Maritime Agencies
MAMAL 2026: FG Targets Globally Competitive Ports As Tantita Urges a ‘Look Beyond Lagos’ in Port Development.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola has said the Federal Government is pursuing an ambitious programme aimed at transforming Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and positioning the country as a maritime hub for West and Central Africa.
The Minister disclosed this as Special Guest of Honour at the MAMAL 2026 organized in Lagos by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
Represented by Mr Seyi Iyawe, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Planning of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Minister announced that the administration had secured approval for comprehensive modernisation of Apapa, Tin Can Island and other ports, describing the intervention as a structural renewal rather than cosmetic rehabilitation.
He said the programme would involve the rebuilding of key infrastructure, deeper channels capable of accommodating larger vessels, replacement of obsolete equipment and an overhaul of port operations.
“Our objective is to create ports that can move cargo, accommodate larger vessels, reduce turnaround time and lower the cost per unit of cargo handled,” the Minister said.
He also highlighted the government’s efforts to expand Nigeria’s deep-sea port capacity, saying the country could no longer depend exclusively on traditional ports.
According to him, deep-sea ports would help decentralise cargo flows, reduce pressure on existing facilities, open new economic corridors and create opportunities for investment, employment and industrial development.
Oyetola further cited investments in modern marine crafts including tugboats, mooring boats and pilot boats, as part of measures to improve vessel movement, safety and operational efficiency.
He said Nigeria’s improved maritime security record was another major component of the government’s competitiveness strategy.
According to the Minister, Nigeria has maintained a zero-piracy record in its territorial waters for four consecutive years, while strengthened security and compliance measures had also restored international confidence in Nigerian ports.
On economic regulation to tackle tariff and anti-competitive practices,
Oyetola said the establishment of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) represented a major institutional reform designed to strengthen economic regulation in the sector.
He said the new regulator would be empowered to enforce service standards, monitor tariffs, promote fair competition, address anti-competitive practices and protect port users from arbitrary and unpredictable charges.
“The more competitive our ports become, the greater the volume of legitimate trade they will attract. The more efficient our ports become, the more attractive Nigeria becomes to investors,” he said.
He added that the government’s philosophy was to move the maritime sector “from a culture of collecting charges to a culture of creating value.”
The Minister said the Federal Government would continue to pursue port modernisation, stronger regulation, improved maritime security, deep-sea port development, digitalisation and efficiency in order to make Nigeria’s maritime sector investment-friendly and globally competitive.
In his intervention, the Executive Director (Operations and Technical) of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, Capt Warredi Enisuoh warned that efforts to modernise Nigerian ports would have limited impact unless equal attention was paid to what happens outside the port gates as the ports cannot be modernized without modernizing the exits.
Enisuoh, the Chairman of the occasion, said Nigeria must adopt a broader approach to port modernisation that incorporates cargo evacuation, road infrastructure, rail, inland waterways, truck management and the reduction of multiple checkpoints and collection points.
“You cannot modernise a port without modernising your exit point,” he said.
According to him, automating operations inside Apapa or Tin Can Island would not eliminate congestion if cargo evacuation remained inefficient.
He pointed to the Port of Lomé in Togo as an example of how strategic investment in deeper channels and streamlined processes could enhance a port’s competitiveness.
Enisuoh noted that the growth in vessel sizes globally made deeper ports increasingly important, observing that some modern container ships now have capacities of more than 20,000 TEUs, far beyond the capacity of many traditional ports and anchorages in the region.
He argued that Nigeria must urgently deepen and expand its port infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels and compete effectively with neighbouring maritime gateways.
The Tantita boss also criticised the multiplicity of agencies and processes confronting shipping agents and port users in Nigeria.
According to him, operators are often required to interface separately with agencies including the NPA, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and Nigeria Customs Service, NCS resulting in delays and additional costs.
He advocated a genuine one-stop-shop system in which port users could complete multiple regulatory and payment requirements through an integrated platform.
Enisuoh further urged the Federal Government to look beyond Lagos and develop Nigeria’s numerous ports as part of a coordinated national maritime strategy rather than concentrating virtually all major port activity in Lagos.
He said the country must develop viable alternatives in other parts of the coastline to distribute cargo, reduce pressure on Lagos and create more efficient trade corridors into the hinterland.
Congestion and poor road infrastructure in Lagos, he warned, could undermine even the most sophisticated investment in port infrastructure.
“If city infrastructure is poor, spend all the millions of dollars you want to maintain the port. It’s not going to work. You will still get congestion,” he said.
He therefore called for a holistic national plan integrating ports, roads, bridges, rail, inland waterways, logistics hubs and cargo evacuation systems.
Maritime Agencies
Dredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has distanced itself from a report entitled ‘Dredgers Association Appeals to Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Extortion, Urges Governor to Call Alebiosu, Cardozo to Order’, published on October 23, 2026 by some online blogs.
In a disclaimer jointly signed by Batare Akpomejero and Richard Ntan, National President and Secretary respectively, the Association categorically stated that the publication is fake and could not have originated from its National Leadership or any authorised organ of the dredgers’ body.
DAN clarified that it neither authorised, approved nor issued any petition or press release accusing Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Lagos State, and Mr. Cardozo of harassment, intimidation or extortion of dredgers and tipper operators.
The Association further stated that it had no record of the alleged impounding of trucks and demand for ₦500,000 as reported in the publication, adding that it completely dissociated itself from the claims.
Reaffirming its relationship with the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, DAN described its engagement with the government and the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development as cordial and collaborative.
On matters relating to dredging regulations and the interpretation of Supreme Court judgments concerning shoreline authority, the Association explained that discussions were being pursued through appropriate institutional channels and dialogue with relevant federal and state authorities, rather than through media confrontations.
Consequently, DAN has disclaimed the report in its entirety, urging the public, the Lagos State Government, Hon. Alebiosu and other stakeholders to disregard the publication as a statement issued on behalf of the Association.
DAN also expressed regret over any embarrassment, inconvenience or reputational damage the publication may have caused the Lagos State Government, the Honourable Commissioner and other officials mentioned.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lawful, sustainable and collaborative dredging operations across Nigeria, while maintaining constructive engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is committed to translate maritime policies into practical results as part of efforts to ensure safer waterways, reliable infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.
NIWA Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Yusuf Girei made the commitment while congratulating stakeholders in his goodwill message during the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration.
This year’s celebration whose theme was“From policy to practice: Powering excellence,” has in attendance was graced the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, FSM, MCIPM; Chairperson and Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Mfon Usoro; Directors and Heads of Departments, CEOs of Parastatals under the Ministry, members of the diplomatic corps, industry stakeholders and the media.

“This year’s theme,” Alhaji Girei said, “reminds us that strong policies create value only when they are translated into meaningful action. In the maritime sector, that means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services that support trade and economic growth.”

He noted that NIWA remains committed to working with State Governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, modernise facilities and protect the waterways on which many livelihoods depend.
Speaking about excellence in the maritime sector, he described it as a shared responsibility that requires skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and a culture that places safety and sustainability at the heart of operations.

“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” he added.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary and all stakeholders whose commitment keeps the maritime industry moving, and urged participants to turn shared ambition into practical results.
The celebration peaked when Alhaji Girei joined in the award presentation for the Primary School Children’s Essay Competition category sponsored by NIWA. The first position went to Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, who won N200,000 cash and a laptop computer. The second position went to Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, who received N150,000 and a laptop computer, while the third position went to Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, who received N100,000 cash and a laptop computer.
On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of NIWA, he wished all stakeholders a successful World Maritime Day celebration.
Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF President, Chief Ezisi, Visits PTML Customs, Urges Deepened Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has given kudos to the Controller of the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller N. I. Miko, for the support extended to freight forwarders at PTML, enjoining him to sustain the tempo and assist the NAGAFF chapter to deepen the relationship for mutual benefits.
Chief Ezisi made the commendation, Thursday, when he led the association’s high command on a familiarization visit to the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the PTML Command.
Ezisi who used the opportunity to welcome the CAC to the Customs Command also introduced the newly-elected executive of the NAGAFF PTML Chapter democratically elected to manage its affairs for the next four years.
Describing NAGAFF as a law-abiding organisation which has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Customs Service, Chief Ezisi stressed the importance of collaboration, compliance and professionalism in facilitating legitimate trade.
He urged Miko to maintain open communication with the chapter’s leadership and whenever disagreements or operational challenges arose, the national leadership would intervene where necessary to resolve issues.
As in other large organisations, Ezisi acknowledged, members with different dispositions and approaches to matters populate NAGAFF and managing them and their differences remains the hallmark of effective leadership at all times.
He also told the CAC that as a body, NAGAFF has in place an active special intervention outfit, a compliance team with guiding slogan, “If you see something, say something.” This body monitors the activities of her members and other freight forwarders who willingly subvert compliance standards in the line of duties.
NAGAFF, he explained, is a non-profit association of freight forwarders whose headquarters relies on the contributions and activities of its chapters to fulfill its responsibilities to the industry.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko, assured NAGAFF members of the Command’s continued cooperation. He described the relationship between Customs officers and freight forwarders at the terminal as very cordial and will always be, going forward.
Miko recalled NAGAFF’s organizational structure, describing it as impressive, particularly the commitment to training and capacity development of members through the NAGAFF Academy .
The PTML Command would continue to support freight forwarders, the CAC pledged as Customs officers and industry operators would continue to deepen the existing harmony and cooperation in the workplace.
He assured that the Command would continue engaging terminal operators on the need to improve the working environment for both Customs officers and freight forwarders.
Miko encouraged freight forwarders to report any shortcomings in the conduct of Customs officers, assuring them that the command would take feedback seriously and work towards improvement.
He also urged stakeholders to acknowledge good performance, emphasising that constructive engagement, mutual respect and collaboration were essential to effective operations.
He reaffirmed his management’s readiness to sustain the healthy relationship with the association and other stakeholders.
Giving a vote of thanks, NAGAFF’s Vice President (Headquarters), Simeon Nwonu, expressed pleasure of the assurance of a continued cordial relationship and accessibility stakeholders associate CAC Miko with right from the Apapa Command.
He thanked Comptroller Miko for the warm reception, expressing confidence that NAGAFF members operating at PTML would benefit from continued engagement.
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