Maritime Agencies
MARAN LEADERS APPRECIATION NIGHT: Iheanacho, Integrated Oil and Gas Boss, Urges Maritime Journalists To Invest in Knowledge
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho, former Minister of Interior and Managing Director, Integrated Oil and Gas Ltd, has urged maritime journalists in Nigeria to invest deeply in knowledge so as to enable them understand shipping economics, study regulation, learn the language of trade, interrogate data, verify facts and protect credibility.
Iheanacho who gave this counsel in Lagos, Friday, while delivering a paper entitled, “The Role of the Media in Sustainable Maritime Development in Nigeria”, during an event to celebrate past Presidents of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria, MARAN reminded media professionals that theirs is not merely a reporting profession but a strategic national assignment, hence the need for them to be on top of their game in reporting the sector.
Speaking through Dr Emeka Alabogu SAN, Principal Partner, Akabogu & Associates, Iheanacho argued that where the media is responsible, informed and courageous, industries progress faster adding that where reporting is careless, shallow, or easily swayed, progress becomes harder.
He insisted that Nigeria needs a maritime media that is fearless but fair; critical but constructive; independent but informed; energetic but disciplined.”
“I am particularly pleased to speak to you not only as a guest, but as someone whose life has been deeply intertwined with the Nigerian maritime industry for close to five decades.
“Over those years, I have had the privilege of serving in different capacities as an operator in the private sector, as a promoter of shipping and maritime enterprise, as chairman of industry associations and collaborative initiatives, and at another stage, as a Minister of the Federal Republic.
“Those experiences have given me a unique vantage point. I have seen how responsible journalism can support reform, encourage investment, correct misinformation, and build confidence.
“I have also seen how incomplete facts, sensationalism, insufficient technical understanding, or avoidable haste can damage reputations, distort policy debates, and slow progress.
“It is from that practical perspective, not theory alone, that I speak today on ‘The Role of the Media in Sustainable Maritime Development in Nigeria.”
Acknowledging that Nigeria’s maritime sector sits at the intersection of trade, energy, logistics, food security, industrialization, and regional competitiveness, he charged the journalists saying, “Your words can attract confidence or discourage it, your questions can trigger reform or expose complacency, your analysis can clarify choices or deepen confusion.
“Therefore, invest deeply in knowledge. Understand shipping economics. Study regulation. Learn the language of trade. Interrogate data. Verify facts. Protect credibility. The more technically competent maritime journalism becomes, the more powerful its contribution to development”, he declared.
The former Minister who practically listed four primary functions of the media to include: agenda setting, accountability, public education and stakeholder mobilization, however, called on the journalists to live up to expectations by constantly ensuring that they follow issues beyond the headline and accompany policy until results are delivered.
On accountability, he urged media practitioners to always ensure that they play the watchdog role by exposing administrative bottlenecks, corruption risks, policy contradictions, operational inefficiencies and delays that impose costs on businesses and consumers alike.
“During periods of reform, responsible reporting can also help the public distinguish genuine progress from mere announcements”, he added.
Highlighting why public education is one of the noblest functions of maritime journalism, Iheanacho explained that shipping, marine insurance, vessel finance, customs systems, port concessioning, cabotage, freight logistics, international conventions are specialised subjects, yet they affect ordinary Nigerians every day through prices, jobs, trade flows, and national competitiveness.
He however, pointed out that more needs to be done saying, “We need: simpler explanations of policy reforms, more data-driven reporting, wider coverage of inland waterways and coastal economies, greater promotion of maritime education and skills development as well as more rigorous accountability from persons in position of government authority to track policy, budget and outcomes. Nigeria cannot build a strong blue economy with a poorly informed public.”
On stakeholder mobilization, he charged the media to provide a platform where government, private investors, regulators, operators and indeed, all stakeholders move in alignment.
“The media has helped bring regulators and operators into dialogue, amplify urgent policy concerns, encourage transparency in reforms, build confidence around investment opportunities and ensure that important conversations are not hidden from the public.
“In several instances, issues that might have remained trapped within committee rooms gained traction because journalists carried them into the national conversation. Yet mobilisation can be stronger still.
“Too often, conferences end with excellent speeches but limited follow-through. The media can help by tracking commitments, revisiting promises, and sustaining momentum after the applause has ended”, Iheanacho submitted.
Speaking on the reason for the gathering, the retired Merchant Navy Captain commended MARAN for sustaining a tradition of professional engagement in a sector that is both vital to the economy and often insufficiently understood by the wider public.
“To celebrate your past presidents is to celebrate stewardship, sacrifice, and continuity. Leadership in journalism, especially sector journalism is not easy. It demands courage, persistence, judgement, and often the willingness to stand alone in defence of facts.
“As we honour the past presidents of MARAN tonight, we honour those who helped build that tradition. May the next generation build it even stronger. And may all of us – operators, regulators, policymakers, and journalists work together to create a maritime sector that is efficient, transparent, globally competitive, and sustainable for generations to come”, he said.
Maritime Agencies
Dredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has distanced itself from a report entitled ‘Dredgers Association Appeals to Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Extortion, Urges Governor to Call Alebiosu, Cardozo to Order’, published on October 23, 2026 by some online blogs.
In a disclaimer jointly signed by Batare Akpomejero and Richard Ntan, National President and Secretary respectively, the Association categorically stated that the publication is fake and could not have originated from its National Leadership or any authorised organ of the dredgers’ body.
DAN clarified that it neither authorised, approved nor issued any petition or press release accusing Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Lagos State, and Mr. Cardozo of harassment, intimidation or extortion of dredgers and tipper operators.
The Association further stated that it had no record of the alleged impounding of trucks and demand for ₦500,000 as reported in the publication, adding that it completely dissociated itself from the claims.
Reaffirming its relationship with the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, DAN described its engagement with the government and the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development as cordial and collaborative.
On matters relating to dredging regulations and the interpretation of Supreme Court judgments concerning shoreline authority, the Association explained that discussions were being pursued through appropriate institutional channels and dialogue with relevant federal and state authorities, rather than through media confrontations.
Consequently, DAN has disclaimed the report in its entirety, urging the public, the Lagos State Government, Hon. Alebiosu and other stakeholders to disregard the publication as a statement issued on behalf of the Association.
DAN also expressed regret over any embarrassment, inconvenience or reputational damage the publication may have caused the Lagos State Government, the Honourable Commissioner and other officials mentioned.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lawful, sustainable and collaborative dredging operations across Nigeria, while maintaining constructive engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is committed to translate maritime policies into practical results as part of efforts to ensure safer waterways, reliable infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.
NIWA Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Yusuf Girei made the commitment while congratulating stakeholders in his goodwill message during the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration.
This year’s celebration whose theme was“From policy to practice: Powering excellence,” has in attendance was graced the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, FSM, MCIPM; Chairperson and Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Mfon Usoro; Directors and Heads of Departments, CEOs of Parastatals under the Ministry, members of the diplomatic corps, industry stakeholders and the media.

“This year’s theme,” Alhaji Girei said, “reminds us that strong policies create value only when they are translated into meaningful action. In the maritime sector, that means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services that support trade and economic growth.”

He noted that NIWA remains committed to working with State Governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, modernise facilities and protect the waterways on which many livelihoods depend.
Speaking about excellence in the maritime sector, he described it as a shared responsibility that requires skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and a culture that places safety and sustainability at the heart of operations.

“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” he added.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary and all stakeholders whose commitment keeps the maritime industry moving, and urged participants to turn shared ambition into practical results.
The celebration peaked when Alhaji Girei joined in the award presentation for the Primary School Children’s Essay Competition category sponsored by NIWA. The first position went to Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, who won N200,000 cash and a laptop computer. The second position went to Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, who received N150,000 and a laptop computer, while the third position went to Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, who received N100,000 cash and a laptop computer.
On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of NIWA, he wished all stakeholders a successful World Maritime Day celebration.
Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF President, Chief Ezisi, Visits PTML Customs, Urges Deepened Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has given kudos to the Controller of the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller N. I. Miko, for the support extended to freight forwarders at PTML, enjoining him to sustain the tempo and assist the NAGAFF chapter to deepen the relationship for mutual benefits.
Chief Ezisi made the commendation, Thursday, when he led the association’s high command on a familiarization visit to the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the PTML Command.
Ezisi who used the opportunity to welcome the CAC to the Customs Command also introduced the newly-elected executive of the NAGAFF PTML Chapter democratically elected to manage its affairs for the next four years.
Describing NAGAFF as a law-abiding organisation which has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Customs Service, Chief Ezisi stressed the importance of collaboration, compliance and professionalism in facilitating legitimate trade.
He urged Miko to maintain open communication with the chapter’s leadership and whenever disagreements or operational challenges arose, the national leadership would intervene where necessary to resolve issues.
As in other large organisations, Ezisi acknowledged, members with different dispositions and approaches to matters populate NAGAFF and managing them and their differences remains the hallmark of effective leadership at all times.
He also told the CAC that as a body, NAGAFF has in place an active special intervention outfit, a compliance team with guiding slogan, “If you see something, say something.” This body monitors the activities of her members and other freight forwarders who willingly subvert compliance standards in the line of duties.
NAGAFF, he explained, is a non-profit association of freight forwarders whose headquarters relies on the contributions and activities of its chapters to fulfill its responsibilities to the industry.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko, assured NAGAFF members of the Command’s continued cooperation. He described the relationship between Customs officers and freight forwarders at the terminal as very cordial and will always be, going forward.
Miko recalled NAGAFF’s organizational structure, describing it as impressive, particularly the commitment to training and capacity development of members through the NAGAFF Academy .
The PTML Command would continue to support freight forwarders, the CAC pledged as Customs officers and industry operators would continue to deepen the existing harmony and cooperation in the workplace.
He assured that the Command would continue engaging terminal operators on the need to improve the working environment for both Customs officers and freight forwarders.
Miko encouraged freight forwarders to report any shortcomings in the conduct of Customs officers, assuring them that the command would take feedback seriously and work towards improvement.
He also urged stakeholders to acknowledge good performance, emphasising that constructive engagement, mutual respect and collaboration were essential to effective operations.
He reaffirmed his management’s readiness to sustain the healthy relationship with the association and other stakeholders.
Giving a vote of thanks, NAGAFF’s Vice President (Headquarters), Simeon Nwonu, expressed pleasure of the assurance of a continued cordial relationship and accessibility stakeholders associate CAC Miko with right from the Apapa Command.
He thanked Comptroller Miko for the warm reception, expressing confidence that NAGAFF members operating at PTML would benefit from continued engagement.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoDeputy Comptroller Nkiru Nwala Takes Over C’River, Calabar FTZ and Akwa Ibom Customs Command, Succeeds Comptroller Momodu Dauda.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOperation Whirlwind’ Auctions 22,175 Litres of PMS, Deepens Fight Against Petroleum Products Smuggling,
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