Maritime Agencies
Freight Forwarders Unite, Refocus To Enhance Desired Relevance
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Freight forwarders of different persuasions who recently converged at the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (CRFFN) Headquarters, Life Camp, Abuja, under the aegis of the Freight Forwarders Consultative Forum (FFCF) came with one clear purpose.
The aim, they said, is to refocus and bring a fresh reawakening and more purposeful approach in addressing issues of concern to all and sundry, a gap they say the numerous associations have failed to fill.
The inaugural meeting attended by representatives of freight forwarding groups identified issues affecting practitioners and port users while carrying out their businesses.
Grey areas that needed immediate attention for the benefit of freight forwarders were isolated and exhaustively discussed. The smooth carriage of businesses at the seaports and other international
gateways into the country was the focus.
The Forum came up with suggestions on the way
forward in addressing their numerous challenges with the aim of pursuing and achieving the overall
regulatory functions of the CRFFN as mandated by Act No 16 of 2007.
After exhaustive deliberations, the FFCF came up with a communique with far-reaching resolutions prominent among which is to ensure the inclusion of a representative of the FFCF on the Governing Board of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as well as deploying professional engagements in resolving all Customs trade-related
disputes and conflicts while exploring the tenets of international best
practices.
The Forum also resolved to support government to ensure that the Ease of
Doing Business Policy is fully harnessed by freight forwarders while the authorities are mandated to fully digitalize and automate shipping company and terminal operations documentation processes to
promote paperless transaction in the cargo clearance chain in line with
global best practices.
While endorsing inter-agency collaborations among government agencies and
service providers, the Forum sued for the extension of
the regulatory functions of the CRFFN to Haulage/Trucking
operators as an integral part of the Freight Forwarding scope.
The Forum will collaborate with relevant authorities to encourage and
sustain the use of NPA’s truck call-up system
to end traffic gridlocks within the ports access roads and adjoining
corridors leading to the ports.
The Forum is to work against any legislation that
promotes the dominance of foreigners against
indigenous practitioners from securing Freight Forwarding contracts in
Nigeria.
FFCF supports adequate logistics for the CRFFN to properly carry out its professional regulatory functions,
as this is germane to the success of the Council’s mandate.
There is need to expand the FFCF to include other critical stakeholders such as Nigerian Shippers
Council, Importers, Shipping Companies, Terminal Operators, etc, in line with the CRFFN regulatory provisions.
FFCF insists on full automation of all Customs processes to reduce physical
contact between the freight forwarders and the
Customs, while promoting paperless transaction in the clearance
documentation process.
The CRFFN Governing Council Board should address the incessant neglect of the provisions of the CRFFN Act 16, 2007
by the Nigeria Customs.
FFCF canvasses for the inclusion of Professional Freight Forwarders in all
National Committees related to international trade and logistics. These include
the National Committee on Trade Facilitation, AfCFTA, etc.
The Council should review various categories of her
membership – individual, corporate, and the
associations with the view to update the Register of Freight Forwarders of
Nigeria in line with the CRFFN Act No 16 of 2007.
CRFFN should visit sister agencies and service providers to
familiarize and synergize in addressing numerous challenges
facing freight forwarders.
FFCF undertakes to join in fighting corruption in all ramifications at seaports, airports and land
borders.
The Forum is to probe the
opening of Form “M”; the issuance of PAAR; multiplicity of Customs adhoc intervention teams; exploitation by other government agencies such as SON, NAFDAC, Quarantine, the
disruption of cargo clearance process by the Police; etc., with the aim to
create conducive and enabling business environment for her teeming
members.
Practitioners should forward to the FFCF their position papers on the identified issues in the course of carrying
out their businesses at the various entry points and hinterland connections to
the ports. These should include the noticeable infractions in the roles of government agencies, the service providers and other ancillary parties.
FFCF resolved to create smaller work groups to effectively
monitor activities of various parties such as Customs, terminal operators and other agencies critical in freight forwarding
operations.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s pioneer maritime reporters body, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Thursday, set aside the Godfrey Bivbere-led Executive, replacing it with a 3-man Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the body in the interim.
The Caretaker Committee unanimously put in place is part of a major reorganization to reposition MARAN to enable her meet her cardinal aspirations .
Led by Mr Tunde Ayodele as Chairman, Mr John Obot and Mrs Ruth Sunday Umunna now serve as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.
Unveiling the new dispensation in a release, MARAN wishes all stakeholders, particularly in the maritime sector, ministries, government departments and agencies to, henceforth, direct and channel all dealings with the new leadership.
”The Association wishes to state categorically that the action is for the good of the Association, the industry and the nation in general and should therefore not be misconstrued.”
”We wish to use this medium to invite our highly esteemed stakeholders to our Association’s forthcoming launch of the book, “50 Drivers of the Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy”, coming up on the 4th of December, at Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.”
”The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN, is a foremost body of highly cerebral, credible, erudite and professional Journalists, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. It has been covering the activities of the maritime industry for nearly four decades.”
”The Association had made its indelible mark in the maritime sector through unbiased, insightful, and impactful reportage of the sector over the years.
It is the first and the longest Maritime Association in the Industry and has evolved with more than forty members from the Prints, Electronic and Online platforms.”
Maritime Agencies
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In continuation of the campaign against illegal trafficking of wild life and endangered animal species, the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a consignment of endangered wildlife species, including one lion cub and two patas monkeys. This followed a stop-and-search operation along the Badagry–Seme Expressway.
A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman says the interception occurred at about 2:19 a.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2025, when operatives stopped a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA at Gbaji.
Upon inspection, officers discovered the animals whose cross-border transportation was a clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws.
Two suspects — Mathew Kofi, a Beninoise national and Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian — claimed ownership of the animals and admitted to purchasing them in Kano with the intention of conveying them to Benin Republic.
The Command immediately confiscated the animals in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The suspects were detained for further investigation to determine their level of involvement in wildlife trafficking.
Formally handing over the lion cub and monkeys to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for proper handling, the Customs Area Controller , Comptroller Wale Adenuga, represented by Deputy Comptroller A.Y.Mohammed, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws, environmental conservation and border security.
“We will continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure that the illegal trade in endangered species is decisively curtailed,” he stated.
He said the interception underscores Nigeria Customs’ growing role in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting biodiversity, while reinforcing the country’s compliance with international conservation standards.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has been unveiled as the Special Guest of Honour for the official launch of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria’s (MARAN) latest publication, “50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.”
The high-profile event is scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos by 12noon.
According to a statement by the MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, the ceremony will be chaired by former Nigerian Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.
Bivbere noted that the presence of these eminent personalities underscores the book’s relevance to Nigeria’s evolving maritime landscape, particularly as the nation intensifies efforts toward repositioning its marine and blue economy for sustainable growth.
He described the forthcoming book as a “comprehensive compendium” that documents the individuals, agencies, and organisations shaping Nigeria’s maritime transformation.
His words: “This indispensable volume educates industry professionals on the profound history and current opportunities within the sector, spotlighting the people and institutions whose contributions continue to drive national development.
”With the book, readers can discover how the blue economy’s past is paving the way for a promising future.”
The MARAN President explained that the publication is the product of months of rigorous research and editorial work aimed at capturing the achievements and innovations of the 50 most influential drivers in the sector.
He added that the December 4 launch is expected to attract top government functionaries, regulators, shipowners, freight forwarders, terminal operators, scholars, and investors, making it one of the most anticipated gatherings of maritime leaders in recent years.
Bivbere assured that arrangements are in top gear to deliver a befitting event that celebrates excellence, professionalism, and service to the nation’s maritime advancement.
MARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
Oyetola, Iheanacho, To Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Launch MARAN’s New Book
IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
MAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
MAN: Only A NASS Review Can Convert It To A Conventional University, Governing Council Warns.
MAN, ORON, Charges Graduating Cadets To Uphold Academy’s Core Values.
Customs Embraces OSS, A Special Platform, To Deepen Trade Facilitation
MARAN Launches Major Industry Publication In December
PTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
Apapa Customs Unveils ECTS To Deepen Trade Facilitation, Boost Revenue And National Security.I
BADAGRY: Customs Broker Deplores Role of Unapproved Checkpoints As Baggage Maritime Magazine Celebrates
OCTOBER REVENUE: Apapa Customs Breaks Record, Nets 304Bn In A Month
OTC 2026: Tantita Secures Approval for Lecture on Drone Security
Stakeholders Cry Out, Seek FG’s Intervention To Avoid a Return of Apapa Gridlock.
CILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
Photo News: Salah Celebration
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoBADAGRY: Customs Broker Deplores Role of Unapproved Checkpoints As Baggage Maritime Magazine Celebrates
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoPTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoApapa Customs Unveils ECTS To Deepen Trade Facilitation, Boost Revenue And National Security.I
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOCTOBER REVENUE: Apapa Customs Breaks Record, Nets 304Bn In A Month
-
Maritime Agencies7 days agoIMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
-
Maritime Agencies1 week agoMAN: Only A NASS Review Can Convert It To A Conventional University, Governing Council Warns.
-
Maritime Agencies1 week agoMAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
-
Maritime Agencies1 week agoMAN, ORON, Charges Graduating Cadets To Uphold Academy’s Core Values.