The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Maritime sector

  • Group reports gains across maritime sector

    Group reports gains across maritime sector

    The country’s maritime industry has achieved zero piracy incidents and 10-15 per cent improvement in ship turnaround times in 2025 while recording double-digit export growth in non-oil segments, but stakeholders warn the sector must urgently address cargo dwell times of 10-18 days and operational costs 30-40 per cent above regional competitors to consolidate gains in the critical year ahead.

    The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre, in its New Year Maritime Outlook Communiqué, described 2025 as “neither one of dramatic transformation nor systemic collapse” but a transition year marked by policy articulation, institutional repositioning and early-stage reforms alongside persistent structural challenges threatening Nigeria’s competitiveness within the Gulf of Guinea.

    Head of Research at SEREC, Eugene Nweke, stated the industry operated within four dominant realities: a new policy identity under the Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, intensifying regional competition particularly within the Gulf of Guinea, disruptive but inevitable port and customs modernization efforts, and severe macroeconomic instability, notably foreign exchange volatility.

    He emphasised that 2026 offers a critical opportunity to convert policy intent into measurable performance outcomes.

    Zero piracy incidents against commercial vessels were officially reported within Nigeria’s maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea in 2025, reflecting sustained collaboration among the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Nigerian Navy, and licensed private maritime security operators including Tantita Ltd. This achievement gained, the centre said, added significance following Nigeria’s election into the International Maritime Organisation Category C Council, while the country maintained full compliance with key IMO instruments including the ISPS Code, SOLAS, and relevant safety and environmental conventions.

    According to the report, the Nigeria Customs Service’s migration from NICIS II to the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System dominated trade facilitation discourse, recording short-term disruptions including system downtime and 10-20 per cent longer processing times in affected commands during early deployment. However, structural gains, it said, included deployment of non-intrusive inspection scanners across major ports and borders, expansion of the Authorized Economic Operator programme with compliant traders benefiting from reduced inspections, operationalisation of Advance Ruling aligning Nigeria with WCO best practices, introduction of geo-spatial surveillance and truck tracking reducing physical checkpoints, and strengthened centrally coordinated Post Clearance Audit.

    “Overall, customs modernization in 2025 was disruptive but strategically irreversible, requiring consolidation in 2026,” the report stated, noting that Nigeria’s appointment of the Comptroller-General of Customs as Chairman of the WCO Council significantly enhanced the country’s global customs governance profile.

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    Average ship turnaround time, it said, improved by an estimated 10-15 per cent in Lagos ports, primarily due to improved access roads and reduced truck congestion, while the most improved operational indicator was truck round-trip time, which reduced from 3-5 days in the pre-Electronic Truck Call-Up era to 24-48 hours in controlled corridors. However, it said the nation’s ports still trail regional competitors with Apapa and Tin Can typically requiring 5-7 days compared to Lome Port’s 2-3 days and Tema Port’s 3-4 days, while total ship calls into Nigerian ports were largely flat with marginal declines in some container and general cargo segments.

    Port development and automation remained “one of the most articulated but least consummated reform areas in 2025,” according to the SEREC assessment. As of end-2025, it said, Nigeria operated over 15 distinct trade-related digital platforms across port agencies with limited interoperability, while human interface accounts for an estimated 60-70 per cent of cargo clearance touchpoints compared with below 30 per cent in leading regional ports. The National Single Window project, though widely accepted, remained largely at pilot and coordination stages, delaying expected reductions in clearance time, transaction costs and informal charges.

    Average cargo dwell time, SEREC said, remained between 10-18 days compared to 7-10 days at Lome and Tema ports and global best practice of 3-5 days, with primary causes including multiple agency inspections, documentation duplication, and partial automation with system overlaps, though associated logistics costs remain above regional averages.

    The cost of doing business in the country’s ports remained among the highest in West Africa, with key contributors including arbitrary and non-transparent charges, terminal handling costs estimated 30-40 per cent higher than comparable regional ports, overlapping levies and fees, and implementation of the 4 per cent FOB charge further increasing import costs. The report stated these factors “reduced Nigeria’s cargo competitiveness, accelerated cargo diversion, and reinforced the loss of trans-shipment hub status to Lome Port.”

    Despite policy recognition, intermodal transport integration remained weak with rail evacuation accounting for less than 5 per cent of total port cargo movement, while inland waterways and pipeline logistics remain largely underdeveloped for cargo evacuation. “Without functional intermodal connectivity, Nigerian ports will continue to face higher logistics costs, congestion risks and limited regional dominance,” the report warned.

    The unstable foreign exchange regime remained the single most destabilizing macroeconomic factor in 2025, causing frequent duty recalculations, rising cargo abandonment rates, import throughput decline in real volume terms, reduced ship calls, and heightened investor caution. “Given that over 80 per cent of maritime transactions are FX-denominated, currency stability remains non-negotiable for industry sustainability,” Nweke emphasised.

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    According to the maritime think tank, the proposed National Revenue Authority and evolving Nigeria Economic Port Regulatory Agency generated stakeholder debate throughout 2025, underscoring the need for clarity, phased implementation and confidence-building measures, while the freight forwarding professional regulatory framework remained relatively inactive, limiting its impact on compliance and industry professionalism. In an encouraging development, it said, Nigeria recorded double-digit percentage increases in non-oil export segments in 2025, demonstrating growing diversification and providing foundation for optimising the maritime sector’s economic role.

    SEREC’s overall scorecard rated Policy Direction as “Strong” and Institutional Visibility as “Improved,” reflecting government commitment and strategic positioning, while Port User Experience was assessed as “Moderately Improved” and Trade Facilitation remained “Transitional,” indicating progress but incomplete implementation. However, it said, Cost Competitiveness was rated “Weak,” Macroeconomic Stability “Fragile,” and Investor Confidence “Cautious,” highlighting vulnerabilities that could undermine achieved gains if not urgently addressed.

    In conclusion, the research body projects 2026 will be decisive for the sector, contingent on consolidation of port automation and operationalisation of the National Single Window, achievement of foreign exchange stability for trade predictability, significant reduction in port costs and arbitrary charges, functional intermodal transport integration, clear operationalisation of port economic regulation frameworks, sustained maritime security gains, and continued export growth support through facilitation measures.

    “The Nigerian maritime industry in 2025 laid important institutional and policy foundations, but competitiveness, predictability and cost efficiency must define the next phase,” the communiqué concluded, reaffirming SEREC’s commitment to objective analysis, constructive engagement and evidence-based advocacy in support of a globally competitive Nigerian maritime industry.

  • Maritime sector, top economic priority, says Oyetola

    Maritime sector, top economic priority, says Oyetola

    …Nigeria eyes IMO Council seat for global maritime leadership

    …NIMASA seeks $150b to bridge ocean funding gap

    Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced Nigeria’s intention to return to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, describing it as a vital step toward strengthening the nation’s influence in global maritime governance.

    Speaking in Lagos on Thursday at the 2025 World Maritime Day celebration, themed “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” Oyetola said the move would reinforce Nigeria’s role in shaping maritime decisions worldwide while positioning the sector as a driver of economic diversification beyond oil and gas.

    He stressed that the country is making bold commitments to ocean stewardship, modernising port infrastructure, deepening international cooperation, and unlocking the vast opportunities of the blue economy to power sustainable growth.

    Underscoring the ocean’s critical role, Oyetola noted that it covers more than 70 per cent of the earth’s surface, generates up to 80 per cent of oxygen, and supports over 80 per cent of global trade. However, he cautioned that climate change, overfishing, pollution, and neglect continue to threaten its survival.

    “The message is clear: we must be stewards, not exploiters,” he said, pledging stronger action on sustainable fishing, marine pollution, biodiversity protection, and maritime safety and security.

    The minister described the blue economy as a “new frontier of innovation, prosperity and inclusive growth,” with opportunities spanning renewable energy, marine biotechnology, and sustainable aquaculture. He called for stronger collaboration with the international community, extending “a special invitation to members of the diplomatic community,” and commended agencies under his ministry for their contributions to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    In his goodwill message, NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, reinforced the ocean’s importance to Nigeria’s economy and sovereignty. 

    “For us, the ocean is the lifeblood of our nation, the gateway for over 80 per cent of our trade, and a reservoir of immense biodiversity and resources. Its health dictates our climate, its security defines our sovereignty, and its potential holds the key to our future,” he said.

    Mobereola highlighted Nigeria’s Marine Litter and Plastic Action Plan, alongside efforts to implement IMO frameworks for a healthy marine environment. He also pressed for fairness in the global transition to net-zero emissions. 

    Read Also: Marine and blue economy policy to cut logistics costs, attract investment – Oyetola

    “We are strongly advocating for a just and equitable transition to net-zero Greenhouse Gas emissions for Sub-Saharan Africa, Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries to ensure fairness and social justice,” he stated.

    On security, the NIMASA boss pointed to the Deep Blue Project as “a game changer in addressing maritime security in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.” He outlined investment opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, shipbuilding, tourism, and port infrastructure, but warned that funding shortfalls remain. 

    “According to the World Bank, Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) is one of the most poorly funded SDGs, with an annual financing gap of approximately $150 billion. Public funding will never be enough to close the gaps,” Mobereola said, urging private sector participation supported by incentives and de-risking mechanisms.

    Both Oyetola and Mobereola closed with a call for collective responsibility in safeguarding ocean resources. As Oyetola put it: “Our obligation is to safeguard it. Our opportunity is to transform it for the benefit of generations to come.”

    The 2025 World Maritime Day celebration in Lagos drew maritime stakeholders, diplomats, and industry leaders, underscoring the country’s ambition to strengthen its blue economy, enhance maritime security, and assert its leadership on the global maritime stage.

  • Experts: Port efficiency hinges on skill, structure

    Experts: Port efficiency hinges on skill, structure

    The country’s maritime sector is undergoing a strategic reset as industry leaders push for urgent reforms focused on human capital development and regulatory overhaul.

    At the 2025 Annual Conference of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) held on Friday, July 18, 2025 in Lagos, NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), outlined strategies to bridge training gaps and streamline port operations to boost efficiency and global competitiveness.

    Represented by NSML’s Chief Financial Officer, Mutiu Olayiwola, the Managing Director, Abdulkadir Ahmed said the maritime sector is now at a critical juncture where “investment in human capital is no longer optional but essential.” 

    He warned that new international regulations, from climate mandates to cybersecurity rules and crew welfare standards, require a workforce that is agile, educated, and globally competitive.

    Delivering a keynote on “The Evolving Global Maritime Regulatory Environment – The Role of Maritime Training and Capacity Development,” he cited transformative policies like the IMO’s Sulphur Cap, EEXI, and CII as game changers that compel shipowners to adopt cleaner, more efficient technologies.

    Ahmed added, “With increased reliance on digital systems onboard, the threat landscape has broadened. It’s no longer enough to train for traditional operations—we must build competence in cyber defence, automation, and sustainable energy use.”

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    To address this, he revealed NSML is investing heavily in maritime training through its Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) in Bonny, Rivers State, where over 200 cadets have already been trained with many absorbed into NSML’s operations. The centre, he said, delivers UK-accredited, STCW 2010-compliant programmes with one of Africa’s most advanced maritime simulation systems for bridge operations, crisis response, and cargo handling.

    Beyond training, Ahmed said NSML’s contributions include fleet renewal with dual-fuel vessels, investment in LPG carriers, support for the Deep Blue security project, and strategic collaborations with NIMASA and global bodies to advance maritime sustainability and compliance.

    While NSML tackles the human capital challenge, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) is moving to fix fragmented port governance through a Standard Regulatory Framework that prioritises transparency, efficiency, and stakeholder inclusiveness.

    NSC Executive Secretary, Dr Pius Akutah, represented by Deputy Director Ibrahim Mohammed, delivered a paper titled: “Ensuring Standard Regulatory Framework: What Strategies and Options?” where he decried Nigeria’s 130th place out of 139 countries in the 2023 World Bank Logistics Performance Index.

    “A standard regulatory framework is not just a technical necessity—it is an economic imperative,” Akutah said, quoting UNCTAD. 

    “Where regulation is smart and efficient, trade flows. Where it is not, trade chokes.”

    Mohammed noted that 49 per cent of port delays stem from overlapping inspections by more than eight federal agencies operating within the ports, leading to high logistics costs and reduced investor confidence.

    To address these bottlenecks, the NSC proposed: legislative reform via the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Authority (NPERA) Bill to clarify mandates and enhance NSC’s enforcement powers;

    digital integration through a Port Community System (PCS) linking all port users; codified and transparent regulations, updated tariffs and sanctions; performance monitoring using monthly KPIs such as turnaround time and dwell time; creation of a Maritime Economic Tribunal for fast dispute resolution within a 21-day target; and stakeholder engagement, including Quarterly Regulatory Roundtables to ensure inclusivity in policymaking.

    He added that similar reforms in countries like Ghana and Singapore have shown tangible results, including 60 per cent reduction in clearance time and 34 per cent increase in revenue through digital harmonisation and agency integration.

    “As Nigeria eyes deeper participation in the AfCFTA and broader global trade, the time to fix our ports is now,” Mohammed stressed.

    Both Ahmed and Akutah agreed that maritime reform must be anchored on people and systems. 

    While NSML builds a globally competitive workforce, the NSC is crafting a policy environment where that workforce can thrive. Together, these efforts mark a pivotal step toward unlocking the full economic potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.

    They lauded AMJON for sustaining the maritime narrative and urged the media to continue amplifying stories that drive reform, innovation, and national development.

  • Maritime sector as untapped goldmine, revenue source

    Maritime sector as untapped goldmine, revenue source

    Nigeria’s economy has long been tied to crude oil as its primary revenue source, stunting progress and growth for many years.

    This dependency has created an urgent need for the country to diversify its revenue streams.

    One very attractive alternative is Nigeria’s shipping and maritime sector, which remains largely underutilised despite enormous potential.

    With an estimated annual revenue generation of N7 trillion, a strategic overhaul of policies, infrastructure, and regulations could position Nigeria as a formidable player in global maritime trade.

    The maritime sector, responsible for facilitating over 90 per cent of world trade, presents a viable alternative to deepen Nigeria’s economy and create millions of jobs.

    Strategically located along the Atlantic Ocean and equipped with multiple deep-sea ports, Nigeria has not maximised its maritime potential and opportunities. Neighbouring countries like Benin, Ghana, and Togo leverage Nigeria’s inefficiencies to divert international trade. 

    It is estimated that more than two million vehicles are imported into Nigeria annually through Benin and Togo. This has caused a staggering revenue loss of N20 billion daily, equivalent to N7.8 trillion annually at Apapa Wharf alone.

    A significant challenge facing Nigeria’s maritime sector is the lack of modern port infrastructure. Outdated ports, terminals, and cargo handling equipment hinder efficiency and competitiveness.

    Substantial investment is required to modernise maritime infrastructure. A robust and well-enforced regulatory environment is crucial to attract international investments and boost Nigeria in the global shipping space.

    Read Also:Maritime Bank mulls hub status for Nigeria

    To compete with international maritime hubs like Singapore, Dubai, and Rotterdam, Nigeria must massively invest in port infrastructure, technology, and security.

    These investments should focus primarily on expansion and modernisation. Multi-modal connectivity is crucial to link ports for the easy transport of cargo. 

    A structured investment strategy in shipbuilding, dredging, and marine logistics is vital to boost revenue and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign vessels.

    Despite its enormous benefits, shipping and maritime development are not sufficiently prioritised in national economic planning. Government policy overlooks the maritime sector.

    It is important for the Nigerian government to elevate the maritime economy as a key policy priority. I acknowledge that a good start has been made by the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

    The maritime sector is crucial to Nigeria’s economy. Nigeria must take advantage of this to deliver benefits. If properly leveraged, the maritime sector can potentially yield major foreign exchange earnings.

    Unlike oil, which is a limited resource, shipping remains a continuously relevant service that is essential to drive economic development. Nigeria’s economic future need not be shackled to the volatility of oil.

    With a well-structured policy framework, legislative reforms, and significant investments in infrastructure, the shipping and maritime sector can evolve into a leading revenue generator.

  • FG vows to eliminate bullying, harassment in maritime sector 

    FG vows to eliminate bullying, harassment in maritime sector 

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing seafaring profession, eliminating bullying and harassment in the maritime sector.

     Speaking at the 2025 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Port Harcourt, Oyetola emphasized the importance of creating a safe and respectful work environment for seafarers.

    The celebration was held under the theme, ‘My harassment-free ship’, highlighting the need to ensure seafarers’ safety, dignity, and protection while at sea. 

    Oyetola noted that harassment and bullying had no place in the maritime industry and pledged the government’s commitment to building a maritime sector that would value, protect and empower seafarers.

    The minister highlighted the government’s initiatives to enhance the seafaring profession, including prioritising quality training, upgrading maritime institutions, and aligning seafarer education with international standards. 

    He said the government was also investing in seafarers’ welfare through stronger regulation of recruitment and placement agencies, improving access to decent work, and collaborating with shipowners to guarantee fair treatment and onboard safety.

    The Minister noted that his ministry was building digital platforms to connect seafarers with support networks and job opportunities worldwide, while advocating improved working conditions through bilateral maritime agreements. 

    According to him the ministry id actively supporting Nigerian participation in international shipping to increase sea-time opportunities for cadets and professionals.

    Read Also: RMDB, marine ministry partner to boost maritime, blue economy in West, Central Africa

    The minister noted that a recent Collective Bargaining Agreement, facilitated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), set a new benchmark for fair wages, decent working conditions, and improved dispute resolution. 

    “This agreement demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of seafarers”, he said.

    He added, “Today, we celebrate you, our seafarers, not just for your labour but for your courage. We pledge to continue building a maritime sector that values, protects, and empowers you.” The Minister’s commitment to enhancing the seafaring profession is a welcome development for seafarers and the maritime industry as a whole”.

    In his remarks, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised the importance of recognizing seafarers’ contributions to international trade and the global economy. 

    Dr. Mobereola noted that seafarers played a vital role in powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans. 

    He said, “Today provides an opportunity for the Maritime Community to honor Seafarers globally for their immense contribution to both domestic and international trade, powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans. Nigeria remains the highest contributor of seafarers in Africa, with many sailing on vessels in domestic waters and globally.

    The DG revealed that the International Labour Conference recently approved seven amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, addressing issues such as protection against shipboard violence and harassment, access to shore leave, and medical safety standards. 

    Mobereola urged shipowners, operators, and crewing agencies to review their operational manuals to align with the new amendments ahead of their expected entry into force in December 2027.

    He said the agency would establish clear policies and procedures for preventing and addressing harassment on Nigerian-flagged vessels, ensuring confidential reporting channels and thorough investigations. 

    The NIMASA Director-General called on government, employers, unions, shipowners, and civil society to work together to foster a culture of zero tolerance for harassment on ships. 

    He expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and other stakeholders for their support.

  • Reviving Nigeria’s limping maritime sector

    SIR; Presently, most of the world’s trade is by sea. About 50 thousand merchant ships transport an estimated five billion tonnes of cargo annually. Though one-third of the countries in Africa are landlocked, about 70 percent of the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP) is currently linked to the maritime economy. At present, the continent relies heavily on ships for global seaborne trade. About 90 percent of its imports and exports are conducted by sea.

    Looking at Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous country, the shipping industry plays a key role in the nation’s economy. It generates a significant portion of its GDP. As some suggest, the country cannot survive today as a nation without international shipping. This is because; the Nigerian government depends greatly on crude oil exports for much-needed national revenue. And at the same time, ordinary Nigerians rely on international ships to bring electronics, building materials, essential equipment and the consumer goods they demand for their daily lives.

    However, experts have warned that the maritime sector in the country is in a gradual decline over the years as its struggles with poor infrastructure, low indigenous participation, corruption, and security challenges. According to a 2016 analysis by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, inefficiency and infrastructural problems at Nigerian ports cause the country lost trillions of Naira in revenue every year.

    Security is another major challenge affecting Nigeria’s maritime sector. Piracy and other forms of criminality including oil militancy on the nation’s coast scare away potential investors. With more than 850km of coastline and 70 per cent of Nigeria’s trade by value conducted at sea, kidnappings and oil theft poses a significant challenge for its economy and the shipping industry. Attacks in the Gulf of Guinea have proven detrimental in the past – reducing traffic to, and from ports in the country.

    Another factor is little participation by locals in the shipping industry. Most ships on Nigeria’s coast are foreign flagged. The integration of the local workforce in the sector is also low. Nigeria’s own shipping companies are collapsing. This has cost the Nigerian economy billions in lost revenue yearly.

    Corruption and delay at Nigerian ports are also issues impeding growth and development in the maritime sector. The slow pace of inspections and offloading of shipping arrivals cause perpetual congestions and gridlocks at the country’s ports – the most notable being the Apapa port in Lagos. The reports of middlemen and corrupt officials collecting bribes in order to clear goods are rampant.

    Bureaucratic red tapes, obsolete equipment, and inter-agencies rivalry are also blamed for slowing supply chains at ports. Nigeria is said to be the only country that has failed to achieve the United Nations 48-hours cargo clearance.

    From all indications, for Nigeria to maintain its shipping heritage and harness the untapped potential associated with the blue economy, the  Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority must ensure Nigerian ports have improved and upgraded infrastructure that will match global trends and standards. Expansion of ports to accommodate larger vessels, reduce congestions and bottlenecks should be considered. To make the Nigerian maritime sector more attractive, corruption, inconsistencies and unnecessary bureaucratic red tapes should be stamped out.

    As ensuring of maritime security and safety is paramount for Nigeria’s development, NIMASA should partner with relevant agencies like the Nigerian military and navy in securing the nation’s coast from illegal trafficking and oil theft (that sometimes leads to spillage, thereby affecting the environment and other aquatic life), piracy, kidnappings and maritime terrorism. That will improve investor confidence and market certainty – something very important for any business venture.

    And last but not least, Nigeria should make the introduction of a national shipping carrier its top priority, as this will in effect encourage local indigenous participation and provide employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians.

     

    • Labaran Yusuf, Jos, Plateau State.

  • Maritime sector well positioned as alternative source of revenue – Abdulsalami

    A former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, wants Nigeria to develop alternative sources of revenue to oil and believes  the maritime sector is one such good source.

    Speaking ahead of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Maritime Awards, scheduled for today, Abubakar  also commended efforts by the agency to motivate stakeholders and staff.

    This, according to him, would help them take advantage of the policies in place to invest and grow the economy.

    “It is time to develop other alternative sources of revenue for the nation and the maritime sector is well positioned to do so. What NIMASA is doing in the industry and the awards are quite in line to motivate stakeholders and staff to take advantage of the policies in place to invest and grow the economy,” Abubakar said.

    On his part, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said the successes recorded so far in the maritime sector were as a result of the cooperation of the stakeholders in the industry with the agency.

    The DG added that the award was part of the efforts to celebrate and reward excellence in the Nigerian maritime industry and to also encourage more local participation in the shipping business as well as draw attention to the vast opportunities in the sector for both foreign and local investors to grow the blue economy, which is now the focus of global investments.

    “As an agency, we recognise the role of our stakeholders in our drive to realise a robust maritime sector. Without the stakeholders, there will be no NIMASA and by extension, no maritime industry. We are therefore hopeful that in the coming years, we will continue to work assiduously to meet the yearnings of the industry as we hope to engage more in collaboration, so that all of us can boast of a robust maritime sector,” Dakuku said.

    The event, which is scheduled for Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, is expected to attract dignitaries from all walks of life, among who are Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, who is billed to chair the event, and the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, who is the host.

  • Agbakoba, others seek special Ministry for maritime sector

    The National Assembly has been urged to champion the complete reforms going on in the maritime sector by sponsoring and enacting a bill that will lead to the creation of Ministry of Maritime Industry (MoMI).

    The Ministry, when created, the stakeholders said, would assist the  government to restore the lost glory of shipping and maritime sector of the economy.

    Speaking at a stakeholders forum organised by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport in collaboration with the Federal Minister of Transport in Lagos, yesterday, the founding president of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Mr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), and other stakeholders urged members of the National Assembly to impress it on the Federal Government to create a special ministry for  the maritime sector and introduce other reforms that will bring about efficiency and productivity at the nation’s sea ports.

    The front line maritime lawyer also bemoaned the collapsed of the ports access roads, and decried the situation which has resulted to additional transportation costs as a result of inaccessibility to the ports, which warranted demurrage on both empty and loaded containers.

    He said: “What we need is appropriate policy mechanism and appropriate legal framework and appropriate institutions.

    “We really do not need the maritime industry under the ministry of transport; what we need is a ministry of shipping.”

    Speaking on the trouble people face going and coming from the Lagos ports, he urged members of the committee and the Federal Government to direct the contractor handling the Ijora bridge to fix the failed section of the bridge to reduce the hardship.

    Also,  the Chairman,  Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), the umbrella body of terminal operators in the country, Princess Vicky Haastrup said that the closure of a section of the Ijora Bridge, which links Apapa to other parts of the Lagos metropolis through the Wharf Road, has contributed significantly to the problem of quick cargo clearance from the ports.

    Terminal operators, she said, are facing serious challenges in paying their workers because of the numbers of days it take to barth vessel at their terminals because of the gridlock.

    The Chairman of Port Consultative Forum, Chief Kunle Folarin,  and other speakers at the event suggested improvement in infrastructure and service delivery.

    Folarin said the facilities at the ports should be upgraded to feature modern equipment, good road network as he decried a situation where it takes several days for vehicles to access the Lagos ports.

    The Director -General,  Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) Mr Hassan Bello  and Managing Director Nigerian Inland Waterways (NIWA), Olorunnibe Mamora commended the committee for bringing legistilative matter to the door step of Nigerians.

    The committee members, they said, deserved commendation based on their patriotic and pragmatic approach to issues of national interest.

    The heads of the maritime agencies assured the committee of their support and collaboration to move the industry forward.

    Over 700 stakeholders attended the event held at Eko Hotel.

  • Peterside seeks CBN intervention fund for maritime sector

    The Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to grant intervention fund for the maritime sector to boost the nation’s economy.

    Granting of the fund by the CBN, Dr Peterside said, became necessary as part of the efforts of the Federal Government to diversify the economy.

    Speaking at the second stakeholders interactive session organised by NIMASA in Calabar on Monday, he lauded the CBN’s efforts for the disbursement of the intervention fund for agricultural Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and urged the apex monetary regulatory agency to replicate same in the maritime sector.

    The theme of the event is: ‘Harnessing Maritime Potential in an Untapped Environment; Opportunities, Threats and the Role of the Government.’

    Nigerian maritime domain, Peterside said, is vastly endowed with huge maritime resources which include crude Oil, abundant mangrove forests, marshes, natural gas, tar sands and sea grasses, which the country is yet to maximise for economic development and wealth creation based on the inability of indigenous maritime operators to get intervention fund from the CBN.

    “Concerning the intervention fund from the CBN, we are asking for a special interest rate fund to develop the nation’s maritime infrastructure to generate wealth and create employment opportunities for our people.

    “The fund was given by the CBN to the real sector, the agricultural sector and to other areas. Therefore, why can’t we have the special intervention fund in the maritime sector to boost local and international trade?

    “The reason why we are clamouring for the special intervention fund from the CBN is that the maritime sector has the capacity to generate wealth and create enormous employment opportunities with a multiplier effect on the economy.

    “There is need for the CBN to give the intervention fund to the maritime sector.  let them set up a special fund for the maritime sector to boost our economy and create jobs for our people. You did for the real  sector. You did for  the agric and other sectors. Let them do it for the maritime sector. it is doable,” Peterside said.

    The Director General said that the stakeholders forum was designed to re-engineer the operational efficiency of the Eastern ports and by extension the Nigerian maritime domain.

    “The theme of the event was chosen in order for us and the stakeholders to elaborately deliberate on ways we can contribute our quota within the context of law towards the development of the sector. This will be achieved by ensuring optimum harnessing of the maritime potential and have other multipliers effects on the economy.

    Ports, he said, are critical infrastructure assets that serve as catalysts of economic growth and development.

    “Therefore, the Eastern Ports must be active so as to create free access to the movement of both human and natural resources needed for harnessing the maritime resources in the region as well as make them competitive in the areas where they are needed.

    The country, he said, has Seven functional seaport as well as 275 identified terminals, jetties, and wharfs in eight coastal states which include: Tin Can Island Port, Port of Onne, Port of Warri, Koko Port, Port of Calabar, Port of Lagos (Apapa), Bonny Offshore Terminal, and Escravos Oil Terminal that needs to be developed to the international standard through the collaboration of the stakeholders and the support of the CBN through the intervention fund.

    Stakeholders at the forum also gave kudos to NIMASA for the giant strides taken so far and urged the CBN to give them a single digit interest rate loan facility as it is done to manufacturers and other members of the real sector.

    One of the stakeholders, Mr Felix Abraham, said the loan would increase credit to one of priority sectors of the nation’s economy.

    The Chairman, Board of NIMASA, Maj Gen. Jonathan Garba chaired the occasion and the lead paper was presented by the former DG of the agency, Mrs Mfon Usoro.

    Over 2000 stakeholders attended the event.

     

     

     

     

     

  • ‘Cybercrooks attempt to steal $3.9m from maritime sector’

    cybercrooks attempted to steal  $3.9 million in the maritime sector between last June and January.

    During the period under review, the maritime sector became a target of a cyber gang code-named ‘Gold Galleon’, targeting the industry via Business Email Compromise (BEC) and Business Email Spoofing (BES) fraud.

    Speaking yesterday in Abuja, the President, Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), Remi Afon, lamented that about 85 per cent of corporate organisations in the country lack cybersecurity plans and strategy, thus vulnerable to cyber attacks.

    However, he stated that some of the cyber threats were being evaded through increased cybersecurity campaign while others were under-reported.

    He said: “Recently, Secureworks Counter Threat Unit researchers released a report on a group of Nigerian cybercriminals code named “Gold Galleon” targeting maritime industry via BEC and BES fraud to dupe their unsuspecting victims into parting with millions of dollars. It is estimated that between June 2017 and January 2018, the cybercriminals attempted to steal upwards of $3.9 million, and on average, fraud attempts theft level may reach $6.7 million per year.

    “Global cybercrime damages, which were about $3 trillion in 2015, will reach about $6 trillion by the end of 2021, a 100 per cent increase in just five years according to Cybersecurity Ventures. Unfortunately, over 85 per cent of organisations and government agencies in Nigeria lack cybersecurity plan and strategy while majority are unsure whether or not they’ve been a victim of cybercrime.”

    He disclosed plan to further sensitise the public in its fourth cyber security conference, tagged ‘’Mitigating Cyber Threats in the Digital Age’’ scheduled to hold in Lagos.

    CSEAN is a non-profit organisation composed of Information Security Professionals in Nigeria and Diaspora, recognising the need for unified effort and framework across board to tackle cyber crimes. CSEAN was established as an advocacy group to galvanise the movement and development of information security in Nigeria.

    The conference provides unparalleled gathering of cyber security industry giants, government, academia, information security professionals from Nigeria and the international community.