Maritime Agencies
SAFETY ON WATER: FG Donates Life Jackets To Ogun State Government, Emphasizes Safety
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HE Adegboyega Oyetola, says his Ministry will stop at nothing in her efforts to address incessant loss of lives on the nation’s inland waterways.
The Minister made the pledge, Tuesday, during the handing -over of 3500 life jackets to the Ogun State government for distribution to inland waterway operators in the area as part of a nationwide effort to promote safety awareness and savet lives during navigation.
The Minister who was represented by Dr Mercy Ilori, the Director of Maritime Services in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, said the campaign which is ongoing is part of a deliberate national strategy to institutionalize the culture of safety and the willingness of waterway users to voluntarily submit to safety rules and regulations on the inland waterways.
“This is one of the most comprehensive Federal government responses in recent times to the persistent loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways.
“Consequently, there have been successful handovers of safety life jackets at Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Taraba, and Lagos States.
He said the train was now in Ogun State to sustain the momentum and reveal the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of the people of the State.
“You will all agree with me that the frequency and tragic consequences of boat mishaps across the country are deeply concerning.
It is in recognition of this menace, he stated, that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prioritize life-saving interventions to bring about tangible change.
He stressed that the government’s commitment to end the needless loss of lives on waterways is anchored on strict enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023; continuous public education and sensitization campaigns and provision of critical safety equipment, notably life jackets, to waterway users.
“It is worthy to note that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), a key agency under the Ministry, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this strategy.
“NIWA continues to lead in regulation, monitoring compliance, and supporting education and enforcement efforts on our inland waters,” he remarked.
Accepting the donation, Governor Dapo Abiodun assured the Minister that the life jackets would be equitably distributed to registered operators across the state.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, the Governor stated that safety on the nation’s waterways wasn’t a privilege but a right of everyone in Ogun State.
He also assured that the State is ever willing to support and sustain the momentum of enhanced inland waterways safety.
“Safety on the waterways is not a privilege, it is a right.
” Every life jacket handed over today represents a life potentially saved, a family preserved, and a future secured.
” This initiative aligns with the human capital development pillar of our administration’s ISEYA agenda ensuring that people remain at the heart of our progress.
“Ogun State values the synergy we have fostered with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and applauds their dedication to the development of marine infrastructure, safety standards, and the blue economy as a whole.
He beckoned on waterway users including boat operators, fishermen, and residents of riverine communities to cultivate the habit of using life jackets.
” But more importantly, the knowledge and awareness you will gain from this sensitization effort will serve as your daily companion, protecting you and helping you protect others.
“Ogun State hereby assures the Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy and NIWA that these life jackets will be equitably distributed to verified and recognised operators across the state’s waterways, from Iwopin to Ebute-Ero, from Agbara to Tongeji, Imakun Omi to Ode-Omi, and other active riverine corridors.
” A strict monitoring and maintenance protocol will be enforced to ensure sustainability and accountability.”
The State Governor, however, warned that State actors would not allow preventable tragedies define the nation’s waterways
“As we continue to embrace innovation and development in transportation, we must also embrace accountability and responsibility.
“Let us not allow preventable tragedies to define way of life, let us instead champion the principles of safety, respect for life, and collective vigilance.”
In his.submission,the Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji recalled several tragic incidents that claimed lives in hundreds and warned that the issue of safety on the inland waterways cannot be overstressed.
“The issue of safety can never be over-emphasized. In June 12, 2023, a wooden boat carrying wedding guests returning from a marriage ceremony from Niger State capsized in Jeva Channel Lake, in River Niger in Kwara State, owing to overloading and a submerged tree.
“The boat was reported to be carrying over 200 guests despite having the capacity of carrying just less than 100 passengers.
“More than 200 lives were lost, among which a father and four of his children were involved. So you can imagine the kind of tragedy that befell the family.
“Again, in October 1, 2024, a wooden boat carrying mostly women and children traveling for religious festive occasions capsized in Niger State.
“The boat was reported to be carrying over 300 passengers even though it has the capacity of carrying less than 100 passengers. More than 100 lives were lost.”
NIWA Managing Director, who was represented by Engr. Elsie Egwuatu, Head of Marine at the Lagos Area Office, observed that in the respective cases the boats were heavily overloaded, sailed at night without the proper navigational aids and conveyed passengers without life-jackets.
“So if you think safety is expensive, try disaster. Over 90 percent of accidents that happen on our waterways are caused by human error.
“In most cases, it is caused by captain’s negligence. The newly gazetted Marine and Transport Regulations Codes, which spells out offences and punishments, ranging from fine to imprisonment, mandates the compulsory use of life jackets for all waterways users sailing on our waterways,” she added.
Also speaking, the National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Alhaji Tarzan Balogun called for intensified regulatory efforts to prioritize safety and infrastructural development on Nigerian waterways.
Alhaji Balogun commended the government for its efforts in promoting safety across the country’s inland waterways, even as he assured that the life jackets would be used judiciously.
“There must be a firm policy — no life jacket, no entry. I’ve witnessed several cases where passengers refuse to wear them. That should not be allowed. Safety must come first,” he said.
Balogun also praised the federal government, particularly President Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, for their commitment to maritime safety and for recognizing the importance of life-saving gear in water transport.
“If you’re drunk or perceived to be a threat to others onboard, operators must have the authority to refuse you entry.
” There is also the problem of bringing animals onboard, especially dogs who can scare passengers onboard and make boats capsize,” he stated.
Balogun also called on the Ogun State Government to emulate Lagos by setting up a dedicated waterways authority and constructing jetties in collaboration with local boat operators.
Maritime Agencies
Seme Customs Hits Big: Intercepts 10,000 Bags of Expired Flour, Cannabis; Facilitates 53, 989.47MT Exports in A Month
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
“Guided by the CGC’s commitment to transparency and modernisation, the Seme Area Command has intensified efforts to simplify procedures, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and ensure that legitimate traders enjoy the full benefits of Customs modernisation and regional integration along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor”.
Comptroller Wale Adenuga, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Seme Border Command gave this reaffirmation at the Seme-Krake border, Thursday, as he gave a rundown of recent exploits in revenue generation, anti-smuggling and trade facilitation.
In the month of September, 2025, the Command generated ₦1,500,029,233.88 in contrast to ₦531,462,332.45 collected in the corresponding period of 2024. This represents an increase of over 182%
Talking of exports, Seme Command facilitated the movement of 53,989.46 metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value of ₦7,969,376,198.78 even as the total Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) realization was ₦39,868,354.42.
The most significant seizure achieved through
credible intelligence and strong inter-agency collaboration was that involving five (5) trucks conveying a total of 10,000 bags of expired flour originating from Egypt, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1,210,300,000.00. The interception pulled through following a joint operation with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
Other seizures include 1,104 parcels of Cannabis Sativa and 120 packs of tramadol (120mg) seized alongside two suspects handed over to the NDLEA Seme Command on October 7th, 2025 for further investigation.
After a sting operation at sea, the Nigerian Navy seized over 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) and handed same over to Customs.
Other seizures showcased by Comptroller Adenuga were 150 bales of second-hand clothing,169 bottles of DSP Cough Syrup with Codeine and 5 used vehicles.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) for all seizures stands at ₦1,999,093,429.00.
Accepting the seized drugs on behalf of the DG of NAFDAC, the Seme Area boss, Dr Nurudeen Audu recalled that his agency has continued to synergise with the NCS in protecting the nation’s economy and checking the illegal entry of dangerous and expired pharmaceuticals into Nigeria. He added that “seized food items are usually sent to our laboratory at Oshodi for testing before they are allowed to be sold or taken to the internally displaced persons camps for distribution”.
On behalf of the leadership of the NDLEA, Ajoku Rita, Controller of Narcotics, said of the seized tramadol and cannabis sativa: “we are working together assiduously to make sure that these illegal drugs do not come in to wreck havoc on our youths”.
Concerning the means of conveyance of the seized items, Comptroller Adenuga assured of plans to dispose them soon as the CGC is averse to any kind of wastage.
Earlier in the week, the CAC hosted
traditional and youth leaders, sister-security agencies in the Seme-Krake border area, cross-border agencies from Benin Republic and the press to discuss the issue of numerous checkpoints along the busy Lagos -Badagry trade corridor and the need to reduce these as much as possible to enhance free movement and trade facilitation. He reported that within a short notice, stakeholders and various agencies complicated were already cooperating to ease movement of people and legitimate goods.
As far as the Nigeria Customs is concerned, he announced, only two checkpoints are approved on the Mile 2 to Seme border trade route. These are Agbara and Gbaji. However, there are one or two points where roving customs officers are sighted strictly for intervention and reinforcement. These are not answerable to Seme Command.
’Only God Is Wise’ bonded terminal under the supervision of the Command was inspected as the CAC directed.
According to the facility manager, Mr Adetoun Abidemi, the terminal which the command conceived began operations in 2019 for the purpose of improving trade facilitation.
Adetoun noted that the terminal handles general services and that examination of cargoes is presently done at 100%. He disclosed that for now, the terminal is operating at very low capacity as a result of low patronage. Abidemi called on all importers and exporters to use the bonded terminal facility while processing their cargoes.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
With the recent unveiling of ‘MV Dragon’ by Clarion Shipping West Africa Ltd, a home-grown shipping outfit, there are clear signs that the glorious days of indigenous shipping have come to birth in Nigeria if the tempo can be sustained.
Licensed Customs Agent and Coordinator, ‘Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers and Exporters Coalition’, Chief Patrick Osita Chukwu disclosed this in Apapa, Lagos, Tuesday, during a road walk organized by his group in conjunction with other freight forwarders and concerned players in the shipping industry.
The procession which marched through Creek Road, Burma Road and Wharf Road and back to the popular Nnewi Building area of Apapa under a heavy downpour was to sensitize the public and raise needed awareness on the need for relevant authorities to intensify action on the development of indigenous shipping in Nigeria. The foot-dragging, Chief Chukwu noted, must stop in the interest of Nigeria and the good of her image worldwide.
Chief Chukwu recalled with great nostalgia the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) Ltd which became defunct years back. He said the indigenous shipping company with many ocean-vessels on her fleet ran aground following monumental mismanagement on the part of the authorities. The NNSL operated intercontinental shipping but later became defunct after which there no longer existed any proper indigenous shipping companies in the real sense of it till date.
But now Clarion Shipping West Africa Ltd has acquired ‘MV Dragon’, he said, it is a dream-come-through other entrepreneurs in shipping should hook up with for their business interests and the image of Nigeria as a maritime nation. “It is a first for indigenous shipping in Nigeria”, Chukwu announced.
After the road walk…..
’MV Ocean Dragon’ is to engage in trans- shipping cargoes from the Lagos ports to other Nigerian ports as well as for regional shipping along the West African coast.
Clarion Shipping has also acquired a second vessel for intercontinental shipping. It is on its way to Nigeria to commence operations. The vessel, a 1,149 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) container carrier will facilitate shipping between China and Nigeria to help bring in part of the 38% annual imports destined for Nigeria.
Speaking after the road show, Solomon Ogudo, Clarion Shipping’s Regional Manager, South-east Nigeria, said: “The addition of the vessel is geared towards solving most of the myriad of problems in the movement of cargoes within the country and the West African region”.
“One gets incentives of having $500 on every 40 footer container that you book with them and $300 on every 20 footer container booked with them”.
He promised that delays in cargo clearing would be substantially reduced by as much as 4 to 6 days.
Clarion Shipping being a wholly Nigerian-owned entity, Ogudo assured, there is no place for repatriation of funds as everything would be recycled in-country.
Maritime Agencies
TRADE FACILITATION: Seme Customs Hosts Joint Border Stakeholders’ Engagement To Deepen Cordial Relationships.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Monday, hosted a well-attended Joint Border Management stakeholders’ engagement to discuss major impediments to free flow of trade. In attendance were the Chargè d’affaires of the Nigeria Embassy to Benin republic, heads of sister security agencies such as the Air Force, Navy and the Nigerian Army. Others were heads of paramilitary agencies such as the Police, Immigration, Nigerian Quarantine Service, Federal Road Safety Corps including traditional rulers and various community heads. Freight forwarders and others attended and participated in the robust engagement. The Benin Republic Customs, traditional rulers and representatives of business communities along the trade corridor also recorded an impressive attendance.
The parley which was largely interactive was in pursuant of a standing mandate by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, that all identified impediments to free flow of trade are eradicated in line with the extant laws and ECOWAS protocols of free movement of goods and persons.
In his opening remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga described the Seme-Krake border as strategic to trade in the West African sub region as it plays a critical role in intra- African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The border post, he explained, holds great economic potentials to the benefit of citizens and traders from the two nations that share historic, cultural and trade relationships dating back to the pre-independence era.
Top on the list of identified impediments to trading along the corridor was the persistent presence of uncountable checkpoints mounted by state actors and non-state actors alike .
CAC Adenuga (centre) in a group photograph with traditional rulers, heads of security agencies and others.
In his presentation, Deputy Controller of Immigration Joseph Orji, who stood in for Peter Aduche, Head, Lagos State Border Patrol Team, attempted an explanation of their presence on the road, explaining that in the line of duty, Immigration deals with human beings. However, he admitted, it will be best for everyone to work with the fear of God. And when this happens, seamless trade facilitation takes place.
Chief Tunde Diro, a representative of the Akran of Badagry vocally condemned the multiplicity of checkpoints within short distances along the Badagry-Seme road and said it is disgraceful. A case in point Gbaji after the long bridge.
He deplored a situation where overlap of same functions exists with agencies and even non-state actors working at cross purposes to embarrass tourists and others on legitimate business.
Speaking, Hon Joseph Agoro, a community chief, equally deplored the level of harassment that commuters suffer in the hands of different agencies along the route insisting it was high time the menace was addressed. He lamented the level of indiscipline some officers exhibit and demanded urgent action. “Show us some respect and we shall return to you”, he declared.
Most speakers condemned the use of rude and insolent camp boys by different agencies to harass and extort money along the corridor. To overcome this, they advocated continuous training and inter-agency meeting. For instance, they lamented frequent unreasonable demands by some officers of the Nigerian Quarantine Service, an act that is crippling commodity trading businesses.
Contributing on behalf of the ECOWAS Business Forum, Mrs Omotola Amani focused on sexual harassment of the opposite sex who strive to grow their businesses along the corridor.
Other speakers called on various agencies to expand employment of the youths as a way to control restiveness. They also asked Customs to revive the abandoned Customs Secondary School project in Badagry as part of her corporate social responsibility.
Captain H.I. Maidugu of the Nigerian Air Force recalled that some unscrupulous persons use the corridor for human trafficking. Often times, many girls about to be trafficked have been intercepted at checkpoints. He announced that notwithstanding, any of his officers caught in dismeanour would always face stiff sanctions.
In the end, Comptroller Wale Adenuga itemised some of the resolutions which he promised to escalate to appropriate authorities for consideration. These included a reduction in the number of checkpoints along the route to make the corridor more business-friendly.
On employment, he made it clear that selection for Customs job is purely merit -based. External influence plays no role. He promised that Customs would revitalise the abandoned school project.
CAC Adenuga called on entrepreneurs top establish industries to tap into the abundant coconut in the area for the making of finished products as this would create job opportunities for the indigenous people especially the youths.
The engagement encouraged Nigerians and other nationals to get their National Identification Cards to avoid cases of embarrassment while transiting along the corridor.
The usual monthly inter-agency meeting, the CAC assured, is to be strengthened to deepen and expand the existing synergy.
He advised various communities to try to cooperate with all government agencies while their legitimate complaints would be addressed.
Comptroller Adenuga stressed that any officer or non-state actor caught impeding free movement of persons and goods that have met all formal conditions shall be arrested and prosecuted.
He urged all travelers and traders to bring their complainants to him directly or call the PRO for immediate and prompt action.
Truck examination, he said, shall be conducted at the designated examination bays to streamline the process of importation into Nigeria from the neighbouring country.
Head of Benin Customs at the Krake border, Lt. Col Arnaud Midgrokan, who doubles as Co-Chair of the JBP, appreciated Comptroller Adenuga for the meeting and expressed optimism that the engagement would open avenues to solutions for all identified challenges.
He promised cooperation and regular collaboration with his Nigerian counterpart to promote lawful commercial activities and continually ensure zero compromise to the joint agreements of both countries.
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