Maritime Agencies
MAN, Oron, Earns Accolades on Performance Bond for Ministerial Deliverables.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
For commiting to effective implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS) reform of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola has given a special commendation to the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Kevin Okonna. Domo Umoekpe, the nautical school’s image maker, stated this in a release.
Speaking during a two-day Management Retreat and Ministerial Handholding Session for Performance Management System (PMS) and the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) held at the Academy, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) in the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Hajia Ibrahim Kalthum noted that the Retreat was aimed at driving a successful implementation of the PMS and ECMS in the school. She stood in for the Minister, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola.
The Ministry, she explained, embarked on these two key reforms to strengthen performance, promote accountability and digital transformation across all its agencies in line with the strategic vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Nigerians.
”The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has, in alignment with the vision of His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, embarked on a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at strengthening performance, accountability and digital transformation across all its agencies.”
“The Maritime Academy of Nigeria, as Nigeria’s foremost maritime education and training institution, must lead by example in embracing these reforms, and the Ministry is glad that the Academy is taking these key reforms seriously,” she added.
Stating that the PMS and ECMS have come to stay in the Ministry, Hajia Kalthum said that while the PMS strategically aligns every staff and department to deliver on the Ministry’s mandate and Academy’s core objectives, the ECMS on the other hand streamlines and digitalizes records, processes, and workflows, thereby promoting efficiency, transparency and timely decision-making.
She also emphasised that the PMS was not merely about staff appraisals but fundamentally about strategic execution of tasks and that goals are cascaded seamlessly from the national level to institutional, departmental and finally to individual levels.
Staff performance, she added, is assessed objectively using well-defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) while capacity gaps are identified and addressed through targeted training and development.
For the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, the reforms will translate into improved training outcomes, global competitiveness, and enhanced service delivery to cadets, seafarers, and stakeholders in the maritime industry.
“The Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) represents a collective march towards digital transformation; records will no longer be buried in physical files but digitally stored and easily retrieved. Processes will be streamlined, cutting down inefficiencies and delays. Inter-departmental collaboration will be seamless. Data integrity and institutional memory will be preserved for future generations. This is particularly important for the Academy as it seeks international recognition, accreditation, and compliance with global maritime standards,” she said.
Hajia Kalthum urged the Acting Rector to constitute Performance Management System (PMS) Champions who will help the Management drive the effective implementation of this new system. These champions should be visible with dedicated t-shirts and caps, and a special day set aside for PMS awareness, just as has been done in the Ministry, where every Thursday, champions wear the PMS uniform and go round creating awareness.
She assured that the Ministry would continue to provide the Academy with oversight, technical support and periodic reviews to ensure the success of the reforms and urged participants to embrace the change and see themselves as enablers, not burdens.
In his intervention, the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna lauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for his exceptional leadership strides which is evident in the Ministry’s outstanding scores in the rating of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, CRDCU, of Ministerial Performance in the Presidential Priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr Okonna said that in 2024, the Academy’s contributions to the Ministry’s Deliverables included training of 4,775 seafarers and dockworkers, provision of laptops and desktops to more staff to improve productivity. Others are increased staff capacity building drive to promote expertise and improve standards and the implementation of the PMS of the Federal Government to promote accountability.
While pledging the Academy’s continuous dedication to contributing its quota to the Ministerial Deliverables, the Acting Rector referenced the significant role the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy played in helping the Academy secure positive responses from shipping companies and associations for onboard training opportunities for cadets.
On maintenance of standards of safety courses on offer in the Academy, the Acting Rector said that the Academy is effectively collaborating with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA), adding that the Academy would soon be signing an MOU with the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for West and Central Africa Region, in respect to a course developed by the Academy for the Abuja MOU to enhance deliverables in the sub-region.
Management, he announced, has taken necessary steps to get the Nautical Science Cadets registered with the Institute of Nautical Studies, the Engineering Cadets registered with the Institute of Marine Engineers, Science and Technologists, (IMarEST), and the Maritime Transport Cadets registered with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, (CILT) , Nigeria.
The aim is to ensure that all Cadets derive tremendous benefits of membership of these professional bodies. He also promised to deploy required resources towards the full deployment of the ECMS in the Academy.
”I am proud to celebrate the Honourable Minister, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for his ingenuity at administering the affairs of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as the Ministry continues to record the highest score in the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit’s (CRDCU) rating of Ministerial Performance in the Presidential Priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
“I also appreciate the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, and the hard work of the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), Hajia Kalthum Ibrahim and the other PMS/ECMS Implementation Team Members for their contributions in ensuring that the Ministry maintains its leadership role in delivering on its mandate towards the achievement of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerians.
The theme of the event was “
The high point of the event with the theme “Building capacity for the implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy in Nigeria,”
was the signing of the 2025 Departmental Performance Bond by the Directors and Heads of Departments with the Acting Rector of the Academy in the presence of the Minister’s representative.
Maritime Agencies
Tincan Customs Pledges Strong Partnership with the Media, Sues for Total Compliance by Stakeholders.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Tincan Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has restated her resolve to continue to explore ways of empowering the media particularly through structured training, sensitization workshops and capacity-building programmes as it realizes that a well-informed and equipped press will not only enhance the quality of reportage but also strengthen the institutional understanding of Customs operations and challenges.
Tincan Command Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Joseph Anani stated this, Wednesday, while speaking during his maiden engagement with the press following his recent appointment. He charged the press to uphold the highest standards of professionalism while reporting the Command’s activities because responsible journalism is critical to maintaining public trust, preventing misinformation to ensure that the realization of Customs’ collective objectives is not marred by inaccurate or misleading reportage.
He pledged that the Command will not relent in leveraging the ongoing modernization of the Service as part of her forward-looking agenda.
”We are committed to strengthening systems, processes and technology-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and trade facilitation at the port.”
”In line with our new mandate, this administration will uphold total compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.”
”Compliance will be at the heart of our operations and we will continue to enforce the law firmly, fairly and professionally.”
In the area of revenue generation, Comptroller Anani announced that the Tincan Command generated N111.27 billion in the month of May and is poised for a remarkable increase in the commendable trajectory.
”This positive trajectory is a reflection of the dedication of our officers, improved compliance levels and enhanced operational efficiency.”
He promised to consolidate on these gains and, indeed, strive to surpass previous achievements by the preceding administration.
While appreciating the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for the confidence reposed in him to head such a strategic Command, Comptroller Anani extolled his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to reform and reposition the Service for greater efficiency and global competitiveness.
He reaffirmed the Command’s openness, commitment and collaborative approach to constructive engagement with all stakeholders, including the media.
”To further strengthen our relationship with the media, the Public Relations Unit of the Command will be specifically charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all press-related matters receive the priority and attention they deserve. The Unit will maintain a close and continuous interface with members of the press, providing timely information, facilitating access to relevant developments and fostering mutual understanding between the Command and the media. We believe that a strong and professional partnership with the media is essential to achieving our objectives and keeping the public adequately informed about our activities.”
”Together we can ensure that Tincan Island Port Command continues to play its critical role in national growth, trade facilitation and revenue generation.”
Maritime Agencies
Maritime Stakeholders Caution Journalists on Ethical Standards As MARAN Inaugurates New Leadership.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Topmost public relations and events management expert, Mr Bolaji Abimbola has stated that to realize its full meaning as a profession, maritime journalism must showcase accountability, public trust, informed citizenship and ethical reporting as these are indispensable if effective maritime and national development are to be achieved.
Mr Abimbola who is also the Chief Executive Officer, Indigo Integrated Nigeria Ltd made the call in Lagos, Tuesday, during the inauguration of the newly-elected Executive Council of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), an event whose theme was ‘Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development’ ‘.
In attendance were maritime industry leaders including officials of relevant government agencies. Other Industry stakeholders were security agencies, freight forwarders and media practitioners.
Abimbola explained that maritime development encompasses shipping, port operations, fisheries, offshore energy, coastal trade, and the blue economy which massively contribute to the overall national economic growth. For any reporter on the beat, he warned, unethical acts could undermine investor confidence, distort public perception and hinder effective policy implementation.
According to him, inaccurate reports on issues such as port congestion, piracy, and maritime regulations have the potential to discourage investors and shipping operators, while sensational reporting of security incidents could trigger unnecessary panic and misconceptions about the sector.
He urged journalists to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, balance, accountability, and humanity in their reporting, while embracing data-driven and investigative journalism to deepen public understanding of maritime issues.
The public relations guru also identified economic pressures, political interference, safety concerns, and the proliferation of misinformation on digital platforms as some of the major challenges working against ethical journalism in Nigeria.
In his intervention, Mr Emmanuel Maiguwa, Chairman of the occasion and President, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), emphasized the importance of ethical and investigative reportage in promoting transparency, accountability and good governance in the maritime industry.
Journalists, Maiguwa noted, have a critical responsibility to remain committed to factual reporting and continuous professional development in order to maintain public trust and contribute meaningfully to policy reforms and sectoral growth.
Earlier in his inaugural address, the newly sworn-in MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde pledged to build a stronger, more united, and professionally vibrant association capable of responding to the evolving demands of maritime journalism.
He described MARAN as one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected maritime journalism bodies, noting that the association has consistently served as a bridge between industry stakeholders and the public through decades of reforms, economic shifts, and industry transformation.
According to Onigbinde, ethical journalism remains fundamental to maritime development because sustainable growth in the sector depends on credible information, transparency, and accountability.
”As maritime journalists, our duty goes beyond reporting events. We are expected to inform, educate, investigate, analyse and hold institutions accountable. We must resist sensationalism, reject misinformation and ensure that every report we publish is guided by truth, fairness, balance and professionalism,” he stated.
The MARAN President outlined his administration’s priorities, including enhanced capacity building, promotion of investigative and data-driven journalism and the adoption of digital reporting tools. Other priorities include improved welfare for members and stronger engagement with industry stakeholders while maintaining editorial independence.
He called for unity and cooperation among members especially now electioneering campaigns have ended and a new leadership has emerged.
”The elections are behind us. There are no longer camps. There are no factions. There is only one MARAN,” he announced.
Speaking through Godfrey Nwosu, the association’s General Secretary, the National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Chief Tochukwu Emmanuel Ezisi, described ethical journalism as a stabilizing force capable of strengthening the maritime sector.
Responsible journalism, he explained, promotes transparency in port operations, enhances institutional accountability, boosts investor confidence and supports reforms necessary for the growth of the industry.
He urged the newly inaugurated executive council to focus on upholding professional standards, strengthening investigative reporting, deepening stakeholder engagement, embracing digital transformation, and investing in continuous capacity development.
He also reaffirmed NAGAFF’s commitment to collaborating with MARAN in the areas of training, research, information sharing, and advocacy.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Toyin Agbaminoja, represented by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Isaac Hundeyin, highlighted the strategic role of maritime journalists in promoting transparency, accountability, and public understanding of issues affecting the maritime industry.
The police commissioner commended MARAN for its professionalism in reporting security-related developments within the ports environment, noting that the association’s work has contributed significantly to crime prevention awareness and strengthened public confidence in security agencies.
She assured stakeholders that the Command was committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and business-friendly port environment through intelligence-led policing, proactive stakeholder engagement and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
Agbaminoja called on the newly inaugurated executive to build on the achievements of their predecessors while upholding the highest standards of ethics, professionalism and integrity.
The event ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to support ethical journalism as a vital instrument for maritime development, institutional accountability, economic growth, and the advancement of Nigeria’s blue economy.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Come Tuesday, June 23, the newly elected Executive Council of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) will be inaugurated at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos with the theme
’Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development.’
The event scheduled for 10 am is expected to, among others, attract top players in the maritime, shipping, logistics, security and media sectors. Heads of key regulatory agencies and leaders of various maritime associations have also indicated interest to grace the occasion.
Chairman of the occasion is the President of the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), Emmanuel Maiguwa Gankino, while renowned public relations and event management expert, Bolaji Abimbola, will deliver the keynote address.
Among dignitaries expected are the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho and the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barrister Pius Akutah Ukeyima.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, alongside chief executives of maritime agencies, captains of industry, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders and other stakeholders across the maritime value chain will also attend.
Speaking ahead of the inauguration, MARAN President, Comrade Oluyinka Onigbinde, described the event as a defining moment in the association’s quest to deepen professionalism, credibility and responsible maritime reporting.
He said the new executive would focus on strengthening the association through capacity building, constructive engagement and adherence to ethical standards, stressing that responsible journalism remains critical to transparency, accountability and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime industry and the nation’s blue economy aspirations.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoGreg Ogbeifun, Warredi Enisuoh, Task FG on Shipping Development as Platform Communications Marks 10th Anniversary.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoMARAN President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, Bags ‘Maritime Reporter of the Year’ Award.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoAPAPA CUSTOMS’ Intelligence-led Operations Yield Massive Seizure of Cannabis Sativa, other Contrabands.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoMARAN Makes History June 23 as it Inaugurates New Leadership.
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Maritime Agencies5 days agoMaritime Stakeholders Caution Journalists on Ethical Standards As MARAN Inaugurates New Leadership.
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Maritime Agencies4 days agoTincan Customs Pledges Strong Partnership with the Media, Sues for Total Compliance by Stakeholders.