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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎Can a nation richly endowed with over 850 kilometers of coastal waters bordering the Atlantic Ocean and an indeterminate expanse of inland waterways and estuaries said to be economically poor? Of course the answer, industry watchers say, cannot be in the affirmative. But in the case of Nigeria, it is because her largely-endowed but poorly-exploited maritime potentials illustrates the paradox of someone surrounded by water using spittle to clean his face.
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‎As events marking the 21st anniversary celebration of TransQuest Magazine unfolded in Lagos, Saturday, the inescapable reality was all over the venue as presentations and discussions tended towards this reality: Nigeria has no business being poor!
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‎Stakeholders spanning across industry regulators, technocrats, customs, logistics gurus and the ever-bubbling press gathered to discuss and analyse Nigeria’s ‘predicament’ in the present circumstance.
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‎In his lecture entitled “Re-Appraising Nigeria’s Blue Economy: Charting a Pathway to Sustainable Growth,” industry technocrat, Lucky Eyis Amiwero was his vintage self. Perhaps, he told the authorities the hard truth others dread to tell them regarding the massive neglect and misuse of opportunities mother nature has offered Nigeria through huge resources lying waste in her territory.
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‎For a country battling unemployment, food insecurity, infrastructure deficits and the urgent need to diversify its economy, the implications are enormous, he said.  Whereas Nigeria possesses an extensive coastline, inland waterways, fisheries and offshore resources, he argued, much of the economic value embedded in these assets remains largely untapped.
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‎By way of introduction, “Blue economy”, Amiwero explained, is a term in economics relating to exploitation, preservation and regeneration of the marine environment.
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‎”This can include a wide range of economic sector from the conventional Fisheries, Aquaculture, Maritime Transport, coastal, Marine and Maritime Tourism, coastal Renewable Energy, marine Ecosystem service, blue Caborn, Seabed mining and Bioprospecting and Biotechnology.”
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‎Recognising the immense potentials ocean and freshwater resources have for sustainable development, he continued, it has become necessary to protect and conserve oceans and fresh water systems such as rivers, lakes and extensive ocean resources to ensure they remain healthy and productive as one of the most important tenets of the Blue Economy.
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‎”The Nigerian Blue Economy can constitute a major source of wealth and catapult the country’s fortune”.
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‎Blue Economy components, he added, include established
‎traditional ocean industries such as fisheries, tourism and marine transport. Other emerging areas include offshore
‎renewable energy, aquaculture, seabed extractive activities, marine biotechnology and bioprospecting.

‎Additional growth of the Blue Economy is possible, especially in the area of Fisheries, Aquaculture, Coastal tourism, Marine biotechnology and ocean energy. According to him, some of these sector require little encouragement and additional governance while others need more and better planning
‎to achieve the full potentials and return of more sustainable outcomes.
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‎But to what extent are authorities in Nigeria prepared to muster needed governance discipline, infrastructural investment and political will to take advantage of the opportunities offered to realize sustainable  economic development? That is the crux of the problem Nigeria must address to be a maritime nation worthy of the name.
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‎Speaking earlier, Felix  Kumuyi, TransQuest Magazine Publisher, reflected on a 21-year journey built around credible journalism, facilitation and economic growth informed public discourse, progressive policy advocacy and the recognition of excellence across the transport and maritime value chain.
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‎The annual lecture, he said, has now become an opportunity to examine what he referred to as critical questions concerning transportation, maritime development, trade facilitation and economic growth.
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‎He reasoned that aside conventional port and shipping activities, Nigeria must give serious attention to the development of fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, inland waterways, coastal resources, marine biotechnology and renewable marine energy as these represent a vast economic frontier capable of generating employment, attracting investment and supporting national development.
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‎Beyond the establishment of a Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, Nigeria needs a workable framework encompassing modern infrastructure, efficient ports, effective maritime security, environmental protection, investment-friendly regulation, digital transformation and a skilled indigenous workforce.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The newly-inaugurated Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena situated at the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) came alive Monday as the Service hosted students and pupils from secondary schools in Apapa in different sporting events to mark the 2026 edition of the Wale Adeniyi Secondary Schools Sports Competition.
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‎The week-long event which reaffirms the  commitment of the Service to youth development, grassroots sports promotion and community engagement is part of the corporate social responsibility of the Service.
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‎Declaring the event open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, ACG Mohammed Babandede announced sponsorship and career development opportunities for outstanding young athletes who excel in different sporting events.
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‎The ACG said the competition reflects the visionary leadership of the Comptroller-General whose Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda has repositioned the Nigeria Customs Service as a driver of community development through its Customs Cares initiative.

‎He explained that the championship goes beyond sports as it serves as a platform to identify and nurture young talents while promoting discipline, teamwork, healthy living and leadership among secondary school students.

‎The Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena, he added, was deliberately established to serve as a community facility for young people to train and develop their physical, mental and social potentials. The facility is also available to strengthen the bond between the Nigeria Customs Service and its host communities.
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‎About 13 secondary schools competed in events such as football, basketball, volleyball, chess, scrabble and table tennis in a championship the NCS organised in collaboration with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Ajeromi-Ifelodun Chapter led by Mrs Morenike Akerele.
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‎According to the ACG, the week-long competition aligns with the Service’s commitment to encourage work-life balance, physical fitness and mental well-being which are essential ingredients for improved productivity and professional excellence.
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‎He urged the Service personnel to always immitate the competitors who are being encouraged to uphold the values of discipline, unity, friendship and sportsmanship throughout the competition. For the athletes, he counselled them to value and maintain the relationships built during the tournament.
‎He commended the partnership between the NCS, NAPPS, the Lagos State Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, describing it as a model for nation-building through sports and education.
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‎In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, reaffirmed the  commitment of the Service to discover and support exceptional sporting talents across the country.
‎Ntadi said the Comptroller-General was delighted by the impressive turnout and described the competition as another demonstration of the Service’s resolve to invest in Nigeria’s future through youth empowerment.
‎He disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service would closely monitor the performances of participating athletes, assuring them that those who distinguished themselves through outstanding talent, discipline and commitment would receive sponsorship and career development opportunities from the Service.

‎This initiative, Ntadi explained, is designed to promote excellence, discover emerging talents and provide promising young athletes the platform needed to realise their full potentials.
‎He urged all participants to give their best throughout the competition, stressing that the Service is searching for athletes capable of making Nigeria proud on national and international stages.
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‎“We want to promote sports among our youths, take our children off the streets, and give them the opportunity to develop their talents so that, in the future, Nigeria will be proud of them.”
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DC A. Attracta entering a Customs boat named after her

‎Special attraction at the event was a display by DC A. Attracta who, in November 2023, travelled across 12 West African countries on a motorbike, covering over 8,000km in 23 days.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, has been honoured with the Golden Era Pillar of Logistics Excellence, Purposeful Entrepreneur, Philanthropy and National Development Award by the Radio, Television, Theatre and Art Workers’ Union, RATTAWU.
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‎The award was presented on Monday at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the RATTAWU Safe Democracy Summit and Golden Honours, themed, “Electoral Integrity in an AI Era – Role of Responsible Media and Culture in Safeguarding Democracy.”
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‎The event attracted prominent personalities, including representatives of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Labour and Employment.
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‎Other dignitaries in attendance included the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, who chaired the occasion; the President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, Prof. Rotimi Williams Olatunji, who delivered the keynote address; representatives of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police; NAGAFF founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam; traditional rulers, freight forwarders and business leaders.
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‎Speaking at the ceremony, RATTAWU National President, Prince Emeka Kalu, described Ezisi as a philanthropist and community leader whose contributions to logistics, entrepreneurship and national development had positively impacted many lives.
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‎He said the union considered Ezisi deserving of recognition for his commitment to humanitarian causes and development initiatives, noting that society should celebrate individuals who have distinguished themselves through hard work and selfless service.
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‎Kalu also reaffirmed RATTAWU’s commitment to defending the rights of the oppressed, giving voice to the voiceless and supporting vulnerable members of society.
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‎Representing the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Director of Public Relations and Protocol in the ministry, Dr. Suleiman Haruna, said inquiries about Ezisi’s background revealed him to be a man whose contributions to humanity had earned him widespread respect.
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‎Haruna likened the NAGAFF president to “a mighty river that irrigates lands and people,” saying his generosity had positively transformed many lives.
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‎Several speakers, including Chairman of the NAGAFF Board of Trustees, Mr. Chidiebere Enelamah, and the association’s National Vice President, Princess Chi Ezeh, also paid glowing tributes to Ezisi, describing him as a compassionate leader whose recognition was well deserved.
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‎Enelamah commended Ezisi’s wife for her support, describing her as a pillar behind her husband’s success.
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‎Representatives of the Imperial Philanthropic Family equally praised the NAGAFF President for his longstanding support for charitable causes across the country, saying the honour reflected his commitment to humanitarian service.
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‎They urged him to remain steadfast in his philanthropic activities, noting that his impact had changed many lives and inspired others to serve humanity.
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‎Responding, an emotional Ezisi expressed gratitude to God, his family, friends and supporters for standing by him throughout his journey.
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‎He also acknowledged the founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, for providing him with the platform to serve, while thanking RATTAWU for the recognition.
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‎Ezisi pledged his continued support for the union and assured members that he would always be available whenever called upon.
‎He described the honour as one of the most memorable moments of his life and thanked guests for their presence and goodwill.
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