Maritime

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
Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services Completes Reconstruction of Army Barracks

Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services Completes Reconstruction of Army Barracks

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, owned by High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, has formally handed over the reconstructed 3 Battalion Soldiers' Transit Accommodation at Effurun Barracks to the Army authorities. The facility, redesigned and fully furnished as part of Tantita's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, boasts state-of-the-art amenities aimed at enhancing the living conditions of soldiers stationed at the barracks. The renovated transit accommodation features modern infrastructure and amenities, demonstrating Tantita's commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army's welfare and operational effectiveness. This CSR initiative by Tantita Security Services underscores the company's dedication to giving back to the community…
Read More
Nigeria Takes Lead in Harnessing Deep Seabed Resources for Sustainable Growth

Nigeria Takes Lead in Harnessing Deep Seabed Resources for Sustainable Growth

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is set to host a global workshop on Deep Seabed activities from September 17-18, 2024. The workshop aims to build in-country expertise and equip policy makers and industry professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage deep-sea resources sustainably. According to the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the event will provide hands-on training for Nigerian researchers and stakeholders, allowing them to engage directly with international experts and advanced technologies. The workshop will feature presentations from renowned…
Read More