By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

In furtherance of a mandate to champion local human resources input into operations in Nigeria’s oil and gas sectors, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has instituted the Nigerian Content Forum

However, the agency’s intervention in the maritime space has been challenging as she struggles with in-country value addition and pushback in efforts to make progress.

NCDMB Executive Secretary/CEO, Mr Felix Omatsola Ogbe stated this in Lagos, Thursday, during a panel discussion at the 2025 edition of the Maritime Business Roundtable Breakfast Meeting organized by Zoe Maritime Resources Ltd with the theme ‘Maritime Logistics and Sustainability of the Ocean Economy’. Other dignitaries on the discussion included Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager, Lagos Waterways Authority (LASWA), Engr Elsie Egwuatu, Head of Marine, Lagos Area Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Ruth Ikem Chukwukezirim, CEO, Global Energy & Logistics.

Mr Ajimijaye receiving a souvenir on behalf of NCDMB Executive Secretary/CEO.

Speaking through Silas Omomehin Ajimijaye, General Manager, Research, Statistics and Development, the NCDMB boss referred to the $350 million intervention fund up for grabs by local shipping companies. Not less than 10 Nigerian companies, he explained, have accessed the facility.
“As a matter of fact, before I came here, I was speaking with one of those companies that have benefitted from our intervention. A good example is Starzs Group. They said they are very happy with what NCDMB has done to help them as a as a company. I know the MD, Iro Ogbeifun, a lady who is doing so fantastically well. That is one of those cases we talk about women empowerment. The company is doing well. Not only them, there are several others we are working with to deepen in-country value addition in the maritime sector.”

The fund which keeps growing is disbursed as a single digit loan businesses use and pay back. “This fund is being managed by the Bank of Industry (BOI). Every now and then, they provide a report to show how it is going.”

On collaboration with other agencies, Mr Ajimijaye said part of NCDMB’s mandate is to collaborate with NIMASA to deepen local content through the Nigerian Content plan which should be enshrined into every contract arrangement.

“You have to state what Nigerian Content plan you have now and what you plan to do. Even with manning vessels, you have to show what you have currently and how you want Nigerians to understudy foreigners and possibly integrate them into the system.”

“There is what we call the baseline census for the marine services sector. What this means is that for the companies which are into marine services in the oil and gas sector, we want to do a census, a survey. What is the capacity, the capabilities? How many vessels do they have? Who are the Nigerians there? Who are the foreigners there? What are they doing and what are their challenges? When we analyse the data, we do what we call a gap analysis and have a clear data-driven scenario and recommend to government ways to bridge gaps.”

“We also recognize our partners – NIMASA, NIWA, various other institutions and industry players to collaborate to solve the problems.”
For instance, he explained, what NCDMB calls the Nigerian Content intervention fund is based on a study carried out to realize that people have financial challenges.”

The fund is given to a development bank to help NCDMB administer instead of leaving the money in the Central Bank.

On reducing joblessness among trained seafarers, the NCDMB boss explained that his agency’s intervention is a continuous process.
“For some of them, we do the training and try to source seatime places for them. It is a very big challenge to engage them on vessels for seatime experience. They have the training, certification and exposure. It’s been very fantastic but the problem is the size of the industry. Right now, you can’t take everybody. Entering the programme has always been very competitive. For those who have participated, you can rarely find anyone who has gone through that internship training roaming the streets. It’s only those who have not had the opportunity to have the exposure. The cadet internship training programme is a continuous process. Apart from cadets, we have training for marine surveyors. We give them scholarship. Thereafter, they’re expected to launch out into the world.”

NCDMB recommends that after training, the cadets are not expected to wait for the agency to engage them because it does not have the jobs.
“We are not a maritime company. We’re just to build and launch you to find work anywhere in the world.”

Engr Elsie Egwuatu, Head of Marine, NIWA, Lagos Office.

In a presentation, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the statutory regulator of the inland waterways, outlined her critical role in promoting maritime logistics and the sustainability of the ocean economy by making operations on inland waterways safe and seamless. Represented by Engr Elsie Egwuatu, Head of Marine, NIWA, Lagos Office, the
agency dwelt on critical areas of concern currently including maritime accidents and safety, delays, disruptions and navigational challenges which are being tackled headlong with huge assistance from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HE Adegboyega Oyetola.
NIWA, she stated, has also ensured the development of indigenous technical and managerial skills to meet the challenges of modern inland waterways transportation.

In her welcome address earlier, the Chair, Zoe Maritime Resources Ltd, Barr (Mrs) Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore said that as a coastal nation, it is important for Nigeria to harness ocean resources and develop her economy in a manner that sustains her teeming population while eradicating poverty in the land. Maritime logistics, she observed, is an acute driver of the ocean economy.
“In this digital age, it is important to evaluate how logistics is affecting the development of the ocean economy. What are our obligations in maritime logistics? What are the opportunities and how can these be harnessed to uplift the Nigerian populace and, by extension, develop the African continent?”

Other participants in the panel discussion included the representative of Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager, Lagos Waterways Authority (LASWA), the Nigerian Navy and Mrs Ruth Ikem Chukwukezirim, CEO, Global Energy and Logistics.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Hussein Ejibunu, National Coordinator, ‘Operation Whirlwind’, a special task force of the Nigeria Customs Service on overcoming the menace of petroleum products smuggling, Tuesday, showcased what he described as the largest single seizure of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Kebbi State since the operation was berthed.

Speaking at Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State capital, Ejibunu who is also in charge of Financial Administration and Special Duties at the Customs Headquarters said the smuggling of PMS poses a serious threat to the Nigerian economy as it leads to revenue losses, distortion of trade statistics, artificial scarcity, and threats to national security.

The massive seizure, he announced, marks a significant milestone in the efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to protect Nigeria’s critical resources.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in tackling smuggling activities that undermine government policies and economic stability,” ACG Ejibunu stated.

Items seized include 766 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of PMS conveyed in a Truck Plate number DC 7184 RB (Nigeria Plate Number) and 1,454 25-litre jerrycans and 18 200-litre drums of PMS loaded in a Truck number AT 2457 RUP (Republic of Benin plate.

According to him, Truck number BV C240 Arubi—Republic of Benin plate number carrying 1,350 jerrycans, each 25 litres, and 18 drums, each 200 litres of PMS was also confiscated.

Additionally, 805 kegs of 25 litres of PMS seized at various flashpoints in the zone including Dole Kaina, Zaria Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, Lolo, and Tsamiya were also displayed.

The interception, which resulted from credible intelligence, occurred in the Tsamiya area of Kebbi State following days of painstaking surveillance.

Ejibunu who restated the determination of the NCS to sustain the fight against fuel smuggling said the Service is ever prepared to strengthen inter-agency collaboration so as to secure Nigeria’s borders.

Kegs of confiscated PMS.

The seized PMS was sold at a controlled price of N10,000 per 25-litre jerrican to ensure that citizens rather than the smugglers themselves benefit.

Chidi Nwokorie, CAC, Kebbi Command.

Addressing the press, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Kebbi Command, reiterated his commitment to combat smuggling and other illicit trade activities in Kebbi State. He assured stakeholders of the Command’s determination to enforce trade regulations.

“We remain committed to facilitating trade and ensuring a seamless business environment for legitimate traders. For smugglers, our operations will only intensify to bring smuggling to its lowest possible level,” he pledged.

While recognizing how effective intelligence-driven operations can be, CAC Nwokorie commended the efforts of Customs officers in executing successful enforcement operations.

He also acknowledged the collaboration with sister agencies, highlighting their critical role in ongoing anti-smuggling initiatives.

“This success is a testament to the dedication and synergy between Customs and other security agencies. We will continue to work together to protect the nation’s economy,” Nwokorie added.

On his way back from Kebbi, ACG Ejibunu visited the Sokoto Customs Area Command, where he met with the Customs Area Controller, Sokoto-Zamfara Command, Comptroller Umar Abdulkadir and officers and men of the Service.

He used the opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the Service to border security and the fight against smuggling.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

The Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have been commended for striving to improve the living standard and safety of Nigerians, especially those residing in riverine areas and using inland waterways as a means of transportation. This is a bold effort by the authorities to address incidences of boat mishaps and loss of lives and properties.

Dr Kevin Okonna, Acting Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), gave the commendation at Oron Beach, Akwa Ibom State, Monday, during the inland waterways safety sensitization and awareness workshop organized by the nautical college in collaboration with NIWA for boat operators and inland waterways commuters.

Okonna who explained that the training workshop on waterways safety sensitization is designed to improve the general awareness of operators and citizens alike regarding compliance to safety measures during navigation urged participants especially boat operators and waterways commuters to always obey safety rules and guidelines. This, he emphasized, is the only way to support government in her efforts to ensure an efficient, safe and attractive inland waterways transportation system. On behalf of MAN, Oron, Dr Okonna donated 25 safety jackets and pledged to keep supporting waterways safety as much as the school’s corporate social responsibility can accommodate.

The Ag. Rector, MAN, Oron, Dr Kevin Okonna (middle) with representatives of the Marine and Blue Economy Minister and the MD of NIWA

He told participants that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of HE Adegboyega Oyetola, is committed to implementing the priority projects of Mr. President to make better the lives of Nigerians particularly the people that operate boats and use boats for transportation on the inland waterways. Mr. President, he stated, requires that all Ministries and their agencies should hold stakeholders/citizens’ engagement to inform the citizens of government programmes to serve them better and also receive feedback on their experiences and expectations from the Government.

“This workshop is therefore organised by the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in line with Mr. President’s directive and as part of the programme of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure safety on our inland Waterways.”

The Rector noted that compliance with waterways operational rules is never a waste as it reduces the tendency of avoidable loss of lives and properties.

“As you may be aware, in the recent past, so many Nigerians have lost their lives and properties on our inland waterways, including the popular Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, due to ignorance and possible non-adherence to safety practices as required by the NIWA and contained in approved guidelines for safety on Nigeria’s waterways.“

“This is why the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the NIWA are embarking on nationwide Inland Waterways Safety Awareness Campaign. The Campaign has already been taken to several jetties in Nigeria to sensitize citizens on Government laws/guidelines and necessary safe practices to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s inland waterways transportation system and also donate approved lifejackets to promote the safety practices.”