Esther Komolafe

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has received praise from Chief (Mrs.) Chinwe F. O. Ezenwa, Founder of Le Look House of Bags, for its significant contributions to the sustainable development of the maritime sector. Ezenwa, a former Director in the Federal Ministry of Transportation, commended MARAN's efforts in creating a positive impact on the industry since its establishment over 30 years ago. She acknowledged the association's role in consistently bringing burning issues in the maritime industry to the public domain. The praise came when MARAN presented Ezenwa with a plaque in appreciation of her generous contribution to the…

Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has emphasized the need for unity among freight forwarding and maritime media associations. He decried the proliferation of associations in these industries, stating that it creates confusing signals for policymakers and hinders effective consultation on vital policies. Adeniyi urged freight forwarding groups to come together under one umbrella, enabling them to present a unified position to the government on matters affecting their industry. He specifically charged Prince Shittu Olayiwola and Alhaji Akeem Olanrewaju to spearhead the unification drive, given their influential positions in the freight forwarding industry. The CGC also advised maritime…

  In a move that has sent shockwaves of relief throughout Nigeria's maritime industry, Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has successfully convinced the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) value on imports. This decision has been hailed as a major victory for importers and Customs agents, who had been grappling with the implications of the new policy. At a ceremony where Adeniyi was honored with the "Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year Award 2024" by Nigerian Maritime Journalists, industry stakeholders praised his leadership and commitment to the growth of the maritime…

In a bid to put an end to the lingering controversy surrounding the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), the Maritime Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has taken the initiative to organize a roundtable discussion. The event, scheduled to take place on February 26, 2025, at the MARAN International Press Center in Apapa, aims to bring together key stakeholders to dissect the issues and proffer lasting solutions. The roundtable will feature insightful addresses from prominent stakeholders, including Dr. Eugene Nweke of the Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) and Dr. Segun Musa, Managing Director of Widescope Nigeria Limited. Other critical stakeholders expected…

In a bid to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian ports, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a 15% upward review of its tariffs, effective immediately. This increase, the first in 32 years, aims to address the pressing need for improved port infrastructure, modern equipment, and expanded capacity . The NPA's tariffs were last reviewed in 1993, and the authority has been operating with outdated rates. The new increase will apply to all NPA rates and dues, generating much-needed revenue for the authority to upgrade its facilities and services. According to stakeholders, the current tariffs have been suppressed by inflation,…

Dr. Segun Musa, a renowned freight forwarder and Managing Director of Widescope Nigeria Limited, has vehemently condemned the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) as a "fraud" that will further cripple the Nigerian economy. Musa, who is also the National Vice President of the Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), made this assertion while interacting with the leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN). Musa emphasized that the ICTN is essentially a duplicate of the Customs Risk Assessment Report, which already profiles all cargo entering Nigeria. He warned that the reintroduction of ICTN would lead to increased costs…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has congratulated Dr. Charles Okaga on his new appointment as Technical Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. MARAN's President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, described the appointment as "a square peg in a square hole," citing Okaga's impressive track record as General Manager of Operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) . Okaga's innovative approaches to port management resulted in significant improvements in cargo operations, and MARAN is confident that he will bring similar expertise to his new role. As Technical Adviser, Okaga is expected to advise on policies and…

The Registrar/CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Mr. Kingsley Igwe, has advocated for a National Single Window Proficiency Certification to be made mandatory for freight forwarders and logistics service providers in Nigeria. Igwe emphasized the need for this certification, citing the benefits of the National Single Window system, which includes transparency, harmonization, standardization, and simplification of processes. He noted that the current customs procedure in Nigeria is not standardized, leading to high costs of logistics and trade. The CRFFN boss expressed concern over the inadequate professional knowledge of freight forwarders in Nigeria, stating…

In a landmark achievement, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has signed the Act establishing the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, in Delta State. High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the President for this historic move . Tompolo, in a letter to the President, stated that the signing of the Act has validated the hopes and aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta, demonstrating the President's goodwill and commitment to the region's growth and development. The Nigeria Maritime University, established in 2014, had been struggling to…