Maritime Agencies
PROTEST BLACKLASH: SNIFIEC Commends Gov Fubara For Physically Pacifying Protesters
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
A huge commendation has gone to Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State for being the first and only governor nationwide who summoned the courage to physically appear to address protesters during the last End-Bad-Governance-In-Nigeria protests across the nation.
National Co-ordinator, Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers and Exporters’ Coalition (SNIFIEC), Chief Patrick Osita Chukwu, made the commendation in Lagos while reviewing the ten-day national protest against bad governance by Nigerian youths.
Chukwu expressed happiness that with all the pressure the Federal Government, some state governments and other actors mounted to subvert the protest, it still held.
“I’m an acute activitist from birth. I love one thing: if somebody errs, tell him where he erred. If somebody is okay, praise and honour him.”
“Somebody will say that President Tinubu inherited this and that. I disagree. He was part of the previous government, in fact, the most critical stakeholder as regards protesting against any ills in the society.”
He hailed the disposition of authorities at the Apapa and Tincan Island Ports for doing something great by asking people to be at their work places as the protest lasted, realizing that any resultant gridlock, surplus and cargo congestion would be suffered by everybody including cargo owners.
Speaking about experiences during the second day of the protest, Chief Chukwu said: “We were magnanimous enough to come to work, taking risks. Yesterday, some came, some did not. Today, some came early but could not see anything happening. This is a signal to the Federal Government that anything can happen any time.”
He explained that the only way to hold the youths is to do the right thing concerning their welfare and the general interests of ordinary Nigerians who are currently feeling the pains of what he calls misrule.
“In fact, the margin of what we can describe as robbing Peter to pay Paul is too much in the system. If the President of Nigeria can align with the youths, it will be beneficial and helpful to him.”
“The youths say, ‘cut down the cost of governance’. You see Senators, members of the House of Representatives parading fleets of brand-new cars, wasting fuel, wasting money. Bogus allowances are paid to security agents to protect them. If not waste, what will you call it? People cannot afford a meal in two days, average Nigerians look for succour while living on a quarter dollar a day.”
Although the protest has come and gone, the SNIFIEC boss says he supports it now and in future.
“In any dimension it comes, I will be part of it because we cannot continue sitting on the fence; we must take back what belongs to us.”
He recalled that when the President was trying to enter office, he said it is his turn. “When I get in, within six months, I will do this and that”, he quoted the President as saying.
But today, we no longer hear ‘it’s my turn’. If he is a good democrat, what stopped him from aligning with the protesters or going into the field to explain to the people reasons he got an injunction for them to be at the stadium to enable him come there to address them?
“He should have appeared physically at the arena to express sorry at what is happening and to say, ‘my brothers and sisters, take me as you see me. Watch out in the next six months and see what I’m going to do to cut costs’ so that people will align with him.”
Chief Osita Patrick Chukwu.
Chukwu observed that the Senate and House of Representatives are at the beck and call of the President because if they pass any bill and the President refuses consent, it cannot work.
On the issue of non-performing refineries vis-a-vis the current controversy trailing the Dangote Refinery which Nigerians had thought would come to rescue them from problems of fuel prize, the SNIFIEC boss advised the Federal Government to decisively deal with the cabal promoting the importation of refined petroleum products because they are the source of all problems.
“What they are doing is to allow people to die. Have you not seen the politics they are playing with Dangote Refinery? Dangote demonstrated love for the motherland but they are frustrating him. Why? Any business done without imparting on the people is a useless endeavour. All the money being wasted to refurbish the refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, there’s no probe because they are the ones benefitting. The truth must be told!
Now, the youths want to tell you that this has to stop and you say it cannot be. This is pain of poverty, pain of habitual denial, pain of circumventing the real motives for democratic dispensation.
“My heart is bleeding because in country where nobody thinks about anybody especially the poor and the less-privileged, is that what you wish a country of this magnitude that God blessed with rich natural and human resources?”
“Kudos to Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara. Seeing him come out to speak to the protesters, the first and only one among his class of politicians in government to do so, I slated a special award for him, THE BEST GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR, in appreciation of his coming out physically to address the protesters in his domain. Somebody will say, ‘give me money and I will give you an award’. I am pleased to witness this. When his aides wanted to discourage him, he insisted, saying he hears the protesters’ language and they hear his.”
Maritime Agencies
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) unveils “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue” as the theme of her unification conference scheduled for November 13 in Lagos , several prominent personalities in Nigeria’s maritime industry and political landscape have indicated interest to attend.
These include the former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho; Senator Wasiu Eshilokun; former President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Eugene Nweke; and Dr. Kayode Farinto, former Acting National President of ANLCA.
Also participating are key policymakers, heads of maritime agencies, industry leaders, legal practitioners, freight forwarders and other critical stakeholders whose voices cannot be ignored while deliberating on the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barrister Temisan Omatseye, will chair the conference, while the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, will attend as Special Guest of Honour.
Renowned maritime lawyer, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, SAN, will deliver the keynote address at the event which takes place at Airport Hotel, Ikeja.
Discussions will particularly focus on ongoing reforms, infrastructure development and strategic interventions required to strengthen the maritime industry’s contribution to national economic growth.
According to Elder Dele Aderibigbe and Jerry Aguigbo, the NNMJ President and Public Relations Officer respectively, the conference will provide an avenue for constructive engagement among government representatives, maritime professionals and private-sector operators on practical measures to reposition Nigeria’s maritime industry for improved efficiency, productivity and global competitiveness.
Seaport modernisation, rehabilitation and renewal of critical port infrastructure, trade facilitation, ease of doing business, revenue optimisation and strategies for identifying and eliminating financial leakages across the maritime value chain will form key discussion points at the Unity Conference.
Participants will also examine opportunities for expanding Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, generating employment, strengthening maritime safety and security, and enhancing the competitiveness of the nation’s seaports.
The conference is expected to attract heads of government agencies, managing directors of shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, licensed customs agents and other influential stakeholders across the maritime industry.
The Unity Conference also avails stakeholders opportunity to evaluate existing government policies and reforms, identify implementation gaps and recommend sustainable solutions to improve port operations, facilitate legitimate trade, increase government revenue and unlock the vast economic potentials of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The organizers further underscored the strategic importance of maritime journalism in promoting transparency and accountability, providing credible industry analysis and sustaining informed public discourse on government policies, regulatory interventions and reforms affecting the marine and blue economy.
The NNMJ leadership expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen relationships among industry stakeholders, encourage meaningful policy engagement and reinforce collective efforts towards building a more efficient, transparent and globally competitive maritime industry.
Maritime Agencies
AMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the 2026 National Convention and Stakeholders’ engagement of the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) kicks off November 12 – 14, the
body has called for accelerated reforms and development in Nigeria’s maritime capacity training sector to ensure job creation for graduating cadets.
The convention will bring together maritime professionals, policymakers, regulators and shipowners, academics, cadets and other stakeholders for high-level deliberations on the future of the industry.
Speaking during a pre-event briefing in Lagos, Saturday, AMANO President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa described the conference as a platform for policy alignment, innovation and practical solutions as it is more than a re+union of alumni.
This year’s convention, Maiguwa explained, is deliberately focused on moving from talk to action — with emphasis on reforms that can be implemented in maritime education, shipping, port operations, safety and blue economy development.
The convention will also provide an opportunity to introduce newly graduated cadets of MAN, Oron and their lecturers to maritime companies, institutions and stakeholders thus expanding their exposure to professional and employment opportunities.
Maiguwa had at the Academy’s 2026 Cadets Passing-Out Parade last week, urged graduands to embrace networking, professional development and mentorship as essential tools for building successful careers and invited them to the Lagos convention.
As part of its commitment to excellence, AMANO also announced cash awards of ₦150,000 each for Best HND Graduating Cadet and Best ND Graduating Cadet.
Stakeholders say the 2026 convention is coming at a critical time when Nigeria is pushing to unlock its blue economy, modernise its ports, strengthen its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and translate maritime policies into measurable results.
The three-day event is expected to feature keynote addresses, panel sessions, technical workshops, exhibitions and networking sessions, with recommendations to be presented to government and industry for implementation.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigeria Association of Women in Journalism (NAWOJ), Lagos Chapter has honoured veteran journalist, Hajia Hadiza Omowole, as Iconic Woman of the month for November.
This is contained in a release in Lagos jointly signed by Mrs Jumoke Falayi-Johnson and Mrs Anu Thomas, NAWOJ Chairperson and Secretary respectively.
Falayi-Johnson described Omowole as a true beacon of excellence, resilience and compassionate leadership, noting her selfless dedication to mentoring young journalists, empowering grassroots women and advocating gender equity..
Omowole’s tenacity, she stated, dedication to service and visionary leadership beautify the world. She described her as Mother-General whose pioneering spirit leaves indelible mark on journalism profession and society generally.
”Omowole holds Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from University of Benin and Master’s in Media, Culture and Technology from University of Bedfordshire, UK, spanning over three-decade distinguished journalism career.
”The veteran journalist joined News Agency of Nigeria in 1992, rising steadily through editorial ranks serving as Senior Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and now Managing Editor and Head of Lagos Operations,” Falayi-Johnson said.
She noted that beyond editorial leadership, Omowole served two historic terms as National President of NAWOJ from 2014 to 2020, becoming first president re-elected, championing welfare and advancement of women journalists nationwide.
Through community specialist work, counselling and initiatives supporting rural and needy women, Omowole continues to serve as an inspiring pillar of guidance for the association and media industry.
The entire NAWOJ Lagos family celebrates Omowole’s unwavering commitment, pioneering spirit and incredible service to humanity, collectively wishing her more success in journalism, leadership and humanitarian endeavours ahead.
Omowole remained actively involved in institutional engagement, public communication, youth development and advocacy for health, child development and gender equality across Nigeria.
In her remarks, NAWOJ Lagos Secretary, Mrs Anu Thomas, noted that the association proudly recognised outstanding contributions of Omowole to journalism, women empowerment and leadership development in Nigerian media landscape.
Falayi-Johnson reiterated association’s pride in celebrating Omowole, describing her enduring legacy as an inspiration for upcoming female journalists and a testament to excellence in media leadership nationwide.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoOUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP: NAWOJ Lagos Honours Omowole, NAN’s Managing Editor.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks ago2026 World Maritime Day: Nigeria Subscribes to Safer Waterways and Excellence.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoDredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoCustoms FOU Zone ‘A’ Hits Smugglers Hard, Confiscates 23, 220 Matchettes, Other Contrabands Worth over N6.19bn.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOyetola, Omatseye, Akabogu, Other Dignitaries To Attend Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists Unity Conference in Lagos.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoSCAN SUMMIT, 2026: Conversion to Earn Higher Interest Rates, the Bane of the CVFF, Omatseye says.
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Maritime Agencies4 days agoAMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
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Maritime Agencies4 days ago
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.