Maritime Agencies
CILT 2023 CONFERENCE/AGM: Experts X-ray Hindrances to AfCFTA, Offer Solutions.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
For the umpteenth time, attention is being drawn to the fact that for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to achieve the desired goal of trade and economic integration in Africa, political leaders must demonstrate the political will to address the twin setbacks of insufficient transport infrastructure and unprofessional activities of government agencies at ports, numerous road checkpoints and border stations especially along the West African corridor.
Professor of International Economic Relations at Covenant University, Nigeria, Prof. Jonathan Aremu, stated this in Lagos, Monday, while delivering a
paper entitled “Cross-border Trade and Regional Integration”. He was the lead speaker at the 2023 Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
The conference which was massively attended by experts in logistics and transportation from Nigeria and beyond featured the theme “Designing the Future of Transportation and Logistics in Africa”.
They were unanimous in identifying dilapidated transport infrastructure and an unfriendly business environment as some of the biggest threats AfCFTA is grappling with. Until these are realistically sorted out, they said, the trade regime remains a pipe dream.
Speaking on challenges posed by activities of government officials at ports and land borders, Prof Ngozi Egbuna, former Director-General, West African Monetary Institute (WAMI), Lagos, observed that it is only when Nigerians are exporting non-perishable items that they quickly overlook and accommodate delays arising from poor transport infrastructure and anti-trade posture of agencies of government as exemplified in bribery and corruption. But what happens to goods on transit if they are time-bound and perishable? She featured on the showcase session which dwelt on Cross-border Trade and Regional Integrity.
In a bid to ensure that cross-border trading is simple and seamless, she strongly advised African governments to prioritize the improvement of transportation infrastructure. Access to finance and trade efficiency in the continent must be at par with what obtains in developed economies.
Port operations in Africa must be without encumbrances.
“I remember going to Cairo for an AFREXIM Bank trade fair. As at the time we were leaving Cairo after the event, some goods hadn’t arrived for them to be displayed at the trade fair. Some of those goods were coming from Ghana, Kenya and Addis- Ababa. They didn’t arrive until the end of the trade fair. This is a challenge we have in Africa,” Prof. Ngozi Egbuna regretted.
In her submission, one of the discussants, Chief Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa was particular about the role of Customs, infrastructure and government policies as challenges Nigeria in particular must address.
Ezenwa, former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Chairman, Le Look Nig Ltd, also pinpointed the absence of integration of supply-chain arrangements in AfCFTA’s considerations.
“Business is war; there are enemies on every side. In this AfCFTA, we don’t even know what the integration is all about when it comes to export trade. From manufacturing to supply-chain, customs operations to transport infrastructure, on every side there are challenges. This explains why we have more informal trade across the borders.”
She warned that AfCFTA cannot achieve the ideals it was conceived to address if these problems persist.
“When we produce our goods and ship to Ghana, we find that sometimes the goods are detained at the Customs shed at Ghana. The goods spend about 6 weeks to be cleared in Ghana, even though it was a shop in Ghana that ordered for these goods, ” Ezenwa gave as example.
She described Customs as an enabler in AfCFTA trade. Documentation processes for shipping to Ghana and some other African countries, she observed, are too cumbersome. There must be a workable and effective Return Policy for African exports and goods to be traded under AfCFTA.
In her goodwill message, former Aviation Minister, Dr Mrs Kema Chikwe congratulated CILT Nigeria for always being at the vanguard of championing worthwhile transportation issues. She regretted that Africa cannot confidently claim that she has made commendable progress with the state of transportation infrastructure. She advised governments to be more effective in designing impactful policies to drive African integration. “We can’t make progress if we can’t effectively connect by air,” for instance. Dr. Anthonia Ekpa, former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Special Duties, re-echoed the role of corruption as earlier stated. She observed that corruption remains a major challenge to regional trade and integration especially in the ECOWAS subregion.
“Traders are encouraged to use the land borders and ports, but Customs, Police and other agencies don’t seem to understand that goods are time-bound. Sometimes goods are seized and forgotten at the warehouses of the security agencies.”
“Regional integration means allowing citizens and goods from one country easily access the other nation. Nigeria flouted this for a long period with the border closure and we know that there were huge socio-economic consequences for nations on both sides of the border,” Ekpa said.
In his intervention, Chairman, Ecomarine Group, Mr. Mahmud Tukur, noted that shipping to several African countries remains more expensive than trading with Europe and Asia where trade barriers are non-existent. He questions why African policy makers have refused to learn a lesson from this.
Speaking through Mr Dayo Balogun, Managing Director, Ecomarine, Tukur suggested that AfCFTA should seriously consider developing what he described as short-sea shipping and regional cabotage to retain monetary benefits of AfCFTA trade.
Dwelling on the logistics environment in Nigeria, the Ecomarine boss remarked that moving a container from China to Lagos ports is seamless and cheaper than doing the same from Lagos to Kano.
Tukur called for massive investments in transportation infrastructure. He stressed the need to dredge and activate eastern ports as soon as possible, expand rail services and roads. and Barge operations must also be encouraged.
In her welcome address earlier, President, CILT Nigeria, Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro stated that the conference theme was carefully chosen to align with the revitalized push for intra-African trade under the AfCFTA.
“The conference theme and content underscore the crucial role of efficient and sustainable logistics and transport in the attainment of the goals of AfCFTA”, she declared.
“As the world looks to the large market and youthful population in Africa, professional bodies such as ours continue to drive intelligent and incisive conversations intended to produce pragmatic policies and competent implementing organs of government that promotes growth of the private sector in wealth creation so that Nigeria and other African States can evolve into major players in the global economy.”
Declaring the event open, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo (SAN), remarked that efficient movement of goods and people not only fuels economic growth but is intrinsically tied to the nation’s food security initiatives.
“In the realm of aviation and aerospace development, we are presented with opportunities to redefine the landscape of transportation, fostering economic growth and enhancing our commitment to sustainable development goals. The relevance of our discussions here today extends seamlessly to the 8-point agenda set forth by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In our pursuit of a more prosperous future, the transportation and logistics sector plays a pivotal role in translating vision into reality.”
The Aviation Minister who was represented by his Special Adviser, Henry Agbebire, observed that a well-managed logistics and transport system enhances job creation.
“The aerospace and logistics sectors are dynamic engines of employment, providing opportunities that span a spectrum of skills and expertise, contributing significantly to the overarching goals and aspirations of the government of our nation. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships, we can not only optimize logistics but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future,” he assured.
At the event, the Chairman, 2023 Conference Planning Committee, Prof. Kayode Oyesiku, previewed a 9-chapter entitled “Perspectives on Sustainable Innovations in Global Logistics and Transportation”, a compendium of academic and scholarly presentations by experts and international delegates at the 2022 CILT National Conference.
Transportation gurus such as the CILT International President-elect, Chief Teete Owusu-Nortey, a Ghanaian; CILT International Vice President and Chairman, African Forum, Alhaji Ibrahim Jibril; President, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA) Nigeria, Prince Segun Obayendo and Founder, Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT), Hajia Aisha Ali-Ibrahim graced the occasion.
Others included Capt Sunday Umoren, the Secretary-General, Abuja MoU on Port State Control; Founder, ABC Transport Plc, Mr. Frank Nneji; former President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Chief Eugene Nweke, among other logistics eggheads.
Maritime Agencies
Container Movement To Seaports: NPA Meets With APM Terminals, Shipping Lines, for Coordination.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has called for an enhanced coordination between her on one hand, shipping lines, terminal operators and others on the other, to address challenges associated with container movement to seaports.
Enhanced coordination, the agency says, has become necessary following public outcry over the delay in evacuation of empty containers, a situation that has led to yard congestion at the APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos.
The NPA made the call during a crucial meeting between her, major shipping lines and the APM Terminals to discuss challenges and how to chart a way forward.
Enhanced cooperation, the agency noted, is in line with the commitment of the Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, to ensure smooth port operations free from encumbrances.
The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, NPA, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara who
Disclosing this to newsmen in Lagos, Thursday, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, informed that the meeting which held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the instance of the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Lawal, had in attendance major shipping lines. These included Maersk Line, Hapag Lloyd and Pacific International Lines. Others are PIL, CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping and APM Terminals (APMT).
All shipping lines in attendance at the meeting, Onyemekara said, submitted that they had holding bays, a prerequisite for license renewal by the NPA.
“They also posited that the NPA Headquarters’ Operations Team usually inspects those holding bays to ascertain their capacity before license renewal”, the GM stated.
While requesting all the shipping lines to submit a list detailing their holding bays, including locations and capacity, the Port Management emphasized the need to be involved in the examination of those holding bays so as to keep abreast of the potential operational challenges.
On the terminal capacity at the APM Terminals, Onyemekara quoted the shipping lines as saying that the Management of APMT usually communicates available free pools to each shipping line in order to guide their container movement.
He stated that the shipping lines also blamed the significant congestion during the period under review on a simultaneous gate closure to all the shipping lines by the management of APMT.
He however said that the APMT management insisted that the terminal reached its full capacity due to increased import and export volume arguing that there was a notable delay in the evacuation of both imports and exports by the shipping lines.
Speaking on the resolutions reached at the meeting, the NPA spokesman observed that it was resolved that the APMT should regularly communicate yard stock levels to the shipping lines to improve planning and coordination.
“It was also resolved that the notification period prior to terminal gate closure should be revised as follows: five (5) days initial notice in advance; three (3) days reminder before closure and one day (1) final notice before closure.
“While it was further resolved that APMT was to engage off dock terminals by moving import containers to off dock terminals in order to create more space within the terminal, the Port Management should actively participate in the inspection and assessment of holding bays to better understand and manage capacity and operational challenges.
“While all parties acknowledged their respective responsibilities, it was agreed that better communication, timely notification and strategic use of holding bays and bonded terminals were critical to alleviating pressure on terminal capacity”, he submitted.
He thereafter quoted the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Lawal as emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced coordination among terminal operators, shipping lines and the port management to address the growing challenges related to terminal congestion, especially due to the accumulation of empty containers.
Recall that there have been insinuations suggesting that APM Terminals Apapa is not receiving empty containers, allegedly contributing to yard congestion. However, the terminal operator has clarified that the management of empty container evacuation into the terminal – and subsequent shipment onto vessels – is the exclusive responsibility of shipping lines, which own and control all containers.
In a statement recently, APM Terminals Apapa Terminal Manager, Steen Knudsen, said due to a sharp and sustained surge in import cargo volumes over recent weeks, shipping lines have had to prioritize discharging incoming laden containers over evacuating empties. This operational shift has resulted in a growing inventory of empty containers within the terminal, significantly limiting yard space.
“As a result of this accumulation, APM Terminals Apapa has had to temporarily restrict the reception of additional empty containers until the existing stock is cleared by the shipping lines”, Knudsen said.
Maritime Agencies
ANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATIONS: FOU, Zone ‘A’ Ups the Ante, Confiscates Bulletproof Vests, Cannabis Sativa,etc, worth N1.2bn
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In pursuit of her renewed vigour to fight smuggling and criminalities through intelligence-driven operations, resilience and dedication to duty, the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lagos, has confiscated 11 used vehicles, 1,665kg of Cannabis Sativa, 4000 litres of premium motor spirit, bullet proof vests in Ogun, Lagos and other states within the South-West axis. The feat comes barely two weeks after the inaugural briefing by the Customs Area Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos, Tuesday, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu who explained that the entire seizure is worth N1.2bn announced:
“On the 23rd and 24th of May 2025, at about 0300hrs and 0230hrs, our patrol teams within Lagos metropolis acted on intelligence intercepted and seized 2X40FT containers with containers numbers (MSCU 5295718 and MRSU 5856090) respectively along Ijora-Olopa, and Mile 2 axis. The examination reports of these containers revealed the following contents: seven (7) Mitsubishi Canters five Toyota Hiace buses and three mini shuttle buses all cut up with their parts complete with clear intention of evading Customs duties.”
Other items include bicycles, 213 bales of printed wax 23 bales of used clothing, 42 used gas cylinders and 30 used flat screen televisions, 65 table-top cookers and 31 units of used split airconditioners, among others.l whose contravene Schedule 4 of the Common External Tariff.
”Similarly, on the 19th of May, 2025, at about 0300 hours, another patrol team intercepted a Volvo truck and investigation revealed it contained 1263 pieces of used tyres and other goods. One suspect was also arrested.”
”In the same vein, on the 19th of May, 2025, at about 2300h hours, our officers on a routine patrol along Shagamu/Ijebu Ode expressway in Ogun State intercepted one truck with registration number T24623LA suspected to be conveying un-customed goods including bullet -proof vests. Again, an investigation report revealed the content to include some packages of Tramadol.”
”Furthermore, on the 26th of May, 2025, at about 0600 hours, through intelligence -driven operations our men on the Ijebu Ode patrol team arrested one empty Mercedes Benz truck . Thorough rummaging of the truck and careful observation by our officers which led to the uncovering of concealment of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp) in the compartments of the truck. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure”.
”Additionally, our patrol teams around the border areas across the six States of the Southwest have intensified surveillance of our borders against unscrupulous elements among Nigerans, resulting in several seizures of rice, Cannabis Sativa, used cars and other goods in flash points of Imeko,Ilaro, Owode, Idiroko, Ilara, Ihumbo, Abeokuta, Badagry, Agbara, Gbaji, Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State.”
In all, forty six (46) interceptions were recorded during this two weeks of operations comprising 2051 50kg foreign parboiled rice equivalent to three trailer loads; 11 used vehicles and 1665kg of Cannabis Sativa. Others are 4000 litres of premium motor spirit, one white and black J5 commercial bus loaded with expired goods and one Volvo truck containing 180 sacks of new towel.
The DPV of the various seizures amount to N1,285,600,383. 00.
The CAC said as the lead agency in border security and trade facilitation, customs realizes the need to balance responsibilities through risk management tools. He recognized that those whose illicit businesses have been significantly hindered by customs operations will spare no efforts in devising different counter measures. He assured the public that Customs would remain alive to her responsibilities and will not be deterred by anyone out to cast aspersions on officers who have always paid ultimate price for the service to their fatherland.
”As criminals get more desperate and daring, we at the Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ will ensure the sustainability of a more formidable defence against any antics devised by these non-state actors. The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to design and implement sustainable programmes that will grow our economy, increase revenue for the government and encourage legitimate trade.”
The seized 1665 kg of Indian Hemp was handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Within the two weeks of operations, the CAC stated, the Unit recovered a total of N48,340,720.08 through issuance of demand notices (DN) from improper declaration of consignments.
He commended his officers for exhibiting unwavering dedication, steadfastness, gallantry and integrity.
Maritime Agencies
INLAND WATERWAYS SAFETY: Oyetola Flags Off 3,500 Life Jacket Distribution Campaign in Lagos.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As part of the Federal Government’s nationwide water safety campaign aimed at enhancing security on Nigeria’s inland waterways, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Wednesday, officially launched the distribution of 3,500 life jackets in Lagos State.
The event, held during a Marine Safety Sensitization and Life Jackets Distribution Exercise in Lagos, underscores the ministry’s unwavering commitment to a safety-first culture, particularly in riverine communities where water transport is a daily mode of movement.
Represented by Dr. Mercy Ilori, a Director in the Ministry, Oyetola disclosed that the initiative—already carried out in Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom States—would extend to other coastal states over the coming months, with a target of reaching 12 states within the shortest possible time.
Highlighting the importance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister outlined three core pillars of the campaign. These include Enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, ongoing public sensitization on safety, and provision of life-saving equipment, including life jackets.
Oyetola praised the proactive efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in transforming water transportation in Lagos and commended the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for its regulatory oversight and public awareness drives.
Calling for grassroots participation, the Minister urged boat operators, community leaders, and transport unions to adopt the life-saving slogan: “No life jacket, no entry.” He stressed that life jackets are “shields, not inconveniences,” and called on all stakeholders to make water safety a shared responsibility.
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, described the initiative as a timely intervention. With over 85% of daily commutes in Lagos currently done via road, Osiyemi emphasized the importance of expanding safe and reliable water transport to meet the needs of the state’s growing population.
“This initiative is not just about safety gear; it’s about building a safety culture,” Osiyemi said, thanking the Federal Ministry and NIWA for their support and partnership.
In his address, NIWA Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, emphasized that in the water transport sector, safety is the real measure of success. “While profitability is key in finance, safety is our profit here,” he stated.
He reiterated NIWA’s determination to achieve zero fatalities on Nigeria’s waterways and confirmed that six of the twelve targeted states have already benefitted from the campaign. “We are committed to reaching the rest in the next one to two years,” he said.
Oyebamiji highlighted the strict safety enforcement in Nigeria: “Here, if you don’t wear a life jacket, you don’t get into the boat. It’s that serious.”
Earlier, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), welcomed participants and applauded the Federal Government’s leadership on safety. “This is more than just a distribution—it is a significant step toward sustainable water transport. Safety is what keeps our waterways functional and reliable,” he said.
The event brought together stakeholders from across the marine and blue economy sector, reinforcing the shared vision of a safe, secure, and efficient inland water transport system across Nigeria.
Container Movement To Seaports: NPA Meets With APM Terminals, Shipping Lines, for Coordination.
ANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATIONS: FOU, Zone ‘A’ Ups the Ante, Confiscates Bulletproof Vests, Cannabis Sativa,etc, worth N1.2bn
INLAND WATERWAYS SAFETY: Oyetola Flags Off 3,500 Life Jacket Distribution Campaign in Lagos.
Dangote Hits Another First, Named “Most Admired African Brand” in Addis Ababa.
NPA Secures Approval to Dredge Lekki Deepsea Port Channel To 19 Metres
Apapa Customs , International Network and NDLEA Collaborate to Confiscate Unregistered Pharmaceuticals.
Nigeria Hosts French Ambassador, Seeks Support for Her IMO Council Membership Quest.
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Seme Customs Collects N847m in a month, facilitates non-oil exports valued at N16Bn
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EXPORT TRADE: AMATO Decries Sabotage of Port Entry Protocols By Operators, Restates Need For Automation.
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MARITIME SECURITY: 1723 Vessels Conducted ‘Dark Activities’ On Nigerian Waters, January To April, 2025, NIMASA’s C4i Reveals.
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
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MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
MUAZU SAMBO: Showcasing Nigeria’s Maritime Potentials At The Global Arena
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PUBLIC RELATIONS: New Image Maker Mounts the Saddle at NPA.
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
GoG SECURITY: MARAN Probes GoG-MCF/SHADE, NIMASA’s $195M Deep Blue Project.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNPA Secures Approval to Dredge Lekki Deepsea Port Channel To 19 Metres
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoApapa Customs , International Network and NDLEA Collaborate to Confiscate Unregistered Pharmaceuticals.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoDangote Hits Another First, Named “Most Admired African Brand” in Addis Ababa.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoINLAND WATERWAYS SAFETY: Oyetola Flags Off 3,500 Life Jacket Distribution Campaign in Lagos.
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Maritime Agencies3 days agoContainer Movement To Seaports: NPA Meets With APM Terminals, Shipping Lines, for Coordination.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATIONS: FOU, Zone ‘A’ Ups the Ante, Confiscates Bulletproof Vests, Cannabis Sativa,etc, worth N1.2bn