Maritime Agencies
NIMASA DG Hosts Maritime Media, Highlights Broad Policy Initiatives For Implementation.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has no plans whatsoever to recall over 300 Nigerian cadets undergoing training at the Centurion University, India, under the National Seafarers’ Development Programme (NSDP). Instead, the agency is committed to ensure that the cadets are adequately trained and well-prepared to be employable anywhere in the world as they graduate.
Dr Dayo Mobereola
NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola stated this in Lagos, Monday, during his maiden interactive session with members of the maritime media, following his appointment last April.
“We have not decided to bring those students back home,” he announced.
“What we are doing is reviewing how the school has been engaged. Is it in the students’ best interest? Will they be well-prepared graduates who are employable by the industry?”, the DG argued.
“These are the issues on our table right now, and we deliberate on them daily. I assure you that when we develop the best approach, it will be clear that we are acting in the cadets’ best interest, not our own,” he added.
NIMASA’s aim, he added, is that the young, vibrant and intelligent cadets return to Nigeria fully prepared to contribute to the development of the maritime sector.
“We want to ensure that the platform for them is right, and that is what we are working towards. When we present our plan, you will recognize that it is in the best interest of both the nation and the students”.
Speaking on the NIMASA 2007Act now undergoing review, the DG spoke about the status of maritime infrastructure which includes boats and vessels, assuring that provision is being made to include regulations for all from large vessels to small boats. He focussed on the smaller vessels that are often used for illicit activities such as piracy and sea robberies.
“In the new bill, we aim to ensure that every boat on our waters is regulated, registered, and monitored,” he stated.
On concerns about non-disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), the DG cautioned for care in planning and execution to avoid the mistakes of the past.
“We are looking at opportunities to ensure that when we start to dispose the CVFF, it will be for the benefit of shipping promotion in Nigeria,” he said.
He cautioned against repeating past mistakes whereby loan beneficiaries failed to make refunds, an act that ran contrary to the motive of enhancing the fortunes of ship owners and shipping development .
“In the past, resources were given to the wrong people, and there was no benefit to the nation or to ship owners who were contributing.
We would be doing ourselves an injustice if we didn’t consider what is happening now, both in Nigeria and internationally, before we start disbursing the CVFF.” the DG said. He noted that the CVFF is not only about vessels but steady availability of cargo for vessels to make revenue for the sector.
On relationship with coastal states, the DG confirmed full presence in Bayelsa with Delta in view. Engagement with other coastal states, he promised, would depend on the peculiarities.
Reacting to concerns that sourcing information and data from NIMASA is problematic as staff in charge do not cooperate, Mobereola placed on record the important role journalists play as worthy partners, acknowledging their contributions to shaping public perception and holding the agency accountable.
According to the DG, what is most important is data and knowledge- sharing.
“If we do not provide you with accurate information that we have spent time and knowledge collecting, we cannot expect you to report accurately,” he noted.
He also promised improvements in media relations, including the training of maritime media practitioners. Provision for this, he indicated, is already made in the 2024 budget. Remuneration for media professionals covering the sector, he announced, is under review to reflect the agency’s commitment to foster a mutually beneficial relationship with the press.
The DG urged the media stakeholders to continue raising industry issues and comparing them with international best practices.
“When you speak, it is perceived as being in the industry’s best interest. I encourage you to continue raising these subjects, comparing them with international best practices, and advising us on what the NPA and Shippers’ Council should be doing,” he said.
On maritime safety, the DG said: “We are collaborating with our sister agency, NIWA, to come up with strategies to ensure safety both in deep waters and in the areas NIWA controls,” he explained.
He recalled the core mandate of NIMASA which is safety, a goal collaboration is crucial in achieving . “Safety is one of our core mandates, and I will be judged on it.”
He announced that going forward, NIMASA’s vessel registration processes would be automated.
Maritime Agencies
PORTBIZNESS Celebrates Excellence in Customer Service Delivery, Holds Special Awards Night
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Popular media outfit, Portbuziness, is set to thrill the maritime and business community on Lagos come June, 2025, in an award event tagged the Distinguished Customer Service Appreciation Night.
The event is to showcase and appreciate exceptional corporate organizations and individuals who have made a mark in various fields of business endeavour.
The Award will feature a series of thought-provoking discussions and receptions to celebrate corporate organisations and individuals that are placing measurable value on people, societies and the nation in general.
In a release by James Shodiya, the Convener and MD/CEO, Portbizness, the DCS Awards & Recognitions is one unique event that will bring together brands and persons from different walks of life under one platform to examine the importance of offering quality service delivery to customers and clients under the theme: Standard & Satisfactory Service Delivery in a Challenged Economy.
The Portbizness boss stressed that the DCS Awards & Recognition is considered the Gold Standard for Corporate organisations and individuals who have gone above and beyond in offering exceptional service delivery in different areas of business.
The event, Shodiya added, will be attended by the most innovative and high-impact Corporate Organisations and nominees will be evaluated through strict observations and recommendations by authorities in various business sectors.
The event which takes place at the popular Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, will feature top brands in Telecoms, Maritime, Pharmaceuticals and Food & Beverages. Others are Transportation & Logistics, Real Estate, Hospitality, etc.
Captains of industry, Chief Executives of Companies , Government Agencies and customer service experts are expected to grace the occasion.
Gold Sponsors for the event include Trucks Transit Parks Ltd and Global Transport Policy.
Maritime Agencies
Kebbi Customs Command Introduces Health Screening, Mandatory Sports To Ensure Work-life Balance
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In a renewed effort to promote healthy living and wellness of men and officers, a factor that contributes to operational fitness, increased productivity and morale in the workplace, the Kebbi State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently took giant steps to re-introduce routine medical check-ups and mandatory weekly fitness exercises.
The first phase of the physical wellness initiative being promoted by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Chidi Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, aims to promote a work-life balance within the Service.
The programme which the CAC flagged off Thursday at the Command’s premises in Birnin Kebbi saw officers and men of the Command participating in a series of health screening and sporting activities. These included football, basketball, and table tennis all aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle among Customs officers in order to make them fit to carry out their responsibilities.
Speaking at the event, Comptroller Nwokorie reiterated the importance of regular health check-up to determine the physical fitness of men and officers. This is required for them to maintain the alertness and effectiveness
required for Customs duties. He noted that the exercise is not meant to be seen as a burden or an obligation imposed on officers. It is rather a proactive measure put in place to ensure optimal health status which impacts productivity and effectiveness.
Going forward, the Controller stated, medical examinations would be conducted fortnightly, while physical exercise sessions would be held every week without fail. The objective is to strengthen the resilience, agility, and general health of personnel tasked with enforcing Nigeria’s trade laws and combating illicit smuggling activities across the nation’s borders.
The activities concluded with officers engaging in various forms of sports and recreational games, reinforcing camaraderie and team spirit within the Command. This is essential for building a cohesive team that can work together effectively to achieve its goals.
The Kebbi Command’s renewed focus on health and physical fitness comes at a time when security agencies are under pressure to meet growing national border security expectations and anti-smuggling enforcement. By prioritizing the health and well-being of its officers, the Command is demonstrating its commitment to their success.
The Kebbi Customs Command’s initiative, observers say, serves as a model for other security agencies. By prioritizing the health and well-being of officers, agencies can improve their performance and overall effectiveness.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
For posting an impressive revenue performance, the Ogun II Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has been specifically commended with a firm pledge to address operational challenges she is grappling with.
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, made this known, Wednesday, during a working tour of the Command Headquarters in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Bisi Alade described the CGC’s visit as a morale booster for the command’s officers and men.
“Your presence here today Sir,” he remarked, “is not only encouraging but also a strong indication of your commitment to every arm of the Service.”
“It has uplifted the spirit of our officers and reinforced our resolve to deliver on the Service’s mandate with renewed vigour.”
Comptroller Alade disclosed that between January and April, 2025, the Ogun II Command generated a total revenue of ₦15.191 billion, representing a 40 per cent increase compared to the ₦9.165 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2024.
The Ogun II Command, he stated, oversees three Free Trade Zones, 67 excise factories, and one bonded terminal, making it a strategic revenue-generating and industrial oversight zone within the Nigeria Customs Service architecture.
“We shall continue to remain focused, disciplined, and professional in the discharge of our duties, while aligning with the CGC’s reform agenda,” he reaffirmed
The CAC drew attention to several challenges facing the Command, including inadequate operational vehicles, medical laboratory equipment at the Command’s clinic and the need to renovate two 30-man rank-and-file quarters. Others are improved borehole facilities and the installation of a solar power system for the office complex.
In response, CGC Adeniyi commended the Command’s performance and assured that the Service Headquarters would consider the issues raised. He urged officers to prioritise continuous professional development, stressing that competence, knowledge and dedication are essential to enable them to effectively discharge the Service’s responsibilities.
The CGC also praised Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, for leveraging the state’s strategic location as Nigeria’s industrial gateway, particularly in light of its shared border with the Republic of Benin.
“Ogun State is a strategic location in Nigeria, and the Governor is clearly repositioning the state for industrial growth,” Adeniyi remarked.
CGC Adeniyi assured the government and people of Ogun State that the Nigeria Customs Service remains a committed partner in driving the nation’s economic prosperity. He further encouraged Comptroller Alade to deepen collaboration with other security agencies and the state government to achieve
shared goals.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoContainer Movement To Seaports: NPA Meets With APM Terminals, Shipping Lines, for Coordination.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoCG Adeniyi Commends Ogun II Command for Massive Revenue Increase.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoPORTBIZNESS Celebrates Excellence in Customer Service Delivery, Holds Special Awards Night
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoKebbi Customs Command Introduces Health Screening, Mandatory Sports To Ensure Work-life Balance