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The Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) has shed light on the significant financial losses suffered by shipowners and importers due to prolonged drug trafficking and stowaway investigations in countries without adequate legal frameworks. According to MASPAN, ships can be detained for weeks or months during investigations, resulting in substantial losses for shipowners, which are then passed on to importers. This has led to billions of dollars in war risk charges being paid annually by importers in West African countries, including Nigeria, despite the absence of piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea in recent years. MASPAN attributes the…

The first year anniversary of Minister Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola's tenure as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy has been met with widespread disappointment and criticism from stakeholders in the maritime industry. Despite initial high hopes and expectations, the minister's performance has been deemed underwhelming, with many expressing doubts about his ability to drive growth and development in the sector. Stakeholders, including indigenous shipowners, freight forwarders, and industry experts, have lamented the lack of significant progress and innovative policies from the minister. They cited the failure to address foundational problems, such as the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), and the absence…

The Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) and the Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) are set to host a summit on drug smuggling and human trafficking in the maritime industry. The event, scheduled for August 22nd, 2024, at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, will be chaired by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola. The United States and France Embassies have confirmed their attendance, alongside the National Drugs and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and international shipping companies. The summit aims to address the rising incidents of drug smuggling and human trafficking in Nigerian ports,…

  By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor) The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has seized cobtrabands, pharmaceuticals and other items with Duty Paid Value, DPV of N1.8 billion. This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC, Bashir Adwale Adeniyi MFR in Lagos on Thursday. According to CGC, today, I am here to present seizures made by our officers at the Apapa Port Command, which comprise expired and controlled pharmaceutical products with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of NGN 1.8 billion. Allow me to explain that these items, if allowed to exit the ports, would undermine…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu's food security initiative by streamlining processes for the swift importation of food items. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known at the launch of a book, "Impactful Public Relations in Customs Management," authored by Image Merchants Promotion Limited. The book highlights the CGC's progressive public relations strategies, aiming to reduce costs and lower consumer prices. Adeniyi emphasized the NCS's strong commitment to addressing food security challenges through targeted measures to intensify agricultural production. The Federal Government has taken bold steps to address high food prices…

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…