Maritime Agencies
MARITIME LABOUR: Let Employment Policy Favour Junior Staff, MWUN Tells NPA.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN)g has expressed deep worry over an employment process in most transportation parastatals (including the Nigerian Ports Authority) which emphasizes the hiring of more of top-cadre officers than junior staff. It is now time to reverse this practice in order to improve the capacity of relevant agencies to effectively man port operations in jetties, terminals, etc, a function better carried out by junior staff with requisite training and experience.
MWUN President General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju conveyed this displeasure while speaking at the well-attended National Executive Council meeting of the labour union held in Lagos, Monday.
He called on the Nigerian Ports Authority to urgently address the matter.
He also noted that lack of a clear-cut maritime policy is affecting the concession programme as the NPA seems to lack the statutory basis to checkmate the private terminal operators. This anomaly, he stated, must be corrected as port operations without an effective regulatory body poses enormous danger to port users and development of the ability to export. He emphasized the need to implement the Cabotage Act of 2003 as regards monitoring, regulating and standardizing operations of the concessioned ports considering what appears the declining operational influence of government.
It is obviously necessary that Nigeria develops a sustainable national integrated transport policy to serve as a catalyst to the overall development of the country, he stated, as workers in the transport sector yearn for a seamless movement of people from one point to another to boost the economy while stimulating social integration.
MWUN, he announced, totally supports the marine environment protection programme of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as the right to safe environment as enshrined in the constitution and various treaties, conventions, protocols guarantees everybody the right to a safe environment.
He applauded the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) for supporting the welfare and development of Nigeria’s dock workers and seafarers.
“Currently, there is an ongoing ITF Maritime Affiliate Support Project for Nigerian seafarers. The project which has run in Nigeria for the past 15 months has impacted meaningfully to improve the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) coverage in Nigeria and influenced an increase in the number of CBAs being signed yearly. It has also improved and created employment opportunities for seafarers at local and international levels. We seize this opportunity to again solicit the cooperation of stakeholders to ensure the success of the project in Nigeria.
The ITF received kudos for employing an ITF ship inspector for Nigerian ports. “I also put on record that ITF is in the concluding part of approving our request for their support to put a befitting Maritime Seafarers’ Centre which can be utilized by local and international seafarers”.
MWUN called on all stakeholders including NPA, NIMASA, NIWA, NSC, stevedores, shipping companies and others to support the Union’s goal to have a maritime seafarers’ centre in Nigeria which will be the first in West Africa.
MWUN appreciated the NPA Managing Director for graciously approving and supporting the association’s National Secretariat Annexe being transformed into a modern office edifice.
“We wish to report that MWUN recently signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with a property developer, Ideation Nigeria Ltd, to develop our landed property at Okokomaiko into a modern estate of flats and terrace apartments. I am happy to announce that construction work has commenced on the land.”
He disclosed that on completion, the property will be named Maritime Estate.
He observed that the peddling of illicit drugs has become a serious social problem. “As a union, we have sentisized our members on the danger of allowing themselves to be used as channels to perpetrate the peddling of illicit drugs in our ports. The Union went further to hold several strategic meetings with officials of the NDLEA. Consequently, Union will not take kindly to any of its members found engaging in the peddling of illicit drugs. The Union has directed that any member found liable will cease to be a member.
As arrangement is on to disburse the Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund (CVFF), the MWUN PG said, NIMASA should ensure that more vessels are procured to provide employment for the teeming NSDP cadet trainees.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Arising from weeks of intensive planning and stakeholder engagements, the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) hereby confirms readiness and an overwhelming industry stakeholders support for its planned special reception to honour her past presidents.
The reception is a landmark event aimed at celebrating leadership, service and the enduring contributions of media professionals to Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The event which promises to be a gathering of industry heavyweights, ministry officials, policymakers, regulators, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders and other critical stakeholders, is designed not only to honour past leaders of MARAN but to restate the role of maritime journalism in shaping policy, promoting accountability, and driving sectoral growth.
Speaking on the event, MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tunde Ayodele noted that the reception serves as a platform to reflect on the legacies of past presidents whose leadership helped position the association as a respected voice in the maritime space.
He added that the event will also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the media and industry operators at a time when the sector is undergoing significant reforms and modernization.
As stated by Funsho Olojo, Chairman, Reception Planning Committee, notable dignitaries from government institutions, including the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as well as heads of key maritime agencies, have indicated strong interest in attending the event.
Several corporate organizations and industry groups have also signified their willingness to support the initiative, underscoring its importance to the wider maritime community.
Mr Olojo, while giving an overview of the event, declared that it would serve as a veritable platform to celebrate excellence, hard work and quality leadership offered by past MARAN leaders.
”MARAN, as the projenitor of beat associations in the maritime industry, has produced finest individuals who have had the privilege of leading this great association.
”They have sacrificed their time, energy and intellect to make MARAN the greatest beat association in the maritime industry.
” More encouraging is the fact that all of these past leaders are currently doing well in their different endeavors.
” Some are excelling as Ministers of God in His vineyard, some are holding their own in the legal profession, some have become media moguls and employers of labour while some are practicing their crafts as political appointees.
” It is at this reception that MARAN hopes to unveil their excellence and celebrate their rising profiles”, Olojo declared.
The reception, which will be held on April 24, 2026 at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, is expected to feature award presentations, goodwill messages, and networking sessions that will foster deeper engagement among stakeholders while celebrating excellence in maritime journalism.
As the momentum continues to build, the association therefore calls on industry stakeholders, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to be part of this historic event through sponsorships, partnerships, and active participation.
MARAN is the foremost maritime journalists beat association, and a professional body that is committed to promoting ethical journalism, capacity building, and informed reporting within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Come Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI) and Hynek Media will host a one-day seminar at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa GRA, Lagos. This is part of efforts to create needed public awareness on the National Single Window (NSW), the Federal Government’s flagship trade facilitation project.
With the theme, “National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure,” the parley provides a platform for stakeholders to openly discuss concerns and chart strategies for the effective implementation of the NSW.
Sub-themes of the seminar are Transparency in Single Window Project – A Key to Sustainability, and Inter-Agency Rival-Free Collaboration for NSW Success.
Dr. Segun Musa, Lead Consultant, Global Transport Policy, will deliver a keynote address while many maritime eggheads have been lined up as panel of discussants.
These include Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju, Chairman, Customs Consultative Committee who chairs the event while Hon. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar, CRFFN will be the Co-Chairman.
Other high-profile participants expected include Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (Chief Guest of Honour), Mr. Tola Fakolade, Director, National Single Window (Special Guest of Honour), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, MD, Nigerian Ports Authority, and Dr. Dayo Mobereola, DG, NIMASA. Others are Dr. Pius Akutah MON, ES, Nigerian Shippers Council, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, Acting MD, NIWA, and Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, MD, Lagos Free Trade Zone.
The seminar will feature insights from customs controllers, freight forwarders’ associations, indigenous terminal operators, and regulators.
According to the organizers, the event offers a rare opportunity to harvest ideas and align government agencies, private operators and civil society organizations around a shared vision for a seamless trade ecosystem.
Officials project that the NSW could reduce transaction costs by up to 25% and increase government revenue by 20%. However, experts caution that Nigeria’s history of reform setbacks underscores the need for robust safeguards to ensure success.
Maritime Agencies
Akutah, Shippers’ Council Boss, Denies Political Distraction Claims, Insists He’s Focused on His Duties.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah says stakeholders and the general public should evaluate his performance based on policy outcomes and sector stability instead of speculating about personal political ambition as he will continue to operate within his mandate as CEO regardless of external narratives.
His commitment to the Nigerian maritime sector, he notes, is his priority as he ensures that regulatory interventions support economic growth, protect stakeholders’ interests and enhance Nigeria’s position in regional and global matitime trade.
Dr Akutah stated this while dismissing as unfounded and irrelevant suggestions that his alleged political ambition is affecting his performance or distracting him from his regulatory duties. Some
stakeholders have even linked their concerns to recent tensions over tariff adjustments and regulatory decisions in the maritime sector.
Akutah who said the allegations are a misrepresentation of his priorities stressed that his focus remains firm on the discharge of his statutory responsibilities under the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
While public officials are often subject to speculation regarding personal political intentions, he insists, such narratives should not be allowed to overshadow institutional work or be used to undermine regulatory actions taken in good faith and in line with the law.
According to him, all decisions taken under his leadership have been guided strictly by legal provisions, stakeholder consultations, and the broader objective of maintaining balance within the maritime economy, rather than any personal or political considerations.
He maintained that the Council’s priority remains the protection of national trade interests, fair regulation of the port economy, and ensuring stability across the shipping and logistics value chain.
Akutah further noted that distractions arising from political rumours or external commentary do not alter the Council’s regulatory direction, as his administration continues to engage stakeholders and implement reforms aimed at strengthening efficiency and transparency in the sector.
He emphasized that leadership of a critical economic regulatory agency such as the NSC requires focus, continuity and adherence to due process. His attention , he insists, remains on institutional reforms rather than political pursuits.
MARAN Confirms Readiness To Celebrate Past Presidents.
NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW: MACI, Hynek Host Parley To Address Risks and Concerns.
Akutah, Shippers’ Council Boss, Denies Political Distraction Claims, Insists He’s Focused on His Duties.
SINGLE WINDOW HICCUPS: Shippers’ Council, Revenue Service Canvass Waivers for Importers .
PIPELINES SURVEILLANCE: National Assembly Commends Tantita for Performance, Dismisses Petitions over Contract Award.
NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW: Anti-Corruption Group Hosts Seminar To Tackle Envisaged Risks.
ICTN: FG Gives Shippers’ Council Nod for a Roll-Out, Agencies Sign Performance Bonds.
NPA Deepens Digitalization,Targets Port Community System As ETO undergoes Review.
Nigeria Canvasses Regional Co-operation, Investment Drive at Liberia Fisheries Summit.
PORTS MODERNIZATION, NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW TO TACKLE PORTS CHALLENGES, Says NPA MD.
Oyetola Welcomes EU Delegation, Urges Stronger Role Against Illegal Fishing, Maritime Crimes in the GoG.
Maritime Journalists’ Group, MARAN, Set To Honour Her Past Leaders.
Tincan Customs Posts Over N120.4bn in February, 2026, A Huge Leap Above the February 2025 Records.
TRADE FACILITATION: FG Unveils National Single Window To Encourage Coordinated and Technology-Driven Trade System.
NIMASA Collaborates With KAIPTC To Empower West African Women For Digital Participation In Maritime Sector.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, 2026: NIMASA Commits To Women Inclusion in Maritime Sector.
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APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Photo News: Salah Celebration
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
HALF YEAR, 2024: Apapa Customs Nets ₦1.024 Trillion, Records 143% Increase.
JANUARY-MAY REPORT: Seme Customs Hits N2.6bn, Facilitates ₦35.1bn Exports.
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
Mama Theresa Enisuoh Due For Burial April 27
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTincan Customs Posts Over N120.4bn in February, 2026, A Huge Leap Above the February 2025 Records.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOyetola Welcomes EU Delegation, Urges Stronger Role Against Illegal Fishing, Maritime Crimes in the GoG.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTRADE FACILITATION: FG Unveils National Single Window To Encourage Coordinated and Technology-Driven Trade System.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNPA Deepens Digitalization,Targets Port Community System As ETO undergoes Review.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoICTN: FG Gives Shippers’ Council Nod for a Roll-Out, Agencies Sign Performance Bonds.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMaritime Journalists’ Group, MARAN, Set To Honour Her Past Leaders.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoPORTS MODERNIZATION, NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW TO TACKLE PORTS CHALLENGES, Says NPA MD.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNigeria Canvasses Regional Co-operation, Investment Drive at Liberia Fisheries Summit.