The Nation Newspaper

Category: Maritime

  • Oyetola inaugurates committee to curb boat mishaps

    Oyetola inaugurates committee to curb boat mishaps

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated a committee to enhance safety and prevent boat mishaps on Nigerian waterways.

    The Minister explained that setting up the Committee underscores the government’s commitment to protecting lives and fostering a sustainable marine transport system. 

    He noted that the establishment of the Special Committee is in response to the spate of recent boat mishaps. 

    While addressing the Committee members and Stakeholders, the Minister emphasized the critical role of Nigeria’s waterways in commerce, transportation, and livelihoods. 

    Oyetola, in a statement by the Director of Information and PR of the ministry, Anastasia Ogbonna, stated: “Our waterways are lifelines that connect communities and drive economic growth. 

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    However, the frequent tragic boat mishaps across the country have posed significant challenges, resulting in the loss of lives and properties. This situation demands urgent intervention”.

    On why the committee was set up, he said: “The Committee is to conduct an in-depth review of commercial boat operations, identify the root causes of boat mishaps, and recommend sustainable solutions”. 

    The minister while stating that members of the Committee were selected based on their expertise, experience, and commitment, stressed that the assignment is of national importance and should be approached with utmost dedication.

    The Committee, chaired by the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, comprises representatives of four selected states, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, an expert from an oil company, a marine engineering expert, Association of Boat Owners, Association of Boat Operators, Dredger Association, and Heads of relevant Agencies of the Ministry. Adams Office, Deputy Director, Inland Waterways Division of the Ministry, will serve as Secretary.

    The Chairman of the committee, Bola Oyebamiji, assured the minister that the confidence reposed in the Committee will not be betrayed.”

    The Committee members are: “Dennis Iyaghigba Benue State; Attaiiru Maccido Kebbi State; Yahaya Danladi Kogi State; and Adiza Idris Kuta Niger State.

    Experts in the committee are; “Capt. Stan Igwe, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Ralph Onoshapkor Oando, Prof. Idiba Douglas Marine Engineering Specialist, Stakeholder Groups Gani Tarzan Balogun, National Association of Boat Operators, Tope Fajemirokun from Boat Owners Association, and Richard Ntan from Dredgers Association.

    Other members from the agency and the ministry are; Dr. Dayo Mobereola NIMASA, Prof. Sule Abiodun NIOMR, Dr. David Olasebikan, Prof. Busayo Fakinlade, Technical Adviser to the minister and the secretary, Mr. Adams Offie.

  • Maritime growth: NIMASA backs indigenous investment

    Maritime growth: NIMASA backs indigenous investment

    The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reiterated its commitment to creating a competitive and investor-friendly sector, emphasising the need for greater Indigenous participation and strategic collaborations to drive industry growth. 

    During a courtesy visit by the Executive Members of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) to NIMASA headquarters in Lagos, its Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, outlined the agency’s efforts to enhance indigenous involvement under the supervision of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, led by Adegboyega Oyetola.

    Mobereola stressed that collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and NNPC Limited, remains a priority in addressing industry challenges and creating opportunities for Indigenous players. 

    “The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy is committed to encouraging indigenous players to invest more in Nigeria’s maritime industry. Key issues such as national carriers and trade terms are priorities for this administration,” he said. 

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    He further emphasised the agency’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment, ensuring that private investors can operate seamlessly within the sector. 

    “Our goal is to create a business-friendly environment where private investors can thrive. In line with this, we are engaging with the NCDMB and NNPC Limited to address critical industry challenges,” Dr. Mobereola added. 

    Responding to the agency’s initiatives, Secretary General, NMNOWTSSA, Comrade John Aleakhue Okpono, reiterated the need for a stronger partnership between NIMASA and the Merchant Navy. 

    He also called for a review of waiver clauses to provide more opportunities for Nigerian seafarers, ensuring that local professionals are better positioned within the industry.  

  • JUST IN: Maritime unions, truckers threaten port shutdown over alleged indiscriminate arrests, arbitrary fines

    JUST IN: Maritime unions, truckers threaten port shutdown over alleged indiscriminate arrests, arbitrary fines

    The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) have issued a three-day ultimatum to the Lagos state government, threatening to withdraw their services and shut down port operations.

    The action is in response to alleged indiscriminate arrests and exorbitant fines imposed by the Lagos state committee on the removal of abandoned vehicles and the special traffic management committee and enforcement team.

    At a press briefing on Monday, Leye Thompson, a notable truck owner and founding President of the Council of Maritime Truck Unions and Associations (COMTUA), alleged that these committees had strayed from their initial mandate and were now being used as instruments of extortion, unfairly imposing arbitrary charges on truck operators.

    “These committees were supposed to manage traffic, but instead, they have turned into self-serving entities, arresting trucks indiscriminately and imposing outrageous fines ranging from N200,000 to N400,000 per truck, which are often paid into private accounts,” Thompson alleged.

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    The group further accused the committees of hijacking trucks en route to the ports, delaying cargo movement, and creating artificial bottlenecks that significantly impact the ease of doing business at the ports. 

    They called on the state government to immediately dissolve the committees and release all impounded trucks unconditionally, warning that failure to comply by Wednesday, February 26, 2025, would result in a statewide strike.

    “In line with our unambiguous demand, we hereby issue this notice of a three-day ultimatum, which would expire on Wednesday, 26th February 2025. If our demands are not met, we shall embark on an industrial action and withdraw the services of all our members throughout the state,” the statement read.

    The unions also recounted a violent incident that allegedly occurred on February 20, 2025, at Area B, Apapa, where they claimed that members of the enforcement committees, in collaboration with street urchins, attacked truck drivers and haulage operators.

    According to them, one trucker sustained grievous injuries and remains hospitalised, with the case currently under police investigation at the Area B Police Station.

    Another incident, they cited occurred, in the early hours of February 23, 2025, when members of the Abandoned Vehicle Committee allegedly stormed the Unity Bonded Terminal and impounded over 100 trucks, labelling them as abandoned vehicles.

    “We do not understand why these committees focus solely on maritime truckers operating along the Apapa Port access roads and the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

    It appears there is a deliberate effort to cripple port operations and sabotage the businesses of legitimate stakeholders who contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP,” the unions stated.

    The groups also noted that the committees’ actions were causing severe financial losses to truckers and importers, forcing factories and businesses to suspend operations due to the inability to receive imported materials.

    President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, voiced his support for the planned strike, stating that the union had a vested interest in the issue due to its haulage district.

    He said: “I want to use this medium to appeal to the two port managers to wake up to the action that is about to take place. If after three days nothing is done, there will be collaboration in support of the strike actions.

    “Some of our members are truckers and some of them have been suffering the fate. I also sit as the Deputy President of NLC and we are concerned about the activities of the truckers on the road.”

    “We are going to support them if nothing is done after three days. The port managers and NPA should stand up and correct the action that is about to cripple the activities of the port,” Adeyanju added.

    The unions warned that the alleged undue interference with truck movement is sabotaging the nation’s trade operations and urged the authorities to take immediate action to prevent disruptions that could cripple the maritime sector.

  • Academy launches initiative to end Nigeria’s “sea blindness”

    Academy launches initiative to end Nigeria’s “sea blindness”

    The Blue Economy Academy (BEA) has unveiled a strategic initiative to transform Nigeria’s maritime industry by addressing “sea blindness”—the country’s long-standing neglect of its ocean-driven economic potential.

    At a media luncheon in Lagos, BEA’s Founder, Ubong Essien, a former Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications to the immediate past Director-General of NIMASA, introduced the organisation’s core vision: “Prosper by Water.”

    Essien highlighted the Academy’s mission to harness education, policy advocacy, and strategic collaboration to unlock Nigeria’s vast blue economy opportunities. 

    He noted that despite the country’s extensive coastline and rich marine resources, the maritime sector remains largely underutilized.

    To drive this transformation, Essien outlined a four-pronged approach structured around “The Ten Blue Economy Buckets”—a comprehensive framework aimed at guiding Nigeria’s maritime growth and economic expansion.

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    “Blue Commerce” he said, focuses on enhancing maritime trade and logistics, ensuring seamless movement of goods and services through Nigeria’s waterways. “Blue Bounty”, aims to expand fisheries and aquaculture, tapping into the country’s rich marine biodiversity for food security and economic gain. 

    “Blue Power”, explores renewable ocean energy solutions, positioning marine-based energy as a sustainable alternative for the future.  

    “Additionally, “Blue Cities” emphasises the development of sustainable waterfront communities, transforming coastal areas into hubs of economic and social activity. 

    “Blue Governance” seeks to strengthen maritime policies and regulatory frameworks, ensuring that Nigeria’s maritime sector operates with clear guidelines and oversight. 

    “Blue Nexus” promotes integration among ocean-based industries, fostering interconnected growth across sectors such as shipping, tourism, and fisheries.  

    “In response to environmental challenges, “Blue Climate” addresses the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems, advocating for sustainable practices that protect the nation’s coastal and oceanic resources.  

    “Blue Talent” focuses on cultivating human capital for maritime careers, providing training and skill development to create a highly competent workforce. 

    “Lastly, “Blue Venture” encourages entrepreneurship and investment in the maritime industry, fostering innovation and private-sector participation in Nigeria’s blue economy,” the Academy’s founder explained.

    Meanwhile, one of the most thought-provoking moments in Essien’s speech was his discussion on how Nigeria needs to rethink real estate, viewing water as a valuable economic asset. 

    He compared maritime infrastructure to the real estate of telecom giants like MTN, whose true assets lie in the airwaves they control.  

    “Water itself is the next big real estate,” he asserted. 

    “Just as telecom companies thrive on their spectrum licenses, Nigeria must see its maritime domain as an economic frontier ripe for development.”  

    Essien reiterated that Nigeria’s blue economy could generate massive economic opportunities if properly harnessed. 

    He pointed to global trends where coastal infrastructure such as waterfront developments, ports, and eco-friendly cities drive economic activity. 

    Citing Landmark Beach’s ongoing challenges with coastal encroachment and the shift of investments to inland waterfront projects like Nike Lake Resort in Enugu, he argued that Nigeria must be proactive in leveraging its coastal resources.  

    Drawing from his experience at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Essien underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving maritime sector transformation.  

    “You can never get anything meaningfully done in this industry without collaboration,” he noted. 

    “You can never succeed at any major quest without collaboration, no matter how powerful your position is. Even if people look up to you to enjoy certain benefits, no position is powerful enough to achieve major things without collaboration” Essien added.

    He further called on industry leaders, academia, and policymakers to join forces in shaping Nigeria’s blue economy agenda. 

    He also encouraged media professionals to play an active role in amplifying maritime conversations, ensuring that the sector receives sustained attention. 

  • NIMASA moves to upgrade seafarers’ rights

    NIMASA moves to upgrade seafarers’ rights

    The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is reviewing 16 proposed amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, in a bid to enhance the welfare of seafarers and align the nation’s maritime labour regulations with international best practices. 

    The review process was a focal point at a three-day Tripartite Technical Session in Lagos, which brought together stakeholders from government agencies, employers, unions, and international maritime organisations.

    The session underscored the country’s commitment to strengthening maritime labour standards and ensuring decent work conditions for its seafarers. 

    NIMASA’s director general, Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to fostering a fair and sustainable maritime sector.

    Represented by the Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Jibril Abba, he highlighted the significance of the amendments under review. 

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    “Through this synergy, we can achieve progressive amendments that will enhance seafarers’ welfare, create a fair business environment, and elevate Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime nation,” he said.

    “This tripartite session is not just about policy amendments; it is about fostering a collective commitment to the sustainability of the maritime sector and the protection of seafarers’ rights.” 

    The discussions during the session covered a broad range of issues, including the impact of emerging technologies, environmental concerns, and evolving industry demands.

    The goal, according to NIMASA, is to create a regulatory framework that both improves working conditions for seafarers and supports industry growth. 

    Nigeria’s International Labour Organisation (ILO) Attaché, Essah Aniefiok, emphasised the necessity of cooperation among all stakeholders to achieve meaningful reforms. 

    On his part, the ILO Regional Advisor on MLC 2006, Amos Kuje, noted that Nigeria is a key maritime player in Africa and must maintain its leadership, particularly as the country seeks a Category C seat in the upcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) elections. 

    “The practice must align with the theory. Nigeria has all it takes to win the elections, but ensuring the welfare of seafarers remains a critical component of that effort,” Kuje stated.

    The MLC, 2006, serves as a global standard for seafarers’ rights, ensuring decent work conditions while promoting fair competition in the maritime sector.

    However, as the industry evolves due to automation, climate change, and economic shifts, NIMASA stressed the need to adapt the legislation to address these challenges effectively. 

    The technical session had in attendance representatives from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, and other key industry stakeholders. 

  • NGOs warn IMO against biofuels in global fuel standard

    NGOs warn IMO against biofuels in global fuel standard

    A coalition of 69 international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), has urged the United Nations International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to exclude biofuels from its Global Fuel Standard (GFS).

    In an open letter sent to the IMO Secretariat on February 17, 2025, the groups warned that the widespread adoption of biofuels in shipping could have severe consequences for rainforests, local communities, and the global climate. 

    As the IMO moves closer to finalizing its climate regulations for international shipping, the NGOs called on its 176 member states to reject biofuels and instead commit to cleaner energy alternatives.

    The GFS, a key component of the IMO’s revised greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy, is designed to curb emissions and steer the shipping industry toward decarbonization.

    However, the NGOs argue that including biofuels in this framework would be counterproductive. 

    The letter highlights concerns over biofuels’ environmental footprint, emphasizing their role in deforestation, land grabbing, and food insecurity.

    “This risks causing even more climate and environmental damage than oil, not less.

    “The IMO’s 176 member states must exclude biofuels from the industry’s energy mix due to their devastating impacts on climate, communities, forests, and other ecosystems,” the NGOs stated.

    According to the coalition, large-scale biofuel production, particularly from soy and palm oil, has already led to significant ecological harm in regions such as South America and Southeast Asia. They warn that expanding this industry to meet shipping’s fuel demands could exacerbate existing issues, including water pollution and displacement of indigenous and farming communities. 

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    The letter also calls out Brazil as a key advocate for biofuels in shipping, citing the country’s expanding palm oil industry and potential environmental costs.

    “Brazil’s palm oil production is also expanding and has been linked to water pollution and large-scale land grabbing, much of it illegal,” the NGOs noted.

    “Now Brazil is looking at shipping as its next customer for biofuels, but the social and environmental costs linked to this market expansion would be catastrophic.” 

    The letter further highlights concerns about deforestation rates in neighboring countries like Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. In these countries, increased cropland for biofuel feedstocks—including soy, oil palm, maize, and cassava—has led to widespread environmental degradation. 

    Rather than relying on biofuels, the NGOs advocate for sustainable alternatives, including improved energy efficiency, stricter emission standards, and innovative ship designs. They argue that wind-assisted propulsion and reduced global trade volumes could significantly lower the industry’s carbon footprint. 

    “Decarbonisation of the shipping sector already exists. These include improved energy efficiency through stricter standards and innovative ship designs, and the adoption of advanced propulsion technologies like wind assistance. Reducing the volume of goods transported by sea is also a vital step to reduce the environmental impact of global trade,” the letter concludes.

  • Lagos to train 10,000 Maritime truck drivers to curb highway accidents

    Lagos to train 10,000 Maritime truck drivers to curb highway accidents

    …AMATO laments Lilypond delays

    The Lagos state government has reaffirmed its commitment to training over 10,000 maritime truck drivers and motor boys as part of efforts to reduce accidents on highways.

    Meanwhile, the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has raised concerns over prolonged delays in vehicular exits from the Lilypond Truck Terminal, calling for improved efficiency in haulage operations.

    Speaking on behalf of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, Adekoya Hassan disclosed this during a sensitization program organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation and the Lagos State Truck and Cargo Committee (LASTCOC) at Lilypond Truck Terminal, Ijora. 

    The event focused on zero tolerance for substance abuse among truck drivers and addressed key challenges facing the trucking sector.

    Adekoya alleged that nearly 99 percent of road accidents are linked to drug abuse among drivers, emphasizing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to tackling the issue through extensive training programs. 

    He further noted a shift from hard drugs to pharmaceutical substances among drivers, heightening safety concerns on highways.

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    “The days of drug abuse among truckers will soon be over, courtesy of the Sanwo-Olu administration,” Adekoya said, adding that the government will intensify its sensitisation efforts to promote a drug-free trucking community and ensure safer roads.

    AMATO Chairman, Alhaji Lukman Shittu, also highlighted operational inefficiencies at the Lilypond Truck Terminal, noting that some trucks spend up to 10 days before exiting the facility. This, he said, disrupts cargo movement and negatively impacts businesses. 

    To address the issue, AMATO plans to establish a task force to monitor truck movements at key locations, including Lilypond, Eleganza, and the Mr. Biggs area in Apapa.

    “We will introduce the task team soon. At least four persons will be deployed to strategic locations to oversee cargo movement. This is our business, and we have no other jobs for now,” Shittu stated.

    Beyond logistics, AMATO stressed the importance of addressing truck drivers’ mental and physical well-being. 

    Shittu reiterated that drivers and their assistants are the breadwinners of their families and must act responsibly within the port industry. 

    He commended the Lagos State Government for its initiative and pledged AMATO’s commitment to educating truckers on the dangers of drug abuse, which in turn will help reduce accidents on Lagos roads.

    Truckers at the event voiced frustrations over poor working conditions, harassment by government agencies, and security challenges within the port community.

  • Lagos Shippers group suspends planned tariff hike amid Supreme Court case

    Lagos Shippers group suspends planned tariff hike amid Supreme Court case

    The Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS) has suspended proposed increases in charges by shipping lines and terminal operators, citing the need for restraint as a legal dispute over unauthorized fees remains pending at the Supreme Court.

    Former SALS President Jonathan Nicol announced the decision during a media parley in Lagos, urging stakeholders to remain patient and avoid further disruptions in the maritime sector.

    “It is noteworthy that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council reduced terminal operators’ service fees from 600 per cent to 400 per cent two years ago, which caused a lot of confusion thereafter in the sector,” Nicol stated.  

    He emphasised that any discussions on tariff hikes should be deferred until the Supreme Court delivers its final ruling on a case involving unauthorised charges imposed since 2014.  

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    “Increment of charges by both associations are not issues that should be discussed freely when they are yet to hear the final determination of an existing matter at the Supreme Court. We are asking both associations, the Terminal Operators and the Shipping Lines Operators to be calm for now,” he added.   

    Nicol also appealed to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to refrain from approving any tariff increases or interferring in the judicial process. He expressed optimism that all parties involved would soon reach a resolution through legal and industry discussions.  

    “SALS would be glad to participate in such discussions before arriving at any increment,” he said.  

    The move comes amid lingering disputes over port charges and the regulatory role of the NSC. In October 2023, the NSC intervened to reduce a proposed 600 per cent increase in terminal charges to 400 per cent, an effort aimed at balancing the interests of shippers and terminal operators.  

    The NSC, responsible for regulating Nigeria’s ports transportation system, also established complaints desks at all seaports to address disputes swiftly. 

    The port charges vary based on the type of imported goods, and industry players have frequently clashed over the justification for various tariffs.  

  • NPA commences mandatory implementation of NXP for export cargo

    NPA commences mandatory implementation of NXP for export cargo

    In a move aimed at enhancing efficiency in export cargo processing, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has mandated the implementation of the Nigeria Export Proceed (NXP) as a compulsory requirement for all export-bound cargo trucks entering the nation’s ports.  

    The policy is designed to streamline export operations and ensure proper documentation of export proceeds in line with Nigeria’s trade regulations.  

    The directive, which takes effect from February 3, 2025, instructs the NPA’s technical partner, Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP), to enforce compliance across the country’s seaports.

    TTP highlighted in a circular to maritime industry stakeholders, the need for all parties involved in export operations to strictly adhere to the new requirements to avoid disruptions in cargo movement.

    “The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has directed that, effective February 3, 2025, the implementation of the Nigeria Export Proceed (NXP) will be mandatory for the movement of all export trucks to the port. This measure is aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing the efficiency of export processes,” the statement read.  

    The notice further urged exporters and logistics operators to “familiarise themselves with the NXP requirements and adhere strictly to the new procedures”, adding that compliance is essential to ensure smooth cargo processing.   

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    The mandatory NXP implementation comes amid increasing efforts by the Federal Government to boost non-oil exports and enhance foreign exchange inflows. 

    Industry experts believe that enforcing proper export documentation will reduce trade irregularities and improve Nigeria’s standing in global trade compliance.  

    Exporters and logistics providers have been urged to ensure full compliance ahead of the February 3 deadline to prevent disruptions in cargo clearance and transportation.  

  • Oyetola’s team arrives Bayelsa to finalise talks on $3billion Agge deep seaport project

    Oyetola’s team arrives Bayelsa to finalise talks on $3billion Agge deep seaport project

    As part of measures to develop maritime infrastructure and ease congestion at the country’s ports, plans are underway to finalise the establishment and commencement of a deep sea port in Agge in Ekeremor local government area, Bayelsa state.

    The $3billion project is a joint Public Private Partnership project of the Bayelsa State, the federal government, and a major private investor.

    The proposed deep seaport is expected to create more jobs and promote socioeconomic activities in the area, attract more investment, and make the state a major transport hub for the north and southeastern parts of the country.

    According to sources from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, a Project Delivery Team from the Ministry is in Bayelsa to work closely with the Bayelsa State government in finetuning plans to commence the project.

     In line with his objectives to improve port infrastructure, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola said the ministry is making efforts to improve port infrastructure and connectivity and facilitate the ongoing development of critical maritime infrastructure in the country.

    The team, according to a source familiar with the project, is in Bayelsa on the mandate of the Minister to fast-track the commencement of the project.

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    The Minister is optimistic that the project will help close the maritime infrastructure gap in the country.

    The Bayelsa State Governor had last year, during a courtesy call on the minister in Abuja, solicited the support of the Federal Government towards the development of the deep seaport in Agge to harness the state’s blue economy potential.

    Oyetola, during the visit, acknowledged the blue economy potential in the state and noted that the federal government will explore the Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach to ensure the completion of the project.

    It was also learnt that the Ministry is working towards attracting more private sector investments and Foreign Direct Investment to develop the country’s maritime infrastructure, which would further position Nigeria as a leader among maritime nations.

    Upon completion, it is expected that the Agge deep seaport project will attract multi-billion naira investment to the State, which is regarded as a major maritime hub of the nation.

    It was also hinted that the Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach would be explored in the development of other proposed deep seaport projects in other parts of the country.