Esther Komolafe

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) kicked off its 2025 activities with a thanksgiving ceremony, prayers, and birthday celebrations for its members at the International Maritime Press Centre in Apapa, Lagos. MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, declared the event open, expressing gratitude to God for the safety and successes of the association's members and their families in 2024. He charged members to prepare for the tasks ahead in the new year, promising a packed schedule of activities. The event featured the celebration of members' birthdays between July and December 2024, with a custom-made MARAN birthday cake. The birthday celebrants…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has congratulated Dr. Kayode Opeifa on his appointment as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC). In a congratulatory letter, MARAN President Godfrey Bivbere described Opeifa's appointment as well-deserved, citing his exceptional track record in the transportation sector . Opeifa, a highly accomplished transport expert, has demonstrated exceptional leadership, intellectual brilliance, and a strong work ethic in his previous roles, including serving as Commissioner of Transport in Lagos State. MARAN expressed confidence in his ability to build on the successes of his predecessor and drive the NRC to greater heights. The…

  Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command, has unveiled his strategy to meet and surpass the revenue target set by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Onyeka revealed that his focus will be on facilitating legitimate trade and businesses, ensuring 100% examination of all imports, and energizing his officers to key into his vision . "I'll facilitate trade, but it has to be legitimate trade. That's what I feel I should do in the strict sense," Onyeka said, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and accountability. He also expressed his gratitude to…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined millions of well-wishers worldwide to celebrate Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, as he marks his 59th birthday on January 19, 2025. In a heartfelt message, Tinubu praised Adeniyi's innovative and inspiring leadership, which has significantly impacted the image and performance of the Customs Service ¹. Under Adeniyi's guidance, the agency has made remarkable progress in various areas, including: Revenue Generation: The Customs Service has surpassed revenue targets, yielding positive effects on the national economy. Trade Facilitation: Adeniyi's leadership has bolstered trade facilitation, making it easier for businesses to operate. Automation and Digitization:The agency…

In a move that has left industry experts stunned, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance has jerked up the revenue target for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) from N6.5 trillion to N12 trillion for 2025. This decision was made despite the NCS already surpassing its 2024 revenue target of N5.08 trillion by N1.03 trillion, collecting a total of N6.11 trillion . The implications of this decision are far-reaching. *Increased Pressure on Customs*: The new target is nearly double the initial projection, putting immense pressure on the NCS to deliver. This could lead to more aggressive revenue collection strategies, potentially…

The President of Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, who was a Customs Officer but retired , Mr. Yahaya Oladiran Idris, has expressed optimism about the proposed deep seaport in Badagry, citing the town's vast economic potentials and strategic location. The retired Deputy Comptroller revealed this during his interaction with the executive members of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) during their two- day retreat programme at the ancient city. According to Idris, Badagry's proximity to the ECOWAS and European markets, coupled with its well-developed infrastructure, makes it an ideal location for the deep seaport. He noted that…

In a historic move, Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NMJ) have come together to confer the prestigious "Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year 2024" award on the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. This unanimous decision was made by all maritime journalists covering the maritime beat, representing various media outlets and associations . The award recognizes CG Adeniyi's outstanding performance since assuming office, particularly in areas such as revenue collection, anti-smuggling activities, trade facilitation, and national security. His leadership has also been praised for its impact on staff welfare, inter-agency collaboration, and infrastructural upgrading. According to the…

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Vice President, Segun Musa, has criticized Nigeria's African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) coordination body for lacking seriousness and effectiveness in its approach. Musa described the body's methods as overly theoretical, preferring "talk shows" over practical solutions . Musa expressed frustration with the committee's lack of progress, citing their absence from critical meetings and ineffective virtual meetings. "They are not doing anything... We need dialogue, practical strategies, and action plans," he said. The NAGAFF Vice President emphasized the importance of practical engagement, urging the AfCFTA coordination body to involve stakeholders in…

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking within Nigeria's maritime domain. During a courtesy visit by the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), to the NIMASA Towers in Lagos, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the NDLEA for its remarkable achievements in combating drug-related crimes across Nigeria . Dr. Mobereola pledged that NIMASA would collaborate with the NDLEA to secure Nigeria's maritime space against the illicit shipment of drugs. He emphasized that the…

Despite facing numerous challenges, Nigeria's maritime industry has the potential for growth and development, according to a recent report by the Sea Empowerment Research Centre. The report, which reviewed the industry's performance in 2024, highlighted the strategic impact of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Tantita Security on security, as well as the advocacy efforts of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN). The report noted that the industry is hampered by safety and security concerns, including piracy, sea robbery, and illegal bunkering. However, it acknowledged the efforts of NIMASA and Tantita Security in tackling these challenges.…