Maritime Agencies
MAN Rector Tasks ICPC, Questions Motive for Inclusion on Corruption Listing.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
It is patently wrong and unacceptable for the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to, without any proof of wrongdoing, list the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) as a High Corruption Risk Agency (HCR) on the guise that the College allegedly failed to respond to its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) questionnaire, MAN Rector, Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd) has observed.
The classification, he insists, is not justified as the ICPC never conducted any study before coming up with its conclusion regarding the Academy. He said that if efforts are not made to promptly present the facts as they are, the news report on the ranking and the wide publicity stand to do incalculable damage to the integrity and image of MAN, Oron.
According to the Rector, the ranking is capable of de-marketing the Academy nationally and internationally beside eroding the giant strides it has made in the global maritime arena in the past five years.
Beyond this, the unsubstantiated allegation will endanger various partnerships MAN has entered into with foreign MTIs especially in the area of capacity building, technical support and marketability.
The motive in including the Academy on the HCR corruption ranking, the Rector said, is suspect as the institution duly responded to ICPC’s EICS query of July 2, 2021 through the email designated for this purpose.
On January 9, 2022, another email response was sent with even a hard copy addressed to the same Mr A. Udofia, the director in charge of the ranking. An acknowledgement copy from the ICPC indicating that the mails were duly received serves as a proof of delivery. “Surprisingly, this man went ahead to mislead the Commission to include the Academy on the list for reasons best known to him.”
At an event in Lagos, the Rector explained that the listing of MAN may have been premeditated considering issues associated with receipt of the EICS correspondences and other related matters which the Study System and Review Department of the ICPC in charge of the assessment and ranking appeared to have shown bias and attitude to. He promised to approach the ICPC Chairman to formally complain so that the leadership can investigate what he refers to as bias of some of the staff in the handling of affairs of MAN in recent time.
On March 12, 2021, Effedua disclosed, MAN received a similar request and promptly responded to it through the ICPC’s email as specifically directed. “After some months, they wrote again to say they didn’t get our reply. We stated that we did and went further to show proof of delivery as evidence”.
The Rector wondered if MAN is to be held responsible for operational lapses within the responsible department in the ICPC.
“Before this time, we sent names of some staff of the Academy who gained employment with forged certificates to the ICPC to do their own investigation. Majority of the affected staff are from the State and host community. More than three years now, ICPC didn’t act on our request. Each time we asked for updates, they ask us to send the names again and we do. Up till today, ICPC didn’t act on the reports and this is making us to be suspicious of motives of some internal forces within the respected anti-graft agency. How can they claim that documents didn’t get to their destination within their complex despite proof of delivery and acknowledgement from them?”
Speaking specifically on the 2022 questionnaire used to carry out the incorrect assessment, Effedua said: “The EICS letter arrived the Academy December 22, 2022 and despite that the Academy had closed for the year after the 2022 Graduation Ceremony, I directed that the request be treated immediately and it was done and submitted on January 9, 2023.
“Now, based on the funny signals we have been getting from them, we decided to submit the hard copy of the EICS to the Director of Study System and Review Department, Mr A. Udofia and it was received and acknowledged by the Commission. Strangely, it was this same director that claimed that MAN didn’t reply to their audit request which is untrue.
“I am worried that some persons are not happy with the positive things happening in the Academy under my watch. Remember that since coming onboard, a cabal holding down the development of the Academy has written more than 6000 petitions against me because I blocked the leakages and shut them out.”
The Rector is worried that ICPC’s strange and inexplainable tag on MAN as a high corruption risk institution is injurious not only to his person and the office but to the nation and her citizenry. ICPC leadership, he insists, should look into the matter. “If the Study System and Review Department of our revered ICPC is saying that it conducted a research to arrive at its unfair assessment and ranking, where and how did they do this without visiting the Academy?”, he queried.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has been described as a leader whose public life has continued to demonstrate courage, conviction and an unwavering sense of duty.
The Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemuopolo stated this in a message to celebrate and honour the Minister who recently clocked 62. Tantita is the local security services outfit charged with the protection of oil and gas pipelines and other critical installations in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
In a congratulatory message on behalf of the leadership and entire staff of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Ekpemuopulo recalled that Wike’s journey through public service marked by legal brilliance, political audacity and firm decision-making has consistently demonstrated that true leadership is defined by impact not rhetoric.
Wike’s formative years in public administration, he recalled, began when he became a local government chairman, Minister of State (Education) through to his tenure as Governor of Rivers State. Now he is the FCT Minister,Tompolo stated, his performance has remained sterling, anchored on results, resilience and a relentless commitment to public good.
“In the Federal Capital Territory, your presence is already being massively felt. The renewed focus on infrastructure, order, and accountability speaks to a hands-on leadership style that understands Abuja’s symbolic and practical importance to Nigeria’s unity and governance,” Tompolo said.
The TSSNL founder commended Wike for recognising the intrinsic connection between security, development and national stability, stressing that the minister’s insistence on law, order and institutional discipline aligns strongly with Tantita’s mission of protecting critical assets and fostering a safe environment for sustainable growth.
He added that Wike’s reputation as “Mr. Project” was well-earned, given his consistent record of performance and the courage to take difficult decisions when duty demanded it.
“In moments that demand firmness, you have chosen responsibility over convenience, standing by your convictions even when the path was difficult,” he said.
Tompolo prayed for renewed strength, sharper vision and continued success for the minister as he marks another year, expressing confidence that Wike’s service would continue to leave a lasting imprint on national development.
Tompolo added: “Please accept my sincere best wishes for good health, wisdom, and continued success. May the years ahead bring fulfilment and further contributions to the progress and unity of Nigeria.”
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Maritime Seminar for Judges annually hosted by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has been described as a conduit for financial and human waste and must be discontinued and scarce resources directed to profitable endeavours with direct bearing on the agency’s statutory mandate.
National Coordinator of Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC), Chief Patrick Osita Chukwu stated this in Lagos, Tuesday. He called on the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah to suspend what he referred to as a jamboree and, instead, free the funds involved to train freight forwarders and other operators for enhanced operations in the shipping industry.
He said that appropriating huge funds to judicial seminars while neglecting her core mandate as the nation’s port economic regulator is improper on the part of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
Organizing judicial seminars, he declared, falls under the purview of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), not the NSC. Chukwu warned that if the council goes ahead to plan for the Judge’s Seminar, going forward, SNFFIEC would seek legal interpretation as well as embarking on industrial action to insist that the right thing is done.
He said: “Recall plans by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to continue hosting the annual Maritime Seminar for Judges. This is a waste of human and financial resources the agency would have used to take care of shippers and the ports.” Since becoming the economic regulator of the ports, he alleged, there have not been concrete actions by the agency to reposition the ports to make them as business – friendly as other ports across the globe.
”I say it that it is not only an economic waste but negates the principle of getting the right to things done for our ports and shippers. We have been trying our best to see that the trillions they are making in all Nigerian customs ports impact on the shippers. Transaction of business in Nigeria has remained so bad that whatever you’re seeing today is not what supposed to be.”
The SNFFIEC boss said it is a huge challenge to his organization and others that the Council ‘s ES cannot be accessed because he hardly stays around to listen to genuine complaints by stakeholders who matter in the sector.
”We are yet to feel the impact of the NSC’s regulatory role. Each time you visit the NSC, the Executive Secretary is not in the office. He’s always away, spending shippers’ money on training judges,” he said.
”We need the NSC to resist whatever may be the pressure that will undermine the principle of accountability and all other actions that can jeopardize the economy by the way they are going.”
”We have the National Judicial Council which can be very free and pragmatic enough to undertake seminars and training sessions for judges.”
SNFFIEC, he indicated, considers sending a petition to the President, the National Assembly, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Attorney General of the Federation on the need to probe the activities and finances of the Shippers’ Council to ensure the proper things are done and accountability enthroned.
Up to the time of going to press, efforts to obtain reactions from the Shippers’ Council yielded no fruits as calls to the Executive Secretary did not go through.
Maritime Agencies
Industry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), in conjunction with Portbizness News is set to host the second edition of her annual Trans-border International Trade Discourse in Badagry.
According to a statement jointly issued by James Shodiya, the Project Director, and Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, the President of BACCIMA,
the conference slated for December 12 and 13 takes place by 2pm each day. Venue is Sycomore Hotel & Suites, Ajara, Badagry, Lagos.
It is designed to discuss actionable strategies to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance competitiveness within the framework of the Continental trade agreements such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA).
The organizers note that in an increasingly interconnected global economy, Cross-Border Trade has become a critical vehicle to deliver regional growth, economic integration and sustainable development.
But in Nigeria, trans-border trade continues to grapple with numerous challenges such as tariff and non-tariff barriers, infrastructure gaps, inconsistent government policies and limited access to funds.
”Against this backdrop, Portbizness News is partnering with the foremost Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines & Agriculture ( BACCIMA) to host the 2025 edition of its
PORTS & TRANS-BORDER INT”L TRADE DISCOURSE – a high level Platform that brings together policy makers, trade practitioners, business leaders, researchers and development partners to discuss challenges and opportunities in promoting seamless trade across borders.”
The event’s theme is ‘Bridging Borders, Building National Prosperity and Strengthening Regional Trade’. Day 1 covers Lecture, Discourse and Gala Night, while Day 2 will feature a Delegates’ Excursion to Tourist Destinations.
Chairman of the event is Hon (Dr) Segun Musa, Chairman/Chief Consultant, Global Transport Policy while Dr. Azeez A. Mustapha and Mr Kola Awe, Chairman, NACCIMA Export Group are the keynote speakers .
Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, Executive Chairman, Badagry Local Government is the Special Guest of Honour while Alhaji Olanrewaju Akeem, MD/CEO, Taloid Group of Companies will be Father of the Day.
Mother of the Day will be Comrade Onome Monije, ANLCA PRO, Tincan Chapter.
WIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.
MARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
Industry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.
Shippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
MMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
MARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
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
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.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
Photo News: Salah Celebration
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
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.
MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoIndustry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoShippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
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Maritime Agencies6 days agoMARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.
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Maritime Agencies3 days agoWIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.