Maritime Agencies
Zoe Maritime Breakfast Meeting: NCDMB, NIWA, LASWA Discuss Maritime Logistics, Sustainability of Ocean Economy.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In furtherance of a mandate to champion local human resources input into operations in Nigeria’s oil and gas sectors, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has instituted the Nigerian Content Forum
However, the agency’s intervention in the maritime space has been challenging as she struggles with in-country value addition and pushback in efforts to make progress.
NCDMB Executive Secretary/CEO, Mr Felix Omatsola Ogbe stated this in Lagos, Thursday, during a panel discussion at the 2025 edition of the Maritime Business Roundtable Breakfast Meeting organized by Zoe Maritime Resources Ltd with the theme ‘Maritime Logistics and Sustainability of the Ocean Economy’. Other dignitaries on the discussion included Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager, Lagos Waterways Authority (LASWA), Engr Elsie Egwuatu, Head of Marine, Lagos Area Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Ruth Ikem Chukwukezirim, CEO, Global Energy & Logistics.
Mr Ajimijaye receiving a souvenir on behalf of NCDMB Executive Secretary/CEO.
Speaking through Silas Omomehin Ajimijaye, General Manager, Research, Statistics and Development, the NCDMB boss referred to the $350 million intervention fund up for grabs by local shipping companies. Not less than 10 Nigerian companies, he explained, have accessed the facility.
“As a matter of fact, before I came here, I was speaking with one of those companies that have benefitted from our intervention. A good example is Starzs Group. They said they are very happy with what NCDMB has done to help them as a as a company. I know the MD, Iro Ogbeifun, a lady who is doing so fantastically well. That is one of those cases we talk about women empowerment. The company is doing well. Not only them, there are several others we are working with to deepen in-country value addition in the maritime sector.”
The fund which keeps growing is disbursed as a single digit loan businesses use and pay back. “This fund is being managed by the Bank of Industry (BOI). Every now and then, they provide a report to show how it is going.”
On collaboration with other agencies, Mr Ajimijaye said part of NCDMB’s mandate is to collaborate with NIMASA to deepen local content through the Nigerian Content plan which should be enshrined into every contract arrangement.
“You have to state what Nigerian Content plan you have now and what you plan to do. Even with manning vessels, you have to show what you have currently and how you want Nigerians to understudy foreigners and possibly integrate them into the system.”
“There is what we call the baseline census for the marine services sector. What this means is that for the companies which are into marine services in the oil and gas sector, we want to do a census, a survey. What is the capacity, the capabilities? How many vessels do they have? Who are the Nigerians there? Who are the foreigners there? What are they doing and what are their challenges? When we analyse the data, we do what we call a gap analysis and have a clear data-driven scenario and recommend to government ways to bridge gaps.”
“We also recognize our partners – NIMASA, NIWA, various other institutions and industry players to collaborate to solve the problems.”
For instance, he explained, what NCDMB calls the Nigerian Content intervention fund is based on a study carried out to realize that people have financial challenges.”
The fund is given to a development bank to help NCDMB administer instead of leaving the money in the Central Bank.
On reducing joblessness among trained seafarers, the NCDMB boss explained that his agency’s intervention is a continuous process.
“For some of them, we do the training and try to source seatime places for them. It is a very big challenge to engage them on vessels for seatime experience. They have the training, certification and exposure. It’s been very fantastic but the problem is the size of the industry. Right now, you can’t take everybody. Entering the programme has always been very competitive. For those who have participated, you can rarely find anyone who has gone through that internship training roaming the streets. It’s only those who have not had the opportunity to have the exposure. The cadet internship training programme is a continuous process. Apart from cadets, we have training for marine surveyors. We give them scholarship. Thereafter, they’re expected to launch out into the world.”
NCDMB recommends that after training, the cadets are not expected to wait for the agency to engage them because it does not have the jobs.
“We are not a maritime company. We’re just to build and launch you to find work anywhere in the world.”
Engr Elsie Egwuatu, Head of Marine, NIWA, Lagos Office.
In a presentation, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the statutory regulator of the inland waterways, outlined her critical role in promoting maritime logistics and the sustainability of the ocean economy by making operations on inland waterways safe and seamless. Represented by Engr Elsie Egwuatu, Head of Marine, NIWA, Lagos Office, the
agency dwelt on critical areas of concern currently including maritime accidents and safety, delays, disruptions and navigational challenges which are being tackled headlong with huge assistance from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HE Adegboyega Oyetola.
NIWA, she stated, has also ensured the development of indigenous technical and managerial skills to meet the challenges of modern inland waterways transportation.
In her welcome address earlier, the Chair, Zoe Maritime Resources Ltd, Barr (Mrs) Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore said that as a coastal nation, it is important for Nigeria to harness ocean resources and develop her economy in a manner that sustains her teeming population while eradicating poverty in the land. Maritime logistics, she observed, is an acute driver of the ocean economy.
“In this digital age, it is important to evaluate how logistics is affecting the development of the ocean economy. What are our obligations in maritime logistics? What are the opportunities and how can these be harnessed to uplift the Nigerian populace and, by extension, develop the African continent?”
Other participants in the panel discussion included the representative of Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager, Lagos Waterways Authority (LASWA), the Nigerian Navy and Mrs Ruth Ikem Chukwukezirim, CEO, Global Energy and Logistics.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is committed to translate maritime policies into practical results as part of efforts to ensure safer waterways, reliable infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.
NIWA Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Yusuf Girei made the commitment while congratulating stakeholders in his goodwill message during the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration.
This year’s celebration whose theme was“From policy to practice: Powering excellence,” has in attendance was graced the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, FSM, MCIPM; Chairperson and Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Mfon Usoro; Directors and Heads of Departments, CEOs of Parastatals under the Ministry, members of the diplomatic corps, industry stakeholders and the media.

“This year’s theme,” Alhaji Girei said, “reminds us that strong policies create value only when they are translated into meaningful action. In the maritime sector, that means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services that support trade and economic growth.”

He noted that NIWA remains committed to working with State Governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, modernise facilities and protect the waterways on which many livelihoods depend.
Speaking about excellence in the maritime sector, he described it as a shared responsibility that requires skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and a culture that places safety and sustainability at the heart of operations.

“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” he added.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary and all stakeholders whose commitment keeps the maritime industry moving, and urged participants to turn shared ambition into practical results.
The celebration peaked when Alhaji Girei joined in the award presentation for the Primary School Children’s Essay Competition category sponsored by NIWA. The first position went to Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, who won N200,000 cash and a laptop computer. The second position went to Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, who received N150,000 and a laptop computer, while the third position went to Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, who received N100,000 cash and a laptop computer.
On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of NIWA, he wished all stakeholders a successful World Maritime Day celebration.
Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF President, Chief Ezisi, Visits PTML Customs, Urges Deepened Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has given kudos to the Controller of the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller N. I. Miko, for the support extended to freight forwarders at PTML, enjoining him to sustain the tempo and assist the NAGAFF chapter to deepen the relationship for mutual benefits.
Chief Ezisi made the commendation, Thursday, when he led the association’s high command on a familiarization visit to the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the PTML Command.
Ezisi who used the opportunity to welcome the CAC to the Customs Command also introduced the newly-elected executive of the NAGAFF PTML Chapter democratically elected to manage its affairs for the next four years.
Describing NAGAFF as a law-abiding organisation which has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Customs Service, Chief Ezisi stressed the importance of collaboration, compliance and professionalism in facilitating legitimate trade.
He urged Miko to maintain open communication with the chapter’s leadership and whenever disagreements or operational challenges arose, the national leadership would intervene where necessary to resolve issues.
As in other large organisations, Ezisi acknowledged, members with different dispositions and approaches to matters populate NAGAFF and managing them and their differences remains the hallmark of effective leadership at all times.
He also told the CAC that as a body, NAGAFF has in place an active special intervention outfit, a compliance team with guiding slogan, “If you see something, say something.” This body monitors the activities of her members and other freight forwarders who willingly subvert compliance standards in the line of duties.
NAGAFF, he explained, is a non-profit association of freight forwarders whose headquarters relies on the contributions and activities of its chapters to fulfill its responsibilities to the industry.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko, assured NAGAFF members of the Command’s continued cooperation. He described the relationship between Customs officers and freight forwarders at the terminal as very cordial and will always be, going forward.
Miko recalled NAGAFF’s organizational structure, describing it as impressive, particularly the commitment to training and capacity development of members through the NAGAFF Academy .
The PTML Command would continue to support freight forwarders, the CAC pledged as Customs officers and industry operators would continue to deepen the existing harmony and cooperation in the workplace.
He assured that the Command would continue engaging terminal operators on the need to improve the working environment for both Customs officers and freight forwarders.
Miko encouraged freight forwarders to report any shortcomings in the conduct of Customs officers, assuring them that the command would take feedback seriously and work towards improvement.
He also urged stakeholders to acknowledge good performance, emphasising that constructive engagement, mutual respect and collaboration were essential to effective operations.
He reaffirmed his management’s readiness to sustain the healthy relationship with the association and other stakeholders.
Giving a vote of thanks, NAGAFF’s Vice President (Headquarters), Simeon Nwonu, expressed pleasure of the assurance of a continued cordial relationship and accessibility stakeholders associate CAC Miko with right from the Apapa Command.
He thanked Comptroller Miko for the warm reception, expressing confidence that NAGAFF members operating at PTML would benefit from continued engagement.
Maritime Agencies
Ogun 1 Customs Hits Smugglers Hard 15 Days into New Leadership, Intercepts N3.15 bn Contrabands.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Within 15 days of taking over as the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Customs Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim has hit the ground running, intercepting 43 consignments of prohibited and improperly imported goods whose Duty Paid Value (DPV) stand at N3.15 billion.
The Acting CAC stated this, Thursday, when he addressed the press at the Command’s headquarters, Idiroko, Ogun State. He pledged his commitment to intensify enforcement operations to prevent prohibited goods from entering the country through Nigeria’s borders with the Republic of Benin.
The seizures, which include foreign rice, pasta, pharmaceutical products, cannabis, petroleum products and 13 exotic vehicles, underscore the command’s renewed offensive against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.
Attributing the swift success to intelligence-driven strategies, intensified surveillance and collaboration with sister security agencies and border communities,
he warned smugglers that the Command would not tolerate activities capable of undermining the nation’s economy, public health and national security.
“From the outset, I made it clear that Ogun I Area Command under my watch would not tolerate any form of economic sabotage. We are determined to deploy all lawful means to combat smuggling and enforce compliance with existing trade laws and regulations,” Ibrahim stated.
On October 2, 2026, he explained, trucks conveying large quantities of foreign pasta and condensed milk suspected to have been smuggled into the country were confiscated.
”The first truck contained 2,740 cartons of foreign Siddo Pasta concealed alongside 500 cartons of Oki Condensed Milk, while the second carried 6,000 cartons of foreign Ginny Pasta. The third truck was loaded with 6,500 cartons of foreign Doga Pasta.
The trucks were subsequently moved to the command’s headquarters for physical examination in accordance with Section 227 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.”
On October 4, he added, officers intercepted a Dangote truck along the Afamin-Dangote-Itori axis conveying 100 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice concealed beneath mica and gypsum stones in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
Yet on October 11, the Command also intercepted a 10-tyre truck containing 321 military camouflage face caps and 27,831 assorted unregistered pharmaceutical products.
The pharmaceutical products included codeine-based cough syrups, injections, eye drops and dietary supplements without registration numbers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Ibrahim deplored the illegal importation of restricted military accessories and unregistered medicines with serious implications for national security and public health respectively.
“These seizures are not merely about confiscating prohibited goods. They are about protecting our citizens, safeguarding public health, defending our national security and ensuring that legitimate businesses are not undermined by illegal trade,” Comptroller Ibrahim said.
The trucks involved in the major interceptions, he disclosed, would be forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with Section 248 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Other items seized during the period included 4,013 parcels of cannabis sativa, one wrap of Canadian Loud, 950 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 660 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, four bundles of used pneumatic tyres, 106 bales of second-hand clothing, 1,320 pairs of new shoes, 3,700 pairs of used shoes, 252 imported face caps and 1,250 foreign-used bags.
Ogun 1 Command also impounded 13 exotic foreign-used vehicles, including Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, Toyota Venza, Lexus LX 600, Lexus ES 350, Toyota Camry, Toyota Avensis Verso, Peugeot 406, Ford Galaxy and Nissan Almera models.
Ibrahim put the total Duty Paid Value of the 43 seizures at N3,153,591,000, describing the figure as evidence of the command’s determination to frustrate smuggling networks and protect the Nigerian economy.
He expressed particular concern over the interception of cannabis, warning that the substance poses significant risks to young people, public health and national security.
As part of efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, the command formally handed over the seized cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Area Command, for further investigation and necessary action.
He attributed the operational successes to the leadership and support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, who continues to c provide strategic direction and motivation to officers across the country.
As he acknowledged the contributions of sister security agencies, traditional institutions, youths and border communities to the fight against smuggling, he praised his officers and men for being resilient and professional in discharging their duties.
“The message is clear: smugglers and their collaborators should steer clear of Ogun I Area Command. We remain committed to protecting the nation’s economic and security interests with professionalism, integrity and courage,” he warned.
In his intervention, Akande Olasumbo Oluwafemi, the Commander, NDLEA Idiroko Special Area Command, commended the Customs Service for intercepting the prohibited substances and pharmaceutical products.
Oluwafemi described the seizures as an important intervention in efforts to combat drug abuse and disrupt the supply chains through which illicit substances reach consumers.
He expressed concern over the increasing abuse of codeine-based cough syrups among Nigerian youths, noting that products originally intended for legitimate medical use were being misused because of their addictive properties.
“Initially, codeine was something mixed with other ingredients in cough syrups. But because of addiction, our youths now buy a bottle of codeine and swallow the entire contents at once,” he lamented.
He stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between the Customs Service and the NDLEA in identifying, intercepting and preventing the circulation of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products.
2026 World Maritime Day: Nigeria Subscribes to Safer Waterways and Excellence.
NAGAFF President, Chief Ezisi, Visits PTML Customs, Urges Deepened Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership.
Ogun 1 Customs Hits Smugglers Hard 15 Days into New Leadership, Intercepts N3.15 bn Contrabands.
Lekki Port Customs Confiscates 400kg of Suspected Cannabis Sativa Worth over N2.26bn, Hands over To NDLEA.
MARAN Trains Members at Shipping Institute, Pledges Sustained Capacity Building.
Deputy Comptroller Nkiru Nwala Takes Over C’River, Calabar FTZ and Akwa Ibom Customs Command, Succeeds Comptroller Momodu Dauda.
The Price Of The Byline: When Journalists Cannot Afford To Live
Operation Whirlwind’ Auctions 22,175 Litres of PMS, Deepens Fight Against Petroleum Products Smuggling,
NIGERIA @ 66: AMBO Media Front Pinpoints Signs of a Prosperous Future .
CHANGE OF BATON AT OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: A.A.Ibrahim Succeeds O.O.Afeni, Pledges Intelligence-Driven Enforcement.
SPORTS: Group Unveils United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders’ Cup, 2026.
Traders’ Umbrella Group Evaluates State of the Nation, Expresses Serious Concerns of the Trading Public.
Tantita’s Oil Pipeline Surveillance Yields Huge Dividend, Shoots Nigeria’s Q2 Oil Exports Earnings To $9.39bn.
Ehingbeti Summit: Stakeholders Say Coastal Communities Need Funding for Development.
Ogun 1 Customs Repeats Stern Warning To Smugglers, Confiscates Latest Brand of Range Rover, Other Contrabands.
Unregulated Deployment of Unmanned Vessels Threatens Maritime Security — Navy.
JANUARY-MAY REPORT: Seme Customs Hits N2.6bn, Facilitates ₦35.1bn Exports.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
ABUJA MoU: WE FUNCTION BEHIND A MASK, says Capt Umoren
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
HALF YEAR, 2024: Apapa Customs Nets ₦1.024 Trillion, Records 143% Increase.
B’Odogwu: Apapa Customs Collects ₦161b in 3 Weeks, Assures of Improvements .
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
PTML Customs Hits Over N350Bn in 9 Months, Intercepts ₦200m Illicit Pharmaceuticals,
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Adesuwa Ladoja Becomes MD/CEO, Lagos Free Zone.
Photo News: Salah Celebration
Information Minister Highlights President Tinubu’s Achievements, says 2025 Is A Year of Consolidation.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTraders’ Umbrella Group Evaluates State of the Nation, Expresses Serious Concerns of the Trading Public.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoCHANGE OF BATON AT OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: A.A.Ibrahim Succeeds O.O.Afeni, Pledges Intelligence-Driven Enforcement.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoSPORTS: Group Unveils United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders’ Cup, 2026.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTantita’s Oil Pipeline Surveillance Yields Huge Dividend, Shoots Nigeria’s Q2 Oil Exports Earnings To $9.39bn.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoDeputy Comptroller Nkiru Nwala Takes Over C’River, Calabar FTZ and Akwa Ibom Customs Command, Succeeds Comptroller Momodu Dauda.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNIGERIA @ 66: AMBO Media Front Pinpoints Signs of a Prosperous Future .
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOperation Whirlwind’ Auctions 22,175 Litres of PMS, Deepens Fight Against Petroleum Products Smuggling,
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoMARAN Trains Members at Shipping Institute, Pledges Sustained Capacity Building.