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
Ogun 1 Customs Hits Smugglers Hard 15 Days into New Leadership, Intercepts N3.15 bn Contrabands.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Within 15 days of taking over as the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Customs Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim has hit the ground running, intercepting 43 consignments of prohibited and improperly imported goods whose Duty Paid Value (DPV) stand at N3.15 billion.
The Acting CAC stated this, Thursday, when he addressed the press at the Command’s headquarters, Idiroko, Ogun State. He pledged his commitment to intensify enforcement operations to prevent prohibited goods from entering the country through Nigeria’s borders with the Republic of Benin.
The seizures, which include foreign rice, pasta, pharmaceutical products, cannabis, petroleum products and 13 exotic vehicles, underscore the command’s renewed offensive against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.
Attributing the swift success to intelligence-driven strategies, intensified surveillance and collaboration with sister security agencies and border communities,
he warned smugglers that the Command would not tolerate activities capable of undermining the nation’s economy, public health and national security.
“From the outset, I made it clear that Ogun I Area Command under my watch would not tolerate any form of economic sabotage. We are determined to deploy all lawful means to combat smuggling and enforce compliance with existing trade laws and regulations,” Ibrahim stated.
On October 2, 2026, he explained, trucks conveying large quantities of foreign pasta and condensed milk suspected to have been smuggled into the country were confiscated.
”The first truck contained 2,740 cartons of foreign Siddo Pasta concealed alongside 500 cartons of Oki Condensed Milk, while the second carried 6,000 cartons of foreign Ginny Pasta. The third truck was loaded with 6,500 cartons of foreign Doga Pasta.
The trucks were subsequently moved to the command’s headquarters for physical examination in accordance with Section 227 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.”
On October 4, he added, officers intercepted a Dangote truck along the Afamin-Dangote-Itori axis conveying 100 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice concealed beneath mica and gypsum stones in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
Yet on October 11, the Command also intercepted a 10-tyre truck containing 321 military camouflage face caps and 27,831 assorted unregistered pharmaceutical products.
The pharmaceutical products included codeine-based cough syrups, injections, eye drops and dietary supplements without registration numbers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Ibrahim deplored the illegal importation of restricted military accessories and unregistered medicines with serious implications for national security and public health respectively.
“These seizures are not merely about confiscating prohibited goods. They are about protecting our citizens, safeguarding public health, defending our national security and ensuring that legitimate businesses are not undermined by illegal trade,” Comptroller Ibrahim said.
The trucks involved in the major interceptions, he disclosed, would be forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with Section 248 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Other items seized during the period included 4,013 parcels of cannabis sativa, one wrap of Canadian Loud, 950 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 660 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, four bundles of used pneumatic tyres, 106 bales of second-hand clothing, 1,320 pairs of new shoes, 3,700 pairs of used shoes, 252 imported face caps and 1,250 foreign-used bags.
Ogun 1 Command also impounded 13 exotic foreign-used vehicles, including Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, Toyota Venza, Lexus LX 600, Lexus ES 350, Toyota Camry, Toyota Avensis Verso, Peugeot 406, Ford Galaxy and Nissan Almera models.
Ibrahim put the total Duty Paid Value of the 43 seizures at N3,153,591,000, describing the figure as evidence of the command’s determination to frustrate smuggling networks and protect the Nigerian economy.
He expressed particular concern over the interception of cannabis, warning that the substance poses significant risks to young people, public health and national security.
As part of efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, the command formally handed over the seized cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Area Command, for further investigation and necessary action.
He attributed the operational successes to the leadership and support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, who continues to c provide strategic direction and motivation to officers across the country.
As he acknowledged the contributions of sister security agencies, traditional institutions, youths and border communities to the fight against smuggling, he praised his officers and men for being resilient and professional in discharging their duties.
“The message is clear: smugglers and their collaborators should steer clear of Ogun I Area Command. We remain committed to protecting the nation’s economic and security interests with professionalism, integrity and courage,” he warned.
In his intervention, Akande Olasumbo Oluwafemi, the Commander, NDLEA Idiroko Special Area Command, commended the Customs Service for intercepting the prohibited substances and pharmaceutical products.
Oluwafemi described the seizures as an important intervention in efforts to combat drug abuse and disrupt the supply chains through which illicit substances reach consumers.
He expressed concern over the increasing abuse of codeine-based cough syrups among Nigerian youths, noting that products originally intended for legitimate medical use were being misused because of their addictive properties.
“Initially, codeine was something mixed with other ingredients in cough syrups. But because of addiction, our youths now buy a bottle of codeine and swallow the entire contents at once,” he lamented.
He stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between the Customs Service and the NDLEA in identifying, intercepting and preventing the circulation of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products.
Maritime Agencies
Lekki Port Customs Confiscates 400kg of Suspected Cannabis Sativa Worth over N2.26bn, Hands over To NDLEA.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The new Acting Customs Area Controller, Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi has harped on the importance of inter-agency collaboration as per the directive of the Comptroller -General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
He stated this at the Lekki Port Command, Thursday, while handing over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) a seized container laden with 400 kilograms of suspected Cannabis Sativa.
Acting on credible intelligence, he explained, officers of the Command under his watch intercepted the suspicious container with registration number PRSU1562064, which had arrived at Lekki Deep Sea Port and was, under the Customs transire procedure, destined for a bonded terminal outside the Command through the waterways by barge.
“However, recognizing the potential security implications and the risks associated with allowing a suspicious consignment to leave the port environment, the Command took the proactive decision to step down the container for further scrutiny.
“In line with established Customs procedures and our intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, the container was subjected to non-intrusive inspection through scanning. The scanning report revealed anomalies that necessitated a comprehensive physical examination.
Following from this, a joint examination was conducted at Lekki Freeport Terminal by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), DC kukoyi explained.
“During the examination, seven pallets of packaged goods were discovered. Upon opening and thoroughly examining the pallets, officers uncovered substances suspected to be illicit narcotics, ingeniously concealed among reams of A4 printing paper in an apparent attempt to evade Customs detection.”
The comprehensive examination revealed 400 packages of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, commonly referred to as “Loud,” with a total weight of 400 kilograms tactically tucked into 798 reams of A4 printing paper which are not prohibited items.
The Duty Paid Value, the Customs boss announced was N2,262,960,000.00.
Kukoyi described the seizure as a significant victory for public safety, national security and eloquent commitment and determination of the sister security agencies to assist the Customs to protect Nigerian society from the devastating consequences of drug trafficking and abuse.
He underscored the destructive impact of illicit drugs on the communities, particularly among young people, noting that beyond their devastating health implications, illicit drugs contribute to addiction, organized crime, insecurity, family disintegration and the erosion of the nation’s productive human capital.
“The successful detection of this consignment before its onward movement from Lekki Port further reinforces the strategic importance of proactive risk management and coordinated border security operations”.
He commended the vigilance, professionalism and dedication of the Command’s officers, the cooperation of the NDLEA Lekki Port Command and other sister agencies like DSS, NAFDAC and the management of Lekki Freeport Terminal throughout the operation.
“This achievement is a practical demonstration of what can be accomplished when government agencies work together with a common purpose, share intelligence and place national interest above institutional boundaries.
“The handover underscores the unwavering resolve of the NCS to safeguarding the nation’s borders, protect public health and security and ensure that the ports and trade corridors are never exploited as gateways for illicit substances and other prohibited goods”.
Receiving the seized items, the Commander of Narcotics (CN), NDLEA Lekki Port Area Command, Jonah Achema, remarked that the collaboration sends a very strong signal that the new CAC is ready to embrace inter-agency collaboration as well as move the counter-narcotic onslaught to the next level.
“It sends the appropriate message to the unscrupulous maritime drug criminals that their operations will only end in the drag net of the Agency.
“The seizure being handed over today, standing at 400 kilograms of Cannabis indica from Thailand is huge by all standards. This is coming after other phenomenal seizures in the Port such as two containers of illicit pharmaceutical opioids (tramadol 225, tramaking royal 250) with a total weight of 46 tonnes and an estimated street value of N35 Billion”.
He assured LFTZ Acting Customs Controller and other sister agencies that the NDLEA remains consistent and unwavering to do everything to sustain the existing collaboration with the Nigeria Customs.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As part of efforts to improve maritime journalists’ grasp of shipping operations, port management and emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s blue economy,
the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has undertaken a professional training programme for 20 of its members at the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (CISN).
The Graduate Induction Training Programme, which ended on Saturday, October 10, 2026, was designed to equip participants with specialised knowledge of the technical, regulatory and operational aspects of the maritime industry. Upon successful completion of the programme, each participant obtained a Postgraduate Diploma Certificate in Shipping.
The programme forms part of MARAN’s efforts to strengthen the professional competence of its members and improve the quality of reporting on developments across Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The training covered maritime safety and security, integrated marine environment management, shipping and port management, cargo clearance procedures and documentation, as well as the marine and blue economy.
Delivering the first lecture, Mr Patrick Ambakederimo, a lecturer at CISN, examined the principles of maritime safety and security, highlighting their importance to efficient shipping operations, the protection of lives and property, and the sustainability of the maritime industry.
He discussed the identification and management of risks associated with vessel operations, cargo handling and other maritime activities, stressing the need for compliance with established safety regulations, regular inspections, adequate crew training and effective emergency response procedures.
Participants were also exposed to the importance of intelligence sharing, effective surveillance, coordinated security operations and compliance with relevant international maritime security standards.
The lecture further distinguished between maritime safety, which focuses on preventing accidents and operational hazards, and maritime security, which addresses deliberate threats and unlawful activities within the maritime domain.
Delivering another lecture on the integrated approach to marine environment management, Mr Sunday Duru, also of the CISN examined the need for coordinated efforts to protect marine and coastal environments from pressures associated with shipping activities, port operations, coastal development and other maritime-related activities.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration among government agencies, maritime operators, environmental organisations, coastal communities and other stakeholders in addressing environmental challenges.
The session also examined marine pollution, oil spills, improper waste disposal, plastic pollution and the degradation of coastal and marine ecosystems. Participants were introduced to the importance of environmental monitoring, pollution prevention, proper waste management and effective enforcement of environmental regulations.
Other areas covered by the programme included the anatomy of shipping and port management, cargo clearance procedures and documentation, and an overview of the marine and blue economy. These courses were designed to broaden participants’ understanding of the commercial and operational dimensions of shipping, as well as economic opportunities in fisheries, coastal tourism and other ocean-related activities.
Speaking on the programme, MARAN President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, said the association was committed to building a corps of maritime journalists with the technical knowledge and professional competence required to report the industry accurately and effectively.
Onigbinde noted that maritime journalism required more than the ability to gather and write news, explaining that reporters must understand the policies, regulations, commercial transactions and operational processes that shape the industry. He said better-informed journalists would be better positioned to analyse developments, scrutinise decisions by industry stakeholders and explain complex maritime issues to the public.
The MARAN president said the association would sustain its capacity-building efforts by pursuing partnerships with maritime institutions, government agencies and private-sector operators to provide members with access to specialised training and professional development opportunities.
The association , he added, would continue to explore programmes that would expose members to emerging trends in shipping, port operations, maritime security, international trade and the blue economy to ensure that MARAN members remain professionally relevant and equipped to meet the changing demands of maritime reporting.
Onigbinde stressed that continuous training was essential to strengthening the credibility of maritime journalism and improving public understanding of the sector’s contribution to national economic development.
He expressed optimism that the knowledge acquired through the programme would reflect in the quality of reports produced by participants, particularly in their coverage of port efficiency, shipping operations, maritime safety, environmental sustainability and government policies affecting the industry.
The initiative comes amid growing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector, improve port competitiveness, enhance maritime security and unlock the economic potential of the country’s marine resources.
Through the programme, MARAN is seeking to bridge the knowledge gap between journalism and the technical realities of the shipping industry, while positioning its members to deliver more accurate, balanced and informed reports on developments within the maritime sector.
Ogun 1 Customs Hits Smugglers Hard 15 Days into New Leadership, Intercepts N3.15 bn Contrabands.
Lekki Port Customs Confiscates 400kg of Suspected Cannabis Sativa Worth over N2.26bn, Hands over To NDLEA.
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