Esther Komolafe

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has warned against the use of wooden boats for commercial water transportation, citing recent tragic accidents that claimed lives. He urged state governments to invest in safer, modern fibre and aluminium boats, emphasizing that wooden boats are prone to structural failure and lack safety features . Safety Measures: Avoid Night Travel: Poor visibility and higher risks make night travel hazardous Wear Life Jackets: Insist on approved life jackets at all times Refuse Rickety Boats: Avoid overloaded or poorly maintained boats The Minister highlighted the benefits of fibre and aluminium boats,…

The Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) has transported 4.4 million passengers since its establishment in February 2020, Managing Director Abdoulbaq Balogun announced at the "Ignite Lagos" event. LAGFERRY boasts a fleet of 20 boats and is set to introduce electric boats in 2026, aiming to reduce fares and promote sustainable water transport [1]. Highlights: Passenger Growth: 4.4 million passengers transported since 2020 Fleet Expansion: 20 boats in operation, with electric boats incoming in 2026 Safety Record :Improved safety and security, with only one mishap in 2025 Tourism Boost : Water tourism initiative showcases Lagos' waterways, attracting residents and visitors Balogun…

In his New Year message, High Chief Tochukwu E. Ezisi, National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), urged members to uphold professionalism and comply with regulations to boost revenue growth and industry standards. He emphasized that professionalism is the foundation for trust, reputation, and long-term success, and compliance is a shared duty ensuring honest and transparent operations . Ezisi highlighted the association's resilience and dedication to NAGAFF's principles despite past challenges. He expressed optimism that 2026 would bring greater opportunities, divine favor, and blessings, and wished members a prosperous, peaceful, and rewarding New Year. The…

The Omi Eko Project, a €410 million sustainable water transport initiative, has appointed Dr. Segun Alabi as its new Head of Communications and Media. Dr. Alabi brings extensive experience in communications, media relations, and public affairs to the role, with expertise in reputation management, government relations, and social media strategy . Prior to joining Omi Eko Project, Dr. Alabi served as Assistant Director, Corporate Affairs and Communications at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). He holds a PhD in English from the University of Lagos, specializing in language use and communication. The Special Adviser on Blue Economy to the Governor…

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a comprehensive enforcement operation to stamp out non-compliance with maritime laws in Nigeria's territorial waters and offshore domain. The operation, code-named "Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance," aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and entrench discipline within the maritime sector . Compliance Requirements: Proper Vessel Registration: Ensure vessels are registered and possess valid statutory certificates Updated Ownership Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date ownership records Cabotage Provisions:  Adhere to vessel ownership, registration, manning, and construction regulations Timely Payment of Levies: Pay statutory levies, fees, and charges on time NIMASA has granted a 30-day…

The Apapa Area Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has closed the 2025 fiscal year with a whopping ₦2.93 trillion revenue haul, marking a 24.32% growth from ₦2.36 trillion in 2024. This achievement solidifies Apapa Command's position as Nigeria's top revenue-generating customs formation. Highlights: Revenue Growth;  ₦2,930,508,827,110.32 collected in 2025, up from ₦2.36 trillion in 2024 Tech-Driven Reforms: Unified Customs Management System (UCMS/B'Odogwu) enhances transparency and efficiency Enforcement Successes: 53 containers seized with illicit drugs and prohibited items, worth ₦12.63 billion Future Plans: Introduction of FS6000 cargo scanning system, deeper implementation of B'Odogwu, AEO, and OSS initiatives Comptroller Emmanuel…

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has achieved unprecedented revenue milestones in 2025, generating ₦15.6 billion, a 117% increase from 2024. December 2025 saw a historic high of ₦3.6 billion, attributed to the One-Stop Shop initiative. Revenue Growth : ₦15,598,945,794 collected in 2025, up from ₦7,166,576,397 in 2024 Seizures: 685 parcels of Cannabis sativa, 495 packs of Tramadol, and 2,000 packs of Super Power Sildenafil tablets Trade Facilitation: Reduced checkpoints along Lagos-Abidjan corridor, easing legitimate trade Community Engagement: Launched Green Border Initiative, empowering local women and providing medical outreach. Comptroller Wale Adenuga warns smugglers that Seme borders are no…

The Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt II Command, has exceeded its 2025 revenue target, collecting N731.2 billion and surpassing the set goal by N31.25 billion (4.46%). Highlights Revenue Milestone: N731.2bn collected, exceeding target by N31.25bn Leadership Credit:  Comptroller Aliyu M Alkali's effective implementation of policies Stakeholder Appreciation: Cooperation from stakeholders and management contributed to success Seizures: 75 containers with N47.6bn DPV intercepted, including expired pharmaceuticals Comptroller Alkali praised officers' dedication and professionalism, encouraging importers and agents to make honest declarations. The Command remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade and enforcing regulations .

Textron Systems Corporation has secured a deal to deliver three Aerosonde Mk 4.7 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to Tantita Security Services, enhancing Nigeria's security operations. Highlights: Contract Win: Textron Systems to deliver Aerosonde Mk 4.7 VTOL UAS to Tantita Security Services Security Boost: UAS will protect Nigeria's vital oil and gas infrastructure Proven Performance: Aerosonde UAS has over 700,000 flight hours in challenging environments Multi-Mission Capability: System offers VTOL and fixed-wing options, adaptable to various security operations "This award builds on the Aerosonde UAS family of systems' support to international customers," said David Phillips, Senior…

The 2026 Nigerian Maritime Merit Awards (NMMA) has recognized outstanding contributions to Nigeria's maritime industry, with top honours going to industry leaders and professionals. Winners: Maritime Man of the Year*: Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi (47.7% of votes) Best Maritime Reporter*: Godfrey Bivbere (42% of 2,403 responses) Maritime Woman of the Year*: Faith Zibs Godwin (36% of votes) Best Duty Collecting Bank*: Access Bank (38.7% of votes) Lifetime Maritime Achievement Award*: Prince Olayiwola Shittu (41.2% of votes) Other notable winners include Taiwo Afolabi, who came second in the Maritime Man of the Year category, and Tantita Security Services, which won…