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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The newly elected executive of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has pledged to deepen collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in support of Nigeria’s ongoing port modernisation drive and broader maritime sector development.
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‎The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the new MARAN leadership, led by its President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, to the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the NPA, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, at the authority’s headquarters in Lagos.
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‎Speaking during the visit, Onyemekara described the emergence of the new MARAN leadership as a positive development for the maritime media landscape, while commending the association’s electoral committee and outgoing leadership for conducting a peaceful and credible transition process.
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‎According to him, the successful conduct of the election demonstrated maturity and institutional stability within the association, noting that many organisations often struggle with leadership transitions.
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‎“What they have done is something that deserves commendation.
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‎Some organisations would have scattered if not for a group of people who ensured stability and successfully midwifed the election process,” he said.
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‎He further praised the association for producing professionals who have continued to distinguish themselves across different sectors of the economy, stressing that MARAN has remained a strong platform for maritime journalism and policy engagement in Nigeria.
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‎The NPA spokesperson also highlighted the longstanding relationship between the authority and MARAN, assuring the new executive of the agency’s support and cooperation.
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‎“I have known the president for a very long time and we have built a relationship over the years. You can rest assured that relationship will continue to grow. MARAN remains a very strategic stakeholder within the maritime industry,” Onyemekara stated.
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‎He emphasised that the maritime sector was entering a critical phase in its history with the Federal Government’s port modernisation initiative, which he said would significantly redefine port operations, competitiveness and trade efficiency in Nigeria.
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‎According to him, the modernisation programme is designed to position Nigerian ports for larger vessel traffic, improved cargo handling capacity and increased regional transshipment opportunities.
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‎He noted that the growth currently being witnessed at the Lekki Deep Sea Port further validates the need for Nigeria to upgrade its port infrastructure to meet global shipping realities.
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‎“Most vessels being built globally today are designed for large draft channels. If we fail to position ourselves appropriately, we will simply be wasting time. What we have seen in our first quarter operational statistics will become insignificant compared to what the industry can achieve after modernisation,” he explained.
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‎Onyemekara added that Nigeria possesses the demographic and economic fundamentals needed to emerge as a major maritime hub in Africa, stressing that efficient and modern ports would naturally attract higher cargo volumes and transshipment business.
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‎“The economy is here, the population is here, and the market is here. Once you combine these with an efficient port system, Nigerian ports can become major transshipment hubs within the region,” he said.
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‎Drawing comparisons with developments in the aviation sector globally, he explained that countries seeking greater competitiveness were investing heavily in infrastructure expansion rather than merely cosmetic upgrades.
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‎“We are concentrating on where it matters most, where the vessels come in. That is the essence of the port modernisation project,” he added.
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‎The NPA spokesman also called for stronger media support in educating Nigerians on the importance of the maritime sector and the economic value of port reforms.
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‎He stressed that maritime journalism remains critical to shaping public understanding and stakeholder acceptance of ongoing reforms, particularly the modernisation initiative.
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‎“The knowledge of the port industry is still not where it should be. The role of journalists in educating the public is extremely important, and we are ready to support initiatives that will strengthen maritime journalism,” Onyemekara said.
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‎He also expressed support for specialised training programmes for maritime journalists, especially in areas relating to port infrastructure, logistics, shipping economics and trade facilitation.
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‎Responding, MARAN President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, appreciated the warm reception accorded the delegation and reiterated the association’s commitment to constructive engagement with industry stakeholders.
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‎He further stressed the need for continuous professional training for maritime journalists, particularly as the industry enters a new era driven by infrastructure expansion and modernisation.
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‎“Now that the industry is embarking on an ambitious programme of infrastructure expansion and modernisation, journalists also need to be trained adequately so they can properly understand and project these developments to the public,” he said.
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‎The MARAN president noted that capacity building for journalists would not only improve reportage but also contribute to better public understanding of maritime policies, investments and reforms.
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‎The visit forms part of the new MARAN leadership’s broader stakeholder engagement initiative aimed at strengthening industry relationships and promoting collaborative efforts towards the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎Within the past five weeks, the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) , Idiroko, intercepted contrabands valued at over N6.777 billion
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‎Of these were 1,759 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 10,126 parcels of Cannabis Indica of different sizes (equivalent of 4627 kg with estimated value of N5 billion). Others were 14,550 liters of PMS and several bales of second- hand clothing.
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‎The Customs Area Controller, D.C.O.O. Afeni unveiled this at Idiroko, Tuesday, while delivering a progress report on the Command’s relentless war against economic saboteurs in the Area of Responsibility (AoR).
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‎Afeni restated that the Command remains “a hostile environment for those who seek to undermine our economic stability.”
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‎“We are gathered once again to provide a progress report on our relentless pursuit of economic saboteurs through our Area of Responsibility,” he said.
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‎“The Ogun I Area Command under my leadership remains steadfast in its mission to secure our land borders, fortify the national economy, and dismantle illicit trade networks.”
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‎He recalled that the Command had earlier handed over 2,543 parcels of cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command on March 16, noting that officers intensified operations rather than retreating after the milestone seizure.
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‎“Since the milestone, we did not retreat nor surrender, instead, we refined our tactics and re-strategise,” Afeni stated.
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‎Among the intercepted items were 1,759 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 2,685 kegs of vegetable oil, 14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 77 cartons of Analgin injection without NAFDAC registration, 66 bales of secondhand clothing, 858 packs of macaroni, expired food items, used vehicles, and six live pangolins already handed over to the appropriate agency.
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‎The Customs boss disclosed that the 10,126 parcels of cannabis indica weighed about 4,627 kilograms and had an estimated street value exceeding ₦5 billion.
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‎He warned that the proliferation of illicit drugs posed grave dangers to public health and national security.
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‎“Cannabis Sativa/Indica, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp is a psychoactive drug that is derived from the cannabis plant. It has a devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially our youths,” he said.
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‎“The rise in its abuses gives a great concern within the Nigerian society and a threat to our national security, due to its potential influence on criminal activities, such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping terrorism and other vices.”
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‎Afeni further revealed that from January to date, the Command had intercepted 26,002 parcels of cannabis.
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‎“This isn’t just a seizure; it’s a preventive measure. Without this intervention, our society would face a wave of drug-related crises,” he added.
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‎The Acting Controller also highlighted the economic implications of rice smuggling, insisting that the Federal Government’s land border restriction policy was aimed at boosting local production and protecting Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
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‎“Rice is a staple food eaten in many homes in the country. Its importation through the land borders was prohibited by the Federal Government of Nigeria to encourage local production and be self-sufficient,” he explained.
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‎On vegetable oil smuggling, Afeni disclosed that officers intercepted a DAF truck loaded with 2,185 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil along the Shagamu Interchange/Ogere axis on May 5 following what he described as “precise intelligence patrol.”
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‎According to him, the Command had so far seized 12,271 kegs of vegetable oil since his assumption of office.
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‎“The heavy reliance on imported vegetable oil has a very destructive impact on our nation’s economic stability, public health, and agricultural future,” he said.
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‎“The command under my watch is committed to upholding standards and protecting local jobs.”
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‎Afeni also narrated the interception of a Volvo truck on May 7 carrying unregistered pharmaceuticals, expired food seasoning, rice, used clothing, footwears, handbags and vegetable oil.
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‎Beyond anti-smuggling activities, the Ogun I Command generated ₦125.4 million between March 16 and May 12 through baggage assessment and auction of seized petroleum products.
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‎The Command also facilitated the export of 95 metric tonnes of goods with a Free On Board (FOB) value of over ₦1 billion.
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‎Explaining that intelligence-driven operations had reduced complaints on  multiple checkpoints along trade corridors, Afeni assured legitimate traders of continued cooperation.
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‎“Security and trade are two sides of the same coin at the Command. We are not just catching smugglers; we are clearing the path for honest businesses.” he said.
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‎In line with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, he announced, the Command is deploying advanced geospatial technology as part of efforts to modernize border enforcement operations .
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‎“This transition marks a fundamental shift from traditional patrolling to intelligence-led operations, allowing us to monitor smuggling hotspots across our Area of Responsibility,” he stated.
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‎The Acting Controller appreciated the massive support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, sister security agencies such as DSS, NIS, NPF, NDLEA and other stakeholders. He lauded officers and men of the Command for their contributions to the successes being recorded.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎”From humble beginnings at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) when he was employed on October 17th 1994 (same month of his birth) as a junior staff on Grade Level 3, Paul Ikherovba Erakhifu popularly known as “Texas”,  by dint of diligence, determination, discipline and desire rose to the defining role of senior staff Grade Level 13 in a career marked by sterling contributions and indelible impact till his return to his maker on Friday 1st May, 2026.”
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‎These were the words of Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the Nigerian Ports (NPA) in a fitting tribute in memory of the Agency’s ace photographer, Paul Erakhifu, affectionately known as “Texas”, who passed on recently.
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‎”Although we cannot determine our appointed date of birth and death, we definitely can determine how we want to be remembered. ”
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‎The GM stated that by his uncommon commitment to his craft (Photography) and his contagious sense of humor which he generously doled out to all who came in contact with him definitely and intentionally, “Texas” set out to be remembered for good.
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‎”Looking back, it is plausible that with his popular refrain “you have made my day” and “powerful” which were his default response to most of those who encountered him on and off duty, late “Texas” was informing us that he would make his days on earth powerful, which he did with grace and honor as can be gleaned from his professional and career trajectory.”
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‎Describing late Paul as one who never relented on taking advantage of opportunities to pursue  career growth and personal development, Mr Onyemekara recalled that “Texas” proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature in the year 2005, Master Degree in International Relations in 2012 and a Master of Science (MSc.) in Mass Communication.
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‎”Poised to get ahead and be equal to the exigencies of his chosen craft,  “Texas” trained at the London Film Academy, London Academy of Media, Film & Television and the Texas School of Photography USA in fulfillment of his lifelong admiration for the American city of Texas for which he adopted the sobriquet “TEXAS”.
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‎He explained that the life and times of Texas validated the biblical truism that “that a man diligent in his business shall stand before kings and not mean men”.
‎”Indeed, “Texas” was diligent in his business and stood before kings both in Nigeria and internationally as he was widely travelled for high level official engagements in company of various chief executives of the Authority to Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, USA, Japan, Ghana, Togo, Congo, Guinea, South Africa, amongst others.”
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‎Although Texas will be sorely missed and has left a vacuum so wide and difficult to fill, the NPA image maker added, “we will take solace in the immortal words of James Wrubel that ‘no one truly dies who is remembered’.
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‎”We continue to remember and celebrate his good deeds, exceptional sense of humor and his contribution to the advancement of knowledge as evidenced in his authorship of two books with which he lighted paths and lightened burdens. ”
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