Maritime Agencies
Collaboration, Partnerships Essential For Blue Economy To Flourish, Says Capt Sunday Umoren.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Collaboration, partnerships cannot be taken away while exploring how to make the best out of the blue economy.
Secretary-General, Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Ports State Control (Abuja MOU), Capt Sunday Umoren stated this while featuring at the 4th annual symposium and workshop of the African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative in Lagos, Tuesday, on the theme: ‘Achieving Blue Growth in a Changing Climate’.
Discussing the topic ‘Collaboration and Partnership in Driving Blue Economy,’ Umoren said collaboration and partnerships provide the only means of actualizing the prospects of the Blue Economy.
Collaboration and partnerships, he emphasized, could cover funding, marketing, shareholding, technology, sustainability, conservation, policy formation and innovation. Other areas include research and development, logistics, off-taking, and any other area of mutual agreement. Collaboration should be regulated with international best practices that partners will most likely flow through and be guided.
“The legality should cover the maximum % share of ownership, employment, repatriation of funds and guided by the principle of fairplay and equity.”
The advantages of collaboration and partnership, he stated, are reduced transaction costs and specialization, utilization of complementaries, utilization of local rivalry, technological transfer, innovation and international competitiveness. Business profitability, growth in size and internationalization also come in various categories – local, private, national and international; inter-governmental, JVs, Regional Cooperation (ECOWAS/ECCAS, AU, Abuja MoU, GMAC (Green Maritime Africa Coalition), the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO), etc.
These involve regional intergovernmental organizations that can promote economic integration and cooperation among member states.
Sustainable fishing, marine resource management and environmental conservation can benefit from such arrangement, he explained.
ICCAT is a regional fisheries management organization responsible for the conservation of tunas and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas established by the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic, Tunas, in 1966.
On public-private partnerships, (PPPs), governments partner with private enterprises to invest in sustainable fishing practices, eco-tourism, and renewable marine energy. These partnerships can provide funding and innovative technologies.
Also, involving local communities in decision-making ensures that initiatives reflect their needs and knowledge. Programs often focus on sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation efforts, empowering local stakeholders.
In the area of research and academia, partnerships with universities and research institutions facilitate data collection and analysis essential for informed policy-making.
Collaborative research initiatives help address local challenges such as biodiversity loss and overfishing.
Engagement with international organizations (like the UN, IMO, ILO, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and NGOs enhances funding opportunities, technical support, and the sharing of best practices for sustainable marine management.
Capacity building training programs for local communities, fishermen, and government officials are vital for fostering skills in sustainable practices, marine resource management, and conservation efforts.
Collaborative efforts to share technology can also enhance the monitoring of marine resources, improve fishing practices, and support the management of marine- protected areas while innovations such as satellite tracking and data analytics play a significant role.
Partnerships focused on climate resilience, helping coastal communities adapt to changing environmental conditions, and integrating ecosystem-based approaches into development planning are also germaine.
Sound policies are crucial to a sustainable blue economy while proper collaboration of all stakeholders ensures that good policies are formed to drive the economy.
“There can be no successful impact of the blue economy without a strong
ennforcement drive. The exploitation and exploration of the oceans have the potential to have a great impact on the nation’s revenue and GDP.
” However, the ocean faces multiple challenges due to increasing pressure from human actions and impacts, e.g. over-exploration, over-exploitation, plastic pollution, overfishing, ocean acidification, etc. These actions and many more are a clear contravention of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development, he advised.
Restoring sanity in the maritime domain requires responsible operators mostly achievable through ‘enforcement’.
Enforcement could be through a
review of the constitution,
the Merchant Shipping Act and other related acts and regulations.
Strong legal backing with reward and consequence management,
empowerment of law enforcement agencies with clear delineation of powers and authority (Coast Guard, Marine Police, Navy, and others),
strong regulatory authorities, Flag State, Port State, Revenue and Licensing authorities also have critical roles to play.
Silo mentality, he stated, will lead nowhere. It is therefore important to dwell on interdependence which has been time-tested.
“We grew up hearing the adage ‘the sky is wide enough for all stars to shine,’ but today I will implore you all to rephrase it to ‘the sea is wide enough for all stars to shine and glow.’
Capt Umoren called for attention on business growth and investment opportunities. Nations should also act responsibly as they focus on SDG 14 – sustainable ocean use (the Blue Economy).
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), the security outfit keeping surveillance over oil and gas installations and other critical assets in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, has secured an approval to deliver a technical lecture on Drone Security at the 2026 edition of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). This lecture will spotlight the use of drone technology in offshore oil platform protection.
The presentation, scheduled for next year’s global gathering of energy innovation will showcase Tantita’s pioneering efforts in leveraging unmanned aerial systems to monitor and secure Nigeria’s vast offshore assets.
Confirming the development, the company’s Executive Director of Technical and Operations, Captain Dr. Warredi Enisuoh, noted that the approval from OTC reflects growing international recognition of Tantita’s operational successes and technological innovation.
Tantita’s lecture will delve into real-time surveillance, threat detection, and collaborative frameworks for maritime security, aligning with OTC’s broader focus on digitalization, sustainability, and cross-sector innovation in offshore energy.
The 2026 conference is expected to attract thousands of global stakeholders, including engineers, policymakers, and investors, offering a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships.
Maritime Agencies
Stakeholders Cry Out, Seek FG’s Intervention To Avoid a Return of Apapa Gridlock.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As renewed tanker and truck build-up begin to show up on the ports access route in Apapa, there are strong indications that the infamous traffic gridlock that once crippled business activities in Apapa and environs is gradually resurfacing, threatening to paralyze movement and port operations once again.
Port workers now battle renewed evening congestion as truckers and tankers swarm the port access roads daily, preventing other road users from seamless transit.
Investigations by the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMI) reveal that while Apapa roads remain relatively free during the day, a long trail of trucks begins forming by evening from both the Costain and Mile 2 entry points.
From the Ijora-Olopa Bridge to Apapa and from Coconut Bus Stop to Tin Can Island’s gates, trucks line up in droves, allegedly paying between N30,000 and N50,000 to secure a spot in the queue.
Officials of key government agencies, investigations show, are complicit in the illegal toll collection as they allegedly look the other way as the situation worsens.
These agencies include the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Police.
The most affected areas include Wharf Road, Warehouse Road, Commercial Road, Burma Road, and Creek Road.
Speaking on the development, Moses Fadipe, former National Coordinator of the Port Standing Task Team (PSTT), attributed the resurgence to the return of vested interests who previously profited from the chaos. The Lagos State Government, he noted, knows what steps to take to prevent a full-blown crisis.
Martins Enebeli, President of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (NIS) and the Nigerian Licensed Ship Chandlers Association (NILSCA), blamed government insincerity for the relapse.
He urged authorities to prioritise rail transport for cargo evacuation from Lagos ports and to revive Eastern and Delta ports to ease pressure on Apapa.
“Bonded terminals should be relocated far from the ports and connected by rail. Government must stop concentrating port operations in the West while neglecting other regions,” Enebeli stated.
Speaking anonymously, a senior official confirmed that a syndicate involving both state and non-state actors is profiting from the tolls collected from truckers, exacerbating the traffic crisis.
Meanwhile, stakeholders have been unanimous in their call for urgent federal government intervention to dismantle the alleged racketeering network and restore sanity to Apapa’s transport corridors.
Maritime Agencies
CILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following his outstanding contributions to capacity development in maritime education and training in Nigeria’s premier maritime training centre, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Training (CILT), Nigeria, Thursday, conferred special honours on the Acting Rector, Dr Kevin Okonna.
Tagged “Award for Distinguished Leadership in Logistics and Transport”, the conferment was the highlight of the 2025 National Conference and Awards Ceremony of the Institute which took place in Lagos.
Speaking at the event , CILT Nigeria President, Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro, highlighted the Institute’s strategic partnership with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN). She commended Dr. Okonna for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to repositioning the Maritime Academy of Nigeria as a centre of excellence in maritime education in Africa.
“Dr. Okonna has shown exceptional leadership and professionalism in ensuring the Academy continues to meet international standards. His passion and zeal for the development of the Academy is worthy of emulation,” Mrs. Usoro stated.
In his remarks following the conferment of the award, the elated Acting Rector expressed appreciation to CILT Nigeria for the honour. He described it as a call to continue striving for excellence in his service to the maritime industry and the nation in general
“This recognition is deeply appreciated. It is a call to a higher responsibility. This award reflects the collective effort of the Management, Staff, Students and Cadets of the Academy, whose dedication continues to drive our progress.”
”It means that what we do quietly is seen and valued. We’re ready to continue doing more for CILT, the industry and the country as a whole,” he promised.
Dr. Kevin Okonna, a seasoned maritime academic and administrator, has dedicated over thirty years to the service of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. As a lecturer, he assiduously rose through the ranks to clinch the position of Acting Rector.
In ten months since he became the Acting Rector, MAN Oron has recorded significant milestones. His leadership has heralded extensive reforms in firming up on training standards, infrastructure renewal, upgrade of teaching facilities and restoration of public power supply to the Academy’s campus and environs. Other key areas include the pursuance of ISO Certification for the Academy, development of Conditions and Scheme of Service, development of Courses on Port State Control, enhancement of staff and cadet welfare and many others.
His tenure has also strengthened collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Nautical Institute, UK, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), and other global maritime bodies.
The CILT recognition, industry watchers say, underscores the Acting Rector’s enduring legacy of excellence. It also reinforces the Academy’s stance as Nigeria’s foremost maritime education and training institution.
Distinguished officers of MAN Oron witnessed the CILT conferment on the Acting Rector. These included the Acting Director, School of Maritime Transport Studies, Mrs Theresa Eyo; Senior Lecturers – Mrs Nse Okon, Dr. Imoh Ekpo, Dr. Obot Idopise and Dr. Ufia Friday. Others were the Lagos Liaison Officer, Mrs Dorcas Titilola Imogore and Domo Umoekpe, the Academy’s Head of Public Affairs Department.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks ago’MV DRAGON’: Freight Forwarders Group Hails Clarion Shipping, Stage A Roadshow
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoSeme Customs Hits Big: Intercepts 10,000 Bags of Expired Flour, Cannabis; Facilitates 53, 989.47MT Exports in A Month
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