Maritime Agencies
NIGERIAN SEAFARERS’ WELFARE ON HER MIND: NIMASA Seeks Amendments To MLC 2006.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Often referred to as the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights”, the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, and its 16 proposals are being considered for possible review and amendment to ensure enhanced welfare packages for seafarers.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) disclosed this at a three-day Tripartite Technical session where key stakeholders from government, employers, unions, and international maritime partners participated to review Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to improve maritime labour standards and the welfare of seafarers.
Speaking through Mr Jibril Abba, the Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, disclosed that the proposals being considered would, among other benefits, align Nigeria’s maritime regulatory framework with international best practices, ensure inclusivity, fairness and sustainability.
Dr Mobereola expressed deep appreciation for the high level of collaboration coming from various sectors involved in the review process.
“Through this synergy”, he stated, “we can achieve progressive amendments that will enhance seafarers’ welfare, create a fair business environment, and elevate Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime nation.”
“This tripartite session is not just about policy amendments; it is about fostering a collective commitment to the sustainability of the maritime sector and the protection of seafarers’ rights”, the DG said.
He stressed how important the sessions are, stating that they are expected to focus on a wide range of issues including the impact of new technologies, environmental considerations, and the evolving needs of seafarers, with a shared goal of improving working conditions while fostering industry growth.
While acknowledging the continued dedication, support and expertise of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the various union representatives and other stakeholders, he noted that their contributions are seen as critical in shaping a future where the Nigerian maritime industry remains competitive, resilient, and equitable for all.
“We look forward to the outcomes of this session and are confident that our collective discussions will further strengthen Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring decent work for all seafarers”.
In his contribution, Mr Essah Aniefiok, the Nigerian ILO Labour Services Attachee, said that in order to achieve the tasks ahead, there is the need for cooperation among all the stakeholders in the sector.
On his part, Dr Amos Kuje, the Regional Advisor and ILO expert on MLC 2006, disclosed that Nigeria is a focal point in Africa, a status the ILO recognizes. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to maintain the lead particularly now that the country is vying for the Category C seat at the next International Maritime Organisation (IMO) elections.
Nigeria, he reasoned, has all it takes to win the elections. He enjoined all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the seafarers’ welfare is guaranteed.
The MLC, 2006, provides a comprehensive international framework to ensure decent working conditions for seafarers while promoting fair competition within the maritime industry. However, as global maritime dynamics evolve, driven by automation, climate change, and economic shifts, NIMASA underscored the importance of adapting this vital legislation to address emerging challenges.
Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, among other stakeholders, graced the event.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s pioneer maritime reporters body, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Thursday, set aside the Godfrey Bivbere-led Executive, replacing it with a 3-man Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the body in the interim.
The Caretaker Committee unanimously put in place is part of a major reorganization to reposition MARAN to enable her meet her cardinal aspirations .
Led by Mr Tunde Ayodele as Chairman, Mr John Obot and Mrs Ruth Sunday Umunna now serve as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.
Unveiling the new dispensation in a release, MARAN wishes all stakeholders, particularly in the maritime sector, ministries, government departments and agencies to, henceforth, direct and channel all dealings with the new leadership.
”The Association wishes to state categorically that the action is for the good of the Association, the industry and the nation in general and should therefore not be misconstrued.”
”We wish to use this medium to invite our highly esteemed stakeholders to our Association’s forthcoming launch of the book, “50 Drivers of the Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy”, coming up on the 4th of December, at Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.”
”The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN, is a foremost body of highly cerebral, credible, erudite and professional Journalists, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. It has been covering the activities of the maritime industry for nearly four decades.”
”The Association had made its indelible mark in the maritime sector through unbiased, insightful, and impactful reportage of the sector over the years.
It is the first and the longest Maritime Association in the Industry and has evolved with more than forty members from the Prints, Electronic and Online platforms.”
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.
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
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
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.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
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).
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
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.
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 Agencies2 weeks agoPTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoApapa Customs Unveils ECTS To Deepen Trade Facilitation, Boost Revenue And National Security.I
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoIMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoMAN: Only A NASS Review Can Convert It To A Conventional University, Governing Council Warns.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoMAN, ORON, Charges Graduating Cadets To Uphold Academy’s Core Values.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoMAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoCustoms Embraces OSS, A Special Platform, To Deepen Trade Facilitation
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoMARAN Launches Major Industry Publication In December