Maritime Agencies
BOAT MISHAPS: Training Key To Overcoming the Menace, NIWA Insists
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Saturday, March 9, 2024, the Lagos Area Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) mobilized what an industry watcher has described as the highest number, in recent times, of boat captains and deck hands invited to join hands with the waterways regulator to deliberate and fashion out how best to address a nagging matter: frequent boat mishaps. The well-attended gathering was for operators from Zone A comprising Badagry, Tincan and Ijegun area.
It was a no-holds- barred engagement. Boat operators – irrespective of status – were offered unfettered opportunity devoid of any encumbrances to air their views on the issue of safety at sea. Boat drivers and deck hands who ordinarily would feel shy saying the truth in the presence of their bosses and the regulator were encouraged to speak out while their employers were urged to freely accommodate candid views from their subordinates for the sole purpose of achieving safety on the inland waterways, going forward.
In his opening remarks, NIWA Managing Director, Hon Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji represented by the Manager, Lagos Area Office, Engr (Dr) Sarat Braimah, urged all present to see the day’s engagement as a free thing designed to take a serious look at reasons boat mishaps persist on Lagos waters despite all measures the agency has put in place to curtail or even eradicate it. Have people been failing in roles they play or are supposed to play to curb the menace? What are the problems of captains, deck hands, passengers, government regulators and any other stakeholder? How are these to be realistically tackled to collectively offer a reliable platform to address incidents of boat mishaps in the Lagos area? Are there things the regular is yet to do to solve this nagging issue? Are there fresh ideas and suggestions that can help out?
For captains, Engr Braimah reeled out a number of competencies and skills they must not do without. Prominent among these is proficiency in swimming. How many of them can swim during emergencies? She requested those among this group who cannot swim to willingly show up to be trained by NIWA since they are the first line of help to passengers should there be a boat mishap.
“Today is not a day to blame anybody but a time to open up on reasons for frequent boat accidents.”
To her, training for all category of boat handlers remains a constant factor that must never be overlooked because it exposes the trainee to all rudiments, activities and processes he must be familiar with to ensure safety of all on a boat.
Last two incidents in Banana Island, Lagos, she explained, were caused by captains who left the channel and drove to the shore. The second incident occurred because the captain of the boat involved in was struggling with another boat in a speed competition. Speed competition on water? For what purpose?
“Training, training, training is compulsory. I know it’s difficult to get money in Nigeria today. But you must suffer yourself and struggle to pay to get training. Please starve yourself to get trained. If you don’t have your boat captain’s licence, you can’t be on the waterways.”
She emphasized that training would have exposed the boat captains to know when and how to move to the shore or the implications of boats competing for speed especially in a marine environment fraught with uncertainties.
Among their complaints, the boat drivers complained of meagre payments that cannot sustain them.
They requested NIWA to reduce the fees for training to enable them afford it. Reacting, Engr Braimah encouraged them to imbibe the habit of saving to raise the money, realizing the implications of not getting trained on their job.
“You can’t sit down in your house and learn”.
Corroborating Engr Braimah’s stand, Saka Stephen, a boat captain, confirmed that training is very important as it offers needed skills in navigation, weather reading, how to mount ropes, among other skills. Training, Stephen emphasized, cannot be compromised.
In his intervention, Comrade Friday Essien appealed to NIWA to streamline the cost of her licence with the one from NIMASA which, he stated, is cheaper.
Prominent among causes of boat mishaps, the operators said, is the physical condition and old age of boats. There are those of fibre, wood and others with holes which continuously battle with uncertainties which include water streaming in during voyage.
There is also the presence of wrecks majorly caused by people who throw all kinds of junks into the water. In most cases, these wrecks are not visible and cannot be sighted by captains and drivers. They appealed that these be identified and promptly removed as boats don’t have what it takes to detect or remove them from the channel.
Exchanging views with the press after the well-attended event, Engr Braimah advised captains and boat drivers to always cool down to know the rights and wrongson the waterways.
We have told them that they should not sail at night.
“Actually, I can say that 80% of night sailing is not in Lagos. We have told them why they should let us have information whenever they see any wrecks on the waterways so that these can be removed immediately. Some of these wrecks are caused by dredgers. We know all dredgers on the inland waterways. We will call to tell them what to do with the wrecks.”
Speaking on boat seaworthiness, she announced that henceforth, NIWA intensify quarterly inspections to ensure boats are seaworthy.
“Before now, all Ikorodu boats have been inspected. The ones qualified for now are allowed to sail; those not qualified will not be allowed until they are refurbished. We are working with the Marine Police.”
Lately, maritime stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to consider offering loans to boat operators from the CVFF to enable them procure new boats and make repayments installmentally.
Aligning with this view, the Area Manager observed that most boats in use now are old even as most boat owners do not have the funds to buy new ones.
“Government has to come in maybe through forming cooperatives, to concretize arrangements so that it will not be easy to evade repayment if such loans are secured. To get a good boat is nothing less than N70K or N80 million, “she explained.
Braimah also reiterated the importance of lifebuoys which 6 or more passengers can hold on to so as to remain stable and avoid panic during an emergency.
To check overspeeding, NIWA has also instructed that speedometers be installed on boats at least for passengers to know when overspeeding is taking place.
Concerning cost of training, splitting the sum into 30 – 30% initial instalment payment and completing it before collecting the certificate gives a trainee a soft landing.
“I believe in training because there’s nothing you can learn or do even in the corridor of your house without experience acquired through training. How do you not have a licence and you want to drive a boat? It’s like being a doctor without going to school. Training is key; that’s what I have been telling the associations that it is better we work together and help ourselves.”
“They can’t be saying that N80,000 is too big for training. It’s not like they’re doing this training every year. It’s for three years. This money is paid once in three years.
NIWA, she stated, has zoned patrols to Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry axis.
“When they know that NIWA patrol is coming, they (boat drivers) will take caution. It’s just like Police being on the road. We have the personnel and that’s why we put ourselves in groups. For instance, in the Lagos Area Office, we’re almost 50 staff plus the Marine Police and the Joint Task Force (JTF).
In his submission earlier, Emmanuel Prowess, a trainer and Licenced Life Guard at Landmark Beach took time to dwell on the importance of life jacket. He urged captains, deck hands and drivers to always check and wear their life jackets while on water.
“Develop the habit of putting your life jacket on before asking passengers to do same. Have excess for passengers and always wash and clean them. To earn the commitment and good conduct of boat drivers, captains and boat owners must provide reasonable incentives to make them happy.”
Concerning boat inspection survey, it is mandatory, the trainer said, that captains inspect and ascertain the readiness of boat engines before navigation. Driving at a cautious speed, he said, enables the boat overcome waves and other natural occurrences.
Passenger loading must not exceed the specific number approved for the boat.
On rescue operation, he said the captain who must possess sound swimming experience should take the lead.
“Knowledge is important. Knowing how to swim places him (the captain) in a position to secure himself and be able to save the passengers.
“When your boat begins to take in water, take it towards the shore. At the jetty, your engine must be on stand-by.
Speed control is very important. An old engine cannot run at its maximum speed: the younger, the faster and better.”
He explained that captains must be conversant with the geography of their areas of operation so as not to infringe on the rights of fishermen and others that maritime laws permit to ply their trade on water. Their fishing nets must not be unduly tampered with. Similarly, dredgers and their equipments have rights that must not be violated.
When approaching a jetty, Emmanuel Prowess counselled, captains must not allow passengers disembark immediately until he secures and anchors the vessel. Before take-off too, all passengers must be secure and settled in the boat. Passenger manifest is a must.
Engr Sarat Braimah implored captains and boat drivers to promptly report to NIWA the presence of wrecks, dredgers, pipes,etc on the channel for necessary action. She distributed dedicated phone numbers for this purpose.
Maritime Agencies
NIGERIA’S IMO FEAT: NIMASA Hails Media Contributions, Seeks Support For Sustained Momentum.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) has acknowledged the invaluable support and contributions of Nigerian journalists, especially the maritime media, to the recent success of Nigeria at the International Maritime Organization(IMO) elections.
It could be recalled that Nigeria won the elusive category C council election at the IMO after 14 years of failed attempts.
Receiving the new leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) led by Mr Tunde Ayodele at the Headquarters of NIMASA, Edward Osagie, the Deputy Director and Head of the Public Relations Department of the agency noted that maritime media complemented the untiring efforts of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA to showcase the enormous maritime potentials of Nigeria and its capacity in maritime administration that eventually won the country the coveted global seat.
The NIMASA Chief spokesman highlighted the importance of developmental journalism to nation’s building while admonishing the media, especially maritime media, to guard against reportorial styles that could de-market the country.
”The international community is taking note of every single report we write as journalists about the country and it’s what they use to assess us as a nation.
” That is why it is imperative for us as journalists to allow patriotism and commitment to nation building guide the way we write”
He however frowned at attempt by few journalists to push wrong narrative over the recent incident of the arrest of a vessel, MT SKIPPER , detained by the United States Coast Guard (USCG)over alleged crude oil theft and other transnational crimes.
Osagie reiterated the fact that the detained vessel was neither flying Nigerian flag nor its purported owners, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, registered with NIMASA as a shipping company.
He said that what identifies a vessel is the flag it flies and since the detained vessel did not carry Nigeria’s flag, those who tried to ascribe its ownership to Nigeria did so either out of sheer mischief or ignorance.
Osagie however lauded MARAN for its responsible journalism, acknowledging the support of its members to NIMASA despite the agency’s perceived shortcomings in their expectations.
” Despite the fact that the agency may not have met all the expectations of members of MARAN, they haven’t written negative reports on our activities and operations” Osagie noted.
” MARAN brand is a brand I am proud of and we are also proud of in the
industry. MARAN has not done badly in its reportorial duties.
”At NIMASA here, we will support anything you request and in any area we are able to support, we will support the administration for a smooth management of the association.
”And by the grace of God, we will not let you down. God bless you.God bless MARAN” NIMASA Chief image maker declared.
Ayodele has led his caretaker committee members to NIMASA to consolidate on the long-standing relationship between the agency and MARAN.
Leading his PR team to receive the MARAN leadership, Osagie expressed happiness on the visit which he believed will further boost the cordial relationship between the two parties
”I am glad that you’re here today. It’s a special day. I’m glad to have you in our midst today” Osagie enthused.
The two parties engaged in frank discussions aimed at enhancing their operations and further boost their shared values and partnership.
Ayodele informed his hosts that MARAN will continue to practise responsible journalism that will enhance the operations of NIMASA in particular and boost the credibility of the country to the outside world.
He therefore asked NIMASA to reciprocate this gesture through actions that will enhance the professional integrity and impact the welfare of his members.
Osagie however pledged the support of the agency for the new caretaker committee and the MARAN as a whole, a situation he said is in alignment with the belief of NIMASA’s management in the values which the agency shares with the association.
Maritime Agencies
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: No Hiding Place for Smugglers, D.C.Afeni Pledges, Confiscates Exotic Cars, 2bn Worth of Contrabands in 11 Days.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Barely taking over the mantle of leadership in the Ogun 1 Customs Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) following the transfer of Comptroller Godwin Otunla to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, the ‘brand new’ Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Deputy Controller O. O. Afeni, within 11 days, confiscated smuggled items valued at over ₦2 billion. These include exotic cars worth over N28 million. It is recalled that D.C. Afeni mounted the saddle on December 4, 2025 when he was appointed a CAC on acting capacity.
Addressing journalists at the Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko , Wednesday, the acting Area Controller declared a renewed crackdown on smuggling activities. He sounded a note of warning to smugglers saying that with him in charge, there will be no hiding place for perpetrators within the Command’s jurisdiction.
Different illicit items the Command intercepted include 16 parcels of heroin (16kg) valued at ₦240 million, 3,355 wraps of Cannabis Sativa worth ₦435.08 million, 2,200 kegs of foreign groundnut oil valued at ₦264 million, and 5,417 cartons of foreign spaghetti estimated at ₦162.51 million. The seizure, the Acting CAC observed underscores the command’s intensified efforts to curb the influx of illicit drugs and smuggled goods through Nigeria’s southwestern border corridors.
Also confiscated were narcotics which were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Accepting the narcotics, the Idiroko Area Commander of NDLEA, Ekundayo Williams commended DC Afeni for what he described as spectacular seizures.
Maritime Agencies
Lekki Deepsea Port Set to Achieve Full Capacity Before Expectations, Deepens Barge Operations, among others.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Barely three years since the commencement of port operations, the Lekki Deepsea has achieved half of its projected operational capacity. There has been a noticeable spike in container throughput especially since September, 2025, and chances are that the establishment will meet her full operational capacity before expectations. With this incredible growth rate, the port is set to overtake others in Nigeria by next year.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Ltd, Mr. Wang Qiang disclosed this in Lagos, Tuesday, during an end-of-the-year interaction and media tour of the facility to observe scanners, Customs at work and shipside night offloading of containers from a vessel at the quayside.
Mr Qiang who featured alongside other members of the top management of the port during the media chat said Lekki Deepsea Port currently operates at close to 50 percent capacity, reflecting increasing confidence by shipping lines and cargo owners in the ability of Nigeria’s first deep seaport to deliver not only for the local and regional market but even beyond. Top management officers present during the media parley included Weilian Zhong, C.O.O, Lekki Port, Jedrzej Mierzewski and Ajay Tyagi
“We already reached 50 per cent of our capacity now – almost 50 per cent of the port capacity,” he stated. He attributed this development to steady improvement in the number of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) the port handles monthly.
He said cooperation is needed from stakeholders to improve efficiency badly needed in cargo movement. Critical stakeholders include government, the business community, importers, exporters (foreign and local). On trans-shipment, Qiang implored cooperation by all to achieve competitive trans -shipment. Efficient multimodal connectivity, he explained, is crucial in efforts to accelerate and maintain the desired growth at the port.
Barge operations, the Lekki Port boss said, has become an important means of evacuating cargo as it currently accounts for about 10% means of cargo movement. Since inception, the port has moved 3000 TEUs of cargo even as plans are in top gear to improve on the capacity.
On concerns about cargo dwell time, he announced that Lekki Deepsea Port cannot, on its own, reduce this. Importers, Customs, banks and all other players must collaborate to resolve issues of cargo dwell time. When cargoes move seamlessly, the port makes money.
The Lagos -Calabar coastal road is one infrastructure that will be of huge assistance in stemming down congestion, improve overall access and cargo evaluation from Lekki Deepsea Port, he explained. Even then, he added, rail connectivity remains essential, particularly given the quantum of industrial activities taking place along the Lekki corridor.
“I believe the train option is something the government is concerned about, and with the level of industrial activities in this region, we expect that it will be provided,” he added.
While reiterating that Lekki Port is a fully automated terminal, Wang asserted that delays may persist until all stakeholders, including government agencies, fully align with end-to-end digital processes.
He explained that Customs procedures, particularly physical cargo examinations, and other port services must be fully digitalised to significantly reduce cargo dwell time.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Freeport Terminal (LFT), Capt. Jedrzej Mierzewski, expressed excitement that after only two years of operations, LFT has already become the number two terminal in the Nigerian market.
“We are the fastest-growing terminal in the country, combining modern infrastructure, operational excellence, and a clear ambition to become a leading transshipment hub for West Africa.
“Our growth supports the Nigerian economy by strengthening trade connectivity and helping to reduce the cost of foreign trade through efficient, reliable, and competitive port services.
“For automation to work efficiently, all players must be ready – customers, government and every stakeholder. Only then can we have a fantastic system.”
He also stressed that improved connectivity would allow the port to effectively double capacity through performance optimisation without expanding its physical footprint.
Speaking on the new tax regime coming into effect in 2026, he urged the government to adopt a simplified tax framework that supports ease of doing business. He cited Germany and other countries where goods are cleared from ports with a 30-day window allowed for value added tax (VAT) remittance.
NIGERIA’S IMO FEAT: NIMASA Hails Media Contributions, Seeks Support For Sustained Momentum.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: No Hiding Place for Smugglers, D.C.Afeni Pledges, Confiscates Exotic Cars, 2bn Worth of Contrabands in 11 Days.
Lekki Deepsea Port Set to Achieve Full Capacity Before Expectations, Deepens Barge Operations, among others.
FIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
WIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.
MARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
Industry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.
Shippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
MMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
MARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
Oyetola, Iheanacho, To Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Launch MARAN’s New Book
IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
MAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
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APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
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2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
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PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
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