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
NSW: Stakeholders Fear Success With Weak Commitment by Drivers and Lack of Reforms by Government.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As lack of a strong political will, inter-agency coordination and full digital preparedness stare the National Single Window (NSW) in the face, implementing the ambitious trade reform policy is bound to fail as is the case with similar programmes hurriedly put in place with inadequate preparations .
Stakeholders at a one-day seminar organized in Lagos by Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI) and Hynek Media, expressed deep concerns in this regard, thus, supporting the avalanche of opposition to what many industry players say is a good policy that ought to have been properly planned before unveiling last month.
The absence of Mr Tola Fakolade, the NSW Director and his team, attendees regretted, robbed the key NSW driver opportunity to participate in robust discussions on this trade regime, apparently lending credence to fears of failure already hanging in the air. While the Nigeria Customs Service, freight forwarders, maritime journalists, Truck Transit Park officials, and other industry players attended to discuss the theme “National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure,” the NSW key driver, Mr Fakolade, was visibly absent. Not even a team member was available to stand in for him!
However, participants acknowledged the transformative potentials of the NSW. In his goodwill message, Otumba Frank Ogunojemite, National President, APFFLON, represented by Alhaji Akeem Ayobiojo, Tincan Port chapter Chairman of the group, said NSW is a future legacy for Nigeria. His concern, however, is “how do we guarantee the success going by how businesses run in Nigeria, with vices and efforts to sabotage good and laudable programmes of government?
Speaking for other freight forwarders and customs agents, Ayobiojo quickly recalled current difficulties in uploading NAFDAC, SONCAP certificates and other documents to the NSW portal. There are delays, demurrages and other challenges, he said, acknowledging these as an index of ill-preparation and wobbling attempts to introduce a new system. He deeply regretted the absence of the NSW team at the event to throw more light and make clarifications on the waivers promised, among others.
Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) made an impressive attendance at the event. Speaking on behalf of the National Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs J.D. Tomo, Public Relations Officer, Lagos Area Industrial Command, said the NSW is at the elementary stage of implementation. Certain modalities in this regard, she explained, are still being worked out. All agencies are to be on one page to facilitate trade, reduce time wastage while carrying everybody along. NSW, she assured, is neither depriving the Customs of her traditional role in trade facilitation nor duplicating the B’Odogwu customs regime. Rather, NCS embraces NSW to make her job easier.
The Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) represented by Okechukwu Nwankwo, Head of Lagos Area office said the NSW is a new system Nigerians should give time to play out and mature. Much as the CRFFN is fully integrated on the NSW, as professionals, freight forwarders, he advised, must have professional licences before integrating into the NSW.
In its intervention, the TTP team led by Joseph Alo expressed concerns that whenever technology is introduced to improve existing systems, beneficiaries from the old order must designed methods to torpedo it to their selfish advantage. He said there have been constant engagement and interactions on ways to overcome initial glitches. “We’re looking at doing things differently to improve the system in the port industry,” he explained.
Delivering the lead paper on “National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure”, Dr Segun Musa, Managing Director/CEO, Global Transport Policy Ltd, said that an effective Single Window system must incorporate fast-track arbitration and appeal processes. Citing the International Chamber of Commerce, he noted that clear dispute resolution mechanisms can reduce trade disruptions by up to 40 per cent.
On enforcement, Musa referenced OECD studies indicating that effective compliance measures—supported by real-time risk engines, audits, and penalties for false declarations—can raise compliance levels by as much as 50 per cent.
Speaking through Mr. Mark Oluchi, Dr harped on the need for data-driven insights. He explained that data generated from shipments, tariffs, and processing timelines can help detect revenue leakages, guide infrastructure investments, and identify suspicious cargo patterns linked to smuggling.
He stressed the need for a true “one-stop shop” model where all trade documents are submitted once through a unified platform, eliminating duplication and delays, while also calling for strong private sector collaboration to ensure efficiency.
“Launching Nigeria’s National Single Window is not merely a technical upgrade; it is a strategic overhaul of our trade ecosystem. If we get these fundamentals right, the rewards will be transformative—more jobs, increased investment, and greater economic prosperity. The time to act is now.”
All in all, the attendees insisted on efficiency because an efficient system stands to reduce trade transaction costs by up to 25 per cent, increase government revenue by 20 per cent, boost exports by 15 per cent, and attract about 10 per cent more foreign direct investment (FDI).
They expressed strong fears, however, that Nigeria’s history of failed reforms often caused by weak coordination, institutional rivalry, and poor infrastructure stand to undermine the success of the NSW if adequate safeguards are not put on ground. Nigeria must learn from failed efforts.
Maritime Agencies
Dantsoho, NPA MD, Attributes Maritime Sector Transformation to Reforms and Minister’s Leadership Style.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has fingered Federal Government’s reforms and the leadership style of the Marine and Blue Economy Minister, Adegboyega as reasons for the huge transformation going on in the maritime industry.
This is even as investors are being assured of Nigeria’s capacity to dominate Africa’s blue economy with ongoing federal government reforms and increased private sector participation which are critical drivers of transformation in the maritime sector.
Dantsoho gave the assurance while speaking at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, where he stressed that Nigeria’s port system would play a pivotal role in unlocking strategic investments and accelerating economic growth.
He noted that the country must urgently refocus its economic priorities towards fully harnessing its vast marine resources in line with global sustainability goals.
“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources. Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth,” Dantsoho said.
The NPA boss explained that Nigeria’s strategic location, large population and economic strength position it to become a maritime hub for West Africa, comparable to global leaders such as Singapore and Morocco.
“By virtue of our strategic location, market size and economic strength, Nigeria is well-positioned to function as the maritime hub for West Africa,” he added.
Despite these advantages, Dantsoho expressed concern that Nigeria currently handles only about 25 per cent of cargo traffic in the region, even though it accounts for over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP.
“It is worrisome that Nigeria, despite controlling over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP, handles only about 25 per cent of the region’s cargo traffic. This clearly shows that we have not fully optimised our potential,” he said.
He, however, assured investors that the tide is turning, as the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is implementing far-reaching reforms to reposition the sector.
According to him, key initiatives include port modernisation, deployment of a Trade Single Window, implementation of a Port Community System, development of deep seaports and full digitalisation of port operations.
“We are implementing key strategic initiatives such as port modernisation, trade single window, port community system, deep seaport development and full digitalisation to reposition our ports for global competitiveness,” he stated.
Dantsoho emphasised that private sector funding remains central to achieving these goals, noting that the NPA is actively encouraging project financing to bridge infrastructure gaps and improve efficiency.
“We are open to private sector participation through project financing. This approach is already improving efficiency and providing access to funding for critical infrastructure,” he said.
He added that the reforms are designed to enhance port efficiency, improve connectivity, reduce freight costs and boost non-oil exports, ultimately driving revenue growth.
“The ultimate goal is to improve liner connectivity, attract bigger vessels, reduce freight costs, and expand our export base, which will significantly boost revenue generation,” he noted.
Dantsoho stressed that competitiveness in the global maritime industry requires efficient operations, competitive pricing and strong hinterland connectivity, adding that Nigerian ports must remain adaptive to evolving global shipping trends.
“With sustained commitment to these initiatives, Nigeria’s port system will enter a new phase and emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa,” he assured.
Also speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, said Nigeria’s natural endowments, including its 823-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways, place it in a strong position to lead the sector.
“With over 823 kilometres of coastline, extensive inland waterways and a prime location along the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to harness the immense potential of the marine and blue economy,” Oyetola said.
He added that reforms by the federal government have improved coordination, strengthened maritime security and boosted investor confidence, noting that the sector accounts for over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s international trade by volume.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Arising from weeks of intensive planning and stakeholder engagements, the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) hereby confirms readiness and an overwhelming industry stakeholders support for its planned special reception to honour her past presidents.
The reception is a landmark event aimed at celebrating leadership, service and the enduring contributions of media professionals to Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The event which promises to be a gathering of industry heavyweights, ministry officials, policymakers, regulators, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders and other critical stakeholders, is designed not only to honour past leaders of MARAN but to restate the role of maritime journalism in shaping policy, promoting accountability, and driving sectoral growth.
Speaking on the event, MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tunde Ayodele noted that the reception serves as a platform to reflect on the legacies of past presidents whose leadership helped position the association as a respected voice in the maritime space.
He added that the event will also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the media and industry operators at a time when the sector is undergoing significant reforms and modernization.
As stated by Funsho Olojo, Chairman, Reception Planning Committee, notable dignitaries from government institutions, including the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as well as heads of key maritime agencies, have indicated strong interest in attending the event.
Several corporate organizations and industry groups have also signified their willingness to support the initiative, underscoring its importance to the wider maritime community.
Mr Olojo, while giving an overview of the event, declared that it would serve as a veritable platform to celebrate excellence, hard work and quality leadership offered by past MARAN leaders.
”MARAN, as the projenitor of beat associations in the maritime industry, has produced finest individuals who have had the privilege of leading this great association.
”They have sacrificed their time, energy and intellect to make MARAN the greatest beat association in the maritime industry.
” More encouraging is the fact that all of these past leaders are currently doing well in their different endeavors.
” Some are excelling as Ministers of God in His vineyard, some are holding their own in the legal profession, some have become media moguls and employers of labour while some are practicing their crafts as political appointees.
” It is at this reception that MARAN hopes to unveil their excellence and celebrate their rising profiles”, Olojo declared.
The reception, which will be held on April 24, 2026 at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, is expected to feature award presentations, goodwill messages, and networking sessions that will foster deeper engagement among stakeholders while celebrating excellence in maritime journalism.
As the momentum continues to build, the association therefore calls on industry stakeholders, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to be part of this historic event through sponsorships, partnerships, and active participation.
MARAN is the foremost maritime journalists beat association, and a professional body that is committed to promoting ethical journalism, capacity building, and informed reporting within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.
NSW: Stakeholders Fear Success With Weak Commitment by Drivers and Lack of Reforms by Government.
Dantsoho, NPA MD, Attributes Maritime Sector Transformation to Reforms and Minister’s Leadership Style.
MARAN Confirms Readiness To Celebrate Past Presidents.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNPA Deepens Digitalization,Targets Port Community System As ETO undergoes Review.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoICTN: FG Gives Shippers’ Council Nod for a Roll-Out, Agencies Sign Performance Bonds.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoPORTS MODERNIZATION, NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW TO TACKLE PORTS CHALLENGES, Says NPA MD.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNigeria Canvasses Regional Co-operation, Investment Drive at Liberia Fisheries Summit.
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Maritime Agencies6 days ago
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