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
Shippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr Pius Ukeyima Akutah has given a guarantee to maritime industry players, particularly shippers, that with a new approach to maritime development being championed by the Council preparatory to the passage of a new ports regulation Act to constitutionally bestow on her the status of the ports economic regulator, a law very important in dealing with all elements of their concerns has been packaged.
Dr Akutah spoke, Thursday, at the sidelines of the 10th Annual Law Week 2025, a colourful event organized by the Nigerian Bar Association, Badagry Branch, at the Gbajabiamila Conference, Centre Lagos State University, Ojo, where he was specially invested as ‘Honorary Life Member of the Heritage Bar’.
”I guarantee Nigerians and, particularly, the maritime sector players, that that law, when it comes into force, is going to protect their investment; is going to set up the standards that everyone will follow, to provide predictability of investment in the sector. So, investors will no longer be afraid of putting their money in that sector because they will be sure that their money will need investment results and returns. So it’s a law that we are waiting for, and I know that the law is meant for the good of the maritime sector in Nigeria.”
He explained that the 1978 decree, now CAPN 133 of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act, is totally a spent law.
“It’s of no use whatsoever in the maritime sector”, he stated.
” We have a new approach to maritime development, and we should have a law that is very important to deal with all the elements that will come up for a regulator like the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.”
”That piece of legislation is very crucial for us to proceed. And I want to thank the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate President for giving attention to that bill when it came before them, and the Minister of Justice for also looking into it. So the two challenges we faced after the bill was passed, those have been cleaned up already, and the bill is back into the National Assembly for a process that will lead to a final assent by Mr. President .
Reacting to suggestions on the need for alternative disputes resolution in maritime matters, Akutah, a lawyer and technocrat of high repute, advocated that the mechanism be made very effective and efficient in tackling maritime disputes.
”Over the years, this has been advocated but not so much has been done yet. But a lot is going on. Even in the court reforms, we have the Admiralty jurisdiction of the Federal High Court which fast-tracks these processes. But yet again, because of certain unforeseen factors in the administration of justice, sometimes those delays are imminent and you can’t help it. But then the issue of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms is very crucial.
He recalled handling the case of a vessel, ‘Heroic Idiom’ as a prosecutor at the Federal Ministry of Justice, securing an out-of-court dispute resolution before being seconded to the Nigerian Shippers Council as Executive Secretary. The vessel, he explained, was accosted in Equatorial Guinea and brought back to Nigeria.
”I was a prosecutor in the case at that time before I left the Ministry of Justice. And then, if I must say, there are some other reforms going on in the Nigerian Shippers Council today. One major reform is in the area of law reform.”
He explained that at the Nigerian Shippers Council, there is a unit that is dedicated to handling maritime disputes.
”I will say that last year alone, that unit was able to resolve cases that would have cost over 6 billion in legal fees and damages and delays and all of that in maritime disputes. So we are doing everything possible to ensure that that mechanism is promoted over and against court resolution of matters so that before any case can go to court, let’s try arbitration. Let’s try any other alternative dispute resolution mechanism that are available to us in the sector..”
”Even in the Ministry of Justice where I was a prosecutor, certain cases were resolved without necessarily going to court. The courts are there. They are actually the last resort.
”When all resolution mechanisms fail, then you can approach the courts because they are statutory institutions to resolve disputes. But that doesn’t mean that individuals cannot resolve disputes by themselves, especially commercial disputes where money is involved, investments are involved in it.
So if you tie down your investments for 10 years, pursuing a legal battle in court, by the time you come back that investment has been dissipated to almost nothing. So we encourage alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to be applied first in handling maritime disputes. Majority of them are commercial disputes, not criminal cases, so to say.
Even in criminal cases, there is room for parties to settle, especially, like I said, where there is a commercial element in it and money is involved. If the parties have agreed to sort out their differences, why do you proceed to court? So this is very important.
Maritime Agencies
MMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Murtala Mohammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Wednesday, said that in eleven months, the Command has already achieved 100.1%, surpassing her annual revenue target for 2025. Customs Area Controller, Comptroller M.T. Awe disclosed this in Ikeja, Lagos, while highlighting the Command’s activities as well as accomplishments in its core responsibilities of revenue generation, trade facilitation and suppression of smuggling as the year ends.
Between January and November 2025, the Command generated a total of N179, 910, 971.00 from customs duties and related charges.
The seized contrabands on display.
” The revenue generated shows a significant improvement over N164, 819, 895, 457:00 that was generated in the corresponding period in 2024. This reflects an outstanding 9.16% increase, amounting to N15, 91, 75, 645: 81 kobo growth.”
”The Command’s exceptional performance within this period,” the CAC explained, “is attributed to the dedication of our personnel, strong collaboration with partner agencies, and continuous engagement with stakeholders.”
”This impressive performance reflects our unwavering commitment to efficiency, transparency and accountability. Our success is driven by enhanced trader compliance, timely monitoring of import transactions, swift detection of irregularities, and deliberate actions taken to eliminate all revenue leakages.”
He extended his heartfelt appreciation to all compliant traders and clearing agents for being cooperative and dedicated.
On anti-smuggling operations, during this period, the Command successfully intercepted and seized the following prohibited items:3pkgs of Colorado CAT Leaf4pkgs of Nigeria Immigration Service uniform materials, 1pkg Two-way Radio Walkie Talkie and 1pkg of TIPPMANN Semi-Automatic 50/68 Calibre Magfed Paintball marker gun. Others were 75pkgs of Pangolin Scales , 1pkg of Elephant Tusk, 2pkgs of Canadian Cannabis Sativa, 6pkgs of 225mg Tramadol Hydrochloride and 17pkgs of unregistered 300mg Pregabalin tablets Others were 5pkgs of unregistered 2mg Sardulud and 50mg Norflex tablets, 6pkgs of 225mg Tramadol Hydrochloride and 523pcs of signed Deutsch Bank and AIB Bank Cheques. The total Duty Paid Value of these seizures is N7, 201, 895, 232:00.
The Command was able to achieve this feat through robust intelligence gathering, strengthened surveillance efforts as well as effective collaboration with relevant partners.
”The Command remains firmly committed to its zero-tolerance stance on smuggling and will continue to enforce all applicable trade laws with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism”.
Comptroller Awe espoused the virtues of strong stakeholder relationships and its role in the Command’s achievements.
”Throughout the period under review, we sustained an open communication and mutual cooperation with all stakeholders and sister agencies. These engagements enabled us to resolve challenges amicably, harmonize procedures, and deepen institutional trust.Together, we created a more conducive environment for legitimate trade while maintaining strict and consistent enforcement against all forms of violations.”
He expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the entire management team for their visionary leadership and unwavering support.
”Their guidance has been instrumental to every accomplishment we have recorded. I equally extend my heartfelt appreciation to the officers and men of the Command. Your dedication, resilience and professionalism have been the backbone of our success”.
He urged them the personnel to continue upholding the Service’ core values of integrity, discipline, and excellence in service delivery.
”To our stakeholders, I remain deeply grateful for your patience, understanding and cooperation. You have been true partners in progress, and your contributions have strengthened our collective efforts”.
Murtala Muhammed Area Command, he emphasized, remains firmly committed to improving revenue generation, intensifying the fight against smuggling and deepening stakeholder collaboration.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s pioneer maritime reporters body, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Thursday, set aside the Godfrey Bivbere-led Executive, replacing it with a 3-man Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the body in the interim.
The Caretaker Committee unanimously put in place is part of a major reorganization to reposition MARAN to enable her meet her cardinal aspirations .
Led by Mr Tunde Ayodele as Chairman, Mr John Obot and Mrs Ruth Sunday Umunna now serve as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.
Unveiling the new dispensation in a release, MARAN wishes all stakeholders, particularly in the maritime sector, ministries, government departments and agencies to, henceforth, direct and channel all dealings with the new leadership.
”The Association wishes to state categorically that the action is for the good of the Association, the industry and the nation in general and should therefore not be misconstrued.”
”We wish to use this medium to invite our highly esteemed stakeholders to our Association’s forthcoming launch of the book, “50 Drivers of the Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy”, coming up on the 4th of December, at Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.”
”The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN, is a foremost body of highly cerebral, credible, erudite and professional Journalists, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. It has been covering the activities of the maritime industry for nearly four decades.”
”The Association had made its indelible mark in the maritime sector through unbiased, insightful, and impactful reportage of the sector over the years.
It is the first and the longest Maritime Association in the Industry and has evolved with more than forty members from the Prints, Electronic and Online platforms.”
Shippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
MMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
MARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
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.
Customs Embraces OSS, A Special Platform, To Deepen Trade Facilitation
MARAN Launches Major Industry Publication In December
PTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
Apapa Customs Unveils ECTS To Deepen Trade Facilitation, Boost Revenue And National Security.I
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APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
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PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
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Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
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