Maritime Agencies
MAN, Oron, Pushes Actualization of Her Mandate Beyond Nigeria, Seeks Strategic Partnership with Liberia Maritime Training Institute
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s foremost maritime education and training institution, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, has entered a strategic partnership with the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) and the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) as part of efforts to actualize her statutory mandate within Nigeria, West and Central Africa and beyond.
Under the proposed partnership endorsed during a study tour and landmark engagement in Liberia, February 23 to 27, 2026, the specialized training instructions are to establish a lecturer- exchange programme in Maritime Education and Training (MET), resource-sharing and maritime operations in the sub-region. Also involved is the promotion of courses offered by both institutions on each partner’s communications platform including their websites. Liberian youths are to be trained at the Academy. Placement of MAN cadets onboard Liberian-flagged vessels for sea-time training and training of Liberian Ports State Control officers at the Academy in collaboration with the Abuja MoU on Ports State Control will also take place.
In his remarks, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Governing Council Chairman, Engr Kehinde Olayinka Akinola described the visit as part of the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen regional maritime cooperation andbinstitutional capacity. It also aimed at enhancing global best practices while positioning Nigeria as a hub of maritime operations in the subregion.
”This visit majorly underscores the Federal Government of Nigeria’s commitment to advancing maritime education and international best practices in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda for the Marine and Blue Economy sector. The proposed agreement will strengthen sub-regional cooperation and fast-track collective growth within the blue economy sector.”
He further noted with satisfaction LiMA’s well-structured maritime administration system, strong adherence to global maritime conventions, and commitment to competitiveness within the international maritime community.
In his presentation, the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna reaffirmed the Academy’s dedication to continually develop highly skilled and competent seafarers capable of competing with their counterparts around the globe.
The Academy’s competent workforce, he emphasized, state-of-the-art training facilities and enhanced curricula have positioned the institution as one of the best maritime education and training institutions in the world. He aligned the Academy’s remarkable strides with the visionary policy direction of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.
According to him, the partnership will open new pathways for knowledge exchange, institutional collaboration and practical training that will benefit cadets, instructors and maritime operators across the sub-region.
Dr. Okonna said: “We acknowledge and recognise Liberia for its significant stance in the global maritime community, particularly as a nation with the world’s largest merchant ship fleet/tonnage and as a Category ‘A’ member of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). ”
“This partnership reflects our shared vision to build a new generation of highly skilled and globally competitive seafarers through collaboration, innovation, and capacity development. It would enable both institutions to leverage each other’s strong points to enhance the quality of MET and capacity building for lecturers and cadets,” he added.
In his response, the Deputy Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Mr. John F. Harvey welcomed the Academy’s delegation, noting that partnership between the two countries was a welcome development that will serve as a model for other regional collaborations.
While reaffirming his organisation’s unwavering commitment to maritime development, he described the proposed collaboration between MAN, Oron, LMTI, and LiMA as a major step towards strengthening regional maritime cooperation.
”Let me reaffirm our unwavering commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships that would enhance maritime education and training excellence and professional development of our cadets,” he said.
Other officials of the Liberian Maritime Authority who added their voices expressed profound admiration for a well articulated and insightful presentation by the Academy’s delegation, noting that the presentation showcased the Academy’s institutional capacity, strategic direction and commitment to excellence.
The partnership initiative is expected to chart new pathways for strategic collaboration in a lot of areas, foster innovation, maintain maritime training excellence, deepen capacity-building initiatives, strengthen research partnerships and promote cross-border knowledge/culture transfer.
The Nigerian delegation further undertook a guided tour of the top-notched marine engineering training facilities of the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) and were treated to a beautiful parade display by the cadets of the LMTI.
Top on the Academy’s delegation were the Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Kehinde Akinola; Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna; Council Members: Hon. Faisal Halidu, Hon. Samuel Isichei, Mrs. Hussaina Inja, Hon. Shegu Maigari. Some members of the Academy’s Management included the Director, Research and Strategic Development, Dr. John Adeyanju, Ag. Registrar, Mr. P. M. Netson and Ag. Bursar, Mr. Anthony Ambi.
Capt Sunday Umoren, Secretary- General, Abuja MoU which partners the Academy in PSCO Courses, Senior Assistant Registrar (Rectorate) Mr. Ime Morgan, Senior Lecturer (Marine Engineering) Mr. Hope Inyang and the Academy’s Image Manager, Domo Umoekpe, also participated in the Study Tour.
The Study Tour was facilitated by Marshall Shield, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa and Mr. Steve Ujah.
Maritime Agencies
Dredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has distanced itself from a report entitled ‘Dredgers Association Appeals to Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Extortion, Urges Governor to Call Alebiosu, Cardozo to Order’, published on October 23, 2026 by some online blogs.
In a disclaimer jointly signed by Batare Akpomejero and Richard Ntan, National President and Secretary respectively, the Association categorically stated that the publication is fake and could not have originated from its National Leadership or any authorised organ of the dredgers’ body.
DAN clarified that it neither authorised, approved nor issued any petition or press release accusing Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Lagos State, and Mr. Cardozo of harassment, intimidation or extortion of dredgers and tipper operators.
The Association further stated that it had no record of the alleged impounding of trucks and demand for ₦500,000 as reported in the publication, adding that it completely dissociated itself from the claims.
Reaffirming its relationship with the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, DAN described its engagement with the government and the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development as cordial and collaborative.
On matters relating to dredging regulations and the interpretation of Supreme Court judgments concerning shoreline authority, the Association explained that discussions were being pursued through appropriate institutional channels and dialogue with relevant federal and state authorities, rather than through media confrontations.
Consequently, DAN has disclaimed the report in its entirety, urging the public, the Lagos State Government, Hon. Alebiosu and other stakeholders to disregard the publication as a statement issued on behalf of the Association.
DAN also expressed regret over any embarrassment, inconvenience or reputational damage the publication may have caused the Lagos State Government, the Honourable Commissioner and other officials mentioned.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lawful, sustainable and collaborative dredging operations across Nigeria, while maintaining constructive engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is committed to translate maritime policies into practical results as part of efforts to ensure safer waterways, reliable infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.
NIWA Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Yusuf Girei made the commitment while congratulating stakeholders in his goodwill message during the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration.
This year’s celebration whose theme was“From policy to practice: Powering excellence,” has in attendance was graced the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, FSM, MCIPM; Chairperson and Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Mfon Usoro; Directors and Heads of Departments, CEOs of Parastatals under the Ministry, members of the diplomatic corps, industry stakeholders and the media.

“This year’s theme,” Alhaji Girei said, “reminds us that strong policies create value only when they are translated into meaningful action. In the maritime sector, that means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services that support trade and economic growth.”

He noted that NIWA remains committed to working with State Governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, modernise facilities and protect the waterways on which many livelihoods depend.
Speaking about excellence in the maritime sector, he described it as a shared responsibility that requires skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and a culture that places safety and sustainability at the heart of operations.

“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” he added.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary and all stakeholders whose commitment keeps the maritime industry moving, and urged participants to turn shared ambition into practical results.
The celebration peaked when Alhaji Girei joined in the award presentation for the Primary School Children’s Essay Competition category sponsored by NIWA. The first position went to Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, who won N200,000 cash and a laptop computer. The second position went to Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, who received N150,000 and a laptop computer, while the third position went to Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, who received N100,000 cash and a laptop computer.
On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of NIWA, he wished all stakeholders a successful World Maritime Day celebration.
Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF President, Chief Ezisi, Visits PTML Customs, Urges Deepened Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has given kudos to the Controller of the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller N. I. Miko, for the support extended to freight forwarders at PTML, enjoining him to sustain the tempo and assist the NAGAFF chapter to deepen the relationship for mutual benefits.
Chief Ezisi made the commendation, Thursday, when he led the association’s high command on a familiarization visit to the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the PTML Command.
Ezisi who used the opportunity to welcome the CAC to the Customs Command also introduced the newly-elected executive of the NAGAFF PTML Chapter democratically elected to manage its affairs for the next four years.
Describing NAGAFF as a law-abiding organisation which has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Customs Service, Chief Ezisi stressed the importance of collaboration, compliance and professionalism in facilitating legitimate trade.
He urged Miko to maintain open communication with the chapter’s leadership and whenever disagreements or operational challenges arose, the national leadership would intervene where necessary to resolve issues.
As in other large organisations, Ezisi acknowledged, members with different dispositions and approaches to matters populate NAGAFF and managing them and their differences remains the hallmark of effective leadership at all times.
He also told the CAC that as a body, NAGAFF has in place an active special intervention outfit, a compliance team with guiding slogan, “If you see something, say something.” This body monitors the activities of her members and other freight forwarders who willingly subvert compliance standards in the line of duties.
NAGAFF, he explained, is a non-profit association of freight forwarders whose headquarters relies on the contributions and activities of its chapters to fulfill its responsibilities to the industry.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko, assured NAGAFF members of the Command’s continued cooperation. He described the relationship between Customs officers and freight forwarders at the terminal as very cordial and will always be, going forward.
Miko recalled NAGAFF’s organizational structure, describing it as impressive, particularly the commitment to training and capacity development of members through the NAGAFF Academy .
The PTML Command would continue to support freight forwarders, the CAC pledged as Customs officers and industry operators would continue to deepen the existing harmony and cooperation in the workplace.
He assured that the Command would continue engaging terminal operators on the need to improve the working environment for both Customs officers and freight forwarders.
Miko encouraged freight forwarders to report any shortcomings in the conduct of Customs officers, assuring them that the command would take feedback seriously and work towards improvement.
He also urged stakeholders to acknowledge good performance, emphasising that constructive engagement, mutual respect and collaboration were essential to effective operations.
He reaffirmed his management’s readiness to sustain the healthy relationship with the association and other stakeholders.
Giving a vote of thanks, NAGAFF’s Vice President (Headquarters), Simeon Nwonu, expressed pleasure of the assurance of a continued cordial relationship and accessibility stakeholders associate CAC Miko with right from the Apapa Command.
He thanked Comptroller Miko for the warm reception, expressing confidence that NAGAFF members operating at PTML would benefit from continued engagement.
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