Maritime Agencies
Carribean Nations Applaud Dangote Refinery, Charge African Nations To Stop Exporting Raw Materials.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Africa and developing countries have been charged to reverse the cycle of exporting raw materials and importing finished products from developed countries by embracing and investing in industries such as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals domiciled in the continent. This and similar establishments that process raw materials into finished products must be embraced and encouraged to blossom so as to save Africa from being a dumping ground and perpetuating a long-standing economic dependence on the developed nations.
Dickson Mitchell, the Prime Minister of Grenada and chairman, Caribbean Community (CARICOM or CC) – a political and economic union of 15 member states and five associated members throughout the Americas, The Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean, disclosed this, Thursday, at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.
Mitchell who was championing the efforts of Carribean countries desirous of partnering with Dangote Group in cement and fertilizer production, referred to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a significant investment in industrialisation and manufacturing needed by developing countries for their technological and industrial growth.
It is through this type of investment, he noted, that Africa and the developing countries can reposition themselves industrially, process natural resources available in the continent, market finished products locally and beyond to the advantage of their individual economies while creating employment and broadening the continent’s foreign exchange earnings.
Mitchell said the refinery is a tribute to the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and his vision not just for Nigeria but Africa as a whole.
“This investment is a tribute to Dangote and his remarkable vision. It is the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa, symbolising what the developing world needs: significant investment in industrialisation and manufacturing. This is an incredible achievement and a testament to Mr. Dangote’s vision, not just for his company, but for Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Dangote, he stated, exemplifies what an African leader should be.
“We need not just political leaders, but business leaders who are willing to invest in Africa, particularly in manufacturing and industrialisation. We must ensure that we don’t continue to export our raw materials to the developed world where they can be turned into sophisticated products and sent back to us. We need to reverse that cycle; it is the only way to grow the wealth of Africa and the developing world.”
” Additionally, we need to support this with training and invest in job opportunities,” he said.
Applauding the sophistication and automation at the refinery, the Prime Minister expressed optimism for Nigeria’s future, especially given the number of young Nigerians trained and working at both the refinery and fertiliser plants. The $20 billion refinery, the largest private investment in Africa, stands out for its team of young professionals, predominantly aged between 26 and 28, most of whom hold advanced degrees and were educated in Nigeria”.
“It has been a wonderful experience to witness the shared skills, depth of sophistication, and automation here. Seeing so many bright young Nigerians, particularly in the laboratories, is truly inspiring. I believe this bodes well for the future development of Nigeria,” he added.
Mitchell stated that the Caribbean Community would be exploring partnership opportunities with the Dangote Group to enhance its economy.
“One of the reasons I am here is to pursue synergies and partnerships between the diaspora and Africa, particularly in areas such as the refinery, cement, and fertiliser. We believe there are fantastic opportunities to develop partnerships between the Caribbean and Africa,” he added.
On his part, Dangote described the visit as symbolic, noting that many Caribbean countries are beginning to discover crude oil and are exploring opportunities to build their own refineries. This would help them address the challenge of exporting crude while importing refined petroleum products at high costs.
“The visit shows that many countries are proud of what we have been able to achieve because a lot of countries have been unable to deliver their refineries. It shows their pride in seeing a Black person like them at the Caribbean, although I am from Nigeria, succeed. For them, this is a dream, especially as many Caribbean countries are beginning to discover oil but still depend largely on exporting crude while importing petroleum products, which is costlier than in America. Their dream is to set up a refinery—perhaps not of this size—but one that would cater to their people,” he said.
Africa’s wealthiest man emphasized that the company is looking for partnerships in the Caribbean not only in petroleum products but also in cement and fertilizer production. He mentioned ongoing discussions about importing crude from these countries while supplying them with refined products.
“There are numerous partnerships in place. He is not only the Prime Minister of Grenada but also the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). We are exploring collaboration in areas such as cement and petroleum, including the possibility of buying crude from them while selling some of our petroleum products to them. We already export to the U.S., Mexico, and other regions, so there is significant collaboration we are looking to develop between us and them.”
The 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) Dangote Oil Refinery—the largest single-train refinery in the world—is designed to process a wide variety of crude oils, including those from Africa, the Middle East, and US Light Tight Oil. It conforms to Euro V specifications and is built to meet stringent standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), European emission norms, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), and the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA).
The refinery has the capacity to satisfy 100% of Nigeria’s demand for petrol, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet fuel, with additional surplus available for export.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Contrary to the impression being bandied in certain quarters regarding the safety of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Funds (CVFF), the acruals remain intact and secure in the vaults of the Central Bank of Nigeria and her Single Treasury Account (TSA) arrangement.
Dr Dayo Mobereola, the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) gave the update, November 19 in a release by the agency.
According to the Director-General, the update has become necessary to refute misleading publications alleging that the funds have disappeared from the CVFF account.
“The report of missing money is both misleading and false”, the agency’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Edward Osagie explained in a press statement.
“For the record, the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, securely held in the NIMASA account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), remains intact. There has been no disappearance of funds, and no illegal transactions, as the article suggests.
“This misinformation is a figment of the author’s imagination aimed at undermining NIMASA’s integrity, and mislead the public about the Agency’s operations.
“The Management of NIMASA will ensure that the CVFF is utilised in line with its statutory purpose”, the
NIMASA Director General stated.
Mobereola was emphatic about the state of the funds and assured stakeholders of the safety under the CVFF.
“Let us be clear that the CVFF account at the Central Bank of Nigeria is safe, intact, and secure. We at NIMASA will continue to manage it with the utmost responsibility, and there are no irregularities or illegal activities surrounding the funds”
He urged the public to disregard any false narratives and to continue trusting the Agency’s ability to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The CVFF is a fund established under section 42 of the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003 to promote the development of indigenous ship acquisition capacity and to provide credit facilities to local maritime operators.
NIMASA, the release assured, is committed to transparency, accountability, and the advancement of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In a colourful and well-attended event, Tuesday, the Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service celebrated the retiring Customs Area Controller, Comptroller James Ojo. His successor, DC MS Shuaibu also received encomiums for being found worthy to take over the mantle of leadership.
Following official redeployments and movements across Customs Commands earlier in the year, it is recalled, DC Shuaibu temporarily held sway at the Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko. Last April, however, he handed over the reigns to Comptroller James Ojo who was newly deployed to head the Command and left to assume duties as the Coordinator of the now-disbanded Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, Southwest.
But now the table has turned, retiring Comptroller Ojo handed over the leadership baton to DC Shuaibu at the Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko.
Speaking at the brief but impressive handing-over ceremony, Comptroller Ojo expressed gratitude to officers and men of the Command for the massive support and cooperation he enjoyed during his stint at the Command.
“Under my watch,” Comptroller Ojo stated, “this Command has not only enforced our mandate of revenue generation, border security and trade facilitation but has also made strides in building stronger collaborations with sister agencies and stakeholders. Together, we have intercepted illicit goods, curbed smuggling and facilitated legitimate trade. Our collective efforts have positioned the Ogun 1 Command as a key player in Nigeria’s economic and security architecture. As I retire, I must express my profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs for the trust reposed in me and for providing the support that enabled the Command’s successes.”
In his remarks, DC MS Shuaibu, the newly deployed controller, applauded Comptroller James Ojo for leaving a legacy of resilience, collaboration and notable achievements.
He pledged to deepen the commitment to prioritizing teamwork, innovation, and discipline among officers and men of the Command.
“I call upon all officers and stakeholders in the Command to join me in this renewed effort as the task ahead is daunting. But with unity, dedication and the grace of God, we can surmount every challenge.’’
He promised to strengthen and maintain collaboration with sister- agencies so as to ensure border security and facilitate legitimate trade.
The handing-over ceremony was attended by a cross section of notable traditional rulers from Idiroko area and beyond. Senior officers from sister-agencies in Nigeria and neighbouring Benin also graced the occasion.
Maritime Agencies
FIGHT AGAINST BANDITS, INSURGENTS: ‘We’re Recording Huge Success’, Says Matawalle.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Since the advent of the President Tinubu administration, the Nigerian Armed Forces have achieved a lot in the fight against insurgents, bandits and other groups that are enemies of the Nigerian State.
But for security and strategic reasons, a lot of these successes cannot be made public in order not to expose to danger the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces in the forefront of this fight.
Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Matawalle disclosed this during an engagement with Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Assistant to the President on Policy and Coordination/Head of Central Result Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU).
Hadiza Bala Usman was at the Ministry of Defence to present the 2024 1st-3rd Quarters Performance Assessment Report on Implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables at the Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister also informed the SA to Mr. President that before now, the Nigerian airwaves were always full of news of oil theft, bunkering, piracy and all forms of kidnapping. But since they assumed office, the country has recorded low occurrence and reduced reports of those activities just as he assured Nigerians of their resolve to do more to make the society safe for all.
Matawalle assured Hadiza Bala Usman of early submission of achievement data to her office for their reviews.
In a similar development, the SA to President advised the Ministry of Defence to put out more data into the public space to avoid doubts and negative feedbacks on the successes achieved by the Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity. She added that regional tour of the troubled areas could be conducted to carry out on-the-spot interviews and first hand assessment of rescued individuals whose response will serve as raw and real data to the populace and an evidence that government is not resting on its oars.
Speaking further during the review of the Q1 – Q3 Report, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni gave a detailed submission on the achievements of the Ministry and promised that the Ministry would do more to surpass previous quarter reports. He commended the Chief of Defence Staff and all Service Chiefs for their consistency and tireless efforts in making Nigeria a peaceful and safe place.
Dr. Kana tasked the Directors of the Ministry not to relax in their quest to give their best to the service of the country.
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