Maritime Agencies
MAN Oron Rector Charges Cadets To Imbibe The Essence of Blue Economy.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua, (rtd) says it is significant that the institution’s Blue Economy Week just celebrated coincided with the 2024 Day of Seafarers in Nigeria.
The theme, “The Blue Economy: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for Nigeria”, the Rector explained, was chosen to bring the cadets of the premier nautical school up to speed with the events and trends in the new dispensation following the recent carving out of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry from the parent Ministry of Transportation.
Dedicating the programme to Nigerian seafarers and future seafarers in training, Commodore Effedua said the programme is expected to re-calibrate the minds of the cadets regarding what the Blue Economy is all about as much as inspire their confidence anew in the entire Maritime industry.
“Nigeria is developing its blue economy and as cadets and seafarers, it holds the future for most of you. We have taken you through various levels of academic training but at the end of the day, whatever your specialization, you will end up in the marine and blue economy. So, it is important you have the necessary and essential knowledge”, Commodore Effedua told the cadets.
He added that the Blue Economy and its rich potentials have always been there even though the country was “sea blind”.
“So far, we have been able to take you through quality training using the most sophisticated seafaring training assets such as simulators and other equipment. Your future is already laid out for you; just acquaint yourselves with the basic concepts of the blue economy because that is where you will end up upon leaving here.”
The blue economy, he explained, encompasses everything.
“You are aware of the enormous opportunities that lie in navigation, onboard ships, the fishing boats, tug boats and trawlers and all the connecting activities which are so vast. I am just giving you the synopsis.”
He told the cadets that the institution has brought experts and will continue to do so, to tell them all about the marine and blue economy and how to harness the huge potentials embedded in it. He therefore urged them to pay attention, explore, assimilate and grasp opportunities to learn what experts have to say.
“We shall continue to do this exercise often because this is the industry you belong to.”
So far, he said, MAN has been able to take the cadets through quality training using the most sophisticated seafaring training assets such simulators and other equipment.
“Your future is already laid out for you; just acquaint yourselves with the basic concepts of the blue economy because that is where you will end up upon leaving here.”
“So, we have brought experts here and will continue to do so, to tell you about the marine and blue economy and how to harness the vast potentials it holds. So, pay attention, assimilate, explore opportunities, grasp and learn what our experts will take you through as we shall continue to do this exercise often because this is the industry you belong to.
In a presentation entitled ‘Maritime Challenges in the Gulf of Guinea,’ former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba explained that no country can comprehensively handle maritime threats on its own as only the coalition known as Global Maritime Partnerships (GMP) is the way to address comprehensive maritime insecurity.
“So far we have been able to take you through quality training using the most sophisticated seafaring training assets such simulators and other equipment; your future is already laid out for you, just acquaint yourselves with the basic concepts of the blue economy because that is where you will end up upon leaving here.
“The blue economy encompasses everything; you are aware of the enormous opportunities that lie in navigation, onboard ships, the fishing boats, tug boats and trawlers and all the connecting activities which are so vast; l am just giving you the synopsis. So we have brought experts here and will continue to do so, to tell you about the marine and blue economy and how to harness the vast potentials it holds. So pay attention, assimilate, explore opportunities,grasp and learn what our experts will take you through, we shall continue to do this exercise often because this is the industry you belong.”
Delivering a paper, ‘Maritime Domain Awareness: A Case Study of Nigeria’s Territorial Waters’, Rear Admiral Austin Oyagha (Rtd) called for greater synergy between the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) through harmonizing the management and control of critical security infrastructure into one bouquet to ensure greater focus and efficiency. He described as counterproductive the spread of Nigerian Navy’s Falcon Eye, NPA’s C31 and NIMASA’s C4i.
He referred to what he called ungoverned spaces, saying that this reflects lack of coordination usually driven by selfish political considerations. Oyagha said MDA radars are expected to cover the entire space of the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) without any blind spot. But such full range coverage of the backwaters, he regretted, is not being achieved.
Speaking on ‘The Blue Economy: Imperatives for Nigeria,’ Rear Admiral FD Akpan, observed that for most people in Africa and in particular Nigeria, the ocean is an unfamiliar phenomenon.
A cross-section of the cadets
“While many live very close to it, they never get to know it, never venture into it and its vastness is a source of admiration and myth to many. Lack of awareness and the potentials and resources available at sea often leads to government in some of the littoral states placing more emphasis on the development on materials/resources on land and becoming more land conscious in their approaches to policy generation and development drives. This tendency is referred to as Sea Blindness or Sea Myopia”.
“Sea Blindness,” he stated, “can be defined as a general ignorance and failure to appreciate the importance of maritime domain by the general public, policy makers, governments and scholars. It is referred to as an inability to appreciate the importance of the seas and naval power, particularly with strategic security and economic prosperity”
“A littoral country with sea blindness is not aware that maritime supremacy is an important foreign policy tool. It is also the inability to quantify in concrete terms the actual potential of the maritime environment based on research and other empirical evidence” Rear Admiral FD Akpan (rtd) said.
Dr. Felicia Mogo, another resource person, called for a sustainable use of the oceans and seas to ensure the sustainability of humanity on planet earth.
In their respective presentations, Dr. Hope Afoke Orivri and Mrs. Ezinne Chinwe Azuna, both veteran maritime journalists, spoke on the ‘Dangers of Marine Plastic Pollution’ and ‘The Art and Seascapes in Nigeria’s Blue Economy’.
Other paper presenters at the occasion described as one of the best sensitization efforts of MAN Oron in recent times included Dr Eto Gabriel and Dr Kevin Okonna, both senior staff of the institution.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Captain Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical at the Tantita Security Services Ltd, will deliver the keynote speech at the 10th Annual Maritime Students and Youth Conference (AMSAY) billed for June 10, 2026. Venue is the Conference Hall of the Mission To Seafarers, 29 Marine Road, Apapa GRA, Lagos.
As stated in a release, Enisuoh will speak on the lead paper entitled, “The Youth and the Future of Nigerian Maritime Sector: Understanding How Nations Develop Their Maritime Industry.”
Organised by Platforms Communications annually, the arrowhead, Sylvanus Obasi, says the AMSAY Conference has over the past decade evolved into a critical platform for youth advocacy, mentorship and stakeholders’-students engagement to discuss and proffer solutions to contemporary issues affecting the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector, having consistently driven conversations around industry reforms, capacity growth, innovation and sustainable development.
With over two decades of global experience spanning maritime operations, aviation, and national security, Captain Enisuoh is widely regarded as a leading authority in maritime safety, shipping development, and infrastructure protection in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
He holds a Master Mariner Class 1 Unlimited Foreign Going License, an Aircraft Pilot’s License, and a Diploma in Aviation. His academic journey includes training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron; Arab Maritime Transport Academy, Egypt; Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania; Tasmanian Aviation College; and the Swiss Air Training Centre in Zurich.
Over the years, he has held strategic roles across continents, including eight years with Pacific International Lines in Singapore and six years with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). He also served as a lecturer, instructor, course developer, and examiner at the Australian Maritime College.
In Nigeria, he contributed significantly to sectoral development during his tenure at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), where he served as Director of Maritime Safety and Director of Shipping Development.
Capt Warredi”s Keynote Speech will also feature a high-level panel discussion moderated by Captain Dr. Fola Ojutalayo, Marine Surveyor and Senior Lecturer at the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.
Panelists are drawn from diverse segments of the maritime industry, including regulators, shipowners, local content experts, technical professionals, legal practitioners, operators, and the academia as representatives from NIMASA, Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, are expected to discuss the lead paper .
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Ports Authority Police (Western) Command has called for deeper collaboration with maritime journalists as part of efforts to strengthen security within Nigeria’s port environment and support the growth of the nation’s maritime economy.
Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, made the call on Tuesday while receiving the newly elected executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.
The visit, led by MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, provided an opportunity for both parties to reaffirm their commitment to promoting safety, security, and operational efficiency across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Speaking during the engagement, Onigbinde commended the Command for its efforts in safeguarding the nation’s ports and other critical maritime assets, noting that security remains a key pillar for sustainable trade and economic development.
He pledged MARAN’s continued support through responsible journalism, accurate reporting, and constructive engagement with stakeholders in the maritime sector.
According to him, the media has a crucial role to play in creating public awareness, promoting transparency, and highlighting issues that impact the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
In her remarks, CP Agbaminoja congratulated the newly elected MARAN leadership and acknowledged the association’s longstanding contribution to the dissemination of credible information on developments within the maritime industry.
She emphasized that stronger cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the media would enhance public trust, improve security consciousness, and contribute to national economic growth.
The Commissioner noted that effective communication and timely information sharing are essential in addressing security challenges within the port ecosystem, stressing that the media remains a strategic partner in achieving those objectives.
She further assured the association of the Command’s readiness to maintain open channels of communication and foster productive partnerships aimed at advancing port security, maritime safety, and trade facilitation.
Nigeria’s ports serve as critical gateways for international trade and revenue generation, making security within the maritime sector a matter of national economic importance. Stakeholders have consistently advocated greater collaboration among security agencies, regulators, operators, and the media to strengthen surveillance, curb criminal activities, and improve operational efficiency.
The meeting concluded with both the Ports Authority Police Command and MARAN reaffirming their commitment to sustained engagement and cooperation in support of a safer and more efficient maritime industry.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s pioneer maritime journalists’ body, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) will inaugurate her brand new Executive Council on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
The high-profile event which is planned to bring together key stakeholders from the maritime, shipping, logistics, security, and media sectors will also feature discussions on strengthening ethical standards in maritime journalism.
The theme of the inauguration is “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development.”
The Chairman of the occasion is Emmanuel Maiguwa Gankino, President, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), while the keynote address will be delivered by Mr. Bolaji Abimbola, a leading public relations and event management expert.
Special Guests of Honour expected at the event include 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; the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima; and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. Also expected are chief executives of maritime agencies, captains of industry, leaders of maritime associations, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, and other critical stakeholders across the maritime value chain.
Speaking ahead of the inauguration, MARAN President, Comrade. Oluyinka Onigbinde, described the event as a defining moment in the association’s journey towards deepening professionalism, credibility, and responsible maritime reportage.
The new executive council, he stated, will focus on repositioning MARAN as a stronger voice within the maritime sector through capacity building, constructive engagement, and adherence to ethical journalism standards.
He noted that the theme of the event underscores the indispensable role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development within Nigeria’s maritime industry.
“The maritime industry is central to Nigeria’s economic growth, and ethical journalism remains a vital instrument for ensuring that developments within the sector are accurately reported and constructively engaged,” he added.
Onigbinde further called on government agencies, industry operators, and media practitioners to continue supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime journalism and advancing the nation’s blue economy aspirations.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOGUN AREA 1 CUSTOMS Dares Smugglers, Confiscates Contrabands Worth N6.7Bn in 5 Weeks.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMARAN Seeks Strategic Partnership With NPA on Port Modernisation, Capacity Building
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTantita Donates 15 Gun Boats to Nigerian Army, Navy.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTincan Customs, NDLEA Promise Hard Times for Drug Peddlers, Seize N16,694bn worth of Cannabis Indica .
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoANLCA Harps on Responsible Reportage, Pledges Support for New MARAN Exco,
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