Maritime Agencies
ORASHI RIVER PORT: Eze Ohanweh Calls For Urgent Dredging and Commissioning To Decongest Lagos Ports.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
HRH Eze Dr Oliver Chinedu Ohanweh, the traditional ruler of Ihim/Isiama Autonomous community of Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State and Chairman, Olinco Transworld Group Ltd, has made a strong case on the need to urgently complete the dredging and operationalization of the Orashi River Port in Imo State.
Eze Ohanweh who spoke through Barr Emeka Iwueze, a Lagos-based lawyer, made the call in his remarks as a special guest and award winner at the 2023 Annual Conference and Awards event held in Lagos, Thursday, by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON).
The notable maritime stakeholder who recalled that at the twilight of the Muhammadu Buhari presidency, then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on May 11, 2023, flagged off the dredging of the Orashi channel aimed at connecting it directly to the Atlantic Ocean which is a mere 18 nautical miles away said here lies a practical solution to the problem of congestion Lagos ports are battling with.
The Obi Gburugburu and paramount ruler of Isiama Kingdom of Isiala-Mbano , Imo State, reminded Nigerians that the 18 nautical miles closeness of Urashi channel to the Atlantic Ocean makes it the nearest of such facility when compared with the Lagos Port of 50 nautical miles and Port Harcourt’s 60 which were dredged and have continued to enjoy maintenance dredging till date to facilitate seamless navigation.
On the imperatives of sighting a seaport in the south east, Eze Ohanweh said the greater number of importers in Nigeria today are Igbos of the Southeast. They haul 60 per cent of all the containers leaving Apapa and Tin-can seaports to the eastern part of Nigeria.
“There is need to facilitate the dredging and construction of the Urashi Seaport in Imo State commissioned in May 2022 by the former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.”
He gave kudos to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State who saw the importance of dredging the seaport to alleviate the sufferings of importers from south east and, by extension, the generality of Nigerians businessmen.
“Urashi Seaport will seamlessly link the Oseakwa Seaport in Ihiala, Anambra State, which will no doubt benefit States such as Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo and Kogi.”
“The sea port, if revived, would not only decongest Lagos. It will provide jobs, increase the revenue base of the federal government as well as have a multiplier effect on the agro and socioeconomic development of the old Eastern Region.
The royal father sounded it loud and clear that anyone or agency directly or indirectly sabotaging the realization of the port is an enemy of the people. He stated that being business people, importers would want to recoup numerous losses they incur and this eventually transfers to higher cost of goods on the already- impoverished Nigerian consumers.
Added to congestion at Lagos ports of Apapa and Tin-Can, Eze Ohanweh explained, movement of goods from Lagos to the Southeastern markets of Onitsha, Nnewi, Aba and Owerri come with much costs following extortion by dishonest law enforcement officers and other agencies, who line the route. These add heavy costs to the goods which the eventual consumers must pay.
On arms proliferation, he said with modern technology such as scanning machines, this could be detected. He also harped on the urgent need to reduce multiple checkpoints often mounted on the road by police and other security agencies. This causes haulage trucks to charge more to recover extortions as well as make up for man-made delays on transit.
For his consistent advocacy on the actualization of the Orashi-Oguta seaport project coupled with numerous strides in the maritime sector, the association bestowed on Eze Ohanweh the prestigious accolade of the 2023 AMJON Excellent Leadership Award.
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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