Maritime Agencies
SNIFIEC Tasks FG To Reverse Ban on Shea Butter Exportation, Save Over $100m Local Investments
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As agitations trailing the Federal Government’s recent ban on the exportation of unprocessed shea butter gather momentum, a freight forwarders’ group has expressed displeasure by the measure which, if not reversed, could cost Nigerian exporters over $100 million annually.
The arrowhead and national coordinator of Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNIFIEC), Chief Patrick Osita Chukwu raised the alarm in Lagos while speaking to the press .
Exportation of shea butter which was initially portrayed as a strategic measure to improve forex encourage attracted many business people who embraced it, going all-out to secure bank loans for this purpose. It is curious , however, that the Federal Government decided to do a u-turn by imposing a ban without offering convincing reasons to those who have invested huge resources in it.
Chief Osita Chukwu who condemned the lack of prior notice, described the decision as “outrageous” and “unjust.” He explained that many exporters had already secured international contracts worth millions of dollars, obtained loans, completed documentation, and transported their goods to the ports—only to be turned away due to the sudden policy shift by the Federal Government.
While not opposing the trade regulations, Chief Chukwu explained, such measures should have been implemented with adequate notice to protect business people, importers, exporters and freight forwarders already committed in legitimate transactions. He revealed that over 100 containers are currently stranded even as exporters face potential losses exceeding $100 million.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the ban temporarily and allow exporters who have gone far into the process to complete their shipments as failing to do so could be interpreted as a targeted attempt to cripple certain businesses and livelihoods that belong to political opponents of the party in power.
It is recalled that at a recent multi-stakeholder engagement in Abuja,
Vice President Kashim Shettima had announced the ban, attributing it to
a pro-value addition initiative rather than an anti-trade measure. He lamented that although Nigeria produces nearly 40% of the world’s shea nuts—about 500,000 tonnes annually—it holds only 1% of the global market share due to the export of raw and low-quality processed products.
Shea nut production spans 30 Nigerian states, with Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Benue, Ogun, and Oyo leading the charge. However, much of the output is exported in its raw form or turned into low-grade artisanal butter, limiting Nigeria’s potential in the global value chain.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), the security outfit keeping surveillance over oil and gas installations and other critical assets in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, has secured an approval to deliver a technical lecture on Drone Security at the 2026 edition of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). This lecture will spotlight the use of drone technology in offshore oil platform protection.
The presentation, scheduled for next year’s global gathering of energy innovation will showcase Tantita’s pioneering efforts in leveraging unmanned aerial systems to monitor and secure Nigeria’s vast offshore assets.
Confirming the development, the company’s Executive Director of Technical and Operations, Captain Dr. Warredi Enisuoh, noted that the approval from OTC reflects growing international recognition of Tantita’s operational successes and technological innovation.
Tantita’s lecture will delve into real-time surveillance, threat detection, and collaborative frameworks for maritime security, aligning with OTC’s broader focus on digitalization, sustainability, and cross-sector innovation in offshore energy.
The 2026 conference is expected to attract thousands of global stakeholders, including engineers, policymakers, and investors, offering a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships.
Maritime Agencies
Stakeholders Cry Out, Seek FG’s Intervention To Avoid a Return of Apapa Gridlock.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As renewed tanker and truck build-up begin to show up on the ports access route in Apapa, there are strong indications that the infamous traffic gridlock that once crippled business activities in Apapa and environs is gradually resurfacing, threatening to paralyze movement and port operations once again.
Port workers now battle renewed evening congestion as truckers and tankers swarm the port access roads daily, preventing other road users from seamless transit.
Investigations by the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMI) reveal that while Apapa roads remain relatively free during the day, a long trail of trucks begins forming by evening from both the Costain and Mile 2 entry points.
From the Ijora-Olopa Bridge to Apapa and from Coconut Bus Stop to Tin Can Island’s gates, trucks line up in droves, allegedly paying between N30,000 and N50,000 to secure a spot in the queue.
Officials of key government agencies, investigations show, are complicit in the illegal toll collection as they allegedly look the other way as the situation worsens.
These agencies include the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Police.
The most affected areas include Wharf Road, Warehouse Road, Commercial Road, Burma Road, and Creek Road.
Speaking on the development, Moses Fadipe, former National Coordinator of the Port Standing Task Team (PSTT), attributed the resurgence to the return of vested interests who previously profited from the chaos. The Lagos State Government, he noted, knows what steps to take to prevent a full-blown crisis.
Martins Enebeli, President of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (NIS) and the Nigerian Licensed Ship Chandlers Association (NILSCA), blamed government insincerity for the relapse.
He urged authorities to prioritise rail transport for cargo evacuation from Lagos ports and to revive Eastern and Delta ports to ease pressure on Apapa.
“Bonded terminals should be relocated far from the ports and connected by rail. Government must stop concentrating port operations in the West while neglecting other regions,” Enebeli stated.
Speaking anonymously, a senior official confirmed that a syndicate involving both state and non-state actors is profiting from the tolls collected from truckers, exacerbating the traffic crisis.
Meanwhile, stakeholders have been unanimous in their call for urgent federal government intervention to dismantle the alleged racketeering network and restore sanity to Apapa’s transport corridors.
Maritime Agencies
CILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following his outstanding contributions to capacity development in maritime education and training in Nigeria’s premier maritime training centre, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Training (CILT), Nigeria, Thursday, conferred special honours on the Acting Rector, Dr Kevin Okonna.
Tagged “Award for Distinguished Leadership in Logistics and Transport”, the conferment was the highlight of the 2025 National Conference and Awards Ceremony of the Institute which took place in Lagos.
Speaking at the event , CILT Nigeria President, Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro, highlighted the Institute’s strategic partnership with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN). She commended Dr. Okonna for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to repositioning the Maritime Academy of Nigeria as a centre of excellence in maritime education in Africa.
“Dr. Okonna has shown exceptional leadership and professionalism in ensuring the Academy continues to meet international standards. His passion and zeal for the development of the Academy is worthy of emulation,” Mrs. Usoro stated.
In his remarks following the conferment of the award, the elated Acting Rector expressed appreciation to CILT Nigeria for the honour. He described it as a call to continue striving for excellence in his service to the maritime industry and the nation in general
“This recognition is deeply appreciated. It is a call to a higher responsibility. This award reflects the collective effort of the Management, Staff, Students and Cadets of the Academy, whose dedication continues to drive our progress.”
”It means that what we do quietly is seen and valued. We’re ready to continue doing more for CILT, the industry and the country as a whole,” he promised.
Dr. Kevin Okonna, a seasoned maritime academic and administrator, has dedicated over thirty years to the service of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. As a lecturer, he assiduously rose through the ranks to clinch the position of Acting Rector.
In ten months since he became the Acting Rector, MAN Oron has recorded significant milestones. His leadership has heralded extensive reforms in firming up on training standards, infrastructure renewal, upgrade of teaching facilities and restoration of public power supply to the Academy’s campus and environs. Other key areas include the pursuance of ISO Certification for the Academy, development of Conditions and Scheme of Service, development of Courses on Port State Control, enhancement of staff and cadet welfare and many others.
His tenure has also strengthened collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Nautical Institute, UK, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), and other global maritime bodies.
The CILT recognition, industry watchers say, underscores the Acting Rector’s enduring legacy of excellence. It also reinforces the Academy’s stance as Nigeria’s foremost maritime education and training institution.
Distinguished officers of MAN Oron witnessed the CILT conferment on the Acting Rector. These included the Acting Director, School of Maritime Transport Studies, Mrs Theresa Eyo; Senior Lecturers – Mrs Nse Okon, Dr. Imoh Ekpo, Dr. Obot Idopise and Dr. Ufia Friday. Others were the Lagos Liaison Officer, Mrs Dorcas Titilola Imogore and Domo Umoekpe, the Academy’s Head of Public Affairs Department.
OTC 2026: Tantita Secures Approval for Lecture on Drone Security
Stakeholders Cry Out, Seek FG’s Intervention To Avoid a Return of Apapa Gridlock.
CILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
PTML Customs Hits Over N350Bn in 9 Months, Intercepts ₦200m Illicit Pharmaceuticals,
Focus on Innovation, Integrity and Continuous Learning, Apapa Customs Boss Charges Newly Promoted Officers
Seme Customs Hits Big: Intercepts 10,000 Bags of Expired Flour, Cannabis; Facilitates 53, 989.47MT Exports in A Month
’MV DRAGON’: Freight Forwarders Group Hails Clarion Shipping, Stage A Roadshow
TRADE FACILITATION: Seme Customs Hosts Joint Border Stakeholders’ Engagement To Deepen Cordial Relationships.
IMO Hails Nigeria’s Anti-piracy Arrangement, Recommends Same To Other Nations.
ABUJA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR: Abuja’s Location, Agro-allied Potentials Favour Non-oil Revenue, says NPA.
IMO Commends Nigeria’s Maritime Security Architecture, Blue Economy Policy.
WMD 2025: Innovative Financing Is Key To Drive Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy, Says Oyetola. S
Maritime Journalists Associations Come Under One Umbrella, Form NNMI.
WMD 2025: Shippers’ Council Joins Global Community to Celebrate, Emphasizes Sustainable Blue Economy
WMD 2025: MAN Oron Steals the Show As Cadets Bag Multiple Awards.
Sustained High Revenue: Tincan Customs Command Under Comptroller Onyeka A Test Case.
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
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OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
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MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
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PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
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MUAZU SAMBO: Showcasing Nigeria’s Maritime Potentials At The Global Arena
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoIMO Hails Nigeria’s Anti-piracy Arrangement, Recommends Same To Other Nations.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks ago’MV DRAGON’: Freight Forwarders Group Hails Clarion Shipping, Stage A Roadshow
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoSeme Customs Hits Big: Intercepts 10,000 Bags of Expired Flour, Cannabis; Facilitates 53, 989.47MT Exports in A Month
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTRADE FACILITATION: Seme Customs Hosts Joint Border Stakeholders’ Engagement To Deepen Cordial Relationships.
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Maritime Agencies2 days agoCILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
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Maritime Agencies20 hours ago Stakeholders Cry Out, Seek FG’s Intervention To Avoid a Return of Apapa Gridlock.