Esther Komolafe

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has elected Comrade Francis Bunu as its new President General, marking the beginning of a new era in the union's leadership. This development took place at the union's 6th Delegates Conference held in Lagos, where Bunu emerged unopposed as the President General. Bunu, who previously served as the Deputy President General of the union, brings over 24 years of experience as a seasoned seafarer to his new role. He has worked onboard various vessels both within Nigeria and internationally, and has been a prominent figure within the MWUN leadership. The new President General…

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a campaign to eliminate war risk insurance premiums on Nigeria-bound cargo, which currently costs the country over $400 billion annually. This financial burden was initially introduced during the height of Niger Delta militancy and piracy, but with Nigeria's improved security status, NIMASA is pushing for the removal of these excessive premiums ¹. War risk insurance (WRI) comprises two key components: war risk liability and war risk hull. Despite Nigeria's progress in securing its waters and eliminating piracy, international shipping companies continue to impose WRI premiums on Nigeria-bound cargoes. In the…

In an extraordinary display of corporate kindness, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has donated a stunning four-bedroom, three-parlour duplex worth N70 million to Kelly Igberhi, a talented visually impaired comedian known as Kellyblind. The documents for the luxurious property, located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, were presented to Kellyblind on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Tantita's Head Office in Delta State. This generous gesture is part of Tantita Security's commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. According to Godfrey Tare Pondi, General Manager (Operations) at Tantita Security, the donation reflects the company's dedication to not only safeguarding pipelines but also…

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has commended Nigeria for its remarkable progress in implementing the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code. This endorsement comes after a thorough assessment of Nigerian ports by a USCG team led by Joe Prince Larson . Larson's team visited several terminals and ports, including the Dangote Port and Lekki Free Trade Zones in Lagos, as well as private port facilities in Warri, Delta State. The team's findings revealed that Nigeria's compliance with the ISPS Code ranks among the best globally, with the level of compliance observed to be at par with some…

In a bizarre incident, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted $193,000 concealed in a carton of yogurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The seizure was made possible by credible intelligence gathering and a vigilant baggage check on an inbound passenger . According to Comptroller Olumide Adebisi, the Customs Area Controller, the suspect, Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina, arrived in Nigeria from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Ethiopian Airlines Flight No. 951. A detailed inspection of Sarina's luggage revealed the undeclared funds hidden inside the yogurt carton. The intercepted cash violates the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the…

Nigeria is intensifying its advocacy for the formal designation of seafarers as key workers, emphasizing the need for legal protection and a harmonized framework that supports safe working conditions. This move is aimed at ensuring fair treatment and dignity for seafarers and other maritime professionals. At the 353rd session of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) governing body, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stressed the critical role seafarers play in global trade and supply chain maintenance. He noted that despite their contributions, seafarers often face labor rights challenges, including unfair employment conditions…

The Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba, has pledged his command's support for the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) and its President, Godfrey Bivbere. This commitment was made during a courtesy visit by MARAN executives to the Command Headquarters in Apapa, Lagos. CP Maikaba commended MARAN for its responsible reportage of the maritime sector and the police command's activities. He appreciated the association's efforts in promoting accurate and balanced reporting, which he believes is essential for the growth and development of the maritime industry. In response, MARAN President Godfrey Bivbere assured CP Maikaba…

In a landmark event, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) launched its ambitious "Customs Cares" Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, aimed at driving transformative change and sustainable development across Nigerian communities. The initiative was unveiled on Thursday, 20 March 2025, at Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, where over 1,300 students benefited from the first phase of the programme. Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi described "Customs Cares" as a strategic response to Nigeria's critical social, educational, and infrastructural gaps. "This initiative represents our comprehensive approach to CSR, designed to foster inclusive growth and create sustainable impact across Nigerian communities where…

In a landmark event, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) launched its ambitious "Customs Cares" Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, aimed at driving transformative change and sustainable development across Nigerian communities. The initiative was unveiled on Thursday, 20 March 2025, at Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, where over 1,300 students benefited from the first phase of the programme. Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi described "Customs Cares" as a strategic response to Nigeria's critical social, educational, and infrastructural gaps. "This initiative represents our comprehensive approach to CSR, designed to foster inclusive growth and create sustainable impact across Nigerian communities where…