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.
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.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DOUBLE CAPTAIN!
NPA’s 2025 Operational Performance Report Validates FG’s Economic Diversification Initiatives.
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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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