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.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s pioneer maritime journalists’ body, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) will inaugurate her brand new Executive Council on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
The high-profile event which is planned to bring together key stakeholders from the maritime, shipping, logistics, security, and media sectors will also feature discussions on strengthening ethical standards in maritime journalism.
The theme of the inauguration is “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development.”
The Chairman of the occasion is Emmanuel Maiguwa Gankino, President, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), while the keynote address will be delivered by Mr. Bolaji Abimbola, a leading public relations and event management expert.
Special Guests of Honour expected at the event include the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima; and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. Also expected are chief executives of maritime agencies, captains of industry, leaders of maritime associations, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, and other critical stakeholders across the maritime value chain.
Speaking ahead of the inauguration, MARAN President, Comrade. Oluyinka Onigbinde, described the event as a defining moment in the association’s journey towards deepening professionalism, credibility, and responsible maritime reportage.
The new executive council, he stated, will focus on repositioning MARAN as a stronger voice within the maritime sector through capacity building, constructive engagement, and adherence to ethical journalism standards.
He noted that the theme of the event underscores the indispensable role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development within Nigeria’s maritime industry.
“The maritime industry is central to Nigeria’s economic growth, and ethical journalism remains a vital instrument for ensuring that developments within the sector are accurately reported and constructively engaged,” he added.
Onigbinde further called on government agencies, industry operators, and media practitioners to continue supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime journalism and advancing the nation’s blue economy aspirations.
Maritime Agencies
NIMASA Urges Ethical Journalism, Stronger Media Partnership to Drive Blue Economy Growth. …As MARAN condoles agency over staff’s Death.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has called on maritime journalists to uphold ethical journalism, embrace constructive reporting, and partner with stakeholders in promoting Nigeria’s growing blue economy.
The call was made on Monday when the newly-elected executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) paid a courtesy visit to the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
The MARAN delegation was received by NIMASA’s Deputy Director, Public Relations, Mr. Osagie Edward, alongside senior officials of the Public Relations Department.
The visit, which was the first official engagement between the new MARAN leadership and NIMASA, also served as a platform to discuss areas of collaboration, particularly capacity building for maritime journalists, information dissemination, and support for the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN conveyed the association’s condolences to NIMASA over the death of one of its staff members, Ifenyinwa, who reportedly passed away over the weekend.
The MARAN President expressed sympathy with the management and staff of the Agency and prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul, while asking God to grant her family and colleagues the strength to bear the loss.
He noted that the purpose of the visit was to further strengthen the cordial relationship that has existed between MARAN and NIMASA over the years, while seeking deeper collaboration in advancing the maritime sector through responsible and informed journalism.
According to him, there is a need for more structured capacity development programmes for maritime journalists to enhance their understanding of industry issues and improve the quality of reportage within the sector.
Responding, Osagie Edward congratulated the newly-elected executives on their emergence, describing their election as a reflection of the confidence reposed in them by members of the association.
Edward acknowledged the longstanding relationship between MARAN and NIMASA, noting that the association has remained a key stakeholder in the growth and development of the maritime industry for more than two decades.
”We have known MARAN for over 20 years, from the days when press releases were physically distributed to the present digital era. You are now leading a digital MARAN and I encourage you to build on the achievements of your predecessors,” he stated.
He assured the association of NIMASA’s readiness to continue collaborating with maritime journalists for the advancement of the industry and the country’s economy.
According to him, the media occupies a strategic position in projecting the vast opportunities available within Nigeria’s blue economy and attracting the investments needed to unlock its full potential.
”The Nigerian blue economy presents enormous opportunities. If the sector is properly projected and branded, the world will become more aware of the potentials we have and investors will come seeking opportunities. This will ultimately benefit the country,” Edward said.
He further disclosed that the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, is leading a team committed to positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime nation globally.
”As a maritime administration, the DG believes Nigeria should be a global leader in maritime administration, and we are working towards that objective. We can only achieve it by working together in the interest of the country,” he added.
On MARAN’s request for increased training opportunities, Osagie assured the association that capacity development remains a priority for NIMASA.
”Capacity building is very dear to NIMASA management. We have noted your request and discussions are already ongoing regarding training opportunities for the media. We will continue to engage because informed and constructive reporting is beneficial to the industry,” he stated.
Also speaking, Assistant Director, Public Relations, Daniel Kajo, urged members of MARAN to remain committed to the ethics of journalism and continue to promote professionalism in their reportage.
Kajo emphasized the importance of constructive criticism and balanced reporting, noting that the media remains an indispensable partner in the development of the maritime sector.
He encouraged maritime journalists to continue holding institutions accountable while ensuring that their reports are factual, objective, and geared towards national development.
The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration in the areas of information sharing, professional development, and the promotion of Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy aspirations.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been described one of the most organised commands in the Nigeria Customs Service.
The new Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko stated this at the Command headquarters in Lagos while taking over the mantle of leadership from Comptroller Joe Anani who was recently deployed to the Tincan Island Port Command as Controller.
At the official handover event attended by customs officers, stakeholders, and representatives of sister government agencies, Miko pledged to uphold transparency, professionalism, and efficient service delivery while strengthening trade facilitation at the Command.
Miko who assured stakeholders that he was committed to teamwork, integrity and due process added that his tenure would focus on faster cargo clearance and creation of an enabling environment for legitimate trade.
Miko promised to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor while deepening collaboration with agencies operating within the port environment. According to him, effective inter-agency cooperation remains critical to national security, revenue generation, and seamless port operations.
The new Acting Controller also pledged to maintain an open-door policy anchored on transparency, accessibility, fairness, and constructive engagement with stakeholders.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him and vowed to support the Service’s reform agenda built on innovation, consolidation, and collaboration.
In his remarks, outgoing Comptroller Joe Anani described his eight-month tenure at PTML as productive and impactful, disclosing that the Command generated over ₦181 billion in revenue during the period.
“We generated more than ₦181 billion in revenue and consolidated the implementation of the Unified Customs Management System known as B’Odogwu,” Anani stated.
He explained that although the digital platform was introduced before his arrival, his administration focused on stabilising operations and resolving initial implementation challenges.
Highlighting key enforcement achievements, Anani said the Command intercepted and transferred illicit drugs, arms, and ammunition to relevant agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
He further noted that the Command introduced a one-hour clearance process for compliant vehicle imports, a move that improved operational efficiency and encouraged voluntary compliance among port users.
Anani thanked officers, stakeholders, and partner agencies for their support, attributing the Command’s achievements to teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to excellence in service delivery.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOGUN AREA 1 CUSTOMS Dares Smugglers, Confiscates Contrabands Worth N6.7Bn in 5 Weeks.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNPA Mourns her Ace Cameraman, Paul Erakhifu, alias “Texas”.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMARAN Seeks Strategic Partnership With NPA on Port Modernisation, Capacity Building
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTincan Customs, NDLEA Promise Hard Times for Drug Peddlers, Seize N16,694bn worth of Cannabis Indica .
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoTantita Donates 15 Gun Boats to Nigerian Army, Navy.
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