Esther Komolafe

In a bold move to revitalize Nigeria's maritime sector, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has unveiled plans to increase the industry's contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Speaking at a media interaction in Lagos today the 12th day of August 2024. Mobereola outlined his vision for a thriving blue economy, highlighting key areas of focus, including seafarers' capacity development, vessel acquisition, and security and safety on the waters. The NIMASA boss emphasized the need for a robust cabotage trade, vessel acquisition by local shipowners, and availability of cargo to lift.…

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Chatham House London have agreed to present the issue of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) this month. This decision was made during a meeting between NIMASA Director General Dr. Dayo Mobereola and Chatham House's Director of the Africa Programme, Dr. Alex Vines. The meeting aimed to highlight NIMASA's progress in combating piracy and sea robbery in the region and to develop a position paper on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. The paper will be created in collaboration with international stakeholders…

  Dr. Leonard Anyanwu presented a keynote address at the Anchor of Nigerian Ports Conference, organized by Portbizness Communications, highlighting the challenges and prospects of achieving seamless ports and cargo business in Nigeria. Dr. Anyanwu, a logistics expert, identified infrastructure deficiencies, inefficient processes, security concerns, regulatory and administrative hurdles, and capacity and skill gaps as major challenges facing Nigerian ports. He emphasized the need for infrastructure development, process automation and digitalization, security enhancements, regulatory reforms, and capacity building and training to address these challenges. Dr. Anyanwu commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for its efforts in addressing some of these…

The Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) and the Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (AMANO) are set to tackle the growing menace of drug and human smuggling/trafficking in the maritime industry. A one-day conference, to take place at Eko Hotel and Suites on the 22nd of August 2024 with the theme,  "Drug and Human Smuggling/Trafficking: The Evolving Maritime Security Threats to Ships and Seafarers," will bring together stakeholders to address this critical issue. The event, chaired by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola, will feature prominent guests, including Senate President Goodwill Akpabio, NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa,…

July 31, 2024: The Nigerian Navy took center stage at the Admiral Wambai retirement golf tournament held at the Dolphin Golf Club, Navy Town Ojo, Lagos. Over 100 players, including civilians and naval personnel, participated in the event. Lieutenant Commander Nathaniel Uti, Naval Assistant to the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, emerged as the overall winner with a net result of 4 under par. Rear Admiral HD Zakaria, Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Doctrine Command, finished fourth with a net result of one under par. Retired Lieutenant Andrew Martins won the veterans' category. Rear Admiral MB Hassan, Flag Officer Commanding…

The Nigerian Chamber of Shipping has announced the appointment of its President, Aminu Umar, as the first African Director on the Board of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). This milestone marks a significant achievement for both Umar and Nigeria's maritime sector on the global stage. Umar's appointment is expected to strengthen Nigeria's position in international maritime policy discussions and decisions. With his vast experience and strategic vision, he is poised to contribute immensely to the ICS's mission of promoting and representing the global shipping industry. Umar expressed his gratitude for the appointment, stating, "I am honored to represent Nigeria…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced its mid-year performance report, highlighting its achievements in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and societal protection. Despite challenges, the NCS has surpassed its half-year revenue target of N2.54 trillion, collecting N2.74 trillion, an 8% increase. Key initiatives contributing to this success include the e-auction platform and the 90-day duty payment window for uncustomed vehicles. The NCS has also intensified its anti-smuggling operations, making 2,442 seizures with a Duty Paid Value of N25.52 billion. Trade facilitation remains a priority, with the NCS processing 620,467 Single Goods Declarations despite a decline in transactions. The Service has…

Kebbi State, Nigeria - On Thursday, July 25, 2024, at approximately 9:00 pm, armed men attacked the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) patrol base in Koko Besse, Kebbi State. The attackers destroyed properties and targeted officers, resulting in the death of Assistant Superintendent Customs I Dabo Umar and the abduction of Superintendent of Customs Babagana Abba Kabiru. The deceased officer's body was retrieved and taken to Kaduna for burial according to Islamic rites. A manhunt has been launched for the perpetrators,. The Customs Area Controller, Iheanacho Ernest Ojike, has commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed for the release…