Maritime

Nigeria Customs Service Intercepts N682 Million Worth of Cannabis Indica

Nigeria Customs Service Intercepts N682 Million Worth of Cannabis Indica

The Customs Area  Controller ( CAC ) Comptroller Dera Nnadi of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Tincan Island  Port Command has made a significant seizure of illicit drugs valued at N682,050,000. The drugs, totaling 684 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 341.025kg, were extracted from three containers intercepted by the Command. Details of the Seizure Container 1:MSMU 518030/2 (1X40FT) - 77 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 38.5kg Container 2:MSMU 602957/0 (1X40FT) - 532 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 265.025kg Container 3: FSCU 927461/3 (1X40FT) - 75 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 37.5kg The interception was made possible through actionable intelligence received…
Read More
Nigeria’s Maritime Future: NSIB and Navy Unite for Enhanced Safety

Nigeria’s Maritime Future: NSIB and Navy Unite for Enhanced Safety

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigerian Navy have taken a significant step towards improving maritime safety in Nigeria by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) . This strategic agreement aims to boost collaboration in accident prevention, investigation, and mitigation within Nigeria's maritime environment. The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the two institutions in various areas, including: Accident Prevention: Sharing expertise and resources to prevent maritime accidents Research: Conducting joint research to improve maritime safety Capacity Building: Providing specialized training to Navy personnel on accident investigation and prevention Search and Rescue Operations: Enhancing response times and…
Read More
African Seafarers’ Welfare: A Call to Action

African Seafarers’ Welfare: A Call to Action

The 2024 Workshop on African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) recently highlighted the plight of African seafarers, who face poor welfare conditions despite playing a critical role in the global economy. According to Engr. Oderinde Hakeem (MNSE), the international shipping industry transports approximately 90% of world trade by volume, with 1.89 million seafarers operating over 74,000 vessels . Challenges Faced by African Seafarers: African seafarers suffer from poor remuneration, exploitation, and limited access to medical care, compared to their counterparts in other continents. The implementation of labour laws in Africa is also inadequate, perpetuating these issues. In Nigeria, for instance,…
Read More
Blue Economy Faces Emerging Challenges and Opportunities

Blue Economy Faces Emerging Challenges and Opportunities

At the 4th Annual Symposium and Workshop organized by the African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) in Lagos, Director Maritime Boundaries, National Boundary Commission, Nurudeen M. Abba, highlighted the pressing issues surrounding the Blue Economy. Abba emphasized the need to address challenges and leverage opportunities in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ), Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), and Deep Seabed Mining (DSM) . Key Challenges: Governance and Legal Uncertainty: ABNJ faces unclear regulations and overlapping claims. Environmental Concerns: Pollution, erosion, and over-exploitation threaten marine ecosystems. Equity and Access: Ensuring fair distribution of resources and benefits. Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs): Challenges: IUU fishing,…
Read More
Partnerships Key to Unlocking Africa’s Blue Economy Potential

Partnerships Key to Unlocking Africa’s Blue Economy Potential

  At a recent symposium and workshop organized by the Africa Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI), Captain Sunday Umoren, Secretary General of the Abuja MOU, emphasized the crucial role of partnerships and enforcement in achieving a sustainable Blue Economy in Africa. "Partnerships and collaboration are essential for Africa's marine and Blue Economy to thrive," Capt. Umoren stressed. "They provide advisory services, economic development, research, informed policy regulation, and sustainable management, ensuring rapid growth of Africa's marine resources." ¹ He highlighted that successful partnerships should be mutually beneficial, with each stakeholder contributing to the country's GDP without pitfalls. Capt. Umoren also…
Read More
COASTAL COMMUNITIES’ CASH BOOST: Tantita Unveils N320m Carbon Credit Scheme

COASTAL COMMUNITIES’ CASH BOOST: Tantita Unveils N320m Carbon Credit Scheme

The Executive Director ,Technical Operations of Tantita Security Services, Captain Enisuoh Warredi  has proposed a carbon credit scheme to combat climate change in Nigerian coastal communities, potentially generating N320 million annually. At the African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) 4th Annual Symposium and Workshop, Capt. Warredi emphasized the importance of carbon credits in addressing pollution in the Niger-Delta region. 50,000 trees per coastal community can absorb 4,000,000kg of CO₂ annually. - One carbon credit equals one ton of CO₂, valued at $50. - Potential earnings: $200,000/year (approximately N320 million). Call to Action: Warredi urged maritime operators to prioritize environmental concerns…
Read More
NIMASA DG Advocates for Sustainable Atlantic Exploration at UNGA

NIMASA DG Advocates for Sustainable Atlantic Exploration at UNGA

  Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Atlantic region at the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Key Highlights: Atlantic Cooperation: NIMASA DG emphasized Nigeria's participation in the Atlantic Cooperation, shaping global policies for a secure and sustainable Atlantic region ¹. Deep Sea-Bed Mining: Nigeria organized an international workshop on deep-sea mining, reaffirming commitment to develop a legal framework for sustainable economic growth. Regional Collaboration: Nigeria partners with the US, EU, ECOWAS, and UN to protect coastlines and ensure safe…
Read More
Nigeria Commemorates World Maritime Day 2024, Emphasizes Safety and Global Standards

Nigeria Commemorates World Maritime Day 2024, Emphasizes Safety and Global Standards

Nigeria is set to join the global community in celebrating the 2024 World Maritime Day on Thursday, September 26, under the theme "Navigating the Future: Safety First" ¹. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to adhering to globally recognized standards, ensuring a robust and business-friendly maritime sector ¹. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration aims to significantly contribute to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through the Blue Economy ¹. Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), assured stakeholders that Nigerian waters are safe for investment and…
Read More
NIMASA, Bank of Industry Partner to Boost Nigeria’s Maritime Capacity

NIMASA, Bank of Industry Partner to Boost Nigeria’s Maritime Capacity

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Bank of Industry (BOI) are exploring collaborative strategies to enhance capacity in the Nigerian maritime sector. During a meeting between NIMASA's Executive Director, Mr. Jibril Abba, and BOI's Executive Director, Mrs. Ifeoma Uz'Okpala, both parties expressed commitment to working together to achieve their shared goals. NIMASA aims to develop capacity in the sector, focusing on safety, security, maritime labor, and capacity building. The Agency seeks to actualize the Federal Government's vision to reposition the maritime sector, particularly with the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. BOI, Nigeria's…
Read More
Expert Slams Nigerian Rail Sector Investment as “Waste” Due to Poor Planning

Expert Slams Nigerian Rail Sector Investment as “Waste” Due to Poor Planning

  Dr. Segun Musa, Deputy National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), has strongly criticized the Nigerian rail sector's investment, stating that it has been largely wasted due to poor planning and misplaced priorities. Speaking at a roundtable organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Musa emphasized that the country's transportation systems, particularly rail, should have focused on cargo movement rather than passenger services to truly impact the economy. Musa argued that prioritizing cargo transport would have generated sufficient income to repay investments, but instead, the sector remains financially unsustainable due to a…
Read More