Esther Komolafe

In preparation for the highly anticipated 2025 Women in Maritime & Energy (WIME) Awards, a delegation from the WIME board, led by Chairperson Dr. Chizoba Anyika, paid a courtesy visit to Mrs. Grace Orife, CEO of Adelaar Energy Limited. The visit aimed to express appreciation for Adelaar Energy's support, discuss strategic collaboration, and explore opportunities for women's advocacy growth within the maritime and energy sectors . The board emphasized the importance of amplifying the impacts and need for balanced representation, professional development, and leadership roles for women in the industry . Mrs. Orife, who is also a co-chair of the…

In a significant breakthrough, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Tincan Island Port Command has handed over illicit drugs worth over N8 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) . The seized substances, which include Cannabis Indica and Crystals Methamphetamine, were discovered in two 20-foot containers that were falsely declared to contain used cars and auto spare parts from Canada. According to Customs Area Controller, Frank Onyeka, the successful interception was made possible through high-level intelligence gathering by NCS officers in collaboration with NDLEA operatives . Onyeka handed over the seized items to Commander NDLEA, Tincan Island Strategic Command,…

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to disbursing the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), a move aimed at boosting Nigeria's maritime industry and economic growth. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, emphasized that the CVFF disbursement remains a priority, as it is expected to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and solidify Nigeria's position as a leading maritime hub in Africa . The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, noted that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has identified the CVFF disbursement as a key performance indicator (KPI) for 2025. He stated that…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully generated N120 billion revenue using its new indigenous platform, B'Odogwu, despite an attempt by Webb Fontaine, the previous service provider, to sabotage the operation. The platform was test-run at the PTML command in a pilot stage in September 2024. According to Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan, the Area Controller of the PTML, Webb Fontaine shut down its infrastructure at the PTML to frustrate the pilot scheme of B'Odogwu. However, the Customs Service braved the odds and surmounted the teething problems, realizing revenue in excess of N120 billion from 16,000 entries fully paid for. The…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully generated N120 billion revenue using its new indigenous platform, B'Odogwu, despite an attempt by Webb Fontaine, the previous service provider, to sabotage the operation. The platform was test-run at the PTML command in a pilot stage in September 2024. According to Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan, the Area Controller of the PTML, Webb Fontaine shut down its infrastructure at the PTML to frustrate the pilot scheme of B'Odogwu. However, the Customs Service braved the odds and surmounted the teething problems, realizing revenue in excess of N120 billion from 16,000 entries fully paid for. The…

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has been recognized for his exceptional leadership and contributions to national development with the prestigious Sun Newspaper Public Service Award. The award ceremony, held in Lagos on March 1, 2025, was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Keyamo, and Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo ¹. Adeniyi expressed his gratitude, stating that the award serves as motivation to enhance service delivery in key areas such as trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national security. He emphasized the importance of…

Stakeholders in the maritime industry have expressed mixed opinions on the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) in Nigeria. During a round table discussion centered on the implementation ICTN which was organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria ( MARAN) at their secretariat situated at 13C Marine Road Apapa , recently in Lagos . Some stakeholders support the government's plan to introduce the ICTN, others argue that it should be handled differently. The benefits of ICTN implementation include comprehensive monitoring of shipments to curb harmful imports, increased revenue collection, and improved maritime trade . The Nigeria Customs…

A series of barge explosions on February 19, 2025, has resulted in significant pollution in fishing communities near Cawthorne Channel 1 and Alakiri Kulama in Rivers State. According to a preliminary report by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), communities such as Ayo-Tamuno, Miebaka, and others nearby may have been impacted. The explosions occurred on barges laden with crude oil, including the BESTAF5 dry crude storage barge, the Goshen Link fuel barge, and the Godgift fuel barge. NIMASA's accident investigation team has collected samples from the incident site and confirmed a visible oil film covering a large portion…

Maritime stakeholders are set to convene for a roundtable discussion on the reintroduced International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) this Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the MARAN Secretariats in Apapa GRA, Lagos . The event, organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), aims to address the controversies surrounding the ICTN and find common grounds for its smooth implementation. The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) will deliver paper presentations on the ICTN, while stakeholders from the Shippers' Association of Lagos State, Importers' Association of Nigeria, Sea Empowerment Research Centre, and Widescope Group will share their…

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria's maritime industry. Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized NIMASA's dedication to enhancing local participation and encouraging investment in the sector. To achieve this goal, NIMASA is strengthening its collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to explore policies that will boost indigenous involvement and strengthen Nigeria's maritime sector. Key areas of focus include national carriers and trade terms, which are top priorities under the current administration. Dr. Mobereola highlighted the importance of creating an…