Presenting the lead paper entitled ‘Overcoming Challenges Against Re-emergence Of Global Shipping Lines: A Nigerian Perspective’ at the 16th Technical Summit of the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), Thursday, Engr Ogbeifun pointedly told the massive assemblage of marine engineers and other maritime professionals that over 90% of them were already aware of the issues inhibiting Nigeria’s participation in global shipping which, for whatever reasons, the authorities decided to neglect for too long.
Engr Ogbeifun who recalled that since NIMAREX Expo in 2011, he had been consistently agitating for the creation of a separate ministry for the maritime sector, congratulated President Tinubu for achieving this in 2023. But as it is today, he cautioned, can Nigeria be talking about a marine and blue economy ministry when her waters remain largely brackish?
Ogbeifun, the Chairman of Starzs Investment Company Ltd and pioneer President of the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) said Nigeria generates about 70% of the total cargo traffic within the West and Central African region.
“However, despite its geographical advantages and these huge opportunities”, he regretted, “Nigeria has failed to participate in the carriage of these abundant cargoes due to the lack of any Nigerian shipping line. This means that the country relies heavily on foreign vessels for the shipment of its inbound and outbound cargoes, leading to significant economic loss and negative security implications.”
He referred to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) regime, describing it as a major opportunity Nigeria has to wake up from her slumber and participate in continental shipping which can lead to increased foreign direct investment and a 7% upsurge in national income from what obtains now up to 2043. But where are the indigenous shipping lines? He attributed the collapse of the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) in 1995 to corruption in high and low quarters, mismanagement and abuse by government officials, budget misappropriation and other man-made factors.
Rev Engr Emmanuel Ilori
“The demise of NNSL means Nigeria has since then lost all of the benefits of owning a global fleet and participating in the carriage of its cargo”, he pointed out.
The result, he declared, include loss of jobs, loss of freight earnings, loss of national tonnage capacity, distorted balance of trade, and a poor reputation in the comity of maritime nations.
With one vessel, ‘MV Abuja’, Nigeria, in 1996, commenced operations under the banner of the National Unity Line (NUL), flying Nigeria’s national flag and relaunching her into international reckoning. But by 2005, the NUL went the way of its predecessor, the NNSL.
Engr Ogbeifun recalled with great nostalgia that it breaks his heart each time he looks at the ports, all the quays and jetties are filled up with ships. But how many of them are owned by Nigerians?
Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho and Rear Admiral Baratuaipri Iyalla
“The likes of Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, Chief Isaac Jolapamo, and Temisan Omatseye, who bought ships in the past, the system killed their businesses. With the jobs they were providing and the economic benefits to the nation, everything went down.
“There are challenges that have made it very impossible for this country, since the demise of the Nigerian National Shipping Line in 1995, to own ships.
“Nigeria has a growing demand for shipping services, but the government has not made it possible for indigenous operators to own ships. The result of this has made Nigeria completely rely heavily on foreign ships to move her goods.
“Conservatively, Nigeria is losing about $9.2bn to foreign vessels dominance of her trade. We are the ones paying that money to the foreign vessel owners. Every Nigerian who imports or exports is paying hugely.
“I don’t think our leaders need a prophet to tell them that they need to be in a hurry to ensure Nigerians participate in her shipping freight.
“The enabling policies need to be implemented. How can Nigerians compete with foreign vessel owners who enjoy zero duty and a near-zero tax regime? It is high time our leaders provided policies that encourage indigenous shipping in this country.”
Regarding the beleaguered Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), Engr Ogbeifun asked ship owners to close ranks and form a formidable voice and begin to engage the authorities at least for the sake of the younger generation. He regretted that ship owners are crying while the waterfronts have now been converted into a mortuary for ships. Government, he insisted, must carry out reasonable fiscal policy reviews to empower Nigerian ship owners to be able to compete with their foreign counterparts.
He strongly advocated for the establishment of a Nigerian Maritime Bank, Nigerian fleet (not necessarily a national fleet).
“Let’s see a practical approach towards actualizing the exploitation of the marine and blue economy. The Marine and Blue Economy ministry has been established. Let the private sector drive the activities.”
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.
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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 Agencies2 weeks agoCG Adeniyi Commends Ogun II Command for Massive Revenue Increase.
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Maritime Agencies7 days 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