Maritime Agencies
PMAWCA Changes Leadership, Elects Dr Dantsoho, NPA MD, As Chairman
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
For the first time in history, a Nigerian in the person of the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho was, last Wednesday, elected Chairman of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA).
The election which took place in Conakry, Guinea, marked the high point of the closing ceremony of the 44th annual council and 19th roundtable of Directors-General of PMAWCA.
Describing his election as a special honour bestowed on Nigeria, the NPA MD said the recognition represents a turning point in the efforts of West and Central African maritime nations towards achieving global competitiveness and efficient delivery of world-class services.
Nigeria’s commitment to revolutionize her maritime industry, he explained, has featured major reforms in critical segments of the industry. The segments where these reforms are taking place include port rehabilitation and modernisation, infrastructure, digitisation and automation aimed at boosting operational efficiency as well as revenue generation.
The measures are also designed to complement efforts of the federal government to diversify her revenue base and focus on non-oil exports as an alternative source of income.
“It is with great honour and privilege that I stand before my friends from the countries of West and Central Africa today to accept the mantle of leadership of our great association, PMAWCA, and to serve as its Chairman”, Dantsoho said.
“I would like to seize this occasion to affirm Nigeria’s will and determination clearly demonstrated by the Hon Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to sustain the momentum established by my predecessor Mr Martin Boguikuoma, Managing Director, Gabon Ports Authority and to continue to put all efforts needed in order to further consolidate the economic cohesion of the region and to actualize the interests of member-ports,” he added.
“Therefore, I will be seeking your usual cooperation and advice in helping to ensure that we continue to develop the maritime sector in our various countries and the West and Central African sub-region in general.”
He recalled deliberations at the Board of Directors meeting especially regarding the need to relocate the PMAWCA headquarters to a more visible and befitting place in Lagos, Nigeria, the training needs of the Association and the PCS and said that these are dear to his heart. He promised to do his best to achieve the goals.
Congratulating Dantsoho on his election, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E.Adegboyega Oyetola, said his election lays credence to the fact that efforts to turn around the port economy in Nigeria is being recognized by global stakeholders.
Oyetola said the recognition will further enhance Nigeria’s efforts to reclaim her global maritime relevance under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The political will of the President to create the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, he observed, is a monumental step towards harnessing the vast and untapped potentials of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
President Tinubu’s decision to create the new ministry not only demonstrates his deep understanding of the economic possibilities of the sector, but also a clear indication of his political will to ensure that Nigeria reclaims her rightful place as a key maritime player globally.
“The maritime industry has the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy, create jobs, and improve livelihoods. With our rich coastline and strategic location, the country is well positioned to become a key hub for maritime activities in Africa. The creation of this Ministry therefore reflects the government’s commitment to building a future where the blue economy plays a major role in national prosperity.”
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), the security outfit keeping surveillance over oil and gas installations and other critical assets in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, has secured an approval to deliver a technical lecture on Drone Security at the 2026 edition of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). This lecture will spotlight the use of drone technology in offshore oil platform protection.
The presentation, scheduled for next year’s global gathering of energy innovation will showcase Tantita’s pioneering efforts in leveraging unmanned aerial systems to monitor and secure Nigeria’s vast offshore assets.
Confirming the development, the company’s Executive Director of Technical and Operations, Captain Dr. Warredi Enisuoh, noted that the approval from OTC reflects growing international recognition of Tantita’s operational successes and technological innovation.
Tantita’s lecture will delve into real-time surveillance, threat detection, and collaborative frameworks for maritime security, aligning with OTC’s broader focus on digitalization, sustainability, and cross-sector innovation in offshore energy.
The 2026 conference is expected to attract thousands of global stakeholders, including engineers, policymakers, and investors, offering a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships.
Maritime Agencies
Stakeholders Cry Out, Seek FG’s Intervention To Avoid a Return of Apapa Gridlock.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As renewed tanker and truck build-up begin to show up on the ports access route in Apapa, there are strong indications that the infamous traffic gridlock that once crippled business activities in Apapa and environs is gradually resurfacing, threatening to paralyze movement and port operations once again.
Port workers now battle renewed evening congestion as truckers and tankers swarm the port access roads daily, preventing other road users from seamless transit.
Investigations by the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMI) reveal that while Apapa roads remain relatively free during the day, a long trail of trucks begins forming by evening from both the Costain and Mile 2 entry points.
From the Ijora-Olopa Bridge to Apapa and from Coconut Bus Stop to Tin Can Island’s gates, trucks line up in droves, allegedly paying between N30,000 and N50,000 to secure a spot in the queue.
Officials of key government agencies, investigations show, are complicit in the illegal toll collection as they allegedly look the other way as the situation worsens.
These agencies include the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Police.
The most affected areas include Wharf Road, Warehouse Road, Commercial Road, Burma Road, and Creek Road.
Speaking on the development, Moses Fadipe, former National Coordinator of the Port Standing Task Team (PSTT), attributed the resurgence to the return of vested interests who previously profited from the chaos. The Lagos State Government, he noted, knows what steps to take to prevent a full-blown crisis.
Martins Enebeli, President of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (NIS) and the Nigerian Licensed Ship Chandlers Association (NILSCA), blamed government insincerity for the relapse.
He urged authorities to prioritise rail transport for cargo evacuation from Lagos ports and to revive Eastern and Delta ports to ease pressure on Apapa.
“Bonded terminals should be relocated far from the ports and connected by rail. Government must stop concentrating port operations in the West while neglecting other regions,” Enebeli stated.
Speaking anonymously, a senior official confirmed that a syndicate involving both state and non-state actors is profiting from the tolls collected from truckers, exacerbating the traffic crisis.
Meanwhile, stakeholders have been unanimous in their call for urgent federal government intervention to dismantle the alleged racketeering network and restore sanity to Apapa’s transport corridors.
Maritime Agencies
CILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following his outstanding contributions to capacity development in maritime education and training in Nigeria’s premier maritime training centre, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Training (CILT), Nigeria, Thursday, conferred special honours on the Acting Rector, Dr Kevin Okonna.
Tagged “Award for Distinguished Leadership in Logistics and Transport”, the conferment was the highlight of the 2025 National Conference and Awards Ceremony of the Institute which took place in Lagos.
Speaking at the event , CILT Nigeria President, Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro, highlighted the Institute’s strategic partnership with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN). She commended Dr. Okonna for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to repositioning the Maritime Academy of Nigeria as a centre of excellence in maritime education in Africa.
“Dr. Okonna has shown exceptional leadership and professionalism in ensuring the Academy continues to meet international standards. His passion and zeal for the development of the Academy is worthy of emulation,” Mrs. Usoro stated.
In his remarks following the conferment of the award, the elated Acting Rector expressed appreciation to CILT Nigeria for the honour. He described it as a call to continue striving for excellence in his service to the maritime industry and the nation in general
“This recognition is deeply appreciated. It is a call to a higher responsibility. This award reflects the collective effort of the Management, Staff, Students and Cadets of the Academy, whose dedication continues to drive our progress.”
”It means that what we do quietly is seen and valued. We’re ready to continue doing more for CILT, the industry and the country as a whole,” he promised.
Dr. Kevin Okonna, a seasoned maritime academic and administrator, has dedicated over thirty years to the service of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. As a lecturer, he assiduously rose through the ranks to clinch the position of Acting Rector.
In ten months since he became the Acting Rector, MAN Oron has recorded significant milestones. His leadership has heralded extensive reforms in firming up on training standards, infrastructure renewal, upgrade of teaching facilities and restoration of public power supply to the Academy’s campus and environs. Other key areas include the pursuance of ISO Certification for the Academy, development of Conditions and Scheme of Service, development of Courses on Port State Control, enhancement of staff and cadet welfare and many others.
His tenure has also strengthened collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Nautical Institute, UK, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), and other global maritime bodies.
The CILT recognition, industry watchers say, underscores the Acting Rector’s enduring legacy of excellence. It also reinforces the Academy’s stance as Nigeria’s foremost maritime education and training institution.
Distinguished officers of MAN Oron witnessed the CILT conferment on the Acting Rector. These included the Acting Director, School of Maritime Transport Studies, Mrs Theresa Eyo; Senior Lecturers – Mrs Nse Okon, Dr. Imoh Ekpo, Dr. Obot Idopise and Dr. Ufia Friday. Others were the Lagos Liaison Officer, Mrs Dorcas Titilola Imogore and Domo Umoekpe, the Academy’s Head of Public Affairs Department.
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