By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

Management of the Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) has given a thumbs-up to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for being instrumental to her being able to berth ‘Kota Carum’, her largest vessel in history.

OMT Chief Operating Officer, Jim Stewart, praised the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho for supporting and improving port efficiency and service delivery, a development that has positively impacted on the successes the terminal is recording.

The OTM CEO was speaking Wednesday during a reception in honour of ‘Kota Carum’, the Singaporean-flagged vessel owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL), one of Asia’s leading shipping companies.

‘Kota Carum,’ a mega container vessel measuring 301.43 metres in length arrived the OMT jetty at 10:30 hours and was safely berthed by 10:50 hours, utilizing berths 9 and 10.

The milestone event, industry watchers say, further highlights OMT’s growing prominence as a hub for large-scale maritime trade in the West African region.

Boasting a capacity of 6,606 TEUs (Twenty-foot equivalent units), ‘Kota Carum’ is a major addition to the line of large vessels now calling at Onne Port. During its 55-hour port stay, the vessel discharged 1,250 containers and loaded 1,619 containers—including export-bound cargo and empty containers.

At the event, the OMT Chief lavishly appreciated NPA’s overwhelming support in creating an enabling environment for OMT to thrive.

“We have an excellent working relationship with the Onne Port Manager, Mr. Abdulrahmon Hussain, and the entire team at the Nigerian Ports Authority. The leadership of the Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has been instrumental in our success. Allowing a vessel of this magnitude to berth at our terminal is a vote of confidence in our capabilities”.

Jim Stewart called on the Federal Government to allocate more funding for channel dredging at the Onne Port to accommodate even larger vessels and further boost trade volumes.

“We are fully prepared to receive vessels from any shipping line. But for us to unlock the full potential of Onne Port, additional dredging is essential. We urge the Federal Government to support NPA with the necessary resources to deepen and widen the channels,” Stewart said.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive the largest vessel to ever berth at Onne. Following the arrival of the Kota Cempaka last year, this achievement reflects our continued growth, our strategic investments in terminal infrastructure, and our unwavering commitment to operational excellence,” Stewart stated.

Stewart emphasized that OMT’s ongoing modernization efforts, including the acquisition of additional state-of-the-art cranes, have significantly enhanced cargo-handling capabilities and reduced vessel turnaround time.

He noted the economic advantages of hosting such large vessels at Nigerian ports, explaining that direct calls by larger ships eliminate the need for transshipment via smaller feeder vessels—cutting down logistics costs and reducing freight tariffs for Nigerian importers and exporters.

“This is not just a win for OMT; it’s a win for the Nigerian economy. The ability to berth larger vessels means more direct cargo movement, reduced logistics costs, and increased revenue for the country. Freight forwarders also benefit significantly, as they avoid the extra costs associated with transshipment,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief Pilot of Onne Port, Yakubu Ezra, reaffirmed NPA’s technical readiness to handle large vessels.

“At the Nigerian Ports Authority, we are fully equipped—both in training and technology—to safely pilot large vessels into our ports. The successful berthing of Kota Carum is evidence of our capacity and professionalism,” Ezra said.

The successful hosting of ‘Kota Carum’ marks a significant leap forward for OMT and positions Onne Port as a viable gateway capable of accommodating global trade routes. As more shipping lines look towards West Africa, OMT’s infrastructure, efficiency, and strategic location continue to attract increasing volumes of international maritime traffic.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

Private businessmen and corporate investors have been urged to show more than a passing interest and seize opportunities Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector offers.

Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) made the call at the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair, says a release by Edward Osagie, the agency’s image maker.

The DG who was represented by Mr Umar Mohammed, the Deputy Director in the Planning, Research and Data Management Service Department, highlighted that NIMASA was committed to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government. He emphasized the need for inclusive economic growth through indigenous participation in domestic and international shipping.

“To unlock the full potential of our maritime economy, NIMASA is pursuing an integrated development strategy that will support indigenous operators in ship acquisition, establish a National Carrier Line, and create maritime training institutions for world-class seafarers”, Dr Mobereola stated.

The agency, he added, is also implementing a Public Sector Cargo Support Programme aimed at creating a captive freight market for local carriers and reducing the dominance of foreign shipping lines in Nigeria’s seaborne trade.

He said the agency’s strategic initiatives are being driven through public-private partnerships to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.

“Therefore, we are inviting investors and entrepreneurs to collaborate with us in developing a robust and competitive maritime sector that will create jobs and boost the national economy”, he added.

The NIMASA DG expressed appreciation to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and the leadership of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) for hosting the trade fair, which he described as a vital platform for business networking and investment drive.

As part of the mandate to regulate maritime activities and ensure sustainable use of ocean resources,

NIMASA plays a key role in promoting the Blue Economy in Nigeria with its promotional responsibilities.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

Of the 62 finalists shortlisted for recognition across 21 competitive categories in the 2025 edition of the National Spokespersons’ Awards held Wednesday in Abuja, Edward Osagie came tops as the most outstanding spokesperson from the Marine and Blue economy sector.

Three spokespersons from parastatals in the maritime industry participated in the final of the Award ceremony.

Edward Osagie who heads the Pubic Relations Department of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) competed in the final award event for spokespersons in the Marine and Blue Economy sector with Ikechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communication Department of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Muyiwa Akande, Head of Public Relations unit of Sifax Group.

NIMASA’s Osagie emerged a finalist in three categories which included Spokesperson of the year which happens to be the lead category, Outstanding spokesperson (crisis management – pubic sector) and Marine and Blue economy sector.

Olumuyiwa Akande also featured as a finalist in two categories such as Spokesperson of the year category and Marine and Blue Economy sector while Onyemekara of NPA featured as a finalist in the Marine and Blue economy sector.

At the final session, Osagie beat all the contestants in the Marine and Blue economy category to emerge winner.

In other categories, the Head, Media and Publicity Unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Mr. Dele Oyewale, a Deputy Commander of the EFCC, emerged Outstanding Federal Government Spokesperson of the Year, 2025.

Oyewale emerged winner in a highly competitive category that included Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga (the Presidential Spokesman) and Josephine Adokuru Mudasiru of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA.

Commending the nominees, the Chairman of the award Adjudication Committee, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, emphasized that the selection process was rigorous and merit -driven.

Oyewale stood out for his infusion of finesse in strategic communication, skillful workmanship, impactful media engagements and consistency in the excellent projection of the EFCC’s image and in enhancing public understanding of the Commission’s mandate and activities.

Other winners from other categories include: Olufemi Soneye (NNPCL) as Distinguished Spokesperson of the Year (Oil and Gas), Nigeria Customs Service as Best Corporate Spokesperson Team, Kashifu Inuwa (NITDA) as Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector), Femi Babafemi (NDLEA) as Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services).

Soneye (NNPCL) beat ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of Nigeria Police, Igo Weli-Shell Petroleum, Olumuyiwa Akande, SIFAX Group and Osagie Edward-NIMASA to emerge Spokesperson of the Year.

In his remarks, Joshua Audu Gana, Member, House of Representatives, congratulated the organizers for identifying and rewarding the outstanding communicators across various sectors.

He lauded the winners for their professionalism and devotion and urged them to continue to strive for excellence in the roles they play.

The Special Guest of Honour, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr, emphasized the need for institutions and organizations to involve spokespersons in policy formulation and decision-making processes, noting that spokespersons should be equipped with first-hand knowledge of key issues so as to enhance their effective and accurate public communication.

The National Spokespersons Awards is Nigeria’s foremost platform for celebration of excellence in public relations, strategic communication, and media management.

The award is an annual celebration of individuals and organizations that demonstrate professionalism, innovation, and impactful public communication.