Maritime Agencies
NIWA MANAGEMENT RETREAT: Oyebamiji Tasks Staff on Improved Revenue Drive, Accountability
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Management and staff of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have been charged to show renewed commitment to service especially in efforts to boost revenue generation, accountability and improved operational efficiency in the regulatory agency.
NIWA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Hon Bola Oyebamiji made the call, Friday, while declaring open the 2025 management retreat of the agency in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The Managing Director who stressed the need for improved performance across all NIWA offices, particularly in revenue generation, expressed concern over the underperformance of some area offices, citing cases where annual revenue figures were as low as one or two million naira.
“This situation is simply unacceptable. Despite management’s provision of resources, incentives, and training opportunities, the expected results were not achieved. Moving forward, stricter measures will be enforced to ensure accountability and drive performance,” Oyebamiji stated.
The Managing Director frowned at the situation whereby many area managers failed to cooperate with the debt recovery consultant appointed in 2024.
“In some instances, debtors were either untraceable or provided inconsistent financial records, making recovery efforts difficult. “This negative attitude towards financial accountability will no longer be tolerated,” he warned.
The retreat, which brings together key stakeholders including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Chairman, House Committee on inland waterways, the NIWA Board, management staff, and security personnel, aims at providing a comprehensive review of the agency’s 2024 performance and establish strategic targets for 2025.
With new government directives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the leadership of the Minister, Gboyega Oyetola, NIWA has been tasked with additional responsibilities.
These include increased revenue remittances from the port development levy in addition to the existing 50% revenue deduction at source.
Others are improved service delivery to meet the expectations of the general public and stakeholders in the maritime sector and an
enhanced collaboration with sister agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to improve efficiency.
Oyebamiji emphasized that beyond reviewing past performance, the retreat would also focus on capacity building and teamwork to ensure that every officer is well-equipped to meet the set goals.
“This retreat is not just about evaluating past performance; it is about strategizing for the future. I encourage all participants to engage actively, exchange ideas, and work collectively towards making NIWA a leading agency in the Marine and Blue Economy sector,” he concluded.
The two-day retreat will feature panel discussions, training sessions, and interactive engagements aimed at strengthening NIWA’s operational framework and fostering a culture of efficiency, accountability, and innovation.
As part of efforts to strengthen the agency’s resolve to enforce safety regulations on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the forum committed General Managers and Area Managers to a performance bond with the Managing Director to eradicate the frequency of boat mishaps which is becoming a national embarrassment.
To further strengthen emergency preparedness, the NIWA MD also inaugurated an Emergency Response Committee tasked with swift interventions in the event of any maritime incidents. The committee will work closely with stakeholders to ensure rapid response and proactive measures to mitigate risks on the waterways.
Maritime Agencies
NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW: Anti-Corruption Group Hosts Seminar To Tackle Envisaged Risks.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
To deepen public understanding of the National Single Window (NSW), the Federal Government’s flagship trade facilitation initiative, an anti-corruption group, Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI), in conjunction with Hynek Media, is set to hold a one-day enlightenment seminar in Lagos on the theme “National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure”.
To feature also are sub-themes which include Transparency in Single Window Project – A Key to Sustainability and
Inter-Agency Rival-Free Collaboration for NSW Success.
Billed for April 15, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa GRA, the seminar brings together policymakers, regulators, private sector leaders and civil society to discuss what experts describe as tamper-proof strategies for the effective implementation of the NSW.
As stated in a release by Funso Olojo and Pastor John Iwori, secretary and media/publicity chief of the NGO respectively, the seminar will be chaired by Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju, Chairman of the Customs Consultative Committee, with Hon. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), as Co-Chairman.
Other high-profile participants expected include Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Customs Comptroller -General as guest of honour, Tola Fakolade, Director, National Single Window (Special Guest of Honour) , Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, MD, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Dr. Dayo Mobereola, DG, NIMASA. Others are Dr. Pius Akutah, ES/CEO, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) , Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, Acting MD, NIWA and
Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, MD, Lagos Free Trade Zone .
The NSW is designed to streamline and centralize importation and exportation processes as well as transit documentation in order to reduce duplication while enhancing transparency.
Projections are that the initiative could cut transaction costs by up to 25% and boost government revenue by as much as 20 %.
Event Highlights will feature insights from Customs controllers, freight forwarders’ associations, indigenous terminal operators, and regulators, alongside perspectives on the Lagos Free Zone Green Channel initiative.
Organizers say the seminar will provide a rare opportunity to align government agencies, private operators, and civil society around a shared vision for a seamless trade ecosystem.
However, experts warn that Nigeria’s history of reform failures underscore the need for robust implementation safeguards.
Maritime Agencies
ICTN: FG Gives Shippers’ Council Nod for a Roll-Out, Agencies Sign Performance Bonds.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
A presidential nod to commence the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) has been granted the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
Disclosing this in Lagos, Thursday, Executive Secretary of the NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah confirmed that already work is in progress to consolidate the procurement processes needed.
Dr Akutah was speaking during the Ministerial Management Retreat and the 2026 first quarter stakeholders’ engagement.
“We have already obtained approval from the President to proceed with the procurement process, and that process is ongoing,” Akutah said.
He explained that while the Nigerian Ports Authority is spearheading the deployment of the Port Community System (PCS), the NSC has been mandated to drive the ICTN, a complementary initiative aimed at enhancing cargo tracking and trade transparency.
Akutah acknowledged the troubled history of the ICTN in Nigeria, describing its past implementation attempts as “checkered,” but expressed confidence that the current administration is determined to avoid previous pitfalls.
According to him, the minister is taking deliberate steps to ensure that the project is executed seamlessly and does not suffer the repeated suspensions that hampered earlier efforts.
“The Minister is taking all the necessary steps to ensure that the implementation under his leadership will not be suspended,” he added.
He further revealed that the Council is intensifying efforts to resolve outstanding operational and stakeholder concerns ahead of the full rollout, expected before the end of 2026.
When fully operational, he assured, the ICTN is expected to significantly improve cargo visibility while strengthening regulations.
Speaking at the event which featured the signing of the traditional performance bonds between the Minister and agencies under him, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola warned heads of agencies that performance would no longer be evaluated by intentions but by verifiable results.
Dr Oyetola emphasised that all Departments and Agencies under the Ministry must remain firmly focused on delivering tangible results. These agencies include the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. Others are the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria.
Performance bonds signed at the retreat, the Minister explained, were binding commitments that would be rigorously monitored.
“These are not ceremonial documents. They are binding commitments. Accountability will not be optional,” he declared.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, says the Electronic Ports Access Call-up System, otherwise known as ETO, is a critical intervention system designed to address persistent disruptions in port logistics that have previously hampered operations while negatively affecting port users and port area residents.
Developed in partnership with Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP), the ETO system established a structured framework for truck movement scheduling and access to the ports, significantly reducing congestion and improving traffic flow within Apapa.
Dr Dantsoho made this clarificatio in Lagos, Tuesday, during an interactive session with the press. He explained that the NPA has intensified efforts to advance the Port Community System (PCS) even as it embarks on a comprehensive review of the ETO itself.
NPA MD who was represented by Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the Agency’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, said the noticeable improvement in travel time and accessibility into Apapa is a testament to the system’s impact. Routes previously battling with traffic gridlock are now more navigable.
With the initial contract for the ETO now expired, he disclosed that the system is undergoing a detailed assessment to identify operational gaps, address stakeholder concerns, and strengthen the efficiency. Such reviews, he added, are routine and necessary to ensure optimal performance and sustainability.
He, however, assured that the ETO remains operational under interim arrangements to avoid any disruption to current port activities, underscoring its continued relevance in daily port operations.
The ongoing review, being carried out in collaboration with TTP is expected to produce a reformed operational model aligned with the NPA’s broader digitalisation agenda. At the centre of this agenda is the Port Community System (PCS), an integrated digital platform aimed at linking all stakeholders within the port value chain.
Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
The PCS, NPA stated, will harmonise multiple standalone systems currently operated by different agencies and service providers into a single interface, enabling seamless data exchange, improved coordination and enhanced operational efficiency.
Dantsoho noted that the transition to a Port Community System reflects global best practices, where interoperability among stakeholders drives transparency and efficiency. While acknowledging minor integration challenges, he expressed confidence that ongoing collaboration among stakeholders will come to the rescue.
On ports concession renewal, the NPA boss acknowledged that several agreements have expired but explained that the Federal Government is prioritising a thorough review process before granting fresh renewals. He said the objective is to address legal issues and establish more balanced and effective agreements.
He noted concerns raised by some operators over the uncertainty but maintained that interim extensions granted by the government signal a commitment to maintaining stability while detailed reforms are concluded.
The Authority also pointed to the complexities of deploying digital platforms such as ETO and PCS in emerging port corridors like Lekki, where operational control is shared among multiple stakeholders. He noted that, unlike Apapa, implementation in Lekki requires broader alignment among private investors and government institutions in the business corridor.
Dantsoho assured that port operations will continue seamlessly throughout the review period, expressing optimism that the outcome will consolidate the gains of the ETO while ushering in a more integrated and efficient system under the PCS framework.
He added that the next phase of digital transformation will position Nigeria’s ports for greater efficiency, improved stakeholder collaboration, and enhanced global competitiveness.
NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW: Anti-Corruption Group Hosts Seminar To Tackle Envisaged Risks.
ICTN: FG Gives Shippers’ Council Nod for a Roll-Out, Agencies Sign Performance Bonds.
NPA Deepens Digitalization,Targets Port Community System As ETO undergoes Review.
Nigeria Canvasses Regional Co-operation, Investment Drive at Liberia Fisheries Summit.
PORTS MODERNIZATION, NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW TO TACKLE PORTS CHALLENGES, Says NPA MD.
Oyetola Welcomes EU Delegation, Urges Stronger Role Against Illegal Fishing, Maritime Crimes in the GoG.
Maritime Journalists’ Group, MARAN, Set To Honour Her Past Leaders.
Tincan Customs Posts Over N120.4bn in February, 2026, A Huge Leap Above the February 2025 Records.
TRADE FACILITATION: FG Unveils National Single Window To Encourage Coordinated and Technology-Driven Trade System.
NIMASA Collaborates With KAIPTC To Empower West African Women For Digital Participation In Maritime Sector.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, 2026: NIMASA Commits To Women Inclusion in Maritime Sector.
Apapa Customs Hits Smugglers Hard After CGC’s Visit, Intercepts ₦3.398 Billion Codeine Syrup In 5 Days.
MAN, Oron, Pushes Actualization of Her Mandate Beyond Nigeria, Seeks Strategic Partnership with Liberia Maritime Training Institute
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DOUBLE CAPTAIN!
NPA’s 2025 Operational Performance Report Validates FG’s Economic Diversification Initiatives.
Dedication To Service Earns NIWA’s Engr Sarat Braimah the Nelson Mandela Pan African Leadership Award.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
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APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
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HALF YEAR, 2024: Apapa Customs Nets ₦1.024 Trillion, Records 143% Increase.
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoApapa Customs Hits Smugglers Hard After CGC’s Visit, Intercepts ₦3.398 Billion Codeine Syrup In 5 Days.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoINTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, 2026: NIMASA Commits To Women Inclusion in Maritime Sector.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoTincan Customs Posts Over N120.4bn in February, 2026, A Huge Leap Above the February 2025 Records.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoOyetola Welcomes EU Delegation, Urges Stronger Role Against Illegal Fishing, Maritime Crimes in the GoG.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNIMASA Collaborates With KAIPTC To Empower West African Women For Digital Participation In Maritime Sector.
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