Maritime Agencies
SCAN’s 2024 Dockworkers Day: Oyetola Commits To Ports Infrastructure Renewal. …….. Adeyanju Condemns Delayed Ports Concession Agreements Renewal
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has mapped out programmes to renew ports infrastructure nationwide as a direct response to lingering concerns about decaying infrastructure. This is to improve port efficiency and ensure that Nigeria participates competitively in the global maritime trade.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Gboyega Oyetola disclosed this in Lagos,Thursday, when the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), in collaboration with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), marked the 2024 Dockworkers’ Day with the theme ‘DOCKWORKERS: Key To Unlocking Nigeria’s Blue Economy’.
Speaking through Olujimi Oyetomi, the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, the Minister said that in line with the presidential mandate, the Ministry would continue to foster a favorable environment to encourage private sector participation in exploiting the potentials of the blue economy.
“This is necessary to attain the goals, enhance opportunities, and harness the immense benefits in the sector,” he explained.
Adding his voice to ongoing concerns about the delay in renewing ports concession agreements, the MWUN President-General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju condemned the current stand of the federal government on this matter, regretting that the ports concession agreements renewal is long overdue.
He appealed to the Federal Government to expedite action on the renewal as this has a lot to do with seamless operations at the seaports.
“We want to see the renewal of the licenses of terminal operators. There are a lot of dividends that we are getting from responsible terminal operators. Why are you delaying the signing of their agreements? The workers are now warming up because they are worried about what is happening to their employers,” Adeyanju pointed out.
He also called for enhanced capacity building for dockworkers, urging terminal operators to invest in training maritime workers and engage qualified personnel to lead these efforts.
Adeyanju further lamented that despite huge funds invested to upgrade equipments at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, international recognition of certificates from the school is lacking.
In her intervention, Princess Vicky Haastrup, Chairperson, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) stressed the need for training and retraining, charging the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to use the 0.5% stevedoring levy which terminal operators remit in dollars to train dockworkers.
She expressed disappointment that NIMASA has so far, shirked her responsibility to dockworkers in this respect by refusing to utilize the funds for this purpose, despite the huge acruals over the years.
Haastrup described the port concession programme as a “transformative game-changer for dockworkers” because it has led to improved working conditions and safety standards, enhanced productivity and efficiency, increased job security and better remuneration for dock labour.
She equally noted that the STOAN, MWUN, and NIMASA have collaborated to enhance dockworkers’ welfare through the regular signing of the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), which have ensured fair treatment, payment of living wages and retirement benefits to dockworkers.
“Today, dockworkers have comprehensive and robust conditions of service, which include health insurance, life insurance, pension, gratuity, and bonuses. This is a monumental improvement over what obtained in the pre-concession era. The industry’s collective efforts have institutionalised fair labour practices, recognising the vital role dockworkers play in the maritime sector,” she noted.
In his keynote address, Ascanio Russo, Managing Director, PTML Terminal, referred to dockworkers as the engine room of port operations.
Beside prioritizing dockworkers’ general welfare, he explained, PTML has gone further to send some of its dockworkers abroad for training.
Investments in the training of dockworkers, Russo observed, will enable the ports function optimally and increase revenue generation to the government.
Supporting the view on training, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, former Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) charged NIMASA to set up a training school for dockworkers.
Maritime Agencies
Suspend Charges Review, Engage Stakeholders, Shippers’ Council Tasks Shipping Companies
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
All shipping companies, shipping agents, and terminals operating within Nigerian ports have been given marching orders to suspend and discontinue the implementation of any review or upward adjustment of their charges until they have fully engaged their stakeholders.
This is contained in a release by Rebecca Adamu, Head of Public Relations of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigeria’s Ports Economic Regulator.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council clarifies that the recent adjustment was approved strictly in accordance with her statutory mandate as the Port Economic Regulator in which case all tariff reviews were conducted in a transparent, structured, and well-defined regulatory process.
”These processes included detailed technical and consultative engagement with affected service providers aimed at examining the cost drivers, operational realities, investment obligations and regulatory compliance.”
”The engagements did not constitute automatic approvals; rather, they informed a broader evaluative process. Final determinations were reached only after rigorous internal, technical, and financial assessments guided by empirical evidence, regulatory benchmarks, and prevailing economic conditions.”
”Notwithstanding, shipping companies, agents, and terminal operators are hereby directed to suspend any intended review of charges until they have duly consulted and engaged their stakeholders. As the Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council will wield the big stick against any port service providers disrupting port operations”, the statement warned.
The Council emphasised that transparency, fairness, and stakeholder participation are fundamental principles underpinning port economic regulation in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah (MON), further warned that the Council is empowered under its regulatory mandate to apply appropriate sanctions against defaulting operators, including enforcement measures provided for under relevant regulatory frameworks. He encourages constructive engagement, dialogue, and compliance.
Any service provider that proceeds with charge reviews without stakeholders’ engagement should be prepared to face decisive regulatory action.
He assured that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to protecting the interests of port users, promoting fair competition and ensuring a balanced and predictable business environment within the Nigerian maritime industry.
Customs
FG Inaugurates Nigerian Shippers’ Council Board, Highlights Need for Reduced Port Costs, Fair Pricing.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The inauguration of a new Board for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Monday, sets a clear reform agenda for Nigerian seaports as reduced port costs and fair pricing now take centre stage.
Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, stated this in a statement.
At the event, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola charged the Board to focus on improving accountability in operations, reduced cost of doing business and strengthened regulation processes across the shipping sector.
The reconstitution of the Council’s governing structure, he stated, follows the resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that good governance and repositioning of the Marine and Blue Economy should serve as a key engine of national economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Oyetola reminded the Board that as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, the Shippers’ Council is central in efforts to achieve efficiency, transparency and fairness in port charges and service delivery.
Robust economic regulation, the Minister maintained, is critical to lowering trade costs, protecting shippers and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness within the sub-region and beyond.
The Minister urged Board members to provide firm strategic leadership and effective oversight, insisting that regulatory decisions must translate into measurable outcomes, including improved port efficiency, fair pricing, and enhanced trade facilitation.
He called for seamless collaboration between the Board and the Council’s management, while assuring members of the Ministry’s full support in delivering their mandate.
Dr Ibrahim Shema, former Governor of Katsina State, is the Chair of the newly -inaugurated Board. Other members are Dr. Pius Akutah, MON, Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer of the Council; Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji (NACCIMA); Mr. John Aluya (MAN); Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins and Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde.
Others are Dr. Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed (NNPCL); Hon. Maharazu Adamu Dayi; and Mrs. Uzoamaka Okereke from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Dr. Shema thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and commended the Minister for his leadership of the sector. He pledged that the Board would uphold professionalism and integrity while supporting reforms aimed at improving port performance, strengthening regulatory effectiveness, and delivering tangible benefits to shippers and the national economy.
NSC serves as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, mandated to promote efficiency, transparency, competitiveness, and fairness in port operations, while safeguarding the interests of shippers and enhancing the country’s maritime trade environment.
Maritime Agencies
OIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Tantita Security Services Ltd (TSSL), the company in charge of security surveillance over oil and gas installations in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, is in collaboration with Textron Systems Corporation, a United States–based defence and aerospace company, to supply her three advanced Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
TSSNL owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo) disclosed the business deal in her website publication of December 29, 2025. The drones will be delivered in a fully ITAR-Free configuration.
The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 is designed to operate without runways, utilising hybrid quadrotor technology that enables vertical takeoff and landing, as well as fixed-wing flight.
The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS, Textron Systems says, is a mature, industry-proven autonomous platform known for its high reliability and operational flexibility. Its dual-mode capability allows it to operate seamlessly in complex and high-risk environments, making it well-suited for security operations within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Giving further insight into the contract, Senior Vice President, Air, Land and Sea Systems at Textron Systems, David Phillips, said the deployment would significantly enhance Tantita’s operational capability.
”The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is a proven solution that will enable Tantita Security Services to expand its capabilities to protect the oil and gas infrastructure essential to Nigerian security and prosperity,” he stated.
The Aerosonde platform has accumulated over 700,000 flight hours across some of the world’s most challenging operating environments, underscoring its reliability and performance.
Tantita Security Services is expected to deploy the systems to strengthen surveillance and protection of critical oil and gas assets across Nigeria.
The contract also includes options for operator training and the supply of additional aircraft to support future capability expansion. Textron Systems noted that the agreement builds on a previous Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract to Nigeria, further highlighting its ongoing commitment to supporting Nigerian security operations.
Textron Systems is a global leader in uncrewed air, land and sea systems, with the Aerosonde family of UAS currently supporting international customers and operations aboard more than 10 U.S. Navy ships. The company is a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), a diversified multinational with interests spanning aviation, defence, industrial manufacturing and finance.
With multiple payload configurations and comprehensive training and support services, the Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS offers a versatile and efficient solution for security operations in demanding environments, reinforcing Tantita Security Services’ role in safeguarding Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure.
Suspend Charges Review, Engage Stakeholders, Shippers’ Council Tasks Shipping Companies
FG Inaugurates Nigerian Shippers’ Council Board, Highlights Need for Reduced Port Costs, Fair Pricing.
OIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
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MARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
Industry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.
Shippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
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MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
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Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.
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Customs18 hours agoFG Inaugurates Nigerian Shippers’ Council Board, Highlights Need for Reduced Port Costs, Fair Pricing.
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Maritime Agencies15 hours agoSuspend Charges Review, Engage Stakeholders, Shippers’ Council Tasks Shipping Companies