Business

The African Women in Maritime (WIMA) Nigerian chapter has a new leader, as Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze takes over as President, succeeding Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, who has been appointed Vice President, WIMA Africa (Anglophone). Highlights: Leadership Transition: Macfoy hands over to Nwaeze, citing "unity, dignity, and quiet strength" New Vision: Nwaeze pledges empowerment, innovation, collaboration, and visibility Executive Council : Fresh team includes Mrs. Temilade Ogunniyi as Vice President, Mrs. Obiageli Benjamin as Secretary, and others The event was attended by prominent maritime women, including Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN, Chief (Mrs.) Carol Ufere, and Mrs. Odunayo Ani, among others.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has disowned the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) MV Skipper, arrested by the US Navy for alleged crude oil theft and other crimes. Points: Not Nigerian-Flagged: MV Skipper is not registered with NIMASA Owners Not Recognized: Thomarose Global Ventures Limited not registered as a shipping company with NIMASA Last Sighting: Vessel was in Nigerian waters on July 1, 2024, before moving to Asia and Caribbean NIMASA's Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, assures collaboration with US authorities in ongoing investigations, emphasizing zero tolerance for criminality in Nigerian waters.

In a formal ceremony held at the Headquarters in Bauchi, Comptroller Abubakar Lawal Umar has handed over the leadership of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone D to Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, marking a seamless transition of authority. Highlights: Leadership Transition: Comptroller Umar hands over to Comptroller Kaila Appreciation: Umar thanks CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and management team for support Unit's Achievement: Significant success in anti-smuggling operations and revenue protection across 9 states Comptroller Kaila takes over the helm of FOU Zone D, which covers Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, and Nassarawa states, with a mandate to…

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has a new leader, as Compt Gambo Aliyu takes over from ACG Mohammed Shuaibu, who has been promoted to Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Customs. Highlights: Leadership Transition:  ACG Shuaibu hands over to Compt Aliyu, citing "significant milestone" in his career Achievements: 476 interceptions, 761 seizures, and N10.1billion worth of items seized under Shuaibu's leadership New Vision*: Compt Aliyu pledges to strengthen enforcement, uphold professionalism, and enhance collaboration Compt Aliyu outlined three guiding principles for his administration: Change Management, Compliance Management, and Reputational Management, assuring officers of…

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have launched a joint safety campaign to ensure safe travel on Lagos waterways during the busy festive season. Key Safety Measures: Life Jackets: Mandatory use of standard, certified life jackets    Passenger Safety: Accurate manifests, no trips after 7:00 p.m, and routine vessel checks Weather Alerts: Monitor weather advisories and suspend trips when instructed The agencies will intensify patrols and surveillance along busy waterways and terminals, and urge passengers to support safety efforts by reporting any unsafe practices. Passenger Responsibilities: Wear Life Jackets: Properly wear life jackets…

Former Minister of Interior and leading shipowner, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, has emphasized the crucial role of Nigeria's maritime sector in unlocking the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a market of 1.3 billion people and $3.4 trillion GDP. Highlights: Strategic Opportunity: AfCFTA presents a transformative channel for national growth Maritime Sector: Central to AfCFTA's success, with shipping as primary mode for cross-border trade Challenges: Inadequate infrastructure, bureaucratic inefficiencies, maritime insecurity, and skills gaps Ihenacho urged stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and plan strategically to position Nigeria competitively within continental and global value chains. Opportunities Ahead: Expanded Trade…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has launched a groundbreaking publication, "Fifty Drivers of the Nigerian Maritime and Blue Economy," honouring individuals and institutions driving the country's maritime growth. Highlights: Celebrating Excellence: Recognizing 50 champions shaping Nigeria's blue economy Industry Insights: Research-driven publication examining maritime governance, innovation, and reforms Collaborative Effort : Showcasing collective efforts driving sectoral growth and sustainability The launch event brought together industry stakeholders, including former ministers, executives, and maritime leaders, to celebrate the contributions of past and present champions. Industry Leaders' Praise: Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho: Nigeria's maritime industry is a "vital component" of the national…

I In a heartwarming ceremony, the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service bid farewell to Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Isah Sulaiman and Deputy Comptroller Audu Samson Edime, honouring their dedication and service. A Tribute to Excellence: CSC Sulaiman: Praised for professionalism, humility, and dedication DC Edime: Celebrated for integrity and decades of service Comptroller Wale Adenuga, Customs Area Controller, described Sulaiman as a "model officer" and "image maker per excellence", while colleagues and media professionals hailed him as a "journalist's delight". A New Chapter: Sulaiman's New Role : Assumes new position at Apapa Command Edime's Retirement: Embarks…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has extended its warmest congratulations to the Federal Government on Nigeria's election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, a testament to the country's growing influence in the global maritime community. Key Highlights: Historic Victory: Nigeria returns to IMO Council after 14-year absence Strategic Win: Reflects international trust in Nigeria's maritime reforms and security efforts Global Impact: Reinforces Nigeria's role in shaping international maritime decisions MARAN Chairman, Jayeolatunde Ayodele, praised the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their tireless efforts…

In a ceremony marked by respect and anticipation, Comptroller Godwin Otunla assumed office as the new Customs Area Controller of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, Nigeria's premier aviation hub. In his inaugural address, Otunla paid tribute to his predecessor, Comptroller MT AWE, who is retiring after distinguished service, and outlined his vision for the Command. "I am committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service delivery," he declared. Key Priorities: Trade Facilitation: Streamlining cargo clearance and enhancing efficiency Revenue Protection:  Safeguarding government revenue with renewed vigor Anti-Corruption: Zero tolerance for corruption and compromise Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with…