Maritime Agencies
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the International Seabed Authority (ISA), Her Excellency, Dr Mrs Maureen Tamuno has applauded the quality of educational facilities the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) presently parades including the high level of peace and tranquility reigning in the Academy Community.
Mrs. Maureen Tamuno who doubles as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Jamaica described the transformational strides of the Rector as unprecedented.
She was speaking Wednesday, September 8, 2022, when she led an international delegation on an audit, inspection and assessment of facilities at the nautical training college.
“I have followed up your activities in the Maritime Academy of Nigeria and I must say it is quite commendable,” she told the MAN Rector, Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd).
The International Seabed Authority (ISA), she told the Rector, is an international organization covered by the United Nations Law of the Sea. It was created mainly to protect weaker countries from external encroachment by countries with stronger military might.
The High Commissioner who facilitates informal sessions on Inspection, Compliance and Enforcement (ICE) in the African region, said the Authority is working on the laws with the aim of reviewing them to see how they can be more beneficial to mankind.
Mrs Tamuno explained that the seabed is rich in numerous minerals that could help build the economy in future and that part of what ISA is doing is to build capacity in Nigeria.
Her visit, she stated, aims at creating awareness about the activities of the ISA.
A workshop designed to provide a forum for interaction with the Secretary General of the ISA, Mr. Michael W. Lodge is being planned for five different African nations including Nigeria, she said.
“As part of the mid- term plan, it was agreed that workshops should be organized in 5 different countries. The 4th would be taking place here in Nigeria. About 17 to 20 experts would be flying to come and create awareness about the activities of the Authority. Nigeria is going to benefit immensely because part of what they do is to render help in areas of lack and so we might just be lucky. Because we want to go for the best in the Country, the Academy was highly recommended. So, we have come to look at what you have on ground because it’s going to be a global event”, she added.
Reacting, the Rector welcomed the ISA Team and expressed his satisfaction over the activities of the Authority at regulating mining and maritime-related activities globally.
He recalled that prior to his appointment, MAN Oron was in a state of total collapse. But presently, he told the visitors, the institution has moved away from that state of infrastructural deficit against all odds and is now better positioned for global competitiveness.
He also said that Certificates issued by the Academy are now recognised internationally, because the faculties are strong with competent lecturers and enhanced curriculum to cater for the current training needs in the maritime industry.
As part of her contribution towards the development of the nation’s maritime industry, the Rector added, the Academy intends to commercialize her educational facilities at concessional rates.
“Our Cadets are special. Before, they return to the Academy after graduation for other professional trainings, but now they graduate with more than 4 Certificates, courtesy the Management’s free tuition Mandatory Short Course Policy, and that makes them more marketable than their counterparts who graduated before now. Interestingly, organisations keep demanding for them,” he stated.
The High Commissioner was accompanied by the Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Mr. Babatunde Bombata; Ag. Director, Maritime Boundaries Department, National Boundary Commission, Mr. Nurudeen Abba and the
Deputy Director (Head Protocol) NIMASA, Oluoha Nancy.
Others were the Chief Marine Officer, Maritime Safety & Security,(FMT), Mrs. Aisha Bisalla and Senior Marine Engineer, Marine Pollution (FMT), Engr. Abraham Nnokam.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Arising from weeks of intensive planning and stakeholder engagements, the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) hereby confirms readiness and an overwhelming industry stakeholders support for its planned special reception to honour her past presidents.
The reception is a landmark event aimed at celebrating leadership, service and the enduring contributions of media professionals to Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The event which promises to be a gathering of industry heavyweights, ministry officials, policymakers, regulators, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders and other critical stakeholders, is designed not only to honour past leaders of MARAN but to restate the role of maritime journalism in shaping policy, promoting accountability, and driving sectoral growth.
Speaking on the event, MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tunde Ayodele noted that the reception serves as a platform to reflect on the legacies of past presidents whose leadership helped position the association as a respected voice in the maritime space.
He added that the event will also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the media and industry operators at a time when the sector is undergoing significant reforms and modernization.
As stated by Funsho Olojo, Chairman, Reception Planning Committee, notable dignitaries from government institutions, including the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as well as heads of key maritime agencies, have indicated strong interest in attending the event.
Several corporate organizations and industry groups have also signified their willingness to support the initiative, underscoring its importance to the wider maritime community.
Mr Olojo, while giving an overview of the event, declared that it would serve as a veritable platform to celebrate excellence, hard work and quality leadership offered by past MARAN leaders.
”MARAN, as the projenitor of beat associations in the maritime industry, has produced finest individuals who have had the privilege of leading this great association.
”They have sacrificed their time, energy and intellect to make MARAN the greatest beat association in the maritime industry.
” More encouraging is the fact that all of these past leaders are currently doing well in their different endeavors.
” Some are excelling as Ministers of God in His vineyard, some are holding their own in the legal profession, some have become media moguls and employers of labour while some are practicing their crafts as political appointees.
” It is at this reception that MARAN hopes to unveil their excellence and celebrate their rising profiles”, Olojo declared.
The reception, which will be held on April 24, 2026 at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, is expected to feature award presentations, goodwill messages, and networking sessions that will foster deeper engagement among stakeholders while celebrating excellence in maritime journalism.
As the momentum continues to build, the association therefore calls on industry stakeholders, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to be part of this historic event through sponsorships, partnerships, and active participation.
MARAN is the foremost maritime journalists beat association, and a professional body that is committed to promoting ethical journalism, capacity building, and informed reporting within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Come Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI) and Hynek Media will host a one-day seminar at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa GRA, Lagos. This is part of efforts to create needed public awareness on the National Single Window (NSW), the Federal Government’s flagship trade facilitation project.
With the theme, “National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure,” the parley provides a platform for stakeholders to openly discuss concerns and chart strategies for the effective implementation of the NSW.
Sub-themes of the seminar are Transparency in Single Window Project – A Key to Sustainability, and Inter-Agency Rival-Free Collaboration for NSW Success.
Dr. Segun Musa, Lead Consultant, Global Transport Policy, will deliver a keynote address while many maritime eggheads have been lined up as panel of discussants.
These include Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju, Chairman, Customs Consultative Committee who chairs the event while Hon. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar, CRFFN will be the Co-Chairman.
Other high-profile participants expected include Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (Chief Guest of Honour), Mr. Tola Fakolade, Director, National Single Window (Special Guest of Honour), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, MD, Nigerian Ports Authority, and Dr. Dayo Mobereola, DG, NIMASA. Others are Dr. Pius Akutah MON, ES, Nigerian Shippers Council, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, Acting MD, NIWA, and Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, MD, Lagos Free Trade Zone.
The seminar will feature insights from customs controllers, freight forwarders’ associations, indigenous terminal operators, and regulators.
According to the organizers, the event offers a rare opportunity to harvest ideas and align government agencies, private operators and civil society organizations around a shared vision for a seamless trade ecosystem.
Officials project that the NSW could reduce transaction costs by up to 25% and increase government revenue by 20%. However, experts caution that Nigeria’s history of reform setbacks underscores the need for robust safeguards to ensure success.
Maritime Agencies
Akutah, Shippers’ Council Boss, Denies Political Distraction Claims, Insists He’s Focused on His Duties.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah says stakeholders and the general public should evaluate his performance based on policy outcomes and sector stability instead of speculating about personal political ambition as he will continue to operate within his mandate as CEO regardless of external narratives.
His commitment to the Nigerian maritime sector, he notes, is his priority as he ensures that regulatory interventions support economic growth, protect stakeholders’ interests and enhance Nigeria’s position in regional and global matitime trade.
Dr Akutah stated this while dismissing as unfounded and irrelevant suggestions that his alleged political ambition is affecting his performance or distracting him from his regulatory duties. Some
stakeholders have even linked their concerns to recent tensions over tariff adjustments and regulatory decisions in the maritime sector.
Akutah who said the allegations are a misrepresentation of his priorities stressed that his focus remains firm on the discharge of his statutory responsibilities under the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
While public officials are often subject to speculation regarding personal political intentions, he insists, such narratives should not be allowed to overshadow institutional work or be used to undermine regulatory actions taken in good faith and in line with the law.
According to him, all decisions taken under his leadership have been guided strictly by legal provisions, stakeholder consultations, and the broader objective of maintaining balance within the maritime economy, rather than any personal or political considerations.
He maintained that the Council’s priority remains the protection of national trade interests, fair regulation of the port economy, and ensuring stability across the shipping and logistics value chain.
Akutah further noted that distractions arising from political rumours or external commentary do not alter the Council’s regulatory direction, as his administration continues to engage stakeholders and implement reforms aimed at strengthening efficiency and transparency in the sector.
He emphasized that leadership of a critical economic regulatory agency such as the NSC requires focus, continuity and adherence to due process. His attention , he insists, remains on institutional reforms rather than political pursuits.
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MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTincan Customs Posts Over N120.4bn in February, 2026, A Huge Leap Above the February 2025 Records.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOyetola Welcomes EU Delegation, Urges Stronger Role Against Illegal Fishing, Maritime Crimes in the GoG.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTRADE FACILITATION: FG Unveils National Single Window To Encourage Coordinated and Technology-Driven Trade System.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNPA Deepens Digitalization,Targets Port Community System As ETO undergoes Review.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoICTN: FG Gives Shippers’ Council Nod for a Roll-Out, Agencies Sign Performance Bonds.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMaritime Journalists’ Group, MARAN, Set To Honour Her Past Leaders.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoPORTS MODERNIZATION, NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW TO TACKLE PORTS CHALLENGES, Says NPA MD.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNigeria Canvasses Regional Co-operation, Investment Drive at Liberia Fisheries Summit.