Maritime Agencies
MAMAL 2025: Ogbeifun Salutes President Tinubu on the new Marine Ministry, Tasks MARAN To Follow Up Her Resolutions
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Engr Greg Ogbeifun, Chairman, Starzs Investments Company Ltd has expressed excitement over the establishment of a separate ministry to superintend over and pay closer attention to the huge potentials in the Marine sector.
He was speaking in Lagos, Wednesday, at the third edition of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) annual lecture tagged ‘MAMAL 2025’. Recalling the consistent advocacy in this regard by him and other concerned stakeholders especially when he functioned as the pioneer President of the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), he hailed President Tinubu for harkening to the voice of reason by establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Ogbeifun who chaired the event with the theme ‘Addressing the Burden of War Risk Insurance on Nigeria’s Maritime Trade,’ gleefully announced his return from retirement following the creation of the new ministry to enable him continue his invaluable contributions to the sector.
Talking about war risk insurance premium on Nigeria’s maritime trade, he expressed deep concern about the absence of Nigerian-owned vessels among those visiting the ports and paying the controversial premium.
He queried: Where is the fleet representing Nigerian identity and interests in the comity of vessels that visit Nigerian ports?
”Let’s get up and be the ones carrying our cargoes globally in our own ships,” he insisted.
”We must take our destiny in our own hands, participate in shipping and be able to lend our voice in determining war risk insurance issues
.”
He cautioned that going forward, MAMAL and similar industry gatherings must not be mere talk shops. Serious resolutions and agreements adopted must be presented to government for consideration in moving the sector forward. MARAN should constitute an implementation team to follow up with the authorities on the measurable outcomes and this should be the fulcrum of discussions in the following year.
By next year when another edition of MAMAL would be hosted, he advised, MARAN should be able to present current statistics on the status of the war risk insurance issue on the nation’s maritime domain based on discussions and resolutions the previous year.
There should be collaboration with relevant organs of government and other stakeholders to effectively see what needs to be done to move to the next stage in discussing war risk insurance premium.
Also speaking at the occasion, Barrister Temisan Omatseye, former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) expressed dissatisfaction that the Joint War Risk Committee in London is charging a zero point two five percent on every vessel that gets five degrees east of the Lagos harbour, which means that, anytime a vessel enters the area towards Delta, Port Harcourt or Bakassi, there is a fee being charged and that fee goes up to zero point six five percent whilst in Pakistan, where there is serious attacks, only zero point two five percent is charged.
The reason for this, according to him, is that Nigeria had lost her eyes “on the ball”.
For now, Omatseye noted, Nigeria is the centre of attractions to the world with the Dangote Refinery producing thousands of barrels of petroleum products daily. With the BUA Refinery, the upcoming one in Ogun State plus other modular refineries which would produce for exports purposes, Nigeria is going to be a net exporter of petroleum products to the world and there is the need to adequately find lasting solutions to the lingering issues of war risk insurance premium on Nigerian importers and exporters.
In his goodwill message, the current Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, represented by the Deputy Director, Reformed Coordinator Deep Blue Economy, Mr Victor Iloh, commended MARAN for bringing the topical issue to the fore, as it has become a problem bothering on national security and trade policies.
He explained that Nigeria’s statutory geographical position in the Gulf of Guinea, exposes her to maritime insecurity driven by piracy, armed robbery attacks and geographical conflicts, leading to the imposition of war risk insurance premium.
Significant progress has however been made in securing the nation’s maritime domain with no recorded incident in the last four years which he noted, has been attributed to Nigeria’s integrated maritime security architecture, known as “The Deep Blue Project”, which was inaugurated in 2021 and the deployment of Maritime Assets on both land, sea, air and intelligence, to secure the Nigerian waters. This led to the enactment of the Suppression of Piracy and other related Maritime Offences “SPROMO Act” in 2019 and since 2020, two major convictions of pirates have been secured by the Federal High Court.
According to the NIMASA DG, Nigeria’s maritime security safety led to her being de-listed by the International Maritime Bureau from the list of piracy- prone zones in 2021 and the commendations of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) re – enforced the achievements.
He also stated that the IMB Forum removed Nigeria’s name as a high risk maritime zone in 2023 while constant collaboration with other maritime regional bodies had contributed significantly towards reducing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea waters.
Despite all these recorded milestones of improved maritime security, he stated, the impact of war risk premium on the Nigerian economy has continued to be enormous.
” It sounded regrettable that Nigerian Importers and Exporters have paid over five billion dollars worth of war risk insurance premium over the last three years.”
He placed on record that in addressing the problem, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola and the Management of NIMASA had held diplomatic and stakeholders engagement with the Chattam House, FIMCO and other developments partners such as the Danish Government and the IMO towards discussing the strategic milestones recorded by Nigeria in driving maritime security and the need to leverage on those to remove the war risk insurance premium on Nigeria-bound cargoes.
While these engagements are still ongoing, the main focus is still on sustaining the recorded milestones.
The NIMASA boss said the call for the removal of war risk insurance premium is a collective action that must not be left for the government alone. All relevant stakeholders must be prepared to enhance their ability to understand the security threats as that would protect seafarers and promote safe and secure maritime operations.
Continuous engagement is the way to go, Dr Mobereola advised, until the much- desired results are achieved. He commended MARAN and the esteemed participants for such a great event which is hosted to discuss a major contributor to the high cost of goods which end up in individual homes.
Other goodwill messages came from the Executive Secretary of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, Captain Sunday Umoren and the President of the African Shipowners Association, Captain Adebowale others.
In his remarks, Frank Ogunojemite, President, African Association of Professional Licenced Agents, dwelt on the continuous surcharge of seven percent on cargoes at the ports and asked the Minister’s representative, Dr Bolaji Akinola to convey his concerns.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association has officially announced the 3.0 Edition of a sporting collaboration between her and the United Nigeria Airlines. Known as the United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders Cup 2026 (3.0 Edition), the sporting fiesta is part of a fresh initiative to encourage her members and staff of the airline to engage in sporting activities for leisure.
Speaking at the event in Lagos, National President of the traders’ group, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu described the official unveiling as a milestone.
”Today, we are marking another milestone. We are bringing all 58 markets together, not in the marketplace, but on the football pitch under one umbrella of unity.”
”As you all know, Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association is the apex body of 58 major markets in Lagos State with over 2 million traders. Our mandate goes beyond trade – we promote unity, peace, welfare and progress of our members and the entire Lagos trading community.
Describing football as a unifying language, he said it serves as a positive engagement and a unifying force for youths in the market, hence the choice.
”We need to promote healthy living among our traders. We want to strengthen brotherhood among markets – Alaba, Trade Fair, Ladipo, Computer Village, Balogun, Lagos Island, ASPMDA and all others.”
”I am therefore very delighted to announce that United Nigeria Airlines, a proudly Nigerian airline led by our National Grand Patron, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo (OFR), has graciously accepted to be the Title Sponsor of this tournament,” Ukatu stated.
”United Nigeria Airlines is an airline that believes in connecting people and businesses – just as we connect markets and traders. Their decision to partner with us shows their deep commitment to grassroots development and the informal sector which is the real engine of Nigeria’s economy.”
The tournament named United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders Cup 2026 has the theme Unity, Enterprise and Healthy Living.
Of 58 affiliate markets,12 qualified market teams are billed to participate for a duration of six weeks.
Grand finale in Lagos featuring trophies, medals and cash prizes will be graced by an expected audience of over 500,000 direct spectators and over 5 million reach via radio and social media.
”This tournament will also be an opportunity to discover football talents among our traders and empower our youths.”
On behalf of the National Executive of Ndigboamaka, Comrade Ukatu thanked the Chairman and Management of United Nigeria Airlines for believing in the vision.
”I also thank all our media partners who have agreed to join us on this journey.”
He called on all market leaders, corporate bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to come and support the laudable project.
Maritime Agencies
Traders’ Umbrella Group Evaluates State of the Nation, Expresses Serious Concerns of the Trading Public.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following heightening campaign activities preparatory to the 2027 general elections, the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association has taken what it calls a political and economic stand as it affects the Nigerian trader.
Chief Chinedu Ukatu, President of the traders’ group made the disclosure in Lagos, Monday, while speaking on the state of the nation and issues of grave concern to the Nigerian trading community.
Ukatu explained that as leaders of the largest market association in West Africa representing over 58 major markets and millions of traders in Lagos State, Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association cannot remain silent and unconcerned while her members bear the brunt of the current realities of the Nigerian nation.
On the political turf, he described his Association as non-partisan.
”Let us state clearly once again that as an Association, we are non-partisan. We do not belong to any political party. But we will only support and endorse parties and candidates who are willing to accommodate our aims and objectives vis-à-vis protecting the interests of traders.”
”As traders, we desire only one thing: stability. Business thrives where there is peace and predictability.”
While commending the Federal Government on current efforts to secure the nation, the Association singled out insecurity on the highways.
”Lagos to Onitsha, to Kano, to Port Harcourt has become a direct tax on trading. Our members pay heavily to move goods. Trucks are delayed, goods are lost, drivers are attacked.”
Warning that the economy cannot grow when the roads that connect the markets are not safe, Ukatu appealed to the Federal and State Governments to do more to secure the trade corridors.
”The trader is not a politician; he is not interested in party A or party B. He is interested in whether his goods will get to the market safely.”
”We also call for an end to multiple taxation and harassment by non-state and state actors. In Lagos alone, a single container is subjected to over 15 different levies from the port to the shop. This is politically unsustainable.”
Still on the economic state of the nation, the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association Servant-Leader described the Nigerian trader as resilient. However, resilience has a limit, he explained.
”Today, the Nigerian economy is facing a triple challenge: high exchange rate, high cost of energy, and low purchasing power.”
Addressing foreign exchange and imports, he said over 70% of goods in Nigerian markets are imported.
”The volatility of the Naira to the Dollar has made price planning impossible. A trader who orders goods today cannot predict the cost of clearing it tomorrow. We call on the Central Bank of Nigeria to create a special stability window for genuine importers of essential commodities and raw materials.”
Traders, he regretted, run their businesses on diesel and generators.
” The cost of power is now higher than the rent of our shops. We cannot compete with other nations where traders have 24-hour electricity. We urge the Federal Government to fast-track the special industrial and market power projects.”
Decrying mounting inflation and a reduction in purchasing power, the Association boss said their customers now buy less.
”Families are cutting down on everything. When the buyer has no money, the seller cannot sell. We therefore support all policies that bring down food inflation and put money back in the pockets of ordinary Nigerians.”
On rumoured protests regarding Chinese and other foreigners taking over retail trade ordinarily reserved for Nigerians, he clarified that his group never mobilized any trader to protest against Chinese citizens or any other foreigners in Nigeria as Nigeria is a hospitable nation.
”However, as a trade union, we are asking for what is done all over the world. We seek the required legislation and enforcement of the Indigenous Trade Policy as regards retail trade and investment.
The Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree of 1972 now replaced by the NIPC Act, he recalled, clearly reserved retail trading for Nigerians.
”Today, we see foreigners moving from wholesale and manufacturing directly into our markets to sell retail, competing with our members who cannot do the same in their countries.”
”We are not asking for xenophobia; we are asking for reciprocity and protection as provided in other climes. We call on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to revisit and strengthen the Local Content and Retail Trade protection laws to save Nigerian traders from extinction,” he demanded.
On political parties now canvassing for votes, the group said the traders would only support candidates or parties that will abide by specific commitments that favour the association.
”For the sake of the millions of traders we represent, we shall only support any Candidate or Party that will assure us of the following:
1. Setting up a joint Federal and State Task Force to address multiple taxation at the ports and on the roads.
2. Improved security on major trade routes, especially the Lagos – Benin – Onitsha corridor.”
Other commitments include providing single-digit interest rate loans for traders through the Bank of Industry and other development banks;
inclusion of market leaders in the formulation of trade and fiscal policies as policy for traders cannot be made without traders.
Enactment and enforcement of a clear Retail Trade Protection Law to regulate foreign participation in the retail space is also a major commitment candidates and parties seeking for votes must abide by, Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association stated.
Maritime Agencies
Ehingbeti Summit: Stakeholders Say Coastal Communities Need Funding for Development.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Maritime stakeholders say to promote sustainable coastal development, attention should be focused on the legal, regulatory, security and investment frameworks required to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy potentials .
Delivering the keynote address at the 4th Ehingbeti Maritime Hub Summit in Lagos, Thursday, President, Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Chief Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN, said a dedicated financing mechanism was necessary to address infrastructure deficits and improve the living conditions of people in coastal communities.
Anishere urged Nigeria to explore international financing opportunities through climate funds, development banks and multilateral organisations to scale up coastal resilience and community development.
She said sustained investment in coastal resilience would help strengthen infrastructure, protect livelihoods and create an enabling environment for coastal communities to participate meaningfully in the emerging blue economy.
Nigeria’s blue economy, she stressed, must be underpinned by effective governance as the country needs to establish the legal and institutional conditions required for innovation, investment and sustainable exploitation of marine resources.
There must be a regulatory system that provides security for investors while remaining flexible enough to encourage innovation, environmentally responsible enough to protect marine resources and inclusive enough to benefit coastal populations.
Anishere also advocated improved waste-management infrastructure, sustainable fishing practices, recycling education and environmental stewardship initiatives that directly benefit coastal communities.
Representing the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila said the state remained committed to an inclusive approach to blue economy development.
She noted that while Ehingbeti’s history was closely associated with Lagos Island, the state’s blue economy development agenda would encompass communities across Lagos.
According to her, Governor Sanwo-Olu encouraged participants to collaborate and develop a communiqué capable of advancing the blue economy agenda of Lagos State.
In her speech, the convener of the Ehingbeti Maritime Hub and Founder of the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation, Hon. Olaitan Violet Williams said the Hub was established in 2023 to trace and reconnect with the historical roots of maritime activities in Lagos.
According to Williams, Ehingbeti represented an important chapter in Lagos’ evolution from its early trading history to modern-day Eko.
She identified inland waterways as one of the low-hanging fruits of Nigeria’s blue economy and called for greater investment and stronger legal protection for investors.
She said Nigeria’s estimated 10,000 kilometres of waterways cannot deliver their full economic potential if they remained largely unnavigable.
The Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Alhaji Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, represented by NIWA Board Member, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, commended the Convener for her commitment to the development of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
Shagari stressed that coastal communities must remain central to the implementation of blue economy policies, while advocating an appropriate legal framework for the development of Nigeria’s littoral states.
Representing the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, Rear Admiral N.C. Okon called for stronger maritime regulation and effective enforcement of existing laws.
Okon identified “sea blindness” as a factor limiting Nigeria’s ability to fully harness its maritime potential and stressed that collaboration among government agencies, coastal communities and development partners was essential.
He noted that a thriving blue economy could not be sustained amid insecurity, environmental degradation, illicit activities and regulatory uncertainty.
The Naval representative reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to providing the secure maritime environment required for commerce, investment and sustainable exploitation of Nigeria’s maritime resources.
Also speaking, Ekeoma Ezeibe, Chairman, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), identified insurance as a critical component of maritime and blue economy development.
She said adequate insurance protection was necessary to safeguard maritime assets, infrastructure and businesses against the multiple risks associated with the sector.
A major highlight of the summit was the official launch of the 28 Inland Waterways Investment Jigsaw, an initiative designed to highlight viable investment opportunities across Nigeria’s inland waterways and provide a structured pathway for private-sector participation.
The initiative is expected to support efforts to identify investment opportunities across the country’s inland waterways while encouraging greater private-sector involvement in water transportation and other marine-related businesses.
The 4th Ehingbeti Maritime Hub Summit brought together government representatives, maritime professionals, security stakeholders, legal practitioners, insurers, traditional rulers, academics, private-sector operators and representatives of coastal communities.
The summit reaffirmed the need for stronger regulation, maritime security, sustainable financing, infrastructure development and community inclusion as Nigeria works to translate its blue economy potential into sustainable economic and social development.
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