Esther Komolafe

Nigeria has formally expressed its interest in seeking election into Category "C" of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, citing its commitment to upholding key conventions such as the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the announcement at the 2024 World Maritime Day parallel event in Barcelona, Spain, highlighting Nigeria's dedication to ensuring the safety of international shipping. He noted that the country has not recorded any piracy incidents in the last three years, as confirmed by the International Maritime…

Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director of Technical and Operations at Tantita Security Services Limited, has reiterated the company's dedication to combating crude oil theft, increasing oil production, and improving community livelihoods . Speaking at the 1st Pan-Ijaw Economic Summit 2024 in Yenagoa, Captain Enisuoh emphasized the importance of effective security measures for Nigeria's public infrastructure and oil reserves. Highlights: Combating Crude Oil Theft: Tantita Security Services Limited is committed to tackling illegal bunkering through a comprehensive strategy that includes education and engagement with those involved. Carbon Capture Initiative: Captain Enisuoh advocates for the establishment and utilization of carbon streaming to generate…

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has extended warm felicitations to the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on his 70th birthday . In a heartfelt message on his social media handle @MobereolaD, Dr. Mobereola praised Minister Oyetola's leadership, dedication, and commitment to their shared cause, describing him as "truly inspiring" . He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented and visionary leader. Dr. Mobereola's message read: "On this special day, I want to take a moment to wish you a very happy birthday! May…

In a major breakthrough, the Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Port Command, has foiled an attempt to smuggle illicit drugs worth a staggering N1.183 billion into the country , The seized drugs, which included 236,783 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and Barcadin cough syrup, were packed in 2,174 cartons across four 40ft containers . Seizure Details Three containers were seized at APM Terminals, while one was seized at Kachicares Bonded Terminal The smugglers had expired CSP cough syrup in 34,800 bottles, packed in 174 cartons with 200 bottles per carton . Another container had 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup…

In a significant move to enhance intra-African trade, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, met with AfCFTA Secretary General, Wamkele Mene, at the Biashara Afrika 2024 forum in Kigali, Rwanda. This high-level engagement aimed to refine strategies for improving trade facilitation under the AfCFTA agreement. Key Discussion Points: •⁠  ⁠Addressing Bottlenecks: Discussions focused on tackling existing challenges and encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to leverage AfCFTA opportunities. •⁠  ⁠Customs Role: Emphasis was placed on the critical role of Customs in facilitating trade. •⁠  ⁠Nigeria Customs Service Initiatives: The AfCFTA Secretary General praised the NCS for its progressive initiatives, including…

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) are teaming up to revolutionize the country's maritime sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). This strategic collaboration aims to bridge the infrastructure gap in the industry, leveraging private sector expertise and funding [1). Key Objectives: •⁠  ⁠Attract Private Investors: Develop PPP-based business models to draw in private investors from within and outside Nigeria. •⁠  ⁠Streamline Processes: Utilize technology to enhance efficiency and service delivery. •⁠  ⁠Accelerate Growth: Unlock increased funding and expertise to propel the maritime sector's growth. Dr. Dayo Mobereola, NIMASA's Director General, emphasized the…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is set to host its second Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL) on November 21, 2024, in Lagos. This year's lecture will focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its role in boosting regional trade, overcoming barriers, and unlocking new economic opportunities across Africa . The event promises to be a pivotal discussion, gathering industry experts, government officials, trade professionals, and maritime stakeholders to explore the evolving challenges and opportunities within the context of AfCFTA's implementation. Oluyinka Onigbinde, Chairman of this year's MAMAL, emphasized the importance of addressing persistent trade barriers hindering…

The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has achieved a remarkable feat, collecting N1.610 trillion as of the end of Q3 2024. This impressive figure surpasses the total revenue collected in 2023, which stood at N1.172 trillion . Comptroller Babatunde Olomu attributed this success to diligence and integrity, emphasizing the command's commitment to engaging stakeholders to further improve revenue collection and reduce smuggling. Notable revenue collections include N201.8 billion in July 2024 and N193.9 billion in September 2024, which Comptroller Olomu believes can be replicated in the last quarter of the year . Trade Facilitation Programs The command…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is set to hold a one-day workshop on cyberbullying, a growing concern for journalists in the maritime industry. The event, in conjunction with the Port Police, aims to educate participants on prevention, identification, and response to cyberbullying, ensuring a safer online environment. Workshop Details: Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024 Venue: International Maritime Centre, Apapa Objective: Equip maritime journalists with strategies to prevent and intervene in cyberbullying incidents Cyberbullying: A Growing Concern Cyberbullying, the use of technology to harass, intimidate, or threaten someone, has become a significant issue for journalists. MARAN's workshop seeks to…

In a significant boost to Nigeria's maritime sector, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, has commended Nigeria for its efforts in maintaining the safety and security of commercial shipping in the Gulf of Guinea. This recognition comes amidst increased shipping traffic in the region due to the situation in the Red Sea . During a meeting with the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, at the IMO headquarters in London, Dominguez praised Nigeria's progress in addressing maritime security concerns. He expressed satisfaction with the country's collaboration with the IMO and…