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
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) unveils “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue” as the theme of her unification conference scheduled for November 13 in Lagos , several prominent personalities in Nigeria’s maritime industry and political landscape have indicated interest to attend.
These include the former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho; Senator Wasiu Eshilokun; former President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Eugene Nweke; and Dr. Kayode Farinto, former Acting National President of ANLCA.
Also participating are key policymakers, heads of maritime agencies, industry leaders, legal practitioners, freight forwarders and other critical stakeholders whose voices cannot be ignored while deliberating on the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barrister Temisan Omatseye, will chair the conference, while the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, will attend as Special Guest of Honour.
Renowned maritime lawyer, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, SAN, will deliver the keynote address at the event which takes place at Airport Hotel, Ikeja.
Discussions will particularly focus on ongoing reforms, infrastructure development and strategic interventions required to strengthen the maritime industry’s contribution to national economic growth.
According to Elder Dele Aderibigbe and Jerry Aguigbo, the NNMJ President and Public Relations Officer respectively, the conference will provide an avenue for constructive engagement among government representatives, maritime professionals and private-sector operators on practical measures to reposition Nigeria’s maritime industry for improved efficiency, productivity and global competitiveness.
Seaport modernisation, rehabilitation and renewal of critical port infrastructure, trade facilitation, ease of doing business, revenue optimisation and strategies for identifying and eliminating financial leakages across the maritime value chain will form key discussion points at the Unity Conference.
Participants will also examine opportunities for expanding Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, generating employment, strengthening maritime safety and security, and enhancing the competitiveness of the nation’s seaports.
The conference is expected to attract heads of government agencies, managing directors of shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, licensed customs agents and other influential stakeholders across the maritime industry.
The Unity Conference also avails stakeholders opportunity to evaluate existing government policies and reforms, identify implementation gaps and recommend sustainable solutions to improve port operations, facilitate legitimate trade, increase government revenue and unlock the vast economic potentials of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The organizers further underscored the strategic importance of maritime journalism in promoting transparency and accountability, providing credible industry analysis and sustaining informed public discourse on government policies, regulatory interventions and reforms affecting the marine and blue economy.
The NNMJ leadership expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen relationships among industry stakeholders, encourage meaningful policy engagement and reinforce collective efforts towards building a more efficient, transparent and globally competitive maritime industry.
Maritime Agencies
AMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the 2026 National Convention and Stakeholders’ engagement of the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) kicks off November 12 – 14, the
body has called for accelerated reforms and development in Nigeria’s maritime capacity training sector to ensure job creation for graduating cadets.
The convention will bring together maritime professionals, policymakers, regulators and shipowners, academics, cadets and other stakeholders for high-level deliberations on the future of the industry.
Speaking during a pre-event briefing in Lagos, Saturday, AMANO President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa described the conference as a platform for policy alignment, innovation and practical solutions as it is more than a re+union of alumni.
This year’s convention, Maiguwa explained, is deliberately focused on moving from talk to action — with emphasis on reforms that can be implemented in maritime education, shipping, port operations, safety and blue economy development.
The convention will also provide an opportunity to introduce newly graduated cadets of MAN, Oron and their lecturers to maritime companies, institutions and stakeholders thus expanding their exposure to professional and employment opportunities.
Maiguwa had at the Academy’s 2026 Cadets Passing-Out Parade last week, urged graduands to embrace networking, professional development and mentorship as essential tools for building successful careers and invited them to the Lagos convention.
As part of its commitment to excellence, AMANO also announced cash awards of ₦150,000 each for Best HND Graduating Cadet and Best ND Graduating Cadet.
Stakeholders say the 2026 convention is coming at a critical time when Nigeria is pushing to unlock its blue economy, modernise its ports, strengthen its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and translate maritime policies into measurable results.
The three-day event is expected to feature keynote addresses, panel sessions, technical workshops, exhibitions and networking sessions, with recommendations to be presented to government and industry for implementation.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigeria Association of Women in Journalism (NAWOJ), Lagos Chapter has honoured veteran journalist, Hajia Hadiza Omowole, as Iconic Woman of the month for November.
This is contained in a release in Lagos jointly signed by Mrs Jumoke Falayi-Johnson and Mrs Anu Thomas, NAWOJ Chairperson and Secretary respectively.
Falayi-Johnson described Omowole as a true beacon of excellence, resilience and compassionate leadership, noting her selfless dedication to mentoring young journalists, empowering grassroots women and advocating gender equity..
Omowole’s tenacity, she stated, dedication to service and visionary leadership beautify the world. She described her as Mother-General whose pioneering spirit leaves indelible mark on journalism profession and society generally.
”Omowole holds Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from University of Benin and Master’s in Media, Culture and Technology from University of Bedfordshire, UK, spanning over three-decade distinguished journalism career.
”The veteran journalist joined News Agency of Nigeria in 1992, rising steadily through editorial ranks serving as Senior Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and now Managing Editor and Head of Lagos Operations,” Falayi-Johnson said.
She noted that beyond editorial leadership, Omowole served two historic terms as National President of NAWOJ from 2014 to 2020, becoming first president re-elected, championing welfare and advancement of women journalists nationwide.
Through community specialist work, counselling and initiatives supporting rural and needy women, Omowole continues to serve as an inspiring pillar of guidance for the association and media industry.
The entire NAWOJ Lagos family celebrates Omowole’s unwavering commitment, pioneering spirit and incredible service to humanity, collectively wishing her more success in journalism, leadership and humanitarian endeavours ahead.
Omowole remained actively involved in institutional engagement, public communication, youth development and advocacy for health, child development and gender equality across Nigeria.
In her remarks, NAWOJ Lagos Secretary, Mrs Anu Thomas, noted that the association proudly recognised outstanding contributions of Omowole to journalism, women empowerment and leadership development in Nigerian media landscape.
Falayi-Johnson reiterated association’s pride in celebrating Omowole, describing her enduring legacy as an inspiration for upcoming female journalists and a testament to excellence in media leadership nationwide.
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.
AMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP: NAWOJ Lagos Honours Omowole, NAN’s Managing Editor.
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SCAN SUMMIT, 2026: Conversion to Earn Higher Interest Rates, the Bane of the CVFF, Omatseye says.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNAGAFF President, Chief Ezisi, Visits PTML Customs, Urges Deepened Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks ago2026 World Maritime Day: Nigeria Subscribes to Safer Waterways and Excellence.
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Maritime Agencies5 days agoOUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP: NAWOJ Lagos Honours Omowole, NAN’s Managing Editor.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoDredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
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Maritime Agencies6 days agoCustoms FOU Zone ‘A’ Hits Smugglers Hard, Confiscates 23, 220 Matchettes, Other Contrabands Worth over N6.19bn.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoSCAN SUMMIT, 2026: Conversion to Earn Higher Interest Rates, the Bane of the CVFF, Omatseye says.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoOyetola, Omatseye, Akabogu, Other Dignitaries To Attend Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists Unity Conference in Lagos.
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Maritime Agencies1 day agoAMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention