Maritime Agencies
Oyetola Opens LIMWEEK 2024, Harps On Port Efficiency and Safety
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy Minister, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola says in the maritime world, port efficiency and safety are critical components that can never be overlooked while discussing economic growth, trade and investment.
The Minister stated this in Lagos, Tuesday, while declaring open the 2024 edition of the Lagos International Maritime Week (LIMWEEK) and the Business To-Business Conference and Exhibition with the theme ‘Navigating the Future of Africa’s Marine & Blue Economy – Safety First.’
Improvement in safety and ports efficiency, he explained, top the chart on the responsibilities President Bola Tinubu handed to him to achieve as Minister.
The Minister, who was represented by Mr Chinedu Mbam, Legal Director in the Ministry, added that government was fully committed to drive the modernisation and improvement of the ports and maritime infrastructure.
By upgrading the nation’s ports to global standards, he noted, Nigeria will position herself to become a leader in international maritime trade since ports serve as gateway to prosperity.
“We understand that port efficiency and safety are not options; they are imperatives for unlocking the full potential of the blue economy. This is significant because safety remains the cornerstone upon which all maritime operations and business success rest.”
Through key safety initiatives such as the Deep Blue Project, he explained, Nigeria and, indeed the Gulf of Guinea, have achieved reasonable reduction in maritime crimes such as piracy, sea robbery and smuggling.
Mrs Sofiye Uzor (Centre) receiving the Award on behalf of Engr Greg Ogbeifun.
In his contribution, the Lagos Star Commissioner of Police acknowledged his responsibility to secure the maritime domain, including the intricate inland waterways crucial to Nigeria’s economy and Africa’s broader maritime sector. “The Gulf of Guinea, as many of us are aware of, is both a region rich in resources and a key artery for global maritime trade also faces persistent security challenges. The Nigeria Police, through its Maritime Command, has played a pivotal role in securing our maritime domain. Our mandate extends beyond merely patrolling the waterways. We work hand-in-hand with other national and international agencies to protect vital assets, combat piracy and ensure that our marine environment is safe and secure for all stakeholders.”
The Police boss who spoke through Chief Superintendent of Police Segun Falemara said as a matter of routine, the Police collaborates with NIMASA and other critical stakeholders in joint operations to reduce maritime crimes.
“The Marine Police deploys advanced surveillance techniques, leveraging human intelligence and technological solutions to monitor criminal activities along the waterways.”
“Through regional and international partnerships, we ensure our officers are well trained to address emerging maritime threats and security challenges.”
To achieve reasonable security in the Gulf of Guinea, he suggested a coordinated effort from the component littoral states and international partners.
Nigeria, he recalled, has been at the forefront of fostering regional collaboration to ensure a safer maritime environment.
“Some of these include the AGWE Project and the SWAIM SAR Project.” The AGWE Project anchored by the Interpol is a collaborative programme of five West African states aim at training, mentoring and providing equipment for boosting maritime security while SWAIM (Support to West African Integrated Maritime Security) have enhanced the search-and- rescue capabilities in the Gulf of Guinea.
“These initiatives have improved the region’s ability to swiftly respond to maritime emergencies and criminal activities, fostering safety on our waters”. He explained that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has been invaluable in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea.
“Through UNODC, the Danish government has funded training programmes that have equipped our offices with Visit, Board, Search and Seizures (VIBSS) procedures in conjunction with the Nigerian Navy to combat illegal activities at sea.
On the proliferation of dangerous materials, he said that partnering with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the US International Counter-proliferation Programme, Nigeria has worked to prevent the smuggling of hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction into the Gulf of Guinea. This is a critical step towards ensuring that the blue economy is not compromised by illicit activities that would have devastating environmental and security consequences.
The Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act, 2019, he said, has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s legal framework for tackling piracy and other maritime crimes. “It aligns our national laws with international frameworks and provide the necessary legal backing for prosecuting offenders in Nigeria.”
Through the Harmonized
Standard Operating Procedures (HSOPs), efforts are on to ensure that regional maritime security agencies adhere to harmonized SOPs, ensuring a “legal finish” in prosecuting maritime offenders.
Nigeria participates actively in national and regional maritime security conferences such as the Yaounde Architecture for Maritime Security which facilitates coordination between West and Central African states. Mentoring programmes including training supported by international partners such as the US and European Union have played a key role in improving Nigeria’s operational capabilities. “The Nigeria Police also contributes to the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIM Strategy), comprehensive, concerted, coherent and coordinated approach that improve maritime conditions with respect to environmental and socio-economic development as well as the capacity to generate wealth from sustainable governance of Africa’s blue economy.”
The Police boss assured Nigeria’s commitment to the development of her blue economy through fostering safety and security across her maritime domain.
In his intervention from the perspective of the British Royal Navy, Commander Daniel Waskett, SO2 Marine, disclosed the UK strategy which is to establish long-term and mutually-beneficial partnerships with African nations to build on shared interests for safer, healthier and more prosperous future for all. However, like many nations committed to ensuring a free, secure global common maintenance of international rules-based order and supporting democracy, he stated, the UK is experiencing a time of increased operational demand the Royal Navy is deploying globally at a scale unprecedented for many years.
“Destroyers and Frigates are protecting shipping in the Red Sea to ensure trade can continue freely.”
Highlight of the event, among others, was the conferment of a lifetime achievement award on Engr Greg Ogbeifun, Chairman, Starzs Marine and Engineering Co Ltd.
Maritime Agencies
Tincan Customs Pledges Strong Partnership with the Media, Sues for Total Compliance by Stakeholders.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Tincan Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has restated her resolve to continue to explore ways of empowering the media particularly through structured training, sensitization workshops and capacity-building programmes as it realizes that a well-informed and equipped press will not only enhance the quality of reportage but also strengthen the institutional understanding of Customs operations and challenges.
Tincan Command Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Joseph Anani stated this, Wednesday, while speaking during his maiden engagement with the press following his recent appointment. He charged the press to uphold the highest standards of professionalism while reporting the Command’s activities because responsible journalism is critical to maintaining public trust, preventing misinformation to ensure that the realization of Customs’ collective objectives is not marred by inaccurate or misleading reportage.
He pledged that the Command will not relent in leveraging the ongoing modernization of the Service as part of her forward-looking agenda.
”We are committed to strengthening systems, processes and technology-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and trade facilitation at the port.”
”In line with our new mandate, this administration will uphold total compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.”
”Compliance will be at the heart of our operations and we will continue to enforce the law firmly, fairly and professionally.”
In the area of revenue generation, Comptroller Anani announced that the Tincan Command generated N111.27 billion in the month of May and is poised for a remarkable increase in the commendable trajectory.
”This positive trajectory is a reflection of the dedication of our officers, improved compliance levels and enhanced operational efficiency.”
He promised to consolidate on these gains and, indeed, strive to surpass previous achievements by the preceding administration.
While appreciating the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for the confidence reposed in him to head such a strategic Command, Comptroller Anani extolled his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to reform and reposition the Service for greater efficiency and global competitiveness.
He reaffirmed the Command’s openness, commitment and collaborative approach to constructive engagement with all stakeholders, including the media.
”To further strengthen our relationship with the media, the Public Relations Unit of the Command will be specifically charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all press-related matters receive the priority and attention they deserve. The Unit will maintain a close and continuous interface with members of the press, providing timely information, facilitating access to relevant developments and fostering mutual understanding between the Command and the media. We believe that a strong and professional partnership with the media is essential to achieving our objectives and keeping the public adequately informed about our activities.”
”Together we can ensure that Tincan Island Port Command continues to play its critical role in national growth, trade facilitation and revenue generation.”
Maritime Agencies
Maritime Stakeholders Caution Journalists on Ethical Standards As MARAN Inaugurates New Leadership.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Topmost public relations and events management expert, Mr Bolaji Abimbola has stated that to realize its full meaning as a profession, maritime journalism must showcase accountability, public trust, informed citizenship and ethical reporting as these are indispensable if effective maritime and national development are to be achieved.
Mr Abimbola who is also the Chief Executive Officer, Indigo Integrated Nigeria Ltd made the call in Lagos, Tuesday, during the inauguration of the newly-elected Executive Council of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), an event whose theme was ‘Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development’ ‘.
In attendance were maritime industry leaders including officials of relevant government agencies. Other Industry stakeholders were security agencies, freight forwarders and media practitioners.
Abimbola explained that maritime development encompasses shipping, port operations, fisheries, offshore energy, coastal trade, and the blue economy which massively contribute to the overall national economic growth. For any reporter on the beat, he warned, unethical acts could undermine investor confidence, distort public perception and hinder effective policy implementation.
According to him, inaccurate reports on issues such as port congestion, piracy, and maritime regulations have the potential to discourage investors and shipping operators, while sensational reporting of security incidents could trigger unnecessary panic and misconceptions about the sector.
He urged journalists to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, balance, accountability, and humanity in their reporting, while embracing data-driven and investigative journalism to deepen public understanding of maritime issues.
The public relations guru also identified economic pressures, political interference, safety concerns, and the proliferation of misinformation on digital platforms as some of the major challenges working against ethical journalism in Nigeria.
In his intervention, Mr Emmanuel Maiguwa, Chairman of the occasion and President, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), emphasized the importance of ethical and investigative reportage in promoting transparency, accountability and good governance in the maritime industry.
Journalists, Maiguwa noted, have a critical responsibility to remain committed to factual reporting and continuous professional development in order to maintain public trust and contribute meaningfully to policy reforms and sectoral growth.
Earlier in his inaugural address, the newly sworn-in MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde pledged to build a stronger, more united, and professionally vibrant association capable of responding to the evolving demands of maritime journalism.
He described MARAN as one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected maritime journalism bodies, noting that the association has consistently served as a bridge between industry stakeholders and the public through decades of reforms, economic shifts, and industry transformation.
According to Onigbinde, ethical journalism remains fundamental to maritime development because sustainable growth in the sector depends on credible information, transparency, and accountability.
”As maritime journalists, our duty goes beyond reporting events. We are expected to inform, educate, investigate, analyse and hold institutions accountable. We must resist sensationalism, reject misinformation and ensure that every report we publish is guided by truth, fairness, balance and professionalism,” he stated.
The MARAN President outlined his administration’s priorities, including enhanced capacity building, promotion of investigative and data-driven journalism and the adoption of digital reporting tools. Other priorities include improved welfare for members and stronger engagement with industry stakeholders while maintaining editorial independence.
He called for unity and cooperation among members especially now electioneering campaigns have ended and a new leadership has emerged.
”The elections are behind us. There are no longer camps. There are no factions. There is only one MARAN,” he announced.
Speaking through Godfrey Nwosu, the association’s General Secretary, the National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Chief Tochukwu Emmanuel Ezisi, described ethical journalism as a stabilizing force capable of strengthening the maritime sector.
Responsible journalism, he explained, promotes transparency in port operations, enhances institutional accountability, boosts investor confidence and supports reforms necessary for the growth of the industry.
He urged the newly inaugurated executive council to focus on upholding professional standards, strengthening investigative reporting, deepening stakeholder engagement, embracing digital transformation, and investing in continuous capacity development.
He also reaffirmed NAGAFF’s commitment to collaborating with MARAN in the areas of training, research, information sharing, and advocacy.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Toyin Agbaminoja, represented by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Isaac Hundeyin, highlighted the strategic role of maritime journalists in promoting transparency, accountability, and public understanding of issues affecting the maritime industry.
The police commissioner commended MARAN for its professionalism in reporting security-related developments within the ports environment, noting that the association’s work has contributed significantly to crime prevention awareness and strengthened public confidence in security agencies.
She assured stakeholders that the Command was committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and business-friendly port environment through intelligence-led policing, proactive stakeholder engagement and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
Agbaminoja called on the newly inaugurated executive to build on the achievements of their predecessors while upholding the highest standards of ethics, professionalism and integrity.
The event ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to support ethical journalism as a vital instrument for maritime development, institutional accountability, economic growth, and the advancement of Nigeria’s blue economy.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Come Tuesday, June 23, the newly elected Executive Council of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) will be inaugurated at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos with the theme
’Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development.’
The event scheduled for 10 am is expected to, among others, attract top players in the maritime, shipping, logistics, security and media sectors. Heads of key regulatory agencies and leaders of various maritime associations have also indicated interest to grace the occasion.
Chairman of the occasion is the President of the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), Emmanuel Maiguwa Gankino, while renowned public relations and event management expert, Bolaji Abimbola, will deliver the keynote address.
Among dignitaries expected are the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho and the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barrister Pius Akutah Ukeyima.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, alongside chief executives of maritime agencies, captains of industry, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders and other stakeholders across the maritime value chain will also attend.
Speaking ahead of the inauguration, MARAN President, Comrade Oluyinka Onigbinde, described the event as a defining moment in the association’s quest to deepen professionalism, credibility and responsible maritime reporting.
He said the new executive would focus on strengthening the association through capacity building, constructive engagement and adherence to ethical standards, stressing that responsible journalism remains critical to transparency, accountability and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime industry and the nation’s blue economy aspirations.
Tincan Customs Pledges Strong Partnership with the Media, Sues for Total Compliance by Stakeholders.
Maritime Stakeholders Caution Journalists on Ethical Standards As MARAN Inaugurates New Leadership.
MARAN Makes History June 23 as it Inaugurates New Leadership.
MARAN President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, Bags ‘Maritime Reporter of the Year’ Award.
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Greg Ogbeifun, Warredi Enisuoh, Task FG on Shipping Development as Platform Communications Marks 10th Anniversary.
Capt Warredi Enisuoh Set To Deliver Keynote Speech At 10th AMSAY Conference.
Ports Police Seek Stronger Media Collaboration to Boost Maritime Security.
New MARAN Leadership Set for Inauguration, June 23.
NIMASA Urges Ethical Journalism, Stronger Media Partnership to Drive Blue Economy Growth. …As MARAN condoles agency over staff’s Death.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoPorts Police Seek Stronger Media Collaboration to Boost Maritime Security.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoCapt Warredi Enisuoh Set To Deliver Keynote Speech At 10th AMSAY Conference.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoGreg Ogbeifun, Warredi Enisuoh, Task FG on Shipping Development as Platform Communications Marks 10th Anniversary.
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Maritime Agencies7 days agoMARAN President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, Bags ‘Maritime Reporter of the Year’ Award.
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Maritime Agencies2 days agoMaritime Stakeholders Caution Journalists on Ethical Standards As MARAN Inaugurates New Leadership.
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Maritime Agencies13 hours agoTincan Customs Pledges Strong Partnership with the Media, Sues for Total Compliance by Stakeholders.