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.
Maritime Agencies
FIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In a strong determination to deepen her unwavering commitment to combat financial crimes, taking full advantage of the existing synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and sister-agencies especially in the fight against financial crimes, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command, Tuesday, handed over seized undeclared foreign currencies to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These are €651,505 and $800,575 in Euro and USD denominations respectively.
Speaking while handing over the seized foreign currencies, the MMIA Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie disclosed that the interception was made at about 1445 hrs on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Departure Terminal-1, when one Mr KAVLAK OENAL, an Austrian national with Passport No. AP0084116 was scheduled to travel on Emirate Airline to Dubai and was asked if he had any currency to declare but he said he had none.
As part of ongoing efforts by the Customs to enforce customs regulations in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, a search was conducted.
”However, after conducting a search, the amount mentioned above was found in his travelling bag. This contravenes the extant laws that mandate all travellers (Inbound and Outbound) to declare foreign currencies or negotiable instruments above $10,000 threshold or its equivalent,” Comptroller Nwokorie said.
”It’s worthy of note here that this interception aligns with the Laws and Acts which empower and confer on the Nigeria Customs Service the right to prevent illicit financial flows and ensure strict implementation of anti money laundering obligations at all borders, particularly, Section 12 of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provision) Act, 1995; Section 3 (3-5) of Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and Section 55 (1) of the NCS Act 2023″
Talking about currencies on transit, he advised the general public to note that
failure to declare, false declaration or under-declaration of the prescribed amount constitutes an offence under the law.
”Therefore, I urge you, if you don’t have anything to hide and you’re into legitimate business and trade, make an honest and full declaration of your currency and other negotiable instruments that are above the threshold of $10,000 at the Currency Declaration Desks in the Arrival and Departure Halls of the Airport or risk being prosecuted and losing the money to the Federal Government.”
”So, on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service and with the kind permission of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the said Passenger, Mr Kavlak OENAL, his International Passport and the undeclared currencies (€651,505 & $800, 575) found on him are hereby duly handed over to the Operatives of the Economic Financial Crime Commission for further necessary actions.”
Comptroller Nwokorie offered special thanks to the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his strong motivation.
”My vigilant and gallant officers, especially those in AML/CFT Unit who resisted every temptation of compromise to intercept this money and make this press conference a reality today, you showed discipline! You showed professionalism! You showed integrity! The Command is proud of you! The CGC is proud of you! The Service is proud of you and Nigeria is indeed proud of you!”
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has been described as a leader whose public life has continued to demonstrate courage, conviction and an unwavering sense of duty.
The Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemuopolo stated this in a message to celebrate and honour the Minister who recently clocked 62. Tantita is the local security services outfit charged with the protection of oil and gas pipelines and other critical installations in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
In a congratulatory message on behalf of the leadership and entire staff of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Ekpemuopulo recalled that Wike’s journey through public service marked by legal brilliance, political audacity and firm decision-making has consistently demonstrated that true leadership is defined by impact not rhetoric.
Wike’s formative years in public administration, he recalled, began when he became a local government chairman, Minister of State (Education) through to his tenure as Governor of Rivers State. Now he is the FCT Minister,Tompolo stated, his performance has remained sterling, anchored on results, resilience and a relentless commitment to public good.
“In the Federal Capital Territory, your presence is already being massively felt. The renewed focus on infrastructure, order, and accountability speaks to a hands-on leadership style that understands Abuja’s symbolic and practical importance to Nigeria’s unity and governance,” Tompolo said.
The TSSNL founder commended Wike for recognising the intrinsic connection between security, development and national stability, stressing that the minister’s insistence on law, order and institutional discipline aligns strongly with Tantita’s mission of protecting critical assets and fostering a safe environment for sustainable growth.
He added that Wike’s reputation as “Mr. Project” was well-earned, given his consistent record of performance and the courage to take difficult decisions when duty demanded it.
“In moments that demand firmness, you have chosen responsibility over convenience, standing by your convictions even when the path was difficult,” he said.
Tompolo prayed for renewed strength, sharper vision and continued success for the minister as he marks another year, expressing confidence that Wike’s service would continue to leave a lasting imprint on national development.
Tompolo added: “Please accept my sincere best wishes for good health, wisdom, and continued success. May the years ahead bring fulfilment and further contributions to the progress and unity of Nigeria.”
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Maritime Seminar for Judges annually hosted by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has been described as a conduit for financial and human waste and must be discontinued and scarce resources directed to profitable endeavours with direct bearing on the agency’s statutory mandate.
National Coordinator of Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC), Chief Patrick Osita Chukwu stated this in Lagos, Tuesday. He called on the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah to suspend what he referred to as a jamboree and, instead, free the funds involved to train freight forwarders and other operators for enhanced operations in the shipping industry.
He said that appropriating huge funds to judicial seminars while neglecting her core mandate as the nation’s port economic regulator is improper on the part of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
Organizing judicial seminars, he declared, falls under the purview of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), not the NSC. Chukwu warned that if the council goes ahead to plan for the Judge’s Seminar, going forward, SNFFIEC would seek legal interpretation as well as embarking on industrial action to insist that the right thing is done.
He said: “Recall plans by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to continue hosting the annual Maritime Seminar for Judges. This is a waste of human and financial resources the agency would have used to take care of shippers and the ports.” Since becoming the economic regulator of the ports, he alleged, there have not been concrete actions by the agency to reposition the ports to make them as business – friendly as other ports across the globe.
”I say it that it is not only an economic waste but negates the principle of getting the right to things done for our ports and shippers. We have been trying our best to see that the trillions they are making in all Nigerian customs ports impact on the shippers. Transaction of business in Nigeria has remained so bad that whatever you’re seeing today is not what supposed to be.”
The SNFFIEC boss said it is a huge challenge to his organization and others that the Council ‘s ES cannot be accessed because he hardly stays around to listen to genuine complaints by stakeholders who matter in the sector.
”We are yet to feel the impact of the NSC’s regulatory role. Each time you visit the NSC, the Executive Secretary is not in the office. He’s always away, spending shippers’ money on training judges,” he said.
”We need the NSC to resist whatever may be the pressure that will undermine the principle of accountability and all other actions that can jeopardize the economy by the way they are going.”
”We have the National Judicial Council which can be very free and pragmatic enough to undertake seminars and training sessions for judges.”
SNFFIEC, he indicated, considers sending a petition to the President, the National Assembly, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Attorney General of the Federation on the need to probe the activities and finances of the Shippers’ Council to ensure the proper things are done and accountability enthroned.
Up to the time of going to press, efforts to obtain reactions from the Shippers’ Council yielded no fruits as calls to the Executive Secretary did not go through.
FIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
WIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.
MARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
Industry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.
Shippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
MMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
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
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
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OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
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Photo News: Salah Celebration
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
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
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoShippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
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Maritime Agencies7 days agoMARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.
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Maritime Agencies4 hours agoFIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
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Maritime Agencies3 days agoWIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.