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.
Maritime Agencies
Topfield College Clinches Overall Position as Customs’ WASA Sports Event ends in Lagos.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The competition which was organised by the Western Marine Command in collaboration with the Apapa Chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), saw 380 students from 10 secondary schools compete in various sporting events including football, table tennis, scrabble, basketball and chess.
Drawing a curtain on the tournament, the Customs Area Controller of the Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, said the various events competed for by the young lads showcased talent, teamwork and character building.
Beyond classroom experience, the students were given an opportunity to imbibe the art of sportsmanship, personal development and other innate potentials.
Ntadi who noted that the sports arena was established through the vision and commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose passion for youth empowerment inspired the initiative said:
“This arena reflects the belief that investing in young people goes beyond academics. It is about nurturing character, promoting sportsmanship and creating opportunities for children to discover and develop their talents” .
The Customs Area Controller commended teachers, parents, officials and organisers for their support throughout the competition, noting that their diligent inputs led to a successful 5-day tournament.
The overall medals winner Moses Chibuike from Topfield College.
He hoped that future editions of the championship would attract more schools, more sporting events and more opportunities for young athletes.
As the competition came to a close, Topfield Secondary School swept the medals table with 107 points to emerge overall winner. Gaskiya College finished second with 43 points, while Pathfinders Path Joe School secured third position with 35 points.
Dorcas Memorial College placed fourth with 28 points, followed by El-Leanora College with 26 points. Rock Foundation College earned 18 points, GIF College recorded 15 points, Hope Springs College finished with 13 points, Cardoso College secured 10 points, while Caro Favoured College ended the tournament with nine points. Moses Chibuike of Topfield College became the overall medals winner in the personal category.
That every competitor won at least one medal during the competition, Ntadi stated, shows the students participated in games and tournaments that were inclusive.
He congratulated all 380 students for their performances and praised spectators for attending massively to cheer them up.
Speaking through his representative, Deputy Comptroller Thomas Jonah, the Acting Controller, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun commended the Western Marine Command for providing a platform that positively engages young people.
He urged the students to remain focused and disciplined, stressing that dedication, perseverance and hard work remain essential ingredients for success in sports and life.
In his submission, Onasanya Agbolabo, the techical director of the event said the championship featured 10 sporting events involving eight private schools and two public schools.
He highlighted the impressive performances of several athletes, including Sandra Abutu in table tennis, Anita Akinbami and Zodij Blessing, noting that Sandra Abutu also distinguished herself during the football final. He commended the Western Marine Command for erecting such an impressive sporting arena for the good of not just the Command but for the populace.
Agbolabo Onasanya, Technical Director (left) and Jenmi Richard, Sports Coordinator (right).
In his remarks, the Baale of Ebute-Ibafon, Chief Kayode Hassan, who represented the Oba of Iwa Kingdom, Oba Maroof Oluwa, described the championship as one of the most impactful youth-focused programmes hosted in the community.
He thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Nigeria Customs Service for bringing the competition to the area, noting that it not only engaged young people positively but also demonstrated the capacity of local communities to host quality sporting events.
The 2026 edition of the WASA competition ended with medal presentations, celebrations and renewed calls for sustained investment in youth and grassroots sports development.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As part of the reform and modernisation agenda being championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to build a transparent, technology-driven and globally competitive 21st-century Customs Service, the Port & PTML Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a sensitization programme for officers and key stakeholders ahead of the introduction of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS).
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Nura Miko, announced this in Lagos , Tuesday, during a stakeholders’ workshop held at the Command.
He announced that PTML Command
was selected as the second pilot command for the nationwide implementation of the ECTS following the successful deployment of the initiative at the Apapa Area Command. He explained that the selection recognises PTML’s critical role in trade facilitation and national revenue generation.
Miko noted that the movement of cargo under transire to bonded terminals, other Customs commands, and Free Trade Zones has traditionally depended on physical escorts by Customs officers. However, increasing trade volumes have made the practice inefficient, resulting in operational delays and pressure on personnel.
He explained that the Electronic Cargo Tracking System will provide real-time GPS monitoring of cargo from its point of departure to its final destination, issue instant alerts in cases of route deviation or seal tampering, optimise manpower deployment, and strengthen revenue assurance through improved cargo monitoring.
The system is also expected to benefit stakeholders by speeding up cargo clearance, reducing demurrage costs, lowering the cost of doing business, and enhancing transparency through continuous Customs monitoring of consignments.
“This workshop is designed to familiarise stakeholders with the procedures, responsibilities, and expectations under the Electronic Cargo Tracking System,” Miko said. “I encourage everyone to support this initiative to ensure a smooth and successful implementation.”
The workshop brought together Customs officers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, terminal operators, and other private sector stakeholders.
Participants commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and the NCS management for advancing the digital transformation of Customs operations across the country.
Maritime Agencies
AfCFTA: Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin To Establish Joint Customs Strategic Steering Committee on Beitbridge Communique.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria has described lessons from the Beitbridge and Chirundu Border Posts in Zimbabwe as a huge reinforcement and an illustration of the importance of coordinated institutional frameworks, digital integration and collaborative leadership in transforming Africa’s trade corridors.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, stated this, Monday, during the adoption of the Joint Communique in Zimbabwe following a fact-finding mission.
He described the benchmarking mission to the Beitbridge Border Post between Zimbabwe and South Africa as a strategic opportunity for African customs administrations to move beyond discussions on border reform and embrace practical implementation of modern border management systems.
The mission which brought together Nigeria ‘s Adewale Adeniyi alongside Mr Fongod Nuvaga, Director General of Cameroon Customs, Mr Raouf Aboudou, Director-General of Benin Customs, Mrs Lonto Ndlovu Acting Commissioner Customs and Excise in the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), as well as Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, Chairman Bergmans Security Consultant and Supplies Limited was organised with the support of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) as part of ongoing efforts to deepen intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Beitbridge has demonstrated that border modernisation is not merely about infrastructure development. The most important lesson for us is that sustainable reform depends on coordinated institutions, clear accountability, digital interoperability and professional human capital. We are leaving here with a renewed commitment to translate these lessons into practical solutions that will strengthen trade facilitation, security and economic growth across our region,” Adeniyi said.
The five-day mission featured technical sessions, facility tour and executive briefing by various border agencies in Zimbabwe. The benchmarking technical team comprising the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Cameroon Customs Administration, Benin Customs Administration, Bergmans Security Consultant and Supplies Limited and Bsmart Technologies.
The customs Chiefs were briefed on the Beitbridge Modernisation and Concession Model which included its financing structure, operational framework, revenue management systems and coordinated border governance architecture.
Participants also undertook extensive tours of the freight terminal, cargo processing facilities, scanning operations, traffic segmentation systems and integrated ICT infrastructure designed to support seamless border operations. The engagements provided participants with firsthand insights into how technology, institutional coordination and performance management have transformed one of Africa’s busiest border crossings into a model for efficient trade facilitation.
According to the Joint Communiqué signed by the participating customs administrations, the mission was conceived within the broader continental effort to facilitate trade across West Africa and between West and Central Africa. The document identified the Sèmè-Kraké corridor linking Nigeria and Benin Republic, as well as the Mfum-Ekok corridor connecting Nigeria and Cameroon, as strategic routes that stand to benefit significantly from the implementation of coordinated border management and One-Stop Border Post arrangements.
Also speaking during the ceremony, Director-General of the Cameroon Customs Administration, Fongod Nuvaga, emphasised the importance of collective action in improving trade corridors across the continent. He observed that customs administrations must work together to remove procedural bottlenecks that hinder legitimate trade while maintaining effective border controls. According to him, stronger regional cooperation will enable African countries to fully harness the opportunities created by the AfCFTA and accelerate economic integration across the continent.
Similarly, Director-General of the Benin Customs Administration, Colonel Raouf Malèhossou Aboudou, noted that the lessons from Beitbridge offer practical pathways for improving border efficiency within West Africa. He stressed that harmonised procedures, coordinated risk management systems and stronger institutional partnerships will be critical to achieving seamless trade movement across regional corridors. He added that sustained collaboration among neighbouring customs administrations remains essential for delivering measurable improvements in trade facilitation and revenue assurance.
Earlier, Director for Trade Facilitation and Investment Promotion at Afreximbank, Dr Gainmore Zanamwe, highlighted the significance of the benchmarking exercise as part of the Bank’s broader strategy to support trade-enabling infrastructure across Africa. He explained that the objective was not simply to showcase physical infrastructure but to expose participating administrations to the governance structures, operational models and institutional reforms that underpin the success of modern border posts. “Infrastructure is important, but what truly drives performance is an operating model built on accountability, coordination, technology and measurable service standards. Those are the lessons we hope will be replicated across strategic corridors on the continent,” he said.
The mission concluded with the signing of a Joint Communiqué committing Nigeria, Cameroon and Benin to establish a Trilateral Strategic Steering Committee to drive implementation of the recommendations arising from the visit. The three customs administrations also pledged to pursue harmonised procedures, digital interoperability, coordinated risk management systems and sustained investment in personnel development.
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