Maritime Agencies
PORTS & HARBOURS BILL: MWUN, SSASCGOC Warn NASS, Kick Against Passage into Law
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The renewed attempt by the current national assembly to pass the controversial Ports and Harbours Bill into law has attracted sharp criticisms from the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-owned Companies (SSASCGOC – Maritime Branch). The two industry unions say this move must be halted forthwith because if the bill is passed into law, it will definitely promote insecurity in the maritime domain as well as result into job losses which privatization of harbours, jetties and allied maritime infrastructure would entail.
It will also work against achieving the targeted 5 million jobs which President Bola Tinubu said was one of the major reasons for creating the new Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.
Prince Adewale Adeyanju, the MWUN President-General and Comrade Akin Bodunde, his SSASCGOC Maritime Branch counterpart, raised the alarm in a joint conference in Lagos, Monday.
The duo strongly advised President Bola Tinubu to distance himself from the surreptitious move borne out of selfish political interests of certain
people who do not have the interest of the larger majority at heart.
The group recalled that in the 8th National Assembly, concerted efforts made to pass the controversial bill into law were scuttled when the two in-house unions, stakeholders and well- meaning Nigerians who felt concerned about the negative implications of such a legislation intervened.
“We wish to note that this said bill, if passed into law, will have grave consequences on the security of the nation as it will cede harbour, jetty and terminal operations into private hands.”
The groups condemned unpatriotic individuals within the maritime sector hell bent on appropriating the country’s common wealth and cornering same into their pockets and those of their cronies.
“We would have thought that given our persistent cries and various notices pointing to the deplorable state of our sea ports, decrepit state of ports access roads, collapsing quay aprons and general failure of infrastructure within our ports, the focus of the 10th National Assembly would have been to find solutions to the myriad of problems bedeviling our ports, terminals, jetties and oil and gas platforms and even the need to dredge all the ports, particularly Calabar, Warri, Onne, etc for increased efficiency.”
The unions condemned those they described as clandestinely and recklessly seeking to misappropriate public infrastructure through unfriendly legislation for the benefit of individuals whose only interest is capital accumulation and not the good of the general public.
The groups expressed worry that sponsors of the bill have outrightly ignored demands to call to order the international oil companies operating in the sovereign territorial economic zones and snobbishly refusing to obey extant maritime regulations, standards and laws. Rather, these legislators find it expedient to sit in the comfort of their hallowed chambers pushing for laws that will be detrimental and inimical to the welfare and wellbeing of the working class, Nigerians and national security.
“This is certainly not the right way to go as this ploy by these selfish individuals in the maritime sector will cause chaos and anarchy in the industry which has enjoyed sustained peace since the idea of projecting the harsh bill was killed in 2018 will not be allowed to come to fruition,” the joint house unions warned the Executive, National Assembly and the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The groups say that if passed into law, it will endanger the productivity of port users, non-pensionable employments that cannot be transferred and without access to terminal benefits.
“This is the height of inconsideration by the proponents of the bill to the rights of workers to necessary payments for services rendered by a worker in accordance to known laws, industrial relations practice, equity and good conscience.”
MWUN and SSASCGOC vowed never to fold their hands and allow few unpatriotic Nigerians within the industry to corner the command wealth and render the sector unproductive via an infamous bill that will create poverty, hopelessness and hunger while generating bitterness among the already-impoverished workers and Nigeria citizens.
The groups expressed absolute confidence in the NPA Act as it currently relates to the Nigerian state and welfare of workers in the sector.
Maritime Agencies
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In continuation of the campaign against illegal trafficking of wild life and endangered animal species, the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a consignment of endangered wildlife species, including one lion cub and two patas monkeys. This followed a stop-and-search operation along the Badagry–Seme Expressway.
A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman says the interception occurred at about 2:19 a.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2025, when operatives stopped a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA at Gbaji.
Upon inspection, officers discovered the animals whose cross-border transportation was a clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws.
Two suspects — Mathew Kofi, a Beninoise national and Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian — claimed ownership of the animals and admitted to purchasing them in Kano with the intention of conveying them to Benin Republic.
The Command immediately confiscated the animals in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The suspects were detained for further investigation to determine their level of involvement in wildlife trafficking.
Formally handing over the lion cub and monkeys to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for proper handling, the Customs Area Controller , Comptroller Wale Adenuga, represented by Deputy Comptroller A.Y.Mohammed, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws, environmental conservation and border security.
“We will continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure that the illegal trade in endangered species is decisively curtailed,” he stated.
He said the interception underscores Nigeria Customs’ growing role in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting biodiversity, while reinforcing the country’s compliance with international conservation standards.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has been unveiled as the Special Guest of Honour for the official launch of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria’s (MARAN) latest publication, “50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.”
The high-profile event is scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos by 12noon.
According to a statement by the MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, the ceremony will be chaired by former Nigerian Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.
Bivbere noted that the presence of these eminent personalities underscores the book’s relevance to Nigeria’s evolving maritime landscape, particularly as the nation intensifies efforts toward repositioning its marine and blue economy for sustainable growth.
He described the forthcoming book as a “comprehensive compendium” that documents the individuals, agencies, and organisations shaping Nigeria’s maritime transformation.
His words: “This indispensable volume educates industry professionals on the profound history and current opportunities within the sector, spotlighting the people and institutions whose contributions continue to drive national development.
”With the book, readers can discover how the blue economy’s past is paving the way for a promising future.”
The MARAN President explained that the publication is the product of months of rigorous research and editorial work aimed at capturing the achievements and innovations of the 50 most influential drivers in the sector.
He added that the December 4 launch is expected to attract top government functionaries, regulators, shipowners, freight forwarders, terminal operators, scholars, and investors, making it one of the most anticipated gatherings of maritime leaders in recent years.
Bivbere assured that arrangements are in top gear to deliver a befitting event that celebrates excellence, professionalism, and service to the nation’s maritime advancement.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In pursuit of her determination to maintain an enviable record of a major revenue earner for the Federal Government, the The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service realized a total of N154.3billion last October.
The Command which has continued to witness focused leadership has also experienced sterling performances in other areas of operations following the introduction of B’Odogwu,the Unified Customs Management System software platform.
According to a release by Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, the Command image maker, the October record shows the second highest revenue generation in a couple of months.
It is recalled that in August when the Command recorded its highest revenue generation so far, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Onyeka said the revenue breakthrough was attributable to the successful deployment of the indigenous B’Odogwu trade platform, a homegrown initiative which has “significantly improved trade facilitation and enhanced revenue performance.”
In August, the Command realized a total of ₦159 billion, an achievement for which officers and men earned special commendation from the CAC. He also gave kudos to stakeholders for displaying heightened commitment in efforts to keep the Command on top of her game.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, for his massive encouragement and recognition of the efforts of the Command.
The Tin Can Island Port Command has fully keyed into the policy of collaboration, consolidation and innovation as espoused by the CGC and this has been a driving force in the activities of the Command this year.
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
Oyetola, Iheanacho, To Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Launch MARAN’s New Book
IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
MAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
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MAN, ORON, Charges Graduating Cadets To Uphold Academy’s Core Values.
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MARAN Launches Major Industry Publication In December
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CILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
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APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
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Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoBADAGRY: Customs Broker Deplores Role of Unapproved Checkpoints As Baggage Maritime Magazine Celebrates
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoPTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoApapa Customs Unveils ECTS To Deepen Trade Facilitation, Boost Revenue And National Security.I
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOCTOBER REVENUE: Apapa Customs Breaks Record, Nets 304Bn In A Month
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