By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

The Management of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom State, has received special recognition and applause for emphasizing robust professional maritime, logistics and transportation education, supply chain management and other professional pursuits aimed at deepening maritime development in Nigeria.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Uyo Branch made the commendation recently during a courtesy visit to the Management of the foremost nautical school.

Addressing the Academy’s Management Team, the Chairman of the Uyo Branch of the CILT, Mr. Itoro Okon Effiong, said the courtesy visit was to strengthen the professional relationship CILT established with the Academy and to congratulate the newly- appointed Acting Rector of the Academy, Dr. Kevin Okonna.

Okon Effiong who was accompanied by some key officers from the Uyo, Oron, Calabar, and Next Generation branches of the oldest Transport and Logistics Institute in the world said:

“We wish to reaffirm the CILT’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Academy. We Congratulate you, (the Acting Rector).”

“The track record of your achievements in maritime leadership and educational development will always be remembered.”

The chairman added that the Rector’s appointment was timely considering the need to add value to the maritime and logistics sectors, which are undergoing global and local transformation.

Effiong stressed the pivotal role the Maritime Academy is playing in shaping seafarers and maritime professionals across the country and Africa, an effort he recalled is equally the professional passion of CILT Nigeria.

The Uyo CILT boss further maintained that by building and strengthening a robust professional partnership with institutions like the Maritime Academy, the Institute can tackle critical industry challenges such as capacity building, technological advancement, and policy alignment in line with international standards.

In his welcome address, the Ag. Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna,

warmly welcomed the delegation and commended the CILT for its continued dedication to maritime and logistics education. He pledged robust institutional support for the CILT.

In a symbolic gesture, the CILT delegation presented a commemorative souvenir in form of a portrait to the Rector, honouring him as a distinguished member of the Institute.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

The House of Representatives has commended the Director-General and the entire management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for the progress being made in implementing reforms aimed at

repositioning Nigeria’s maritime industry for greater global relevance.

Speaking during an oversight function visit to NIMASA, the Acting Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration,

Committee Hon. Uduak Alphonsus Odudoh pledged full support for the directive issued by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for the Agency to ensure that the beleaguered Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) is disbursed in a couple of months.

“I want to commend NIMASA and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for steps taken to disburse the CVFF which has been a challenge for over 20 years. This will translate to job creation for the maritime sector in Nigeria. The DG and his team have succeeded in maintaining no piracy in Nigerian waters and this translates to better image for Nigeria.”

The House of Representatives, he pledged, is also supporting Nigeria’s quest to seek election into category C at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

“The DG told us that NIMASA is domesticating a record 56 conventions in one fell swoop. This is fantastic. The global maritime community will see us as a serious maritime nation. We are committed to work, collaborate with NIMASA, collaborate with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for the success of this present government and the success of Nigeria,” Hon Uduak declared.

In his remarks, the NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the cordial relationship that exists between the Agency and the House Committee. He lauded the Committee’s role in shaping governance and policy direction for the maritime sector, noting that such oversight and support are crucial to the Agency’s continued success.

He confirmed that the Minister’s directive on the CVFF disbursement is a done deal as far as the House is concerned.

“We are acting in accordance with the directive of the Honourable Minister to ensure indigenous shipowners finally have access to this critical funding. The guidelines have been streamlined based on the Minister’s approval, so beneficiaries can access the funds this year.”

To manage the $700 million intervention fund efficiently, NIMASA has expanded the number of Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs) from five to twelve. These banks will play a key role in risk assessment, ensuring that only credible, financially capable shipping firms benefit from the revolving fund.

The funding model will see banks contribute 35%, NIMASA 50%, and the remaining 15% as equity from the shipowners themselves.

“By involving the banks, we are ensuring financial discipline and sustainability, which are crucial for this fund to continue long-term,” the DG explained.

“We are creating a win-win scenario—access to finance and access to business,” Mobereola said.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

The new Customs Area Controller (CAC) in charge of the Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko Border, Comptroller G. Otunla, Thursday, sounded a clear note of caution to economic saboteurs and smugglers who may wish to test the resolve of the Customs that the new administration under his watch will not tolerate any form of economic sabotage.

Comptroller Otunla who stated this at Idiroko while taking over from Comptroller M.S. Shuaibu warned:

“We shall deploy all lawful means to combat smuggling and enforce compliance with exant trade laws and regulations. Our approach will be firm, fair and intelligence-drive”.

He assured traditional rulers, community leaders, host communities and all relevant stakeholders that he would maintain and improve on the open-door policy and robust partnerships established by his predecessor while deepening collaboration in ways that foster mutual understanding, peace and shared progress.

“We shall remain unwavering in our commitment to actualizing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service including revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, facilitation of legitimate trade and protection of national security.”

He appealed to all officers and men of the Command to remain committed, disciplined and professional in discharging their duties since, as a team, the Command’s success largely depends on unity of purpose, adherence to ethical conduct and pursuit of excellence.

“Together, we will sustain the culture of diligence and ensure that the Command remains a model of efficiency and service delivery.”

In his handing-over speech earlier, Comptroller M.S. Shuaibu expressed deep-seated gratitude to his deputies, the management team and the entire officers and men of the Ogun Area 1 Command whose efforts have kept the wheel of operations running smoothly, saying, their teamwork, invaluable support and advice throughout his tenure meant a lot.

“It has been my privilege and honour to have worked closely with all of you for the past three months. Your professionalism, dedication and cooperation have been my strength and I am immensely proud of what we achieved together,” he explained.

Comptroller Shuaibu who now heads the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, said that under his leadership, the Ogun 1 Area Command not only strictly enforced the mandate of revenue generation, border security and trade facilitation but made strides in building stronger collaboration with sister agencies and stakeholders including the Benin Republic counterparts.

“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.”

He expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller -General of the Nigeria Customs Service for the trust reposed in him and for providing the support which enabled the Command to succeed.

He announced that between January and April, 2025, the Command generated a revenue of N43,412,794.00.

On anti-smuggling, he added, the Command made seizures of 161 different prohibited importations. Others seizures included different sizes of cannabis sativa numbering 3,699, 150 sacks of Indian Hemp, 3 single-barrel long guns and 7,000,000,000 CFA.

Comptroller Shuaibu stated that the Customs alone cannot solve the challenges of border surveillance and lauded the partnership with other stakeholders who play an invaluable role in maintaining peace and stability in the areas of operation.