Maritime Agencies
MAN, ORON: We Blocked Revenue Leakages To Free Funds To Improve Infrastructure and Capacity, Says Rector.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Commodore Emmanuel Duja Effedua (Rtd) says infrastructural and capacity development now reigns at the nautical college following conscious efforts in place to block revenue leakages and release funds for very important projects.
Commodore Effedua stated this in Lagos, Monday, while receiving an Honorary Fellowship award from the National Association of Master Mariners, NAMM, in recognition of his efforts at growing the maritime manpower capacity at Oron while putting in place landmark reforms in the institution. Former Managing Director of Comet Shipping, Capt Pier Corradano was equally honoured for being an immense financial supporter of NAMM over the years.
The Rector recalled that one of the first things he did after his appointment was to block the several financial loopholes in a bid to manage revenue at the Academy.
“As a result of this, I have been called all manner of names and presently have thousands of petitions written against me. But I’m not perturbed.”
“We also realized the need to improve on the infrastructure at the Academy as well as the capacity. Today, we have modern world-class simulators, competent trainers and a serene learning environment”
Expressing gratitude for the award, he referred to it as unique as he had rejected numerous awards in the past.
“But this one is special and historic”.
He thanked NAMM for the honour which he said he would value and cherish.
He said he holds NAMM and its members in high esteem for contributing to the developments at the Academy in recent years.
“I want to thank you for your kind recognition for my modest efforts; it has been worthwhile. I have rejected over a 100 awards but this is history being made. l hold all of you dearly and will cherish this award.”
Speaking, NAMM President, Capt Alao appreciated the Rector’s huge reforms at MAN and the recognitions he is giving to those who deserve them.
Effedua, he stated, has transformed the Academy into an institution of national pride.
“Effedua named roads, buildings and blocks after several Master Mariners at MAN Oron and he did this without anyone lobbying. This shows his regard for the association and its professionals.”
“Some of our colleagues haven’t been proud to identify themselves as MAN Oron alumni in the past but under the leadership of Commodore Effedua, the story has changed. The Academy has state-of-the-art facilities and there has been a complete turnaround as a result of Effedua’s visionary leadership,” Alao said.
He lamented the disturbing neglect of the shipping sector despite the immense potentials it offers to the economy. With the right support, he reasoned, the maritime sector can surpass the nation’s crude industry as a contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Speaking on the awardees, Capt. Alao observed that the Rector of MAN Oron, Effedua has transformed the Academy into an institution of national pride while he described Capt. Pier Carrodona as an immense financial supporter of the association over the years.
On inland waterways, Alao said: “We have inland waterways from Lake Chad up to Badagry to Ogoja-Bakassi. We have the coastal waters which is about 600 nautical miles and we have the exclusive economic zone, even as we have international waters.
“As a nation, we should play our part and take a little bite in all these areas. We know that maritime can contribute immensely to this nation, but we are not developing the inland waterways. Just last week Federal Government said it wants to dredge Orasi River – Oguta. This is coming after several decades. What have we been waiting for? Perhaps, this is because the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has experience in dredging. Imagine the multiplier-effect and the potential economic benefits in that axis from the project?”
“There are losses due to wasted man-hours in Lagos in the evacuation of cargoes from the ports. The problems on the port access roads will not be there if we have openings with viable ports in other regions. As Master Mariners, we have a lot to inform the incoming government so that they can harness the opportunities within the maritime space.”
He regretted that more than 40 years ago, Nigeria killed the use of inland waterways from Lagos to Baro to Numan, a legacy inherited from the colonial masters.
“The inland waterways were used to convey cargoes in the past. But we are not doing that anymore. Insecurity is man- made. We can eliminate it and harness the potentials of the water.”
Maritime Agencies
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In continuation of the campaign against illegal trafficking of wild life and endangered animal species, the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a consignment of endangered wildlife species, including one lion cub and two patas monkeys. This followed a stop-and-search operation along the Badagry–Seme Expressway.
A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman says the interception occurred at about 2:19 a.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2025, when operatives stopped a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA at Gbaji.
Upon inspection, officers discovered the animals whose cross-border transportation was a clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws.
Two suspects — Mathew Kofi, a Beninoise national and Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian — claimed ownership of the animals and admitted to purchasing them in Kano with the intention of conveying them to Benin Republic.
The Command immediately confiscated the animals in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The suspects were detained for further investigation to determine their level of involvement in wildlife trafficking.
Formally handing over the lion cub and monkeys to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for proper handling, the Customs Area Controller , Comptroller Wale Adenuga, represented by Deputy Comptroller A.Y.Mohammed, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws, environmental conservation and border security.
“We will continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure that the illegal trade in endangered species is decisively curtailed,” he stated.
He said the interception underscores Nigeria Customs’ growing role in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting biodiversity, while reinforcing the country’s compliance with international conservation standards.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has been unveiled as the Special Guest of Honour for the official launch of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria’s (MARAN) latest publication, “50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.”
The high-profile event is scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos by 12noon.
According to a statement by the MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, the ceremony will be chaired by former Nigerian Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.
Bivbere noted that the presence of these eminent personalities underscores the book’s relevance to Nigeria’s evolving maritime landscape, particularly as the nation intensifies efforts toward repositioning its marine and blue economy for sustainable growth.
He described the forthcoming book as a “comprehensive compendium” that documents the individuals, agencies, and organisations shaping Nigeria’s maritime transformation.
His words: “This indispensable volume educates industry professionals on the profound history and current opportunities within the sector, spotlighting the people and institutions whose contributions continue to drive national development.
”With the book, readers can discover how the blue economy’s past is paving the way for a promising future.”
The MARAN President explained that the publication is the product of months of rigorous research and editorial work aimed at capturing the achievements and innovations of the 50 most influential drivers in the sector.
He added that the December 4 launch is expected to attract top government functionaries, regulators, shipowners, freight forwarders, terminal operators, scholars, and investors, making it one of the most anticipated gatherings of maritime leaders in recent years.
Bivbere assured that arrangements are in top gear to deliver a befitting event that celebrates excellence, professionalism, and service to the nation’s maritime advancement.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In pursuit of her determination to maintain an enviable record of a major revenue earner for the Federal Government, the The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service realized a total of N154.3billion last October.
The Command which has continued to witness focused leadership has also experienced sterling performances in other areas of operations following the introduction of B’Odogwu,the Unified Customs Management System software platform.
According to a release by Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, the Command image maker, the October record shows the second highest revenue generation in a couple of months.
It is recalled that in August when the Command recorded its highest revenue generation so far, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Onyeka said the revenue breakthrough was attributable to the successful deployment of the indigenous B’Odogwu trade platform, a homegrown initiative which has “significantly improved trade facilitation and enhanced revenue performance.”
In August, the Command realized a total of ₦159 billion, an achievement for which officers and men earned special commendation from the CAC. He also gave kudos to stakeholders for displaying heightened commitment in efforts to keep the Command on top of her game.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, for his massive encouragement and recognition of the efforts of the Command.
The Tin Can Island Port Command has fully keyed into the policy of collaboration, consolidation and innovation as espoused by the CGC and this has been a driving force in the activities of the Command this year.
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
Oyetola, Iheanacho, To Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Launch MARAN’s New Book
IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
MAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
MAN: Only A NASS Review Can Convert It To A Conventional University, Governing Council Warns.
MAN, ORON, Charges Graduating Cadets To Uphold Academy’s Core Values.
Customs Embraces OSS, A Special Platform, To Deepen Trade Facilitation
MARAN Launches Major Industry Publication In December
PTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
Apapa Customs Unveils ECTS To Deepen Trade Facilitation, Boost Revenue And National Security.I
BADAGRY: Customs Broker Deplores Role of Unapproved Checkpoints As Baggage Maritime Magazine Celebrates
OCTOBER REVENUE: Apapa Customs Breaks Record, Nets 304Bn In A Month
OTC 2026: Tantita Secures Approval for Lecture on Drone Security
Stakeholders Cry Out, Seek FG’s Intervention To Avoid a Return of Apapa Gridlock.
CILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
PTML Customs Hits Over N350Bn in 9 Months, Intercepts ₦200m Illicit Pharmaceuticals,
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
Photo News: Salah Celebration
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoBADAGRY: Customs Broker Deplores Role of Unapproved Checkpoints As Baggage Maritime Magazine Celebrates
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoPTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoApapa Customs Unveils ECTS To Deepen Trade Facilitation, Boost Revenue And National Security.I
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOCTOBER REVENUE: Apapa Customs Breaks Record, Nets 304Bn In A Month
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Maritime Agencies6 days agoMAN: Only A NASS Review Can Convert It To A Conventional University, Governing Council Warns.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoMAN, ORON, Charges Graduating Cadets To Uphold Academy’s Core Values.
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Maritime Agencies5 days agoMAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoCustoms Embraces OSS, A Special Platform, To Deepen Trade Facilitation