Maritime Agencies
Carribean Nations Applaud Dangote Refinery, Charge African Nations To Stop Exporting Raw Materials.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Africa and developing countries have been charged to reverse the cycle of exporting raw materials and importing finished products from developed countries by embracing and investing in industries such as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals domiciled in the continent. This and similar establishments that process raw materials into finished products must be embraced and encouraged to blossom so as to save Africa from being a dumping ground and perpetuating a long-standing economic dependence on the developed nations.
Dickson Mitchell, the Prime Minister of Grenada and chairman, Caribbean Community (CARICOM or CC) – a political and economic union of 15 member states and five associated members throughout the Americas, The Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean, disclosed this, Thursday, at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.
Mitchell who was championing the efforts of Carribean countries desirous of partnering with Dangote Group in cement and fertilizer production, referred to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a significant investment in industrialisation and manufacturing needed by developing countries for their technological and industrial growth.
It is through this type of investment, he noted, that Africa and the developing countries can reposition themselves industrially, process natural resources available in the continent, market finished products locally and beyond to the advantage of their individual economies while creating employment and broadening the continent’s foreign exchange earnings.
Mitchell said the refinery is a tribute to the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and his vision not just for Nigeria but Africa as a whole.
“This investment is a tribute to Dangote and his remarkable vision. It is the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa, symbolising what the developing world needs: significant investment in industrialisation and manufacturing. This is an incredible achievement and a testament to Mr. Dangote’s vision, not just for his company, but for Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Dangote, he stated, exemplifies what an African leader should be.
“We need not just political leaders, but business leaders who are willing to invest in Africa, particularly in manufacturing and industrialisation. We must ensure that we don’t continue to export our raw materials to the developed world where they can be turned into sophisticated products and sent back to us. We need to reverse that cycle; it is the only way to grow the wealth of Africa and the developing world.”
” Additionally, we need to support this with training and invest in job opportunities,” he said.
Applauding the sophistication and automation at the refinery, the Prime Minister expressed optimism for Nigeria’s future, especially given the number of young Nigerians trained and working at both the refinery and fertiliser plants. The $20 billion refinery, the largest private investment in Africa, stands out for its team of young professionals, predominantly aged between 26 and 28, most of whom hold advanced degrees and were educated in Nigeria”.
“It has been a wonderful experience to witness the shared skills, depth of sophistication, and automation here. Seeing so many bright young Nigerians, particularly in the laboratories, is truly inspiring. I believe this bodes well for the future development of Nigeria,” he added.
Mitchell stated that the Caribbean Community would be exploring partnership opportunities with the Dangote Group to enhance its economy.
“One of the reasons I am here is to pursue synergies and partnerships between the diaspora and Africa, particularly in areas such as the refinery, cement, and fertiliser. We believe there are fantastic opportunities to develop partnerships between the Caribbean and Africa,” he added.
On his part, Dangote described the visit as symbolic, noting that many Caribbean countries are beginning to discover crude oil and are exploring opportunities to build their own refineries. This would help them address the challenge of exporting crude while importing refined petroleum products at high costs.
“The visit shows that many countries are proud of what we have been able to achieve because a lot of countries have been unable to deliver their refineries. It shows their pride in seeing a Black person like them at the Caribbean, although I am from Nigeria, succeed. For them, this is a dream, especially as many Caribbean countries are beginning to discover oil but still depend largely on exporting crude while importing petroleum products, which is costlier than in America. Their dream is to set up a refinery—perhaps not of this size—but one that would cater to their people,” he said.
Africa’s wealthiest man emphasized that the company is looking for partnerships in the Caribbean not only in petroleum products but also in cement and fertilizer production. He mentioned ongoing discussions about importing crude from these countries while supplying them with refined products.
“There are numerous partnerships in place. He is not only the Prime Minister of Grenada but also the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). We are exploring collaboration in areas such as cement and petroleum, including the possibility of buying crude from them while selling some of our petroleum products to them. We already export to the U.S., Mexico, and other regions, so there is significant collaboration we are looking to develop between us and them.”
The 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) Dangote Oil Refinery—the largest single-train refinery in the world—is designed to process a wide variety of crude oils, including those from Africa, the Middle East, and US Light Tight Oil. It conforms to Euro V specifications and is built to meet stringent standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), European emission norms, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), and the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA).
The refinery has the capacity to satisfy 100% of Nigeria’s demand for petrol, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet fuel, with additional surplus available for export.
Maritime Agencies
MAN, Oron, Pushes Actualization of Her Mandate Beyond Nigeria, Seeks Strategic Partnership with Liberia Maritime Training Institute
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s foremost maritime education and training institution, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, has entered a strategic partnership with the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) and the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) as part of efforts to actualize her statutory mandate within Nigeria, West and Central Africa and beyond.
Under the proposed partnership endorsed during a study tour and landmark engagement in Liberia, February 23 to 27, 2026, the specialized training instructions are to establish a lecturer- exchange programme in Maritime Education and Training (MET), resource-sharing and maritime operations in the sub-region. Also involved is the promotion of courses offered by both institutions on each partner’s communications platform including their websites. Liberian youths are to be trained at the Academy. Placement of MAN cadets onboard Liberian-flagged vessels for sea-time training and training of Liberian Ports State Control officers at the Academy in collaboration with the Abuja MoU on Ports State Control will also take place.
In his remarks, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Governing Council Chairman, Engr Kehinde Olayinka Akinola described the visit as part of the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen regional maritime cooperation andbinstitutional capacity. It also aimed at enhancing global best practices while positioning Nigeria as a hub of maritime operations in the subregion.
”This visit majorly underscores the Federal Government of Nigeria’s commitment to advancing maritime education and international best practices in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda for the Marine and Blue Economy sector. The proposed agreement will strengthen sub-regional cooperation and fast-track collective growth within the blue economy sector.”
He further noted with satisfaction LiMA’s well-structured maritime administration system, strong adherence to global maritime conventions, and commitment to competitiveness within the international maritime community.
In his presentation, the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna reaffirmed the Academy’s dedication to continually develop highly skilled and competent seafarers capable of competing with their counterparts around the globe.
The Academy’s competent workforce, he emphasized, state-of-the-art training facilities and enhanced curricula have positioned the institution as one of the best maritime education and training institutions in the world. He aligned the Academy’s remarkable strides with the visionary policy direction of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.
According to him, the partnership will open new pathways for knowledge exchange, institutional collaboration and practical training that will benefit cadets, instructors and maritime operators across the sub-region.
Dr. Okonna said: “We acknowledge and recognise Liberia for its significant stance in the global maritime community, particularly as a nation with the world’s largest merchant ship fleet/tonnage and as a Category ‘A’ member of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). ”
“This partnership reflects our shared vision to build a new generation of highly skilled and globally competitive seafarers through collaboration, innovation, and capacity development. It would enable both institutions to leverage each other’s strong points to enhance the quality of MET and capacity building for lecturers and cadets,” he added.
In his response, the Deputy Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Mr. John F. Harvey welcomed the Academy’s delegation, noting that partnership between the two countries was a welcome development that will serve as a model for other regional collaborations.
While reaffirming his organisation’s unwavering commitment to maritime development, he described the proposed collaboration between MAN, Oron, LMTI, and LiMA as a major step towards strengthening regional maritime cooperation.
”Let me reaffirm our unwavering commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships that would enhance maritime education and training excellence and professional development of our cadets,” he said.
Other officials of the Liberian Maritime Authority who added their voices expressed profound admiration for a well articulated and insightful presentation by the Academy’s delegation, noting that the presentation showcased the Academy’s institutional capacity, strategic direction and commitment to excellence.
The partnership initiative is expected to chart new pathways for strategic collaboration in a lot of areas, foster innovation, maintain maritime training excellence, deepen capacity-building initiatives, strengthen research partnerships and promote cross-border knowledge/culture transfer.
The Nigerian delegation further undertook a guided tour of the top-notched marine engineering training facilities of the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) and were treated to a beautiful parade display by the cadets of the LMTI.
Top on the Academy’s delegation were the Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Kehinde Akinola; Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna; Council Members: Hon. Faisal Halidu, Hon. Samuel Isichei, Mrs. Hussaina Inja, Hon. Shegu Maigari. Some members of the Academy’s Management included the Director, Research and Strategic Development, Dr. John Adeyanju, Ag. Registrar, Mr. P. M. Netson and Ag. Bursar, Mr. Anthony Ambi.
Capt Sunday Umoren, Secretary- General, Abuja MoU which partners the Academy in PSCO Courses, Senior Assistant Registrar (Rectorate) Mr. Ime Morgan, Senior Lecturer (Marine Engineering) Mr. Hope Inyang and the Academy’s Image Manager, Domo Umoekpe, also participated in the Study Tour.
The Study Tour was facilitated by Marshall Shield, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa and Mr. Steve Ujah.
Maritime Agencies
NPA’s 2025 Operational Performance Report Validates FG’s Economic Diversification Initiatives.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The comprehensive port modernization project being championed by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is designed to overhaul ageing infrastructure, deepen berths, rehabilitate quays, expand cargo-handling capacity while deploying advanced digital solutions across Nigeria’s port network. The initiative is expected to improve vessel turnaround time, reduce cargo dwell time, enhance safety standards, and significantly boost operational efficiency across all terminals.
The 2025 Operational Performance Report released by the NPA says
Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded a historic surge in activity in 2025, driven by increased cargo throughput, rising container traffic, and a growing export footprint, a development that underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to economic diversification.
The report revealed that total cargo throughput surged by 24.8 percent, rising from approximately 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to over 129.3 million metric tons in 2025.
As stated by an elated Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the growth being witnessed reflects one of the most significant annual increases in Nigeria’s maritime history.
The milestone, he says, strengthens the country’s position as a more competitive and strategic player in regional and global trade.
While imports continue to dominate overall cargo traffic, the report highlights a steady rise in outward trade, with exports accounting for 39.0 percent of total cargo throughput. Inward traffic represented 59.2 percent, and transshipment contributed 1.8 percent. Analysts view the growth in export volumes as a direct validation of the Federal Government’s economic diversification initiatives aimed at reducing dependence on crude oil and promoting non-oil sector exports.
Containerized cargo, a key indicator of export trade activity, grew significantly. Total container traffic increased by 25.7 percent, surpassing 2.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Of this, export containers grew by 3.1 percent, while import-laden containers surged by 32.8 percent. The report also noted a remarkable 205.8 percent increase in transshipment containers, signaling Nigeria’s emergence as a pivotal regional logistics and trade hub.
The report identified Lekki Port as the leading port in Nigeria, handling 40.6 percent of the nation’s total cargo throughput. Onne Port followed with 19.1 percent, and Apapa Port handled 16.7 percent.
In addition to volume, Lekki Port attracted the largest vessels in 2025 with an average Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 55,712, slightly higher than Onne Port at 53,022 GRT. Apapa and Tin Can Island Port received ships averaging 33,251 GRT and 36,909 GRT, respectively, while Delta Ports handled vessels averaging 17,414 GRT.
The report underscores a structural shift in vessel traffic: although Tin Can Island Port recorded the highest frequency of ship arrivals accounting for 22.7 percent of total ship calls Lekki and Onne are increasingly receiving the industry’s “heavyweight” vessels, enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to handle larger, more valuable cargoes.
Overall, total ship calls rose by nearly 12 percent to 4,477 vessels, reflecting broad-based growth across all operational metrics. Liquid bulk cargo, including fuel and chemicals, remained the dominant commodity at 54.7 percent, while containerized cargo accounted for 24 percent. Analysts note that the increasing size and sophistication of vessel traffic, coupled with container growth, points to a maritime sector gradually aligning with global shipping standards.
The report also highlights the rising importance of transshipment cargo, particularly for containerized goods destined for other West and Central African ports. The 205.8 percent surge in transshipment containers positions Nigeria as a strategic regional hub, attracting international shipping lines and increasing revenue for the Nigerian Ports Authority.
“This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s trade ecosystem,” maritime analysts say. “The growth in exports and transshipment reflects the success of policy reforms aimed at reducing reliance on oil revenues, while enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian ports in regional trade.”
With the nation’s ports showing resilience and dynamism, the report reinforces the Federal Government’s efforts to expand non-oil exports, attract investment into port infrastructure, and integrate Nigeria more fully into global supply chains.
As Nigeria continues to welcome larger vessels and diversify its cargo base, the 2025 NPA report positions Lekki Port and the broader port network as central to the country’s economic diversification strategy, regional trade prominence, and global maritime ambitions.
Looking ahead, Dantsoho expressed confidence that the next phase of growth will be driven by the Federal Government–approved bold port modernization programme and the implementation of the National Single Window system.
Maritime Agencies
Dedication To Service Earns NIWA’s Engr Sarat Braimah the Nelson Mandela Pan African Leadership Award.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engr Sarat Lara Braimah has been bestowed with an award by a Ghana-based organization, Stay Africa Youth Development Initiative (SAYDI). The Nelson Mandela Pan African Leadership Award is in recognition of her hard work and dedication to national service.
Dominic Mensah, President of the Accra, Ghana-based organisation, formally present the award to her in Lagos, Wednesday.
In his remarks, Ambassador Mensah stated that the Nigerian chapter of SAYDI nominated Engr Braimah following the positive transformation recorded at the NIWA Lagos Area Office since she assumed office.
He highlighted her promotion of students and youth empowerment, support for the Executive Governor of Lagos State’s zero tolerance for nepotism and favouritism, commitment to teamwork and selfless leadership style that reflects African moral values.
He added that her career progression serves as an inspiration to young Africans, particularly women aspiring to build careers in the maritime sector.
“Our core objective is to identify tomorrow’s leaders today by inspiring and educating young people in Africa to remain on the continent and contribute to its sustainable development across all fields of human endeavour.
“This is where mentorship becomes essential. We seek out achievers like you who have risen through the ranks to inspire other young Africans to stay back and contribute to the growth of the continent,” Mensah said.
During the presentation to Engr Braimah, Ambassador Mensah also announced her automatic induction into the Pan African Leadership Hall of Fame as an amazon of nation- building in Africa.
In her appreciation remarks, Engr Braimah expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that although she had not previously encountered the organisation, she strongly aligns with its vision.
She stressed that Africa can only grow and prosper when young people commit themselves to hard work and selfless service.
“I want to sincerely thank you for this award, which I do not take for granted.
“It will inspire me to do more for my organisation, Nigeria, and Africa’s maritime development. I believe in and encourage teamwork and dedication. Therefore, this award is dedicated to my superiors in Abuja and to all those who work tirelessly, sacrificing time with family and friends, to support me here in Lagos as Area Manager. I pray that many young people will remain focused and give their best to Nigeria and indeed Africa,” she stated.
MAN, Oron, Pushes Actualization of Her Mandate Beyond Nigeria, Seeks Strategic Partnership with Liberia Maritime Training Institute
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