Maritime Agencies
ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED, UNREGULATED FISHING: Omatseye Advocates Strict Surveillance of EEZ.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
There is need for a total satellite coverage of Nigeran waters, including the expansive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), to regularly monitor fisheries and fishing activities real time. This will discourage illegal fishing and foreign poachers who illegally invade Nigerian waters to deplete fishes therein.
Temi Omatseye, former Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, stated this, Thursday, while contributing to discussions at a breakfast maritime business roundtable on fishing and fisheries organized in Lagos by Zoe Maritime Resources Ltd. He advocated that for proper harnessing of fisheries and associated resources, a new Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs should be created instead of domiciling it in the Ministry of Agriculture.
Speaking on the topic “Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF)”, President, Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NIOA), Mrs. Benedette Okonkwo, deplored the drastic reduction in the number of fishing vessels in Nigeria from 250 in 1983 to only 150 presently.The menace of IUU fishing in Nigeria, she explained, has led to the depletion of fishing trawlers in the country by more than 100 industrial fishing vessels in the last two decades.
She asked the Federal Government to enact decisive and enforceable legislations to grow the fishing industry to compliment strides being recorded under the Blue Economy.
“NITOA has been involved in industrial fishing activities in Nigeria since 1986 when some notable Nigerians initiated the idea of having a unified body to represent its members on issues of mutual interest with a combined fleet of over 250 vessels and over twenty fishing companies which had drastically reduced to 150 vessels with about five presently struggling to survive.”
“There is the need to establish Fisheries Terminal here in Lagos where about 95% of the industrial fishing operators are based. Furthermore government should do well to resuscitate the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) Scheme to make it more robust workable and transparent”.
Trawler owners, she lamented, are overburdened by overzealous government agencies overseeing sea fishing. This is detrimental to the growth of an industry that should be a veritable source of local fish supply and foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria.
It is on record that with a population of about 140 million local demand for fish far outweighs the supply. This means that there is constant demand for fish and fish products which should keep the local fishing industry buoyant. The reality on ground tells a different story.”
Mrs Okonkwo stated that records show a steady decline in local catch and production of fish in Nigeria.
In the 1970s, she explained, domestic production of fish ranged from 600,000 to 700,000 tons.
“By 1983, this dropped to $38.00 tons. In 2000, local catch was 441,337 and today the figure is no better. Responsibility for this decline has been laid at the feet of IUU fishing. This involves trawlers coming from other jurisdictions to sweep the Nigerian coast not only of sizeable fish supplies but also her juveniles,” she lamented.
In her submission, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Abisola Olusanya lamented that while fishermen are ageing, the youths who should take over are not showing any interest. Speaking through her representative, Mr Emmanuel Audu, the Commissioner recommended that modern ship boats and improved technology should be made available to attract the youths to the vocation.
By way of intervention on the IUUF menace, Mr. Akanbi Williams of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), questioned the veracity of statistics from several international organizations. He stated that they remain fabricated as there are no reports from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to substantiate them. Although the menace of IUU fishing is prevalent in the country and sub-region, Williams acknowledged, it is not at an alarming dimension as being reported.
Speaking from the prism of insurance, the Managing Director of YOA Insurance Brokers, Mrs. Enitan Solarin posited that some of the losses encountered by fishing operators could be covered by insurance.
On her part, Managing Director, YOA Insurance Brokers, Mrs Enitan Solarin spoke on the need to increase insurance awareness in Nigeria’s fishing industry to indemnify operators against losses when they occur. Solarin was represented by Mrs Bolanle Anjorin.
In her welcome address earlier, Barr Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore, Chair, Zoe Maritime Resources Ltd, organizers of the event, explained that as Nigeria begins to develop her blue economy, the challenges of IUU fishing must be tackled headlong.
She paid glowing tributes to guests at the event including the Consul-General, Kingdom of the Netherlands who shared his country’s experience in handling the subject of IUUF.
Fitz Williams Ventures Ltd, YOA Insurance Brokers, Morbod Shipping, Yamaha and Clina-Lancet Laboratories, among others, sponsored the event.
Maritime Agencies
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) unveils “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue” as the theme of her unification conference scheduled for November 13 in Lagos , several prominent personalities in Nigeria’s maritime industry and political landscape have indicated interest to attend.
These include the former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho; Senator Wasiu Eshilokun; former President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Eugene Nweke; and Dr. Kayode Farinto, former Acting National President of ANLCA.
Also participating are key policymakers, heads of maritime agencies, industry leaders, legal practitioners, freight forwarders and other critical stakeholders whose voices cannot be ignored while deliberating on the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barrister Temisan Omatseye, will chair the conference, while the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, will attend as Special Guest of Honour.
Renowned maritime lawyer, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, SAN, will deliver the keynote address at the event which takes place at Airport Hotel, Ikeja.
Discussions will particularly focus on ongoing reforms, infrastructure development and strategic interventions required to strengthen the maritime industry’s contribution to national economic growth.
According to Elder Dele Aderibigbe and Jerry Aguigbo, the NNMJ President and Public Relations Officer respectively, the conference will provide an avenue for constructive engagement among government representatives, maritime professionals and private-sector operators on practical measures to reposition Nigeria’s maritime industry for improved efficiency, productivity and global competitiveness.
Seaport modernisation, rehabilitation and renewal of critical port infrastructure, trade facilitation, ease of doing business, revenue optimisation and strategies for identifying and eliminating financial leakages across the maritime value chain will form key discussion points at the Unity Conference.
Participants will also examine opportunities for expanding Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, generating employment, strengthening maritime safety and security, and enhancing the competitiveness of the nation’s seaports.
The conference is expected to attract heads of government agencies, managing directors of shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, licensed customs agents and other influential stakeholders across the maritime industry.
The Unity Conference also avails stakeholders opportunity to evaluate existing government policies and reforms, identify implementation gaps and recommend sustainable solutions to improve port operations, facilitate legitimate trade, increase government revenue and unlock the vast economic potentials of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The organizers further underscored the strategic importance of maritime journalism in promoting transparency and accountability, providing credible industry analysis and sustaining informed public discourse on government policies, regulatory interventions and reforms affecting the marine and blue economy.
The NNMJ leadership expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen relationships among industry stakeholders, encourage meaningful policy engagement and reinforce collective efforts towards building a more efficient, transparent and globally competitive maritime industry.
Maritime Agencies
AMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the 2026 National Convention and Stakeholders’ engagement of the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) kicks off November 12 – 14, the
body has called for accelerated reforms and development in Nigeria’s maritime capacity training sector to ensure job creation for graduating cadets.
The convention will bring together maritime professionals, policymakers, regulators and shipowners, academics, cadets and other stakeholders for high-level deliberations on the future of the industry.
Speaking during a pre-event briefing in Lagos, Saturday, AMANO President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa described the conference as a platform for policy alignment, innovation and practical solutions as it is more than a re+union of alumni.
This year’s convention, Maiguwa explained, is deliberately focused on moving from talk to action — with emphasis on reforms that can be implemented in maritime education, shipping, port operations, safety and blue economy development.
The convention will also provide an opportunity to introduce newly graduated cadets of MAN, Oron and their lecturers to maritime companies, institutions and stakeholders thus expanding their exposure to professional and employment opportunities.
Maiguwa had at the Academy’s 2026 Cadets Passing-Out Parade last week, urged graduands to embrace networking, professional development and mentorship as essential tools for building successful careers and invited them to the Lagos convention.
As part of its commitment to excellence, AMANO also announced cash awards of ₦150,000 each for Best HND Graduating Cadet and Best ND Graduating Cadet.
Stakeholders say the 2026 convention is coming at a critical time when Nigeria is pushing to unlock its blue economy, modernise its ports, strengthen its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and translate maritime policies into measurable results.
The three-day event is expected to feature keynote addresses, panel sessions, technical workshops, exhibitions and networking sessions, with recommendations to be presented to government and industry for implementation.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigeria Association of Women in Journalism (NAWOJ), Lagos Chapter has honoured veteran journalist, Hajia Hadiza Omowole, as Iconic Woman of the month for November.
This is contained in a release in Lagos jointly signed by Mrs Jumoke Falayi-Johnson and Mrs Anu Thomas, NAWOJ Chairperson and Secretary respectively.
Falayi-Johnson described Omowole as a true beacon of excellence, resilience and compassionate leadership, noting her selfless dedication to mentoring young journalists, empowering grassroots women and advocating gender equity..
Omowole’s tenacity, she stated, dedication to service and visionary leadership beautify the world. She described her as Mother-General whose pioneering spirit leaves indelible mark on journalism profession and society generally.
”Omowole holds Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from University of Benin and Master’s in Media, Culture and Technology from University of Bedfordshire, UK, spanning over three-decade distinguished journalism career.
”The veteran journalist joined News Agency of Nigeria in 1992, rising steadily through editorial ranks serving as Senior Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and now Managing Editor and Head of Lagos Operations,” Falayi-Johnson said.
She noted that beyond editorial leadership, Omowole served two historic terms as National President of NAWOJ from 2014 to 2020, becoming first president re-elected, championing welfare and advancement of women journalists nationwide.
Through community specialist work, counselling and initiatives supporting rural and needy women, Omowole continues to serve as an inspiring pillar of guidance for the association and media industry.
The entire NAWOJ Lagos family celebrates Omowole’s unwavering commitment, pioneering spirit and incredible service to humanity, collectively wishing her more success in journalism, leadership and humanitarian endeavours ahead.
Omowole remained actively involved in institutional engagement, public communication, youth development and advocacy for health, child development and gender equality across Nigeria.
In her remarks, NAWOJ Lagos Secretary, Mrs Anu Thomas, noted that the association proudly recognised outstanding contributions of Omowole to journalism, women empowerment and leadership development in Nigerian media landscape.
Falayi-Johnson reiterated association’s pride in celebrating Omowole, describing her enduring legacy as an inspiration for upcoming female journalists and a testament to excellence in media leadership nationwide.
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.
AMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoOUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP: NAWOJ Lagos Honours Omowole, NAN’s Managing Editor.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks ago2026 World Maritime Day: Nigeria Subscribes to Safer Waterways and Excellence.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoDredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoCustoms FOU Zone ‘A’ Hits Smugglers Hard, Confiscates 23, 220 Matchettes, Other Contrabands Worth over N6.19bn.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOyetola, Omatseye, Akabogu, Other Dignitaries To Attend Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists Unity Conference in Lagos.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoSCAN SUMMIT, 2026: Conversion to Earn Higher Interest Rates, the Bane of the CVFF, Omatseye says.
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Maritime Agencies5 days agoAMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
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Maritime Agencies5 days ago
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.