Maritime Agencies
WATERWAYS MANAGEMENT: Lagos Has No Reason To Disagree With FG, Gov Sanwo-Olu Says.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Lagos State Government has pledged to continue to improve and enhance its working relationship with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), even as it says that both the federal and state authorities have no reasons to disagree on issues of waterways management.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the undertaking in Lagos, Thursday, while exchanging views with the Senate Committee on Marine Transportation and Blue Economy led by its Chairman, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni which visited him at Lagos House, Ikeja.
He said the State’s Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development was set up to put in place the right and needed infrastructure around waterways in the State, and therefore urged NIWA to be on the same page with the State Government.”
We see ourselves as partners with NIWA on waterways. We are committed, and we believe that they are equally committed. The only area in which we need to strengthen our relationship is the sand-filling and approval on sand-filling. Let us be on the same page. We can continue to improve and enhance the working relationship between us and NIWA,” the Governor said.
Highlighting landmark achievements made by the Lagos State Government on the blue economy and water transportation, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced that his administration would soon introduce electric boats in water transportation as part of interventions aimed at enhancing marine ecosystems and reducing travel time.
“About a month ago, we launched additional brand new 15 ferry boats with the capacity of about 40 passengers each for water transportation. The boats were fabricated and completed here in Lagos. We have launched and handed them over to the operators to ease water transportation”, he said.
“We just did ground-breaking work for two iconic projects that would be by the waterfronts; Lagos-Marina Inter-Change. It is an interchange that would harbour water transportation, rail transportation, and bus rapid transportation. We are doing another one at Mile 2, which will also be for water, rail, and bus interchange stations.
He told the visitors that the landmark projects will not only change the face of water and marine transportation in Lagos but will also enhance socio-economic activities, the movement of people from one part of the city to another and reduce travel time by 60 to 70 percent.
NIWA, he said, is aware of all the projects because Lagos State Government has been collaborating with them.
“We are working on the Omi-Eko Water Project. The Omi-Eko Water Project is a well-thought-out project that will run for the next four to five years. It is going to enhance water transportation. We are going to build additional water jetties. We are going to be buying electric boats—100/120 passenger boats. We are going to improve security on the waterways. We are going to enhance a Command and Control Centre on the waterways.”
Speaking earlier, Senator Eshinlokun-Sanni called for a mutually-beneficial relationship and collaboration between the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government to drive social economy and commercial activities on waterways.
He said being in Lagos on a working visit, the Committeee deemed it fit to pay a courtesy visit to Governor Sanwo-Olu before carrying out their oversight functions.
Eshinlokun-Sanni said NIWA, which is under its committee, is very critical to Lagos State, noting that the Senate Committee on Marine Transportation and Blue Economy wants a mutually-beneficial relationship between the Federal Government and Lagos State.
“We are here to look at how NIWA is doing and to see the area of cooperation with the Lagos State Government because of the recent judgement of the Supreme Court”, he said.
“We want to see how NIWA will enjoy a good relationship with the Lagos State Government without acrimony because we are the same government as the APC, and most importantly, the father of the nation is from Lagos State.
“We are not here to witch-hunt; we are here to work with you and the people of Lagos State and Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, NIWA has vowed to enforce strict compliance with safety regulations especially concerning use of life jackets by boat operators, passengers and other waterway operators.
This is contained in a warning signal the agency issued recently in reaction to the rising water levels across rivers and lagoons in the country and the danger it poses to unregulated water transportation.
Consequently, NIWA has advised people living along river banks across the country to relocate to higher grounds so as to avoid loss of lives and properties.
The agency vowed that going forward, boat operators and passengers who flout laid-down safety regulations must be prepared to face very stiff consequences.
”The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) wishes to inform the general public that our gauge readers have confirmed the country’s fast-rising water levels across rivers and lagoons,” a release by NIWA says.
“Consequently, the authority calls on all persons living at the riverbanks across Nigeria to start preparing to relocate to higher grounds to avoid the loss of lives and properties in the advent of a flood.
”Specifically, the boat operators and passengers are advised to take note of the rising tides and ensure strict adherence to safety regulations on the inland waterways, including compulsory use of life jackets always.”
The agency informed that Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023 has been gazetted and compliance shall be enforced.
Maritime Agencies
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In continuation of the campaign against illegal trafficking of wild life and endangered animal species, the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a consignment of endangered wildlife species, including one lion cub and two patas monkeys. This followed a stop-and-search operation along the Badagry–Seme Expressway.
A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman says the interception occurred at about 2:19 a.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2025, when operatives stopped a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA at Gbaji.
Upon inspection, officers discovered the animals whose cross-border transportation was a clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws.
Two suspects — Mathew Kofi, a Beninoise national and Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian — claimed ownership of the animals and admitted to purchasing them in Kano with the intention of conveying them to Benin Republic.
The Command immediately confiscated the animals in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The suspects were detained for further investigation to determine their level of involvement in wildlife trafficking.
Formally handing over the lion cub and monkeys to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for proper handling, the Customs Area Controller , Comptroller Wale Adenuga, represented by Deputy Comptroller A.Y.Mohammed, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws, environmental conservation and border security.
“We will continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure that the illegal trade in endangered species is decisively curtailed,” he stated.
He said the interception underscores Nigeria Customs’ growing role in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting biodiversity, while reinforcing the country’s compliance with international conservation standards.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has been unveiled as the Special Guest of Honour for the official launch of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria’s (MARAN) latest publication, “50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.”
The high-profile event is scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos by 12noon.
According to a statement by the MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, the ceremony will be chaired by former Nigerian Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.
Bivbere noted that the presence of these eminent personalities underscores the book’s relevance to Nigeria’s evolving maritime landscape, particularly as the nation intensifies efforts toward repositioning its marine and blue economy for sustainable growth.
He described the forthcoming book as a “comprehensive compendium” that documents the individuals, agencies, and organisations shaping Nigeria’s maritime transformation.
His words: “This indispensable volume educates industry professionals on the profound history and current opportunities within the sector, spotlighting the people and institutions whose contributions continue to drive national development.
”With the book, readers can discover how the blue economy’s past is paving the way for a promising future.”
The MARAN President explained that the publication is the product of months of rigorous research and editorial work aimed at capturing the achievements and innovations of the 50 most influential drivers in the sector.
He added that the December 4 launch is expected to attract top government functionaries, regulators, shipowners, freight forwarders, terminal operators, scholars, and investors, making it one of the most anticipated gatherings of maritime leaders in recent years.
Bivbere assured that arrangements are in top gear to deliver a befitting event that celebrates excellence, professionalism, and service to the nation’s maritime advancement.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In pursuit of her determination to maintain an enviable record of a major revenue earner for the Federal Government, the The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service realized a total of N154.3billion last October.
The Command which has continued to witness focused leadership has also experienced sterling performances in other areas of operations following the introduction of B’Odogwu,the Unified Customs Management System software platform.
According to a release by Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, the Command image maker, the October record shows the second highest revenue generation in a couple of months.
It is recalled that in August when the Command recorded its highest revenue generation so far, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Onyeka said the revenue breakthrough was attributable to the successful deployment of the indigenous B’Odogwu trade platform, a homegrown initiative which has “significantly improved trade facilitation and enhanced revenue performance.”
In August, the Command realized a total of ₦159 billion, an achievement for which officers and men earned special commendation from the CAC. He also gave kudos to stakeholders for displaying heightened commitment in efforts to keep the Command on top of her game.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, for his massive encouragement and recognition of the efforts of the Command.
The Tin Can Island Port Command has fully keyed into the policy of collaboration, consolidation and innovation as espoused by the CGC and this has been a driving force in the activities of the Command this year.
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
Oyetola, Iheanacho, To Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Launch MARAN’s New Book
IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
MAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
MAN: Only A NASS Review Can Convert It To A Conventional University, Governing Council Warns.
MAN, ORON, Charges Graduating Cadets To Uphold Academy’s Core Values.
Customs Embraces OSS, A Special Platform, To Deepen Trade Facilitation
MARAN Launches Major Industry Publication In December
PTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
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BADAGRY: Customs Broker Deplores Role of Unapproved Checkpoints As Baggage Maritime Magazine Celebrates
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CILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
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APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
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2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
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PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
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
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MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoBADAGRY: Customs Broker Deplores Role of Unapproved Checkpoints As Baggage Maritime Magazine Celebrates
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoPTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoApapa Customs Unveils ECTS To Deepen Trade Facilitation, Boost Revenue And National Security.I
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOCTOBER REVENUE: Apapa Customs Breaks Record, Nets 304Bn In A Month
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoMAN: Only A NASS Review Can Convert It To A Conventional University, Governing Council Warns.
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Maritime Agencies6 days agoIMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoMAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoMAN, ORON, Charges Graduating Cadets To Uphold Academy’s Core Values.