By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

In an atmosphere devoid of rancour and acrimony which usually herald elections in Nigeria, the Association of Maritime Reefers Truck Owners (AMARTO), Tuesday, elected a new leadership to pilot her affairs for the next two years.

The post of Chairman went to Babalola Gbadeyan while Olutola Obamero clinched the position of Vice Chairman.

Abdulrahman Jibo became the Executive Secretary/Admin even as the post of Public Relations Officer went to Tunji Akinwale.

Messrs Mohammed Auwalu, Nathan Doye and Pessu Temisanren were elected Provost, Treasurer and Financial Secretary respectively.

In his pre-election remarks, Patrick Ocheme Michael, the election co-ordinator and General Secretary, Board of Trustees, implored all members to offer undiluted assistance and cooperation to whoever that was elected as an executive for the interest of the association. He urged members to be elected to have as priority the interest of the Association, her members and the future at heart. He urged the emerging executive to show commitment and serve without bias as to tribe, religion or any other divisive factor.

He told the emerging leaders: “Lead us aright, keep your records and avoid internal wrangling of any sort”.

In his post-election remarks, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, Chairman, Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) who witnessed the election expressed satisfaction with the way and manner it was conducted.

“I congratulate you all and pray God to give you genuine wisdom and knowledge.” He enjoined the new leaders to endeavour to exhibit the patience required as leaders – patience, understanding, tolerance.”

Transportation, he explained, is a universal language. There should not be any case you say ‘this is my tribe’. “No! Every person in the sector is your tribesman. Hold on to this and I pray to God almighty to guide you,” he concluded.

In his post-election speech, the new Chairman, Babalola Gbadeyan, speaking on behalf of the newly elected leaders, requested all members to join hands to make the association great.

“We come from various homes to come and trade in Apapa. Let us join hands together to move our association and the maritime industry forward.”

“I am very happy today. For a truck organization to have a unique election like this without any rancour and dispute, I commend every member of the association. We all need your support.”

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

The Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) has pledged readiness to continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy on initiatives aimed at harnessing the enormous potentials the maritime sector offers.

BOAN President, Mr. Olubunmi Olumekun made the pledge in a congratulatory message to Dr. Charles Okaga on his appointment as Technical Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola .

Dr Okaga’s appointment, he stated, is significant as it lends credence to his exceptional leadership ability and the profound impact he has made in advancing the Nigerian barging and maritime subsector.

He said: “Throughout his tenure at NPA, Dr. Okaga has been at the forefront of modernizing operations and streamlining processes within the sector. His innovative strategies and commitment to excellence have notably enhanced the efficiency of barging operations and reinforced the resilience of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.”

“His contributions have set new benchmarks in the industry and positioned Nigeria as a competitive force on the global stage”.

The BOAN President expressed confidence that Dr Okaga’s expertise and innovative approach would continue to inspire stakeholders and bring about greater advancements in the barging and maritime sector.

While celebrating Dr. Okaga’s milestone elevation, BOAN President looked forward to witnessing further transformative changes under his guidance in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

The BOAN President expressed confidence that his expertise and innovative approach would continue to inspire stakeholders and bring about even greater advancements in the barging and maritime sectors.

As the barge operators celebrate Okaga, they look forward to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy witnessing further transformative changes under his guidance.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho has hailed the gains Nigeria’s ports system stands to reap if the National Single Window regime in port operations can be successfully implemented, despite numerous challenges working against it.

The recognition of this fact and the relevance made the agency to enlist the technical assistance, support and guidance of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the deployment of the Port Community System (PCS) in Nigerian ports.

Dr Dantsoho stated this in Lagos, Tuesday, during a stakeholders’ forum on the implementation of the National Single Window project.

With the active support the agency is enjoying from the Minister,  H.E.Adegboyega Oyetola, he remarked, NPA is ever committed to the successful deployment of the National Single Window in the country.

Dantsoho disclosed that since meeting necessary requirements in line with IMO prescription, Nigeria was admitted as a member of the International Port Community System Association (IPCSA), to join top-class ports in the region such as the Tangier Med Port of Morocco, Ghana, Togo, Ivory Coast and Benin Republic.

In addition, he stated, the need to achieve regional and continental competitiveness made the Nigerian Ports Authority to embark on a process of operational repositioning and reengineering in line with her core statutory functions having in mind the National Single Window objectives.

It is also to ensure that the NPA is at par with regional competitors while focusing on seamless data availability and enhanced transparency.

“I would like to emphasize that our mission is to position Nigeria as the trans-shipment hub in West Africa, and with our strategic location, a population of over 200 million people, and a large market, Nigerian Ports have the potential to become the leading trans-shipment hub in the African region.

“We also have the potential to serve as a transit port to land-locked countries, since out of the 44 land-locked countries in the world, 16 are in Africa.”

He expressed regret that this potential is suffering some constraints of infrastructure challenges and competition since neighbouring countries are developing their ports infrastructure.

But he assured that upcoming port modernization projects are determined to bridge this gap and ensure that Nigerian ports are ever competitive among regional counterparts.

The implementation of the Port Community System, according to the MD, is necessarily complex and one that does not happen quickly.

He added, “Consequently, the Nigerian Ports Authority has been consistent in its efforts since the year 2011 to fully operate the PCS.”