Maritime Agencies
Carribean Nations Applaud Dangote Refinery, Charge African Nations To Stop Exporting Raw Materials.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Africa and developing countries have been charged to reverse the cycle of exporting raw materials and importing finished products from developed countries by embracing and investing in industries such as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals domiciled in the continent. This and similar establishments that process raw materials into finished products must be embraced and encouraged to blossom so as to save Africa from being a dumping ground and perpetuating a long-standing economic dependence on the developed nations.
Dickson Mitchell, the Prime Minister of Grenada and chairman, Caribbean Community (CARICOM or CC) – a political and economic union of 15 member states and five associated members throughout the Americas, The Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean, disclosed this, Thursday, at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.
Mitchell who was championing the efforts of Carribean countries desirous of partnering with Dangote Group in cement and fertilizer production, referred to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a significant investment in industrialisation and manufacturing needed by developing countries for their technological and industrial growth.
It is through this type of investment, he noted, that Africa and the developing countries can reposition themselves industrially, process natural resources available in the continent, market finished products locally and beyond to the advantage of their individual economies while creating employment and broadening the continent’s foreign exchange earnings.
Mitchell said the refinery is a tribute to the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and his vision not just for Nigeria but Africa as a whole.
“This investment is a tribute to Dangote and his remarkable vision. It is the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa, symbolising what the developing world needs: significant investment in industrialisation and manufacturing. This is an incredible achievement and a testament to Mr. Dangote’s vision, not just for his company, but for Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Dangote, he stated, exemplifies what an African leader should be.
“We need not just political leaders, but business leaders who are willing to invest in Africa, particularly in manufacturing and industrialisation. We must ensure that we don’t continue to export our raw materials to the developed world where they can be turned into sophisticated products and sent back to us. We need to reverse that cycle; it is the only way to grow the wealth of Africa and the developing world.”
” Additionally, we need to support this with training and invest in job opportunities,” he said.
Applauding the sophistication and automation at the refinery, the Prime Minister expressed optimism for Nigeria’s future, especially given the number of young Nigerians trained and working at both the refinery and fertiliser plants. The $20 billion refinery, the largest private investment in Africa, stands out for its team of young professionals, predominantly aged between 26 and 28, most of whom hold advanced degrees and were educated in Nigeria”.
“It has been a wonderful experience to witness the shared skills, depth of sophistication, and automation here. Seeing so many bright young Nigerians, particularly in the laboratories, is truly inspiring. I believe this bodes well for the future development of Nigeria,” he added.
Mitchell stated that the Caribbean Community would be exploring partnership opportunities with the Dangote Group to enhance its economy.
“One of the reasons I am here is to pursue synergies and partnerships between the diaspora and Africa, particularly in areas such as the refinery, cement, and fertiliser. We believe there are fantastic opportunities to develop partnerships between the Caribbean and Africa,” he added.
On his part, Dangote described the visit as symbolic, noting that many Caribbean countries are beginning to discover crude oil and are exploring opportunities to build their own refineries. This would help them address the challenge of exporting crude while importing refined petroleum products at high costs.
“The visit shows that many countries are proud of what we have been able to achieve because a lot of countries have been unable to deliver their refineries. It shows their pride in seeing a Black person like them at the Caribbean, although I am from Nigeria, succeed. For them, this is a dream, especially as many Caribbean countries are beginning to discover oil but still depend largely on exporting crude while importing petroleum products, which is costlier than in America. Their dream is to set up a refinery—perhaps not of this size—but one that would cater to their people,” he said.
Africa’s wealthiest man emphasized that the company is looking for partnerships in the Caribbean not only in petroleum products but also in cement and fertilizer production. He mentioned ongoing discussions about importing crude from these countries while supplying them with refined products.
“There are numerous partnerships in place. He is not only the Prime Minister of Grenada but also the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). We are exploring collaboration in areas such as cement and petroleum, including the possibility of buying crude from them while selling some of our petroleum products to them. We already export to the U.S., Mexico, and other regions, so there is significant collaboration we are looking to develop between us and them.”
The 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) Dangote Oil Refinery—the largest single-train refinery in the world—is designed to process a wide variety of crude oils, including those from Africa, the Middle East, and US Light Tight Oil. It conforms to Euro V specifications and is built to meet stringent standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), European emission norms, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), and the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA).
The refinery has the capacity to satisfy 100% of Nigeria’s demand for petrol, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet fuel, with additional surplus available for export.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
A change of leadership took place at the Tincan Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Friday, when the outgoing Customs Area Controller, now-ACG Joe Anani handed over to Deputy Controller Emmanuel Ekok.
”Today marks another significant milestone in my career and service to the Nigeria Customs Service,” ACG Anani stated, “as I formally hand over the leadership and responsibilities of Tincan Island Port Command, following my elevation to the prestigious rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.”
He described his tenure as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the institutional mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in the areas of revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, enforcement and national economic development.
Expressing profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, dsm, FNIPR, psc (+), the Management of the Service and the entire leadership for the opportunity to serve, he said his elevation to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General is a further testament to the opportunities for growth and professional development within the Service.
On the achievements recorded in the Command while he was at the helm, he attributed these to teamwork, commitment, institutional support and the dedication of officers and men of the Command.
ACG Anani departing Tincan Island Port Customs Command
”Revenue generation remained a key priority, and from the moment I assumed duty, the Command pursued deliberate measures to boost collection through improved compliance, closer monitoring, more efficient operations and stronger stakeholder engagement. These efforts yielded appreciable growth in the Command’s revenue profile, reinforcing our commitment to the Nigeria Customs Service’s revenue mandate and to national economic development.
Arising from the foregoing, he explained, between May and October 2026, the Command generated a total revenue of ₦787,234,144,911.15.
”In anti-smuggling and enforcement, the Command recorded notable successes through the interception and seizure of illicit and prohibited items, including narcotics, dangerous drugs, arms and ammunition. Under my leadership, the Command intercepted about 603 shotguns and 14,862.75kg of Cannabis Indica, among other significant seizures. These operations reflect our resolve to protect society, safeguard public health, strengthen national security and prevent harmful goods from entering the country.”
Acting ACG Anani was full of commendation for officers whose vigilance, courage and professionalism made these achievements possible.
”Furthermore, the welfare and general well-being of officers and men remained an important consideration throughout my tenure. I recognize that the effectiveness of any Command depends not only on its operational capacity but also on the welfare, motivation and morale of its personnel. We therefore made efforts to encourage a supportive working environment, promote unity and strengthen the sense of belonging among officers and men. I firmly believe that investing in personnel welfare is an investment in institutional productivity and service delivery.
”These achievements, among others, are not personal accomplishments. They are the collective results of the commitment, sacrifices and contributions of the entire Command. I therefore dedicate every success recorded during my tenure to the officers and men who worked tirelessly to move the Command forward,” Anani said.
He appreciated all stakeholders and sister agencies, port and terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed customs agents and other critical partners for cooperating with and supporting the Command throughout his tenure.
He told his successor, Deputy Comptroller of Customs EA Ekok, that he was taking over a strategic Command with enormous responsibilities and opportunities.
”I encourage you to build on the existing achievements, strengthen operational efficiency, promote discipline and professionalism, deepen stakeholder engagement and sustain the drive towards improved revenue collection, effective trade facilitation and robust anti-smuggling operations.”
In his response, Acting Deputy Comptroller Emmanuel Ekok, while thanking the Customs Comptroller General, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR for finding him worthy of this national assignment, assured that he would justify the confidence reposed in him .
”It is with great humility, profound gratitude to Almighty God and a strong commitment to service that I present myself before you today on this important occasion of my assumption of duty as the new Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Area Command. My deepest appreciation goes to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, who doubles as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Ph.D., MFR for finding me worthy of this appointment and entrusting me with the responsibility of leading this strategic gateway for national revenue generation and maritime trade. I do not take this confidence for granted and see it as a call to greater service and commitment to the Nation.
He assured the Comptroller-General that he would do his utmost to justify the confidence reposed in him.
”Our administration will firmly align with the strategic policy thrust of the CGC, which is centered on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, alongside core focus areas in revenue optimization, trade facilitation, robust enforcement and strict discipline.
” I also wish to sincerely appreciate my predecessor, the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joseph Anani, now prepared to assume higher responsibilities as an Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, for the warm reception accorded me and the smooth transition process. I commend him and his management team for the solid foundation laid and impressive milestones recorded during his tenure. Sir, we shall consolidate on your achievements, sustain the positive momentum and ensure continued success.” he said
”To our distinguished stakeholders, including licensed customs agents, importers and terminal operators, I sincerely appreciate your presence.
DC Ekok assured the Command’s stakeholders of an open door and a transparent partnership.
”While we will provide an enabling environment and seamless cargo clearance procedures for compliant traders to reduce cargo dwell times, we will maintain zero tolerance for false declarations, duty evasion or any attempt to compromise national security. Violators will face the full weight of the law.
”Inter-agency collaboration remains a critical pillar of our operations. I look forward to deepening our partnerships with sister government agencies and port regulators through timely intelligence sharing to ensure comprehensive security.”
He reminded officers and men of the Command that discipline remains the bedrock of professional customs administration. While demanding absolute integrity, punctuality and professional excellence from every officer, he warned against indiscipline, insubordination, neglect of duty, abuse of office and corruption.
Maritime Agencies
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) unveils “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue” as the theme of her unification conference scheduled for November 13 in Lagos , several prominent personalities in Nigeria’s maritime industry and political landscape have indicated interest to attend.
These include the former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho; Senator Wasiu Eshilokun; former President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Eugene Nweke; and Dr. Kayode Farinto, former Acting National President of ANLCA.
Also participating are key policymakers, heads of maritime agencies, industry leaders, legal practitioners, freight forwarders and other critical stakeholders whose voices cannot be ignored while deliberating on the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barrister Temisan Omatseye, will chair the conference, while the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, will attend as Special Guest of Honour.
Renowned maritime lawyer, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, SAN, will deliver the keynote address at the event which takes place at Airport Hotel, Ikeja.
Discussions will particularly focus on ongoing reforms, infrastructure development and strategic interventions required to strengthen the maritime industry’s contribution to national economic growth.
According to Elder Dele Aderibigbe and Jerry Aguigbo, the NNMJ President and Public Relations Officer respectively, the conference will provide an avenue for constructive engagement among government representatives, maritime professionals and private-sector operators on practical measures to reposition Nigeria’s maritime industry for improved efficiency, productivity and global competitiveness.
Seaport modernisation, rehabilitation and renewal of critical port infrastructure, trade facilitation, ease of doing business, revenue optimisation and strategies for identifying and eliminating financial leakages across the maritime value chain will form key discussion points at the Unity Conference.
Participants will also examine opportunities for expanding Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, generating employment, strengthening maritime safety and security, and enhancing the competitiveness of the nation’s seaports.
The conference is expected to attract heads of government agencies, managing directors of shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, licensed customs agents and other influential stakeholders across the maritime industry.
The Unity Conference also avails stakeholders opportunity to evaluate existing government policies and reforms, identify implementation gaps and recommend sustainable solutions to improve port operations, facilitate legitimate trade, increase government revenue and unlock the vast economic potentials of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The organizers further underscored the strategic importance of maritime journalism in promoting transparency and accountability, providing credible industry analysis and sustaining informed public discourse on government policies, regulatory interventions and reforms affecting the marine and blue economy.
The NNMJ leadership expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen relationships among industry stakeholders, encourage meaningful policy engagement and reinforce collective efforts towards building a more efficient, transparent and globally competitive maritime industry.
Maritime Agencies
AMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the 2026 National Convention and Stakeholders’ engagement of the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) kicks off November 12 – 14, the
body has called for accelerated reforms and development in Nigeria’s maritime capacity training sector to ensure job creation for graduating cadets.
The convention will bring together maritime professionals, policymakers, regulators and shipowners, academics, cadets and other stakeholders for high-level deliberations on the future of the industry.
Speaking during a pre-event briefing in Lagos, Saturday, AMANO President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa described the conference as a platform for policy alignment, innovation and practical solutions as it is more than a re+union of alumni.
This year’s convention, Maiguwa explained, is deliberately focused on moving from talk to action — with emphasis on reforms that can be implemented in maritime education, shipping, port operations, safety and blue economy development.
The convention will also provide an opportunity to introduce newly graduated cadets of MAN, Oron and their lecturers to maritime companies, institutions and stakeholders thus expanding their exposure to professional and employment opportunities.
Maiguwa had at the Academy’s 2026 Cadets Passing-Out Parade last week, urged graduands to embrace networking, professional development and mentorship as essential tools for building successful careers and invited them to the Lagos convention.
As part of its commitment to excellence, AMANO also announced cash awards of ₦150,000 each for Best HND Graduating Cadet and Best ND Graduating Cadet.
Stakeholders say the 2026 convention is coming at a critical time when Nigeria is pushing to unlock its blue economy, modernise its ports, strengthen its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and translate maritime policies into measurable results.
The three-day event is expected to feature keynote addresses, panel sessions, technical workshops, exhibitions and networking sessions, with recommendations to be presented to government and industry for implementation.
LEADERSHIP CHANGE: ACG Anani Hands over to DC Ekok at Tincan Customs.
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.
AMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoOUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP: NAWOJ Lagos Honours Omowole, NAN’s Managing Editor.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoCustoms FOU Zone ‘A’ Hits Smugglers Hard, Confiscates 23, 220 Matchettes, Other Contrabands Worth over N6.19bn.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOyetola, Omatseye, Akabogu, Other Dignitaries To Attend Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists Unity Conference in Lagos.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoSCAN SUMMIT, 2026: Conversion to Earn Higher Interest Rates, the Bane of the CVFF, Omatseye says.
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Maritime Agencies6 days agoAMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
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Maritime Agencies6 days ago
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.
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Maritime Agencies2 hours agoLEADERSHIP CHANGE: ACG Anani Hands over to DC Ekok at Tincan Customs.