Maritime Agencies
NSW: Stakeholders Fear Success With Weak Commitment by Drivers and Lack of Reforms by Government.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As lack of a strong political will, inter-agency coordination and full digital preparedness stare the National Single Window (NSW) in the face, implementing the ambitious trade reform policy is bound to fail as is the case with similar programmes hurriedly put in place with inadequate preparations .
Stakeholders at a one-day seminar organized in Lagos by Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI) and Hynek Media, expressed deep concerns in this regard, thus, supporting the avalanche of opposition to what many industry players say is a good policy that ought to have been properly planned before unveiling last month.
The absence of Mr Tola Fakolade, the NSW Director and his team, attendees regretted, robbed the key NSW driver opportunity to participate in robust discussions on this trade regime, apparently lending credence to fears of failure already hanging in the air. While the Nigeria Customs Service, freight forwarders, maritime journalists, Truck Transit Park officials, and other industry players attended to discuss the theme “National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure,” the NSW key driver, Mr Fakolade, was visibly absent. Not even a team member was available to stand in for him!
However, participants acknowledged the transformative potentials of the NSW. In his goodwill message, Otumba Frank Ogunojemite, National President, APFFLON, represented by Alhaji Akeem Ayobiojo, Tincan Port chapter Chairman of the group, said NSW is a future legacy for Nigeria. His concern, however, is “how do we guarantee the success going by how businesses run in Nigeria, with vices and efforts to sabotage good and laudable programmes of government?
Speaking for other freight forwarders and customs agents, Ayobiojo quickly recalled current difficulties in uploading NAFDAC, SONCAP certificates and other documents to the NSW portal. There are delays, demurrages and other challenges, he said, acknowledging these as an index of ill-preparation and wobbling attempts to introduce a new system. He deeply regretted the absence of the NSW team at the event to throw more light and make clarifications on the waivers promised, among others.
Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) made an impressive attendance at the event. Speaking on behalf of the National Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs J.D. Tomo, Public Relations Officer, Lagos Area Industrial Command, said the NSW is at the elementary stage of implementation. Certain modalities in this regard, she explained, are still being worked out. All agencies are to be on one page to facilitate trade, reduce time wastage while carrying everybody along. NSW, she assured, is neither depriving the Customs of her traditional role in trade facilitation nor duplicating the B’Odogwu customs regime. Rather, NCS embraces NSW to make her job easier.
The Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) represented by Okechukwu Nwankwo, Head of Lagos Area office said the NSW is a new system Nigerians should give time to play out and mature. Much as the CRFFN is fully integrated on the NSW, as professionals, freight forwarders, he advised, must have professional licences before integrating into the NSW.
In its intervention, the TTP team led by Joseph Alo expressed concerns that whenever technology is introduced to improve existing systems, beneficiaries from the old order must designed methods to torpedo it to their selfish advantage. He said there have been constant engagement and interactions on ways to overcome initial glitches. “We’re looking at doing things differently to improve the system in the port industry,” he explained.
Delivering the lead paper on “National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure”, Dr Segun Musa, Managing Director/CEO, Global Transport Policy Ltd, said that an effective Single Window system must incorporate fast-track arbitration and appeal processes. Citing the International Chamber of Commerce, he noted that clear dispute resolution mechanisms can reduce trade disruptions by up to 40 per cent.
On enforcement, Musa referenced OECD studies indicating that effective compliance measures—supported by real-time risk engines, audits, and penalties for false declarations—can raise compliance levels by as much as 50 per cent.
Speaking through Mr. Mark Oluchi, Dr harped on the need for data-driven insights. He explained that data generated from shipments, tariffs, and processing timelines can help detect revenue leakages, guide infrastructure investments, and identify suspicious cargo patterns linked to smuggling.
He stressed the need for a true “one-stop shop” model where all trade documents are submitted once through a unified platform, eliminating duplication and delays, while also calling for strong private sector collaboration to ensure efficiency.
“Launching Nigeria’s National Single Window is not merely a technical upgrade; it is a strategic overhaul of our trade ecosystem. If we get these fundamentals right, the rewards will be transformative—more jobs, increased investment, and greater economic prosperity. The time to act is now.”
All in all, the attendees insisted on efficiency because an efficient system stands to reduce trade transaction costs by up to 25 per cent, increase government revenue by 20 per cent, boost exports by 15 per cent, and attract about 10 per cent more foreign direct investment (FDI).
They expressed strong fears, however, that Nigeria’s history of failed reforms often caused by weak coordination, institutional rivalry, and poor infrastructure stand to undermine the success of the NSW if adequate safeguards are not put on ground. Nigeria must learn from failed efforts.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, has been honoured with the Golden Era Pillar of Logistics Excellence, Purposeful Entrepreneur, Philanthropy and National Development Award by the Radio, Television, Theatre and Art Workers’ Union, RATTAWU.
The award was presented on Monday at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the RATTAWU Safe Democracy Summit and Golden Honours, themed, “Electoral Integrity in an AI Era – Role of Responsible Media and Culture in Safeguarding Democracy.”
The event attracted prominent personalities, including representatives of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Labour and Employment.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, who chaired the occasion; the President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, Prof. Rotimi Williams Olatunji, who delivered the keynote address; representatives of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police; NAGAFF founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam; traditional rulers, freight forwarders and business leaders.
Speaking at the ceremony, RATTAWU National President, Prince Emeka Kalu, described Ezisi as a philanthropist and community leader whose contributions to logistics, entrepreneurship and national development had positively impacted many lives.
He said the union considered Ezisi deserving of recognition for his commitment to humanitarian causes and development initiatives, noting that society should celebrate individuals who have distinguished themselves through hard work and selfless service.
Kalu also reaffirmed RATTAWU’s commitment to defending the rights of the oppressed, giving voice to the voiceless and supporting vulnerable members of society.
Representing the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Director of Public Relations and Protocol in the ministry, Dr. Suleiman Haruna, said inquiries about Ezisi’s background revealed him to be a man whose contributions to humanity had earned him widespread respect.
Haruna likened the NAGAFF president to “a mighty river that irrigates lands and people,” saying his generosity had positively transformed many lives.
Several speakers, including Chairman of the NAGAFF Board of Trustees, Mr. Chidiebere Enelamah, and the association’s National Vice President, Princess Chi Ezeh, also paid glowing tributes to Ezisi, describing him as a compassionate leader whose recognition was well deserved.
Enelamah commended Ezisi’s wife for her support, describing her as a pillar behind her husband’s success.
Representatives of the Imperial Philanthropic Family equally praised the NAGAFF President for his longstanding support for charitable causes across the country, saying the honour reflected his commitment to humanitarian service.
They urged him to remain steadfast in his philanthropic activities, noting that his impact had changed many lives and inspired others to serve humanity.
Responding, an emotional Ezisi expressed gratitude to God, his family, friends and supporters for standing by him throughout his journey.
He also acknowledged the founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, for providing him with the platform to serve, while thanking RATTAWU for the recognition.
Ezisi pledged his continued support for the union and assured members that he would always be available whenever called upon.
He described the honour as one of the most memorable moments of his life and thanked guests for their presence and goodwill.
Maritime Agencies
Oyetola Vows to Strengthen Local Capacity, Innovation, Responsible Investments As STARZS Celebrates 40th Anniversary.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The story of STARZS Group’s phenomenal growth and impact in the past four decades, in many respects, mirrors Nigeria’s growth and advancement in all spheres. The story reflects boldness in vision, resilience in capacity, innovation in execution and steadfastness in the pursuit of excellence.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola made the submission in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an impressive ceremony by the company to celebrate her 40th anniversary. He was represented by the Director -General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola.
”As we celebrate this achievement, we are reminded that no action and no nation can attain sustainable maritime prosperity without a vibrant and competitive indigenous values sector. Government creates the enabling environment, but it is the enterprise, innovation, and doggedness of companies such as STARZS that transform policy into economic opportunity, create jobs, build local capacity, and deepen national prosperity.”
”This conviction underpins the vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a strategic platform for unlocking the immense potentials of Nigerian maritime domain. Our mandate is clear to position the marine and maritime blue economy as a major driver of economic diversification, industrial growth, food security, trade competitiveness, and national development. We will remain committed to expanding opportunities for indigenous compensation across the maritime planetary, whether in shipping, marine logistics, shipping management, offshore support services, shipbuilding, or marine engineering.”
The Minister emphasized the Ministry’s objective which is to ensure that Nigerian companies are not just participants but leaders in the growth of the maritime economy.
” We will continue to work with relevant institutions to strengthen local capacity, encourage responsible investment and create an environment in which indigenous businesses thrive. Human capital development remains central to this vision.”
”The future of the maritime industry will ultimately depend on the quality, competence, and innovation of our people. We are therefore placing renewed emphasis on maritime education, seafarer development, technical skill acquisition, and greater collaboration with governments, academia, and industry to prepare the generation of new maritime professionals for Nigeria. Equally important is our commitment to maritime safety and security.”
The progress Nigeria has made in securing its maritime domain through the Deep Blue project, Oyetola explained, has enhanced investor confidence and reinforced her standing within the Gulf of Guinea.
Nigeria shall continue to consolidate on these gains through stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved surveillance capabilities and sustained investment in maritime security infrastructure, recognizing the fundamental importance of safe waters.
Maritime Agencies
NCDMB Hails STARZS @ 40, Reiterates Objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) says four decades of sustained contribution to Nigeria’s maritime and offshore logistics sector reflects resilience, vision, innovation and commitment to national development.
Engr Felix Omatshola, NCDMB Executive Secretary/CEO made the submission in Port Harcourt, Friday, during a high-powered symposium put together by the STARZS Investments Company Limited to celebrate her 40th anniversary. He described the theme of the symposium – anchoring resilience, 40 years of private indigenous initiative, shaping Nigeria’s maritime future as both timely and significant as it speaks directly to the role of indigenous enterprise in building a competitive and sustainable maritime industry. The milestone recorded by STARZS Group, he explained , is worthy of celebration.
Speaking through Mr Silas Ajimijaye, the agency’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Engr Omatshola congratulated Starzs which has, over the past 40 years, distinguished itself as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous service providers, contributing to the growth of local capacity in marine logistics, shipyard services, offshore support operations and workforce development.
”The company’s journey demonstrates what is possible when Nigerian entrepreneurs are provided with opportunities, enabling policies and the determination to invest in local talent and infrastructure that meets international standards.”
”At the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, we strongly believe that sustainable national development is achieved when indigenous companies are empowered to participate meaningfully across the entire value chain of the oil and gas and maritime sectors. These beliefs remain at the heart of NCDMB and of course the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010
which seeks to maximize in-country value retention, promote industrialization, create employment opportunities and build sustainable Nigerian capacity.”
NCDMB, he explained, is encouraged by the progress recorded by indigenous maritime companies such as STARZS whose investments have contributed significantly to strengthening local participation and reducing dependence on foreign service providers.
”The collaboration between NCDMB and indigenous companies has continued to yield positive outcomes in line with our mandate to deepen Nigerian content and foster economic diversification.”
”In recent years, we have also witnessed STARZS expand its investment into strategic growth areas within the energy sector, including initiatives that support Nigeria’s gas development aspirations and the federal government’s decade of gas programme. Such investments are important because they align with our collective vision of building strong indigenous institutions capable of driving industrial growth, energy security, and long-term economic prosperity for our dear country.”
”As we look towards the future, there is a need for stronger collaboration among industry operators, maritime service providers, financial institutions, policymakers, and regulators to address existing challenges and unlock new opportunities within the blue economy.
We must continue to invest in human capacity development, technology acquisition, infrastructure expansion, local manufacturing, research innovation, and operational excellence. To ensure that Nigerian companies remain globally competitive, the future of Nigerian maritime industry will depend not only on policy support but also on the willingness of Nigerian indigenous businesses to embrace innovation, maintain high standards of corporate governance, and pursue strategic partnerships that create long-term value,” Engr Omatshola concluded.
Tochukwu Ezisi, NAGAFF President, Bags RATTAWU’s Logistics Excellence Award.
Oyetola Vows to Strengthen Local Capacity, Innovation, Responsible Investments As STARZS Celebrates 40th Anniversary.
NCDMB Hails STARZS @ 40, Reiterates Objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010.
OPERATION WHIRLWIND: Customs Auctions 20,500 Litres Of Confiscated PMS, NMDPRA Warns Against Products Diversion.
Jumoke Oduwole, Industry, Trade and Investments Minister, Commends STARZS at 40, Tasks African Trade Ministers on AfCFTA.
Apapa Port Customs Seizes Cannabis Sativa Worth over N26.5bn
STARZS INVESTMENTS COMPANY LTD: 40 Years of Private Indigenous Initiative, Shaping Nigeria’s Maritime Future.
Starzs Group Emphasizes Sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility, Urges Government to Strengthen Education Infrastructure.
STARZS CEO Commissions School Projects, Champions Environmental Protection and Tree -Planting to Mark 40th Anniversary.
Starzs’ 40th Anniversary : Group’s CSR Will Rewrite Our Story, Benefitting Communities Say.
Starzs’ 40th Anniversary: Company Doles out Scholarships to 40 Youths from Host Communities, Maritime Institutions.
STARZS 40TH ANNIVERSARY: ‘We are Faith-based, And Doing Well’- CEO Iroghama …Thanks Founder For Laying Solid Foundation
DATELINE: JULY 4, 2026. Faces at Starzs Investments Company’s Special Thanksgiving in Port Harcourt to Celebrate 4 Decades of Existence.
Starzs Investments Begins Week-long Celebration of her 40th Anniversary With a Thanksgiving Service.
LFTZ Customs Achieves Highest Monthly Revenue of Over N87 bn in June; Over N408bn Half-year, 2026.
STARZS INVESTMENTS COMPANY LTD @40: Four Decades of Advancing Indigenous Maritime Excellence.
ABUJA MoU: WE FUNCTION BEHIND A MASK, says Capt Umoren
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
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APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
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OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
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HALF YEAR, 2024: Apapa Customs Nets ₦1.024 Trillion, Records 143% Increase.
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PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoSTARZS INVESTMENTS COMPANY LTD @40: Four Decades of Advancing Indigenous Maritime Excellence.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoStarzs’ 40th Anniversary: Company Doles out Scholarships to 40 Youths from Host Communities, Maritime Institutions.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoLFTZ Customs Achieves Highest Monthly Revenue of Over N87 bn in June; Over N408bn Half-year, 2026.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoSTARZS 40TH ANNIVERSARY: ‘We are Faith-based, And Doing Well’- CEO Iroghama …Thanks Founder For Laying Solid Foundation
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Celebration2 weeks agoStarzs Investments Begins Week-long Celebration of her 40th Anniversary With a Thanksgiving Service.
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