Esther Komolafe

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is set to host the 3rd edition of the Maritime Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL) on August 27, 2025, in Lagos. The lecture will bring together key players in Nigeria's maritime and allied sectors to discuss the pressing issue of war risk insurance and its impact on the nation's maritime trade. A Platform for Solution-Driven Discussions The theme of the lecture, "Addressing the Burden of War Risk Insurance on Nigeria's Maritime Trade," is timely and relevant, given the current challenges facing the industry. The event will provide a platform for frank discussions and pragmatic…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun I Area Command has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against smuggling, seizing contraband goods worth over N1.4 billion along the Idiroko border. The seizures, made over the past six weeks, include a luxury Rolls-Royce vehicle, 4,424 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 50 sacks and 1,936 parcels of cannabis sativa, 105 used tyres, 21 bales of second-hand clothing, and 6,400 litres of petrol. A Heavy Blow to Smugglers The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, disclosed that the seizures dealt a heavy economic blow to smugglers while safeguarding the nation's economy and security.…

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has confirmed Comrade Oniha Erazua as its substantive Secretary-General, a position he has held in an acting capacity for six months. The confirmation was announced during a joint session of the National Administrative Committee (NAC) and the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the Union. Leadership Appointments The Union has also confirmed the appointments of: Comrade Olangwe Fred Dagogo*: As General Secretary of the Seamen & Water Transport Branch. Comrade Joseph Ekwere*: As General Secretary of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Branch. Background and Qualifications The newly confirmed leaders bring a wealth of experience…

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has taken a significant step in recognizing and rewarding the hard work and dedication of its staff members. Recent promotions within the agency, including those in the Public Relations (PR) unit, are a testament to NIMASA's commitment to excellence and employee motivation. Promotions in the PR Unit                           The PR unit has seen several staff members receive promotions, including: Osagie Edward: Promoted from Assistant Director to Deputy Director. Mrs. Shielibe Abe: Received a promotion, further solidifying her role in the…

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A (FOU A) of the Nigeria Customs Service has made significant seizures of contraband and wrongly-declared goods worth over N3.14 billion in a series of anti-smuggling operations across the South-West. Seizures and Arrests The seizures include: Foreign Parboiled Rice*: 4,068 bags, equivalent to seven trailer loads. Used Vehicles*: 22 vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks. Premium Motor Spirit*: 485 jerrycans, totaling 12,125 liters. Used Clothing*: 120 bales. Cannabis Sativa*: 57 parcels. Wrongly-Declared Cargo: Eight containers loaded with used shoes, auto spare parts, tires, vehicles, and furniture. The operations were carried out in six states…

The newly appointed Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has held its maiden meeting in Lagos, committing to support the Agency's Executive Management in delivering on its mandate. Board's Commitment The Chairman of the Board, Hon. Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, expressed satisfaction and confidence in the current Executive Management's ability to pilot the affairs of the Agency. He assured that the Board would stand firmly by the Agency to help realize its mandate and actualize a robust Blue Economy in Nigeria. Performance Bond The Management of NIMASA has signed a performance bond with the Ministry of…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat illicit imports and threats to national security. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced the seizure of 16 containers loaded with contraband goods valued at over ₦10 billion. The seized items include: Drugs and Prohibited Medicaments: Seven containers of expired drugs and medicaments. Food Items: Three containers of expired food items, notably margarine. Banned Used Clothing: Three containers of banned used clothing. Counterfeit Goods:  A container with 305 cartons of counterfeit toothpaste infringing on a Nigerian company's brand. Firearms and Ammunition: Two fully operational rifles,…

The Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) has thrown its weight behind the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria's (MARAN) advocacy against war risk premiums. The NSC's Executive Secretary, Dr. Akutah Pius MON, has expressed his organization's commitment to reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports. Unjustified Classification Dr. Akutah questioned the classification of Nigeria as a war risk zone, citing the absence of terrorist attacks in Nigerian waters over the past three years. He emphasized that this classification imposes additional costs on the Nigerian economy and undermines the competitiveness of the nation's ports. The NSC boss praised MARAN's efforts in…

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, has declared his support for the 2025 Maritime Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL), organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN). MAMAL 2025: A Critical Platform The lecture, scheduled for August 27, 2025, at the Four Points By Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, will focus on critical issues affecting the maritime industry. Comptroller Ntadi expressed his willingness to attend the event, citing the relevance of the topic in addressing factors contributing to the rising cost of goods in the country. Command Facelift: A New Look During a courtesy…