Maritime Agencies
CILT AGM, 2023: Aviation Minister, Gov Obaseki, Others Confirm Attendance.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) Nigeria holds her 2023 Annual General Meeting/National Conference at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, November 27 and 28.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, is the Special Guest of Honour while Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State will unveil a book entitled “Perspectives on Sustainable Innovation in Global Logistics and Transport.”
Other dignitaries expected include Teete Owusu Nortey, Ghanaian Transportation Minister and Dr Mrs Kema Chikwe, one-time Aviation Minister of Nigeria. The AGM will also witness the inauguration of the new CILT executive led by Mrs Mfon Usoro as a reelected President.
At a pre-conference webinar meeting in Lagos, Monday, Ms Adaora Nwonu, co-chair of the Conference Technical Committee, stated that CILT members are expected to pay a conference fee of N55,000 while non-members and young participants will register with N60,000 and N25,000 respectively. An excursion for which attendees would pay N8,000 per participant is incorporated into the conference programme to encourage a blend of outdoor sightseeing and recreation to serve as a creative link for academic and industrial practitioners.
Nwonu announced that there have been positive response for sponsorship from private and public organizations even as some companies have begun to promote the CILT brand.
For the participants, she added, the Conference is expected to provide value for money, networking and rewarding interactive activities. She assured that about 500 participants expected at the occasion will be availed the right facilities for seamless registration while a gala dinner takes place to wrap up the conference after the excursion.
Summarizing the preparations of the Logistics sub-Committee, Mr Jafaar Bello stated that adequate arrangements were in place to ensure seamless traffic and movement to and from the conference venue. Comfortable accommodation at discounted rates have been arranged for delegates in nearby hotels to the venue. The hotels can be accessed on the CILT website.
There will be a boat cruise and lagoon tour on November 28 to enable participants savour the rich serenity of Lagos city and the marine environment.
There will also be a light (metro) rail trip from Marina to Mile 2 and LASTMA, VIS, etc have been mobilized to facilitate stress-free movement.
To cater for healthcare needs of the attendees, arrangements have been made to have healthcare personnel and an ambulance for emergencies.
In her submission, the CILT President, Mrs Mfon Usoro, appraised the conference as of international standard. “The Conference is physical because we want to meet and interact with the participants. Registration is done online while Speakers will collect tags from the Moderator.” She advised participants to register online between November 20 and 21.
CILT, she recalled, is for logistics and transport as it traverses all modes of transportation. During the cultural night, delegates are expected to done their rich cultural attires. Discussion topics will centre on cross-border trade, regional integration, infrastructure development and management. The session will be led by an ECOWAS expert on trade, Prof Jonathan Aremu.
Mrs Usoro described the Conference venue as a 5- Star Hotel. “We’ve upgraded standards. Let’s try to register today or tomorrow”, she advised. Leadership in CILT, she stated, is now metamorphosing from the elderly to the younger members and that is the surest way to sustainability. While acknowledging the integration of the transportation modes, she urged transportation reporters to widely report and give wide content reportage to the Conference.
Dr Gidado, a contributor to the webinar dwelt on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the need to contact the headquarters in Ghana on issues concerning trade in Nigeria.
At the webinar, Prof Kayode Oyesiku who chairs the planning committee said the Conference theme is “Designing the Future of Transportation and Logistics in Africa”. The Conference holds in Lagos following the successes recorded at the 2020 edition, he recalled.
Prof Kayode Oyesiku urged members to register before the event as is the practice worldwide.
According to the Publicity Committee Chairman, Mr Bashir Ambi Mohammed, the unit has recorded healthy and robust public awareness in line with the mandate to create a positive public perception for the CILT. Following aggressive publicity, he said, over 400 registrations have been achieved. While hoping that registrations continue at the venue, he said the committee has been publicizing the Conference link and disseminating information to participants to register for the tour. He appealed for CILT’s membership upgrade at the Conference while the press in attendance should ensure robust and wide coverage.
Maritime Agencies
Dredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has distanced itself from a report entitled ‘Dredgers Association Appeals to Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Extortion, Urges Governor to Call Alebiosu, Cardozo to Order’, published on October 23, 2026 by some online blogs.
In a disclaimer jointly signed by Batare Akpomejero and Richard Ntan, National President and Secretary respectively, the Association categorically stated that the publication is fake and could not have originated from its National Leadership or any authorised organ of the dredgers’ body.
DAN clarified that it neither authorised, approved nor issued any petition or press release accusing Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Lagos State, and Mr. Cardozo of harassment, intimidation or extortion of dredgers and tipper operators.
The Association further stated that it had no record of the alleged impounding of trucks and demand for ₦500,000 as reported in the publication, adding that it completely dissociated itself from the claims.
Reaffirming its relationship with the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, DAN described its engagement with the government and the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development as cordial and collaborative.
On matters relating to dredging regulations and the interpretation of Supreme Court judgments concerning shoreline authority, the Association explained that discussions were being pursued through appropriate institutional channels and dialogue with relevant federal and state authorities, rather than through media confrontations.
Consequently, DAN has disclaimed the report in its entirety, urging the public, the Lagos State Government, Hon. Alebiosu and other stakeholders to disregard the publication as a statement issued on behalf of the Association.
DAN also expressed regret over any embarrassment, inconvenience or reputational damage the publication may have caused the Lagos State Government, the Honourable Commissioner and other officials mentioned.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lawful, sustainable and collaborative dredging operations across Nigeria, while maintaining constructive engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is committed to translate maritime policies into practical results as part of efforts to ensure safer waterways, reliable infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.
NIWA Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Yusuf Girei made the commitment while congratulating stakeholders in his goodwill message during the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration.
This year’s celebration whose theme was“From policy to practice: Powering excellence,” has in attendance was graced the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, FSM, MCIPM; Chairperson and Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Mfon Usoro; Directors and Heads of Departments, CEOs of Parastatals under the Ministry, members of the diplomatic corps, industry stakeholders and the media.

“This year’s theme,” Alhaji Girei said, “reminds us that strong policies create value only when they are translated into meaningful action. In the maritime sector, that means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services that support trade and economic growth.”

He noted that NIWA remains committed to working with State Governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, modernise facilities and protect the waterways on which many livelihoods depend.
Speaking about excellence in the maritime sector, he described it as a shared responsibility that requires skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and a culture that places safety and sustainability at the heart of operations.

“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” he added.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary and all stakeholders whose commitment keeps the maritime industry moving, and urged participants to turn shared ambition into practical results.
The celebration peaked when Alhaji Girei joined in the award presentation for the Primary School Children’s Essay Competition category sponsored by NIWA. The first position went to Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, who won N200,000 cash and a laptop computer. The second position went to Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, who received N150,000 and a laptop computer, while the third position went to Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, who received N100,000 cash and a laptop computer.
On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of NIWA, he wished all stakeholders a successful World Maritime Day celebration.
Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF President, Chief Ezisi, Visits PTML Customs, Urges Deepened Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has given kudos to the Controller of the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller N. I. Miko, for the support extended to freight forwarders at PTML, enjoining him to sustain the tempo and assist the NAGAFF chapter to deepen the relationship for mutual benefits.
Chief Ezisi made the commendation, Thursday, when he led the association’s high command on a familiarization visit to the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the PTML Command.
Ezisi who used the opportunity to welcome the CAC to the Customs Command also introduced the newly-elected executive of the NAGAFF PTML Chapter democratically elected to manage its affairs for the next four years.
Describing NAGAFF as a law-abiding organisation which has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Customs Service, Chief Ezisi stressed the importance of collaboration, compliance and professionalism in facilitating legitimate trade.
He urged Miko to maintain open communication with the chapter’s leadership and whenever disagreements or operational challenges arose, the national leadership would intervene where necessary to resolve issues.
As in other large organisations, Ezisi acknowledged, members with different dispositions and approaches to matters populate NAGAFF and managing them and their differences remains the hallmark of effective leadership at all times.
He also told the CAC that as a body, NAGAFF has in place an active special intervention outfit, a compliance team with guiding slogan, “If you see something, say something.” This body monitors the activities of her members and other freight forwarders who willingly subvert compliance standards in the line of duties.
NAGAFF, he explained, is a non-profit association of freight forwarders whose headquarters relies on the contributions and activities of its chapters to fulfill its responsibilities to the industry.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko, assured NAGAFF members of the Command’s continued cooperation. He described the relationship between Customs officers and freight forwarders at the terminal as very cordial and will always be, going forward.
Miko recalled NAGAFF’s organizational structure, describing it as impressive, particularly the commitment to training and capacity development of members through the NAGAFF Academy .
The PTML Command would continue to support freight forwarders, the CAC pledged as Customs officers and industry operators would continue to deepen the existing harmony and cooperation in the workplace.
He assured that the Command would continue engaging terminal operators on the need to improve the working environment for both Customs officers and freight forwarders.
Miko encouraged freight forwarders to report any shortcomings in the conduct of Customs officers, assuring them that the command would take feedback seriously and work towards improvement.
He also urged stakeholders to acknowledge good performance, emphasising that constructive engagement, mutual respect and collaboration were essential to effective operations.
He reaffirmed his management’s readiness to sustain the healthy relationship with the association and other stakeholders.
Giving a vote of thanks, NAGAFF’s Vice President (Headquarters), Simeon Nwonu, expressed pleasure of the assurance of a continued cordial relationship and accessibility stakeholders associate CAC Miko with right from the Apapa Command.
He thanked Comptroller Miko for the warm reception, expressing confidence that NAGAFF members operating at PTML would benefit from continued engagement.
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