Maritime
MAN, Oron, Takes To Alternative Energy To Save Costs
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
To cut the use of diesel, a commodity whose cost is becoming unbearable, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, has resorted to renewable energy aimed at gradually phasing out diesel generators. This is more so as the initiative tallies with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) arrangement to embrace renewable energy in order to cut down on sulphur gas emissions.
MAN Rector, Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua (Rtd) disclosed this in Lagos, Thursday, while delivering his goodwill message at the 2022 edition of the World Maritime Day (WMD).
The Academy which has already achieved a 25% implementation in this regard, he announced, targets to power her entire structure by solar energy except the simulators which require high voltage above the capacity of the available solar system.
He said it is time to save funds to augment the 5% Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) funding and remain afloat in view of the current out-of-the-roof foreign exchange rate.
“As a school, we have been teaching our children on the future possibilities.The cost of diesel right now is N27m to N30m for one truck which we used to buy between N7m and N8m.
“We are a school, we cannot kill NIMASA. We cannot kill the Ministry of Transportation, asking for money. So, we have decided to go renewable.
“As at last week we were about 25%. By December, all our classrooms will be powered by solar; most of our offices same. We only use diesel when we need to use our simulators because they are big. Definitely, they will consume more power.”
Presently, he stated, things are better as MAN has gradually evolved into a world- class institution, ready to attract foreign earnings by way of internally-generated revenue. This is made possible having achieved capacity development of workers in specialized training for the maritime, oil and gas workforce. There are also courses for civil servants and other people in administration, safety and nautical services.
“We have evolved as an Academy. The nation should be proud now that they have an academy. When l first appeared on this podium in 2017, l wasn’t this confident. But with the support of the ministry and the maritime industry, we have evolved.
“In fact in Africa now, we are among the best three. There is nothing in any other academy anywhere in the world that we don’t have; the only thing is the colour of the skin. Some people still want to see the white man’s presence before things can happen. That is not true. We have evolved and we are grateful.”
The Rector stated that the challenge of greener shipping stems from the encroachment on nature by science. To get it right, he counselled, scientists must conduct extensive research and analysis to be able to come out with the better alternative energy.
“Talking about greener shipping 2050, just about 28 years away from now, it means scientists must work hard to ensure that emissions and the carbon signature is reduced to the barest level. That will be a very huge task and very expensive for our growth in the maritime industry.”
Commodore Effedua noted that as alternatives to carbon- producing energy like diesel and other forms of fossil fuels are numerous, care must be taken to ensure that the 2020 timeline given by IMO to implement alternative energy that will promote green shipping does not create more havoc for the third world countries where cheaper energy raw materials are being exploited.
“Do we go back to sail? That is possible. But we can’t because the tonnage of vessels have changed. Do we go back to steam, how efficient is steam? Diesel is still the most efficient. Let us not talk about nuclear energy that is a different thing entirely. Do we talk about hydrogen? Hydrogen is very fragile. With the pitching and wave of vessels, there could be accident onboard.
“If it is solar we want to think about, have you thought about tantalite, helium and cobalt? Where do they get them from, mostly from Africa. What will be the impact on the environment when people start mining these things? They will create more problems for us in Africa. So, these are the things we have been talking about with our cadets.”
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji ( Ambo) media organisation says the Federal Government’s reform interventions across the states provide concrete signs that the nation’s journey towards prosperity, though challenging, is on course.
In Osun State, the impact of these reforms is tangible. Through institutions such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Federal Government has supported public universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and basic education infrastructure with interventions valued at over ₦12 billion since 2023.
Similarly, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) student loan scheme has expanded access to financial support for over 50,000 students in tertiary institutions in the state, including students in the 11 technical colleges owned by the state government. These interventions demonstrate that the Federal Government’s education reforms are not limited to Abuja, but are reaching institutions and students across the federation.
In the housing sector, the Ambo media team which coordinates all media activities of Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji who was the APC 2026 governorship candidate in osun state, noted that Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has completed and handed over *24 housing units* constructed under the National Housing Programme to the University of Ilesa. The intervention is part of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s effort to improve staff welfare and strengthen institutional development.
The Federal Housing Authority is also making frantic efforts to ensure that the people of Osun benefit adequately from the Federal Government’s plan to provide *154,800 housing units* to Nigerian citizens nationwide.
”This year’s October 1 celebration, therefore, is not being marked in a vacuum. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the challenges of the past 66 years, acknowledge the difficulties confronting citizens today, and equally recognise tangible interventions being undertaken by the Federal Government across Nigeria and, specifically, in Osun State,” the Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji Media Front added.
According to AMBO Media Fronts, the journey to national prosperity is never without challenges. What matters is the ability of leadership to remain focused, make difficult decisions, correct mistakes where necessary, and ensure that the gains of reform ultimately translate into better lives for the people.
The Ambo Media group therefore calls on Osun State indigenes and Nigerians all over the world to remain hopeful and committed to the Nigerian project.
”We believe that with sustained reforms, prudent management of resources, greater accountability and continued investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, industry and human capital, Nigeria can realise its enormous potential,” the Ambo Media Front further stated.
” We stand with our principal , and APC governorship candidate 2026 in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji ( Ambo) as we pray and rejoice with the good people of Osun State and Nigerians all over the world on this auspicious occasion of Nigeria 66th independence Anniversary . May God bless and keep Nigeria”
Maritime Agencies
CHANGE OF BATON AT OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: A.A.Ibrahim Succeeds O.O.Afeni, Pledges Intelligence-Driven Enforcement.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The new Customs Area Controller (CAC), Ogun 1 Customs Command, Deputy Comptroller A.A.Ibrhaim says strict adherence to professionalism, integrity, discipline and ethical conduct in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 would be his watchword.
D.C.Ibrahim made the pledge at Idiroko, Ogun State, Wednesday, while taking over the mantle of leadership from Deputy Comptroller O.O.Afeni.
Describing Afeni’s record as a legacy worthy of emulation, Ibrahim commended him for landmark strides in anti-smuggling, revenue generation and stakeholder collaboration.
Ogun I Command, he stated, is a unique and demanding operational environment characterised by extensive borders and vibrant economic activities.
He promised that his administration would deepen the gains already achieved in community relations, operational efficiency, intelligence-led enforcement, corporate social responsibility, trade facilitation and stakeholder collaboration.
Emphasizing the essence of teamwork and adherence to ethical standards, he urged officers and men of the Command to remain disciplined and professional in order to achieve the Command’s objectives.
He told traditional rulers, stakeholders and operators in the border corridor that he was out to maintain an open-door policy aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and legitimate economic activities, even as he
warned smugglers and economic saboteurs that the area has no place for them.
“Under my leadership, the Command will not tolerate acts of economic sabotage. We shall employ all lawful and legitimate means at our disposal to combat smuggling, protect government revenue and ensure compliance with extant trade laws. Our approach will be firm, fair, professional and intelligence-driven,” Ibrahim pledged.
Describing the Command as strategic, Ibrahim called for support and prayers from all and sundry.
In his valedictory speech earlier, Deputy Comptroller Afeni informed that the Command strengthened operational collaboration with sister security agencies including the DSS, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and others to combat cross-border crimes.
He said the Command also sustained engagement with traditional rulers, youth leaders and border community associations to build trust and minimise hostility during enforcement operations.
On revenue generation, export and anti-smuggling, he said the Command took difficult but necessary decisions to meet the targets set by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Afeni disclosed that the Command had a target of ₦545,348,440.12 for the period he was in charge but generated ₦896,539,138 between January and August 2026, thus exceeding the ceiling by ₦350,713,920.82.
He attributed the performance to the dedication, transparency and resilience of officers and men of the Command.
The Command also recorded 31,177 metric tonnes of exports with a Free on Board (FOB) value of ₦4,644,740,110.09 during the period.
Afeni said the figure represented a significant improvement from the corresponding period in 2025, when the Command recorded no export trade.
On anti-smuggling operations, he said the Command recorded 327 seizures between December 4, 2025 and September 29, 2026, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦14,750,394,251.92.
The seizures included 32,449 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, including Colorado and Ghana Loud; 50 sacks of raw cannabis; 19,525 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); 8,787 cartons of spaghetti; 11,578 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to 12 truckloads; 6,453 kegs of vegetable oil; six live pangolins; 2,128 live cartridges; 1,315 Riodin explosives; two revolver pistols; 11 Dane guns; two locally made pistols; five complete sets of camouflage uniforms; 32 camouflage inner wears; 32 camouflage tops; 197 camouflage trousers; and seven foreign-used vehicles, including a 2026 Range Rover P530 Autobiography.
The Command’s collaboration with sister agencies, he announced, also resulted in the handing-over of seized illicit drugs to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, while confiscated arms and ammunition were transferred to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for necessary action.
The Command’s corporate social responsibility and environmental initiatives executed during his tenure included the sponsorship of the AFENI Cup inter-school football tournament at Iko Gateway Grammar School in July 2026, aimed at promoting discipline and discouraging youth involvement in smuggling.
He also disclosed that the Command emerged as champion in volleyball at the inter-command athletic competitions held in August and September 2026.
As part of its environmental initiatives, the Command launched a Green Border and Environmental Sustainability afforestation programme, during which hundreds of trees were planted along critical border corridors.
Two major infrastructure projects executed under the Comptroller-General’s corporate social responsibility initiative had been completed and would soon be commissioned, Afeni disclosed. These include the complete renovation of Igiri High School, Ijofin in Ipokia Local Government Area covering classroom blocks, the principal’s office and sanitary facilities, as well as a newly constructed jetty at Ijofin to support riverine transportation and local trade.
Afeni attributed the achievements recorded during his tenure to the cooperation of traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths and host communities.
He thanked the Comptroller-General, NCS management, officers and men of the Command and other stakeholders for their support.
Present at the occasion were the Acting Area Controller, PTML Command, Deputy Comptroller Nura Miko; senior Customs officers from various units within Zone A; heads of sister security agencies; freight forwarders; traditional rulers and community leaders. Representatives from the Republic of Benin and other stakeholders also attended.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association has officially announced the 3.0 Edition of a sporting collaboration between her and the United Nigeria Airlines. Known as the United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders Cup 2026 (3.0 Edition), the sporting fiesta is part of a fresh initiative to encourage her members and staff of the airline to engage in sporting activities for leisure.
Speaking at the event in Lagos, National President of the traders’ group, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu described the official unveiling as a milestone.
”Today, we are marking another milestone. We are bringing all 58 markets together, not in the marketplace, but on the football pitch under one umbrella of unity.”
”As you all know, Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association is the apex body of 58 major markets in Lagos State with over 2 million traders. Our mandate goes beyond trade – we promote unity, peace, welfare and progress of our members and the entire Lagos trading community.
Describing football as a unifying language, he said it serves as a positive engagement and a unifying force for youths in the market, hence the choice.
”We need to promote healthy living among our traders. We want to strengthen brotherhood among markets – Alaba, Trade Fair, Ladipo, Computer Village, Balogun, Lagos Island, ASPMDA and all others.”
”I am therefore very delighted to announce that United Nigeria Airlines, a proudly Nigerian airline led by our National Grand Patron, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo (OFR), has graciously accepted to be the Title Sponsor of this tournament,” Ukatu stated.
”United Nigeria Airlines is an airline that believes in connecting people and businesses – just as we connect markets and traders. Their decision to partner with us shows their deep commitment to grassroots development and the informal sector which is the real engine of Nigeria’s economy.”
The tournament named United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders Cup 2026 has the theme Unity, Enterprise and Healthy Living.
Of 58 affiliate markets,12 qualified market teams are billed to participate for a duration of six weeks.
Grand finale in Lagos featuring trophies, medals and cash prizes will be graced by an expected audience of over 500,000 direct spectators and over 5 million reach via radio and social media.
”This tournament will also be an opportunity to discover football talents among our traders and empower our youths.”
On behalf of the National Executive of Ndigboamaka, Comrade Ukatu thanked the Chairman and Management of United Nigeria Airlines for believing in the vision.
”I also thank all our media partners who have agreed to join us on this journey.”
He called on all market leaders, corporate bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to come and support the laudable project.
NIGERIA @ 66: AMBO Media Front Pinpoints Signs of a Prosperous Future .
CHANGE OF BATON AT OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: A.A.Ibrahim Succeeds O.O.Afeni, Pledges Intelligence-Driven Enforcement.
SPORTS: Group Unveils United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders’ Cup, 2026.
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Ogun 1 Customs Repeats Stern Warning To Smugglers, Confiscates Latest Brand of Range Rover, Other Contrabands.
Unregulated Deployment of Unmanned Vessels Threatens Maritime Security — Navy.
Nigeria Collaborates with Benin Republic to Launch Modernised Joint Customs Border Post.
NPA Emphasizes the Importance of Truck Drivers, Donates 400 Safety Vests to AMATO and NURTW.
MAMAL 2026: FG Targets Globally Competitive Ports As Tantita Urges a ‘Look Beyond Lagos’ in Port Development.
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Maritime Agencies6 days agoTraders’ Umbrella Group Evaluates State of the Nation, Expresses Serious Concerns of the Trading Public.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNigeria Collaborates with Benin Republic to Launch Modernised Joint Customs Border Post.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoUnregulated Deployment of Unmanned Vessels Threatens Maritime Security — Navy.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMAN, Oron Commends MAMAL 2026, Urges Efficient, Competitive and Globally- Respected Maritime Sector.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOgun 1 Customs Repeats Stern Warning To Smugglers, Confiscates Latest Brand of Range Rover, Other Contrabands.