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
Nigeria Canvasses Regional Co-operation, Investment Drive at Liberia Fisheries Summit.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
H. E. Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and Chairman, Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, is pushing for stronger regional co-operation and increased investment in the fisheries sector across West and Central Africa.
According to a release by Dr Bolaji Akinola, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Communications, the Minister made the call in Monrovia, Liberia, Monday, while speaking at the National Fisheries Investment Conference, March 30 to 31, 2026. The conference which was declared open by Liberia’s President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, was attended by Ministers responsible for fisheries and aquaculture from across the West African subregion.
Describing the gathering as timely, Oyetola said it provided an important platform to unlock opportunities in fisheries and the wider blue economy. “This Conference comes at a critical time for our region,” he said, noting that the sector remains central to food security, employment and economic growth.
According to him, millions of people across West and Central Africa depend on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods, while fish remains one of the most affordable sources of protein. However, he warned that the sector continues to face serious challenges.
“Despite our rich marine and inland water resources, the sector continues to face significant challenges,” he said, citing declining fish stocks, weak infrastructure, and limited access to finance and modern technology.
Dr. Oyetola emphasised that addressing these challenges requires a clear focus on sustainability, investment and regional collaboration. He stressed that without proper management of marine and inland resources, long-term gains would be impossible.
“Our oceans, rivers, and coastal ecosystems must be carefully managed… without sustainability, long-term benefits cannot be achieved,” he stated.
He said the the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is repositioning fisheries and aquaculture as key drivers of the blue economy. He explained that policies aimed at boosting local production, reducing imports and strengthening regulation are already delivering results, including continued access to international markets for shrimp exports.
He also highlighted broader reforms in Nigeria’s blue economy, including actions to tackle marine pollution, improve port infrastructure and enhance maritime security. According to him, the country’s recent record of zero piracy incidents has helped improve investor confidence in the Gulf of Guinea.
On investment, the minister called for greater funding across the entire fisheries value chain including aquaculture, processing, cold-chain logistics and export development. He noted that with the right policies in place, the sector could generate jobs, particularly for young people, and contribute significantly to economic growth.
He also underscored the importance of regional co-operation, pointing out that fish stocks cut across national boundaries.
“No single country can tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing alone,” he said, adding that stronger collaboration through regional bodies such as the FCWC is essential.
In his role as Chairman of the FCWC Ministerial Committee, Oyetola reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening joint efforts in fisheries governance. He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including a regional record of fishing vessels, coordinated patrols and information-sharing systems aimed at improving enforcement and sustainability.
The minister further noted that the FCWC is working to harmonise fisheries policies among member states and promote trade within the region, with the goal of improving value chains and attracting investment.
Maritime Agencies
PORTS MODERNIZATION, NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW TO TACKLE PORTS CHALLENGES, Says NPA MD.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has, once again, reiterated plans to revolutionize the nation’s ports system with the implementation of the National Single Window Project and Ports Modernisation system.
The Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this during an interactive session with maritime journalists in Lagos.
Represented by Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the Agency, the MD said the modernisation project will cover all seaports ports nationwide. However, the project is set to kick off in Lagos ports with a significant investment of $700 million from the Federal Government.
He allayed concerns being expressed in some quarters that the eastern ports are excluded from the 746 million pounds ports modernization deal signed in the UK recently, assuring that the deal would involve ports nationwide on phases. He stated contrary to opinions being canvassed and fears being expressed on the fate of other ports, the case of Apapa and Tincan ports is understandable because ports business is international and the customer decides where his cargoes go. NPA is merely an umpire; the port users’ interests and preferences remain paramount.
The ports modernization process is expected to tackle pressing issues such as port congestion and delays in cargo clearance which have long plagued the sector.
According to Dantsoho, the NPA is also working to improve logistics, including rail transportation from APMT terminal and alternative cargo transport options.
The NPA is reviewing the Efficiency, Throughput, and Optimization (ETO) initiative put in place to address logistics chain challenges in the country’s port system. The review, Dantsoho assured, would yield a more effective implementation plan with provisions to ensure the ETO works seamlessly.
”When we were doing the dredging, the ports in the East were also carried along,” he said.
Government investments are focused on areas with returns on investment which is why Lagos is the starting point.
The NPA MD expressed optimism that the agency’s vision for the ports industry would leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
He urged the media to play a proactive role in monitoring societal developments, emphasizing the importance of a free and vibrant press in driving progress and accountability.
”The media has been advised to be creative and step up its role as watchdog of the society,” he concluded.
Maritime Agencies
Oyetola Welcomes EU Delegation, Urges Stronger Role Against Illegal Fishing, Maritime Crimes in the GoG.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
A call has gone out for deeper collaboration with the European Union (EU) to address emerging maritime threats, particularly illegal fishing, trafficking and environmental crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, made the call in Abuja,Thursday, while receiving a delegation from the EU Evaluation Mission on the Gulf of Guinea Inter-regional Network (GoGIN II) Project. Evolving security challenges in the region, Oyetola emphasized, require a broader, more integrated and sustained response anchored on strong international partnerships.
According to a press release by Dr Bolaji Akinola, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Communications, the delegation led by Ms Stéphanie Vergniault, is in Nigeria as part of an independent assessment of the EU-funded initiative, which supports maritime coordination and information sharing across the Gulf of Guinea.
Dr. Oyetola reiterated Nigeria’s firm commitment to the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security, describing it as a vital platform for regional cooperation, collective response and intelligence exchange. He noted that EU-backed interventions such as GoGIN II have played an important role in strengthening this framework, particularly by enhancing maritime domain awareness and facilitating closer collaboration among national and regional agencies.
The Minister acknowledged the impact of the YARIS information-sharing system in improving coordination among maritime stakeholders, while stressing the need to sustain and optimise its operational use. He also highlighted the importance of improving interoperability between regional centres and national institutions, alongside continued capacity building and technical support.
Pointing to Nigeria’s own efforts, the Minister cited the success of the Deep Blue Project, which has contributed to a significant reduction in piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Gulf of Guinea in recent years. The progress recorded, he said, demonstrates the effectiveness of combining national ownership with regional and international support.
As the GoGIN II programme nears completion, the Minister urged stakeholders to focus on consolidating its achievements and ensuring long-term sustainability through stronger regional ownership mechanisms. He stressed that maintaining the gains recorded would be critical to securing the maritime domain and supporting economic activities across the Gulf of Guinea.
Earlier, Ms Vergniault explained that the evaluation seeks to assess the programme’s performance, operational results and sustainability, while identifying lessons that could shape future maritime security initiatives. She noted that the mission, which also includes Captain Alioune Diop, is engaging key stakeholders in Nigeria to gather operational feedback on the use of the YARIS platform, the programme’s contribution to coordination under the Yaoundé Architecture, and the prevailing challenges in the maritime sector.
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.
Apapa Customs Hits Smugglers Hard After CGC’s Visit, Intercepts ₦3.398 Billion Codeine Syrup In 5 Days.
MAN, Oron, Pushes Actualization of Her Mandate Beyond Nigeria, Seeks Strategic Partnership with Liberia Maritime Training Institute
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DOUBLE CAPTAIN!
NPA’s 2025 Operational Performance Report Validates FG’s Economic Diversification Initiatives.
Dedication To Service Earns NIWA’s Engr Sarat Braimah the Nelson Mandela Pan African Leadership Award.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Tantita Security Donates Command Centre, Vehicles to Boost NSCDC Operations.
SEME CUSTOMS HITS N3.4Bn IN FEBRUARY FOLLOWING A SURGE IN EXPORT OF AGRO PRODUCTS.
”NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW WILL CUT CARGO CLEARANCE TIME BY 75%,” NAGAFF President, Tochukwu Ezisi says.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
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
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HALF YEAR, 2024: Apapa Customs Nets ₦1.024 Trillion, Records 143% Increase.
JANUARY-MAY REPORT: Seme Customs Hits N2.6bn, Facilitates ₦35.1bn Exports.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
Mama Theresa Enisuoh Due For Burial April 27
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoApapa Customs Hits Smugglers Hard After CGC’s Visit, Intercepts ₦3.398 Billion Codeine Syrup In 5 Days.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMAN, Oron, Pushes Actualization of Her Mandate Beyond Nigeria, Seeks Strategic Partnership with Liberia Maritime Training Institute
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoINTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, 2026: NIMASA Commits To Women Inclusion in Maritime Sector.
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Maritime Agencies5 days agoOyetola Welcomes EU Delegation, Urges Stronger Role Against Illegal Fishing, Maritime Crimes in the GoG.
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