Esther Komolafe

625 Posts
WIMA Nigeria President Hails Women’s Role in Maritime Growth, Celebrates Workers’ Day with Message of Appreciation
01 May

WIMA Nigeria President Hails Women’s Role in Maritime Growth, Celebrates Workers’ Day with Message of Appreciation

Esther KomolafeBusiness
The President of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA Nigeria), Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze, has commended the dedication and resilience of maritime professionals, especially women, as Nigeria marks Workers’ Day and the start of May. In a statement issued to members, partners, and stakeholders, Nwaeze described May as a month of renewed opportunity and a time to honour the “invaluable contributions of workers across all sectors.” “I celebrate every woman and professional who continues to demonstrate excellence, commitment, and strength in advancing not only their careers but also the growth and sustainability of the maritime industry and the blue economy,” she said.…
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Tin Can Port Bust: Customs, NDLEA Intercept ₦18.9BN Cannabis Hidden in ‘Used Cars’ Shipment from Canada
01 May

Tin Can Port Bust: Customs, NDLEA Intercept ₦18.9BN Cannabis Hidden in ‘Used Cars’ Shipment from Canada

Esther KomolafeBusiness
The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Port Command, in a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has seized illicit drugs worth ₦18.9 billion, dealing a major blow to drug trafficking syndicates. Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed the breakthrough during a press briefing in Lagos where the drugs were formally handed over to the NDLEA for investigation and prosecution. Acting on credible intelligence and strengthened inter-agency collaboration, officers conducted a 100 per cent physical examination of container HAMU429966/1, which arrived from Canada and was falsely declared as containing used vehicles. The inspection uncovered 185 jumbo bags…
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28 Apr

Captains of Industry Bid Farewell as CBN Governor, NIMASA DG Honour Late Chief Florence Oladapo in Ondo

Esther KomolafeBusiness
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, and the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, were among dignitaries who gathered in Ondo State over the weekend to pay final respects to late Chief Mrs. Florence Mutola Oladapo, celebrated for a life of service, family, and community impact. The solemn funeral service held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Agbala Maria, Surulere, Ondo Town, drew family, friends, and well-wishers who came to honour a matriarch remembered for her enduring values and quiet influence. Also present were Eng. Mrs. Folake Mobereola, wife of the NIMASA DG, Shola Cardoso, and…
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28 Apr

Media Holds Key to Nigeria’s Maritime Future — Iheanacho Warns Against Reckless Reporting

Esther KomolafeBusiness
Former Minister of Interior and maritime veteran, Emmanuel Iheanacho, has declared that the media is central to sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime sector, cautioning that while responsible journalism can drive reforms and attract investment, inaccurate reporting will derail progress and destroy investor confidence. Iheanacho delivered the warning through Dr. Emeka Akabogwu (SAN) at a reception hosted by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in Lagos to honour its past presidents. Drawing on nearly five decades of experience in private enterprise and public service, Iheanacho outlined four critical roles the media plays in maritime development: agenda-setting, accountability, public education, and…
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22 Apr

Maritime Giants Ihenacho, Ogbeifun, Shittu to Headline MARAN Past Presidents’ Reception as Industry Rallies

Esther KomolafeBusiness
Master mariner and former Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho; pioneer SOAN President and Starzs Group Chairman, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun; and ex-ANLCA National President and Skellas Group CEO, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, have confirmed attendance at the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) reception honouring its past presidents. The landmark event, set for Friday, April 24, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, is fast becoming a melting point for top players in the maritime industry. Dignitaries from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, regulators, terminal operators, shipping firms, freight forwarders, and corporate bodies have also pledged to attend. Founded 38…
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Dapo Okubadejo: Ogun’s Financial Powerhouse Tipped for Deputy Governor in 2027
18 Apr

Dapo Okubadejo: Ogun’s Financial Powerhouse Tipped for Deputy Governor in 2027

Esther KomolafeBusiness
As Ogun State looks toward the 2027 general elections, Honourable Dapo Okubadejo is emerging as a frontrunner for the Deputy Governorship seat. The Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun has earned widespread recognition for his exceptional leadership, financial mastery, and steadfast commitment to the state’s growth. By Olufemi Orioye A Financial Maestro with Proven Results Okubadejo’s public service career is anchored in a distinguished academic and professional background spanning global finance. Before joining government in 2019, he rose from Arthur Andersen to become an Equity Partner at KPMG, serving as Head of Deal Advisory and…
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BREAKING: Stakeholders Demand Urgent Action to Save NSW Trade Platform from Collapse
17 Apr

BREAKING: Stakeholders Demand Urgent Action to Save NSW Trade Platform from Collapse

Esther KomolafeBusiness
A high-level seminar in Lagos has sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s flagship trade reform, warning that the National Single Window (NSW) could fail without urgent political will, inter-agency unity, and full digital readiness. The 1 day event, convened by the Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI) and Hynek Media at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, on April 15, 2026, brought together government agencies, maritime operators, and private sector players under the theme “National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure.” Participants agreed the NSW could cut trade transaction costs by up to 25% and boost government revenue by 20%, but cautioned that Nigeria’s track record…
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15 Apr

MARAN Set to Honour Past Presidents in Grand Reception, Rallies Maritime Industry Support

Esther KomolafeBusiness
The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has announced advanced preparations for a landmark reception celebrating its distinguished past presidents, recognizing their leadership and lasting impact on Nigeria’s maritime industry. The high-profile event, slated for April 24, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, will draw ministry officials, regulators, terminal operators, shipping firms, freight forwarders, and other key stakeholders. It aims to honour past leaders while reinforcing the role of maritime journalism in shaping policy and driving sectoral growth. MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tunde Ayodele, said the reception will reflect on the legacies of past presidents who positioned the association as…
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NSC Stands Firm: Tariff Moves, ICTN Delay Rooted in Law and Dialogue, Not Pressure
10 Apr

NSC Stands Firm: Tariff Moves, ICTN Delay Rooted in Law and Dialogue, Not Pressure

Esther KomolafeBusiness
The Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, has defended the Council’s recent tariff adjustments and the delayed rollout of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), stating that every decision is driven by law, due process, and broad stakeholder engagement. Speaking in an extensive interview, Akutah said tariff regulation is a core statutory duty under Sections 5 and 6 of the Port Economic Regulations 2025. He explained that after more than two and a half years without review, service providers had pressed for increases of 150% to 300% due to rising operational costs.…
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Stakeholders Gather to Save Nigeria’s National Single Window from Failure
09 Apr

Stakeholders Gather to Save Nigeria’s National Single Window from Failure

Esther KomolafeBusiness
  The Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI) is hosting a one-day seminar on April 15, 2026, to discuss strategies for the effective implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) project, a flagship trade facilitation initiative. The seminar, themed "National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure", will bring together stakeholders, including government agencies, private operators, and civil society, to address concerns and chart a path forward. Keynote speaker Dr. Segun Musa will highlight the importance of transparency and inter-agency collaboration for the NSW's success. Officials project that the NSW could reduce transaction costs by up to 25% and increase government revenue by…
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