…Seeks Partnership with MARAN

By Foster Obi

Picture: The group in à photograph with members of the newly inaugurated MARAN caretaker committee. 

 

A group, the National Compliance Joint Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents (NCJIFLCA), has taken up the challenge to eliminate illegal checkpoints set up by Customs and other agencies on our roads, primarily designed to extort Nigerians and indirectly increase the cost of living in the country.
The group, made up of clearing agents, security personnel, and other well-meaning Nigerians, also vowed to stop illegal seizures of duly cleared consignments at the ports by operatives of the Customs Federal Operations Unit(FOU), affirming that these illegalities have put Nigeria in a bad light among the comity of nations.
Speaking yesterday during a courtesy visit to the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) International Conference Center, Apapa, Lagos, the President of the Association, Dr. Basil Chudi Nwolisa, noted that part of the visit was to seek a partnership with MARAN to help expose these illegalities and nip them in the bud.
According to him, the Nigerian Port Industry is currently facing numerous man-made challenges, primarily stemming from human weaknesses, adding, “The most pressing issues include non-compliance with established rules and regulations, such as the ALERT system; deliberate withholding of container deposit refunds by shipping companies; frequent arrests and seizures by FOU of containers duly examined and released by authorized Customs officers and other federal government agencies; delays experienced by Customs Clearance Agents at the hands of terminal operators; and extortion of Nigerian trucks on highways.
He noted that, “These challenges have become an embarrassment to our country before the international trade community.”
Explaining that the group was formed to help Nigeria and Nigerians overcome corruption in the maritime industry and on our highways,
he noted however, that “We cannot achieve this goal alone and hereby invite the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria to collaborate with us to ensure the success of this noble project.”
He promised that with this collaboration and in “the next 12 months,” every Nigerian, including MARAN will be proud of what the Taskforce would have achieved in this direction.
Arguing that the multiplicity of checkpoints by Customs is not in the interest of Nigerians but for some people to enrich their pockets, he said, “If somebody brought goods, and they’re examined in the port, and they’re released in the port, what business do Customs have to stop it?
But he noted that when some officers see that the volume of the money that is coming out is high, they will set up various checkpoints, and if Nigerians do not stand against it, it will continue to escalate.
“We are just trying to educate Nigerians and tell them that the road blocks and the checkpoints are bringing shame to us and it is also increasing the cost of goods in the market.”
He gave a scenario where genuine Nigerians who transport perishable commodities across cities have been frustrated and put out of business by these illegal checkpoints created by even NDLEA and the likes.
The group, which had all its officers in attendance, used the opportunity to invite MARAN to its third anniversary celebration, scheduled to take place at Rockview Hotel, Festac Town, on Wednesday, 10th December, 2025. The event will also include the birthday celebration of their National President, High Chief Dr. Basil Nwolisa, a fundraising program, and the inauguration of their various chapters.
The group was officially welcomed by a team of the newly inaugurated MARAN caretaker committee led by Tunde Ayodele.

Display picture: High Chief Dr Nwolisa in white with Tunde Ayodele (2nd left), Chairman, MARAN caretaker committee, Ruth Umunna, Treasurer and John Obot (in cap), Secretary.

 

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has been unveiled as the Special Guest of Honour for the official launch of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria’s (MARAN) latest publication, “50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.”

The high-profile event is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, at 12:00 noon.

According to a statement by the MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, the ceremony will be chaired by former Nigerian Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.

Bivbere noted that the presence of these eminent personalities underscores the book’s relevance to Nigeria’s evolving maritime landscape, particularly as the nation intensifies efforts toward repositioning its marine and blue economy for sustainable growth.

He described the forthcoming book as a “comprehensive compendium” that documents the individuals, agencies, and organisations shaping Nigeria’s maritime transformation.

His words: “This indispensable volume educates industry professionals on the profound history and current opportunities within the sector, spotlighting the people and institutions whose contributions continue to drive national development.

“With the book, readers can discover how the blue economy’s past is paving the way for a promising future.”

The MARAN President explained that the publication is the product of months of rigorous research and editorial work aimed at capturing the achievements and innovations of the 50 most influential drivers in the sector.

He added that the December 4 launch is expected to attract top government functionaries, regulators, shipowners, freight forwarders, terminal operators, scholars, and investors, making it one of the most anticipated gatherings of maritime leaders in recent years.

Bivbere assured that arrangements are in top gear to deliver a befitting event that celebrates excellence, professionalism, and service to the nation’s maritime advancement.

By Foster Obi

 

Picture: Marine and Blue Economy Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola

 

As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) convenes its 34th Regular Assembly Session from 24 November to 3 December 2025, Nigeria is again campaigning for a seat in Category C, a group reserved for 20 countries with special maritime interests and balanced geographic representation.

But among seasoned observers, a tough question is resurfacing: Does Nigeria have a realistic chance this time, or is the campaign drifting into another expensive diplomatic jamboree?

The Mountain Nigeria Must Confront:

This year’s Category C race is unusually crowded and competitive. The candidates include:

Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Türkiye.

Of these, 20 are current council members seeking reelection, while Nigeria, Pakistan, Oman, Belgium, South Africa, and Thailand are new challengers hoping to upstage some incumbents.

Many of these states, like Singapore, Denmark, Egypt, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, are not just maritime nations; they are globally recognized hubs with measurable reforms, high-performing ports, and strong ocean governance track records.

The IMO will elect its 40 Council Members for 2026–2027, with Category C being the fiercest battleground.

Is Nigeria Prepared for a Realistic Contest?

Nigeria is entering a ring filled with countries boasting superior logistics performance metrics, cleaner port systems, stronger fleet ownership, and consistent participation in IMO committees.

Some insiders believe Nigeria’s current campaign strategy relies more on diplomatic charm and less on hard indicators.

Frontline Maritime lawyer and President of Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA), Mrs. Funke Agbor SAN said recently that the campaign for Nigeria’s re-election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a distraction, even as she highlights Nigeria’s inability to fulfill the demands and audit of the IMO carried out in 2016.

At a one day training programme for maritime journalists organised by the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) at the Western Naval Command, the maritime lawyer quipped, “The category C election thing is really a distraction, for me it is not a critical issue, it is just visibility and propaganda for Nigeria, and unfortunately, I don’t think that up till now we have done all the things that are required for us to get into category.

There are so many audits that have been made by IMO, and Nigeria was supposed to address these issues that were raised. As of two years ago, these concerns have not been addressed.

For me, the Category C election is a non-issue as far as we are talking about the blue economy and its growth in Nigeria, but good luck to us if we get there.”

A senior official in one West African maritime mission who spoke in anonymity put it bluntly:

“A country is judged based on what it has done at home, not how many receptions it hosts in London.”

Oyetola’s Current Reforms: The Bright Spots

To judge fairly, the administration of Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has introduced a bit of reforms that Nigeria couldn’t boast of before:

Port Infrastructure Renewal Push

Oyetola has driven a renewal agenda that includes rehabilitation of failed quay aprons in Lagos ports, inland waterways modernization, and renewed attention to dredging channels like the Tin Can–Apapa axis.

A New Emphasis on Blue Economy Structuring

The Minister has reorganized the ministry’s internal architecture to align with global blue-economy frameworks, a structure that did not exist before 2023.

Stronger Inter-Agency Coordination

Under his watch, historical turf wars between NPA, NIMASA, NIWA, and Shippers’ Council have softened. The ministry now chairs a Roundtable on Maritime Reforms bringing chief executives together monthly.

Re-engagement with the IMO Technical System

Oyetola’s team has reactivated Nigeria’s stalled participation in IMO committees, working groups, and conventions, a key factor many countries use to judge seriousness.

But critics say the reforms are early, incomplete, and not yet translating into measurable performance indicators that would impress voting nations.

Where Nigeria Still Falls Short

Port Efficiency and Dwell Time

Average dwell time still hovers above 20 days, far behind Kenya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, or even Ghana.

Absence of a Coastline Fleet

Despite being Africa’s biggest economy, Nigeria still has no functional national fleet, no cabotage fleet financing impact, and minimal tonnage representation in global registers.

Fragmented Digital Infrastructure

While the Port Community System (PCS) is underway, Nigeria does not yet have a nationwide single window operational, a benchmark already met by many Category C contenders.

High Perception Issues

Incidents of compliance breaches, safety concerns, and maritime insecurity still appear in global indices, even though the real situation has improved in the Gulf of Guinea.

Expert Voices Weigh In

Engr. Omar Suleiman, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), reflecting a position he has consistently held, reminded stakeholders that IMO voting is based on performance, not promises:

“Countries that demonstrate real improvements in port efficiency and compliance are the ones that stand the best chance at the IMO.”

To broaden the picture, a maritime enthusiast and analyst, Dr. Amaka Owere, offered another angle:

“Nigeria’s narrative is improving, but voting countries ask one question: Where is the evidence? Diplomacy opens the door, but numbers seal the deal.”

Is This Another Jamboree?

Multiple observers fear that Nigeria’s campaign filled with delegations, receptions, and high-budget foreign missions, may again be stronger on optics than substance.

Kelvin Biachi, a writer/researcher said, “Our delegation is always one of the largest, but elections are not won by sheer presence; they are won by influence backed by real performance at home.”

Some fear Nigeria is repeating patterns: Last-minute shuttle diplomacy, expansive delegations, glossy campaign brochures, limited technical pitches, and minimal reference to measurable reforms.

The Real Question Before December

Nigeria’s fate will be decided not by speeches or the size of its team but by what other maritime nations believe Nigeria has actually achieved in the last two years.

If the Ministry can effectively package: Oyetola’s port rehabilitation efforts, the revival of IMO committee participation, blue economy structuring, PCS transition progress, and the new inter-agency alignment, then the campaign may avoid becoming another ceremonial outing.

But without a clearer demonstration of measurable outcomes, Nigeria may again walk away with applause, not votes.

Picture: Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Foster Obi

 

Picture: Our poorly dredged channels

 

Nigeria’s inland waterways hold enough commercial potential to move over 30 million tonnes of cargo annually, easing the pressure on overstretched highways and slashing logistics costs for industries.

Yet the waterways remain dangerously shallow, inconsistently dredged, and chronically underutilized.

From Lagos Lagoon to the River Niger and Benue, barge operators complain about silted channels, abandoned dredging contracts, and a lack of hydrological data. Despite NIWA’s promises, many waterways have not seen sustained dredging cycles in years.

“Nigeria cannot be serious about decongesting the roads without a real inland waterway master plan,” says Engineer Idris Salako, former staff at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

According to him, most of the dredging projects awarded in the last decade were “short-term and poorly monitored.”

A Sector with Massive Potential but Minimal Care.

Across the world, inland waterways play a crucial role in moving cargo cheaply. Nigeria, however, continues to rely heavily on road transport, despite having over 10,000 km of navigable waterways.

Mrs. Funmi Daramola, CEO of Delta Marine Logistics, says barging costs could be 30–40% cheaper than road haulage, especially for bulk cargo.

“But shallow draft is our biggest problem,” she says. “Some routes are so badly silted that a fully loaded barge cannot pass. Operators end up carrying just 40% of capacity. It kills profitability.”

The Onitsha Port Example

The much-celebrated Onitsha River Port located in Anambra State, once touted as a major cargo redistribution hub for the South-East, has struggled due to inconsistent water levels along parts of the River Niger.

Even after concessioning, operators say that without a predictable water depth, large-scale cargo movement will remain impossible.

In early August this year, the Port went agog with excitement as the first barge for the 2025 season, MV ZUPITOR/MV RB ALASKA, berthed at the port.

The General Manager of Universal Elysium Limited, the concessionaire of the port, Mr Chris Mbonu, expressed his enthusiasm, describing the berthing of the barge as a positive milestone and a reminder of the pressing infrastructural gap.

Mbonu explained that operations at the port were ongoing but largely seasonal, with activity peaking only during the rainy season when the River Niger’s water level rises sufficiently to allow vessel movement.

He attributed the seasonal operation to the inconsistency of dredging and channel management of the River Niger, rather than a lack of infrastructure or demand.

“The port is functional and ready to work 365 days a year. But without consistent dredging of the River Niger, we are forced to operate only when the waterway allows us, essentially turning a national asset into a seasonal stopgap,” Mbonu said.

He likened a port without a navigable waterway to a car without fuel, adding that the current situation limits the port’s capacity to serve as a true inland logistics hub for Nigeria’s growing domestic and international trade. Mbonu appealed to the federal government, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, and private stakeholders to make regular dredging and maintenance of the River Niger a national economic priority.

Regular dredging of the River Niger, according to Mbonu, would unlock year-round navigability, enabling barges, ferries, and larger vessels to move seamlessly between the southern seaports and the inland commercial centers. This would lower transportation and logistics costs, ease congestion on critical highways, reduce delivery timeframes and business inefficiencies, and increase investor confidence in inland logistics.

With proper dredging of the River Niger, Onitsha River Port could transform into a year-round, multimodal commercial hub, impacting several sectors and driving economic growth. Mbonu emphasized that the infrastructure is in place, the demand is evident, and the benefits are far-reaching; what is required now is government consistency and strategic investment to make inland waterway transport a pillar of Nigeria’s economic growth.

A senior port official, who requested anonymity, explains, “Importers want certainty. If the river depth changes every month, how can they plan? Barges get stuck. Insurance rises. Clients walk away.”

Why Dredging Fails: Funding, Politics, and Poor Maintenance

Experts identify three structural issues as our major drawbacks.

First, no continuous dredging cycle.

Instead of adopting a 3–5 year maintenance cycle, Nigeria often dredges reactively after channels become impassable.

Budget constraints and political interference: Several dredging contracts are awarded without proper hydrological surveys, leading to poor execution.

Thirdly, Weak monitoring: Many contractors are not supervised effectively, and quality assurance is inconsistent.

Captain Samuel Omokore, a barge operator, puts it bluntly: “It is not that dredging is impossible it is that we don’t do it professionally. The rivers fill up again within months.”

The Way Forward

Analysts recommend the following as what needs to be done to get Nigeria out of this quagmire that has rendered navigation otiose.

A national dredging master plan, a dedicated inland waterways fund, accurate mapping, and hydrological surveys, Public-private partnerships for continuous dredging, and Performance-based contracts for dredging companies.

So far NIWA says it is reviewing its operational model. At a recent maritime forum in Abuja, NIWA’s former Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, promised stronger oversight.

“We are tired of episodic dredging. We want sustainable waterway development,” he said.

A Turning Point?

With diesel prices rising and road transport becoming more expensive, companies are returning to barging, pushing the government to act.

Engr. Salako believes the country is at an inflection point. “If Nigeria invests in its waterways today, we will see a logistics revolution in five years,” he says.

“But if we continue at the current pace, the waterways will remain a wasted national asset.”

For now, operators remain hopeful but cautious. Some, however, believe that, except for a Shakespearean”Daniel comes to judgement,” the way the government has approached this issue, we may continue to see a replay of Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot,” until this government leaves office.

 

 

 

 

 

By Foster Obi

 

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu carved out the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023, it marked the first time Nigeria formally acknowledged the oceans as a central pillar of economic diversification. Since then, the new ministry has been racing to craft a roadmap capable of unlocking what experts estimate could be a multi-billion-dollar sector spanning fisheries, coastal tourism, shipping, maritime security, and offshore renewable energy.

Today, the conversation is no longer about whether Nigeria has blue economy potential, but whether it has the discipline, governance structures, and investments required to turn coastal resources into sustained national revenue.

According to Dr Ade Dosunmu, former Director General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), “The Blue Economy offers a unique and timely solution to Nigeria’s perennial dependence on hydrocarbon resources… With strategic reforms, robust policies, and stronger collaboration among agencies and stakeholders, the sector can significantly boost national revenue and secure a prosperous future for our country”.

For Dr. Felicia Agriga, Economist and former consultant on Blue Economy Strategy.“Nigeria has the potential to earn over $20–$25 billion annually if we manage our ocean assets properly.”But she warns that policy fragmentation and weak enforcement could derail the movement before it matures.

A Ministry with Heavy Expectations

Already two years in office, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has since emphasized the ministry’s mandate to deliver economic value through sustainability. At one of his stakeholders’ sessions in Lagos, he assured operators that Nigeria’s ocean resources would be managed “scientifically and commercially.”

“We are building a sector where environmental sustainability and economic expansion must walk hand in hand,” Oyetola said.

“The blue economy is not another slogan. It is a revenue engine that must be properly harnessed.”

The ministry identified five priority areas:

Fisheries development and export expansion, Strengthening cabotage and domestic maritime logistics, Marine tourism and coastal infrastructure renewal, Maritime safety and wreck removal, Support for ocean-based renewable energy.

With the approval of a new Marine and Blue Economy Policy by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Oyetola said that with the new policy in place, the country now has a comprehensive blueprint to transform its vast marine resources into drivers of economic diversification, job creation, and environmental sustainability.

Oyetola, in a statement signed by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, his Media and Communications Adviser, said, “We now have a policy that speaks to our aspirations and gives us the tools to achieve them. From maritime trade and aquaculture to blue tourism and clean ocean energy, this policy presents clear pathways to national development. ”The minister expressed optimism that the policy will lay the foundation for sustainable prosperity for the country. While describing the policy as a visionary framework for national development, Oyetola hailed the FEC’s decision as timely and transformative.

Big Money in the Water, But Big Problems Too.

Nigeria’s coastline spans 853 km, with an Exclusive Economic Zone larger than the entire landmass of some West African countries. Yet illegal fishing, port inefficiency, and pollution have stifled economic activity for decades.

For instance, the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture estimates that Nigeria loses over $600 million annually to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Similarly, tourism hubs such as Badagry, Brass, Opobo, and Qua Iboe remain drastically underdeveloped due to insecurity and poor access roads.

Captain Tunde Buari, a shipping consultant and former master mariner, says the country must prioritize maritime governance.

“We cannot talk about blue economy growth when pirates still present a threat on our coasts and when ports are expensive and slow,” he notes.

“Government must fix the fundamentals: security, efficiency, investment incentives, then the sector will explode.”

Private Sector Readiness Growing

Private players, from shipping lines to fish processors, say they are ready.

Mrs. Dorothy Okams, a food consultant, says Nigeria should focus on job creation along the fisheries value chain.

“With good cold-chain infrastructure alone, we can create over 300,000 jobs,” she argues.

“Our coastal communities are eager. What they need is support, training, and access to finance.”

Investors from South Africa, Spain, and the UAE have also shown interest in Nigeria’s coastal tourism projects, particularly in Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Bayelsa.

The Road Ahead

Analysts believe the blue economy will require a tight blend of environmental protection, maritime security, digital port reforms, and coastal infrastructure.

Dr. Edy Kotka, a Warri-based Agriculturist, offers a closing reminder, “If Nigeria gets the blue economy right, it won’t just earn money, it will transform coastal livelihoods.”

With two years to the end of his tenure, ceteris paribus, the nation is watching whether the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy has the political will and technical backbone to deliver one of the biggest economic opportunities of the 21st century.

Missing this golden opportunity will recreate that famous proverb, “I came, I saw but refused to conquer.”

Picture: Gboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy

 

The Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has announced plans to officially launch a landmark publication titled “50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy” on Tuesday, December 4th 2025, at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

The publication, put together by the foremost body of maritime journalists in Nigeria, celebrates individuals and institutions whose visionary leadership, innovation, and commitment have significantly shaped the growth and transformation of the nation’s maritime sector.

According to a statement signed by the MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, the forthcoming launch will not only highlight the achievements of key industry players but also serve as a reference material for scholars, investors, and policymakers seeking insights into Nigeria’s maritime evolution and its future direction.

His words: “This indispensable volume educates industry professionals on the profound history and the current opportunities, spotlighting the dedicated individuals and organisations whose contributions are shaping a future where Nigeria’s marine resources are responsibly leveraged for unprecedented economic prosperity and national development.

“With the book, you can discover how the blue economy sector’s past is paving the way for a promising future.”

Bivbere noted that the book project represents months of careful research and editorial work by members of the association in a comprehensive documentation of the contributions of stakeholders, agencies, and associations.

He stated further that the launch event will attract top government officials, regulators, shipowners, freight forwarders, terminal operators, and other industry stakeholders, adding that the book offers a rare compendium of excellence and dedication within the maritime space.

Stressing that arrangements are in top gear to make the event a befitting celebration of excellence, professionalism, and service to the maritime industry, Bivbere added that the event promises to be one of the most significant gatherings of maritime minds in recent years.

 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has identified the judiciary as a major partner in the realization of the benefits of the Blue Economy in Nigeria.
According to a statement signed by Osagie Edward, Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, the NIMASA Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola said this at the 4th Edition of the Admiralty Law Colloquium in Lagos with the theme, ‘Charting the Course of Nigeria’s Blue Economy’, a reflection of the increased national attention to the potential of the maritime industry in driving economic development.
Delivering the welcome address at the event, Dr. Mobereola said, “Nigeria’s Blue Economy requires an all-hands-on-deck approach, with the Judiciary as a crucial actor, where interpretation of legal instruments and case decisions remains a vital tool for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy”.
He identified the important role of the Nigerian judiciary in interpreting extant maritime laws, thereby helping to improve industry standards and aiding the development of the Blue Economy.
In her keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokumbo Kekere-Ekun who was represented by Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomoye Agim, JSC CFR, commended NIMASA and the National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) for collaborating to host the colloquium which is central to building the capacity of judicial officers in admiralty law.
The Chief Justice said, “The task before us is to ensure that Nigeria’s Blue Economy does not remain a conceptual aspiration but becomes a tangible driver of growth, equity, and sustainability. The Judiciary must not stand at the shoreline as a passive observer, but rather as an active navigator — steering the ship of justice through the complex waters of maritime development.”.
The first session saw renowned maritime law experts, Dr. Emeka Akabogu SAN and Dr. Chukwuchefu Ukatta, deliver papers in line with the theme of the event emphasizing the imperative of synergy between judicial processes and development of the Blue Economy in Nigeria.
A panel discussion chaired by Professor A. J. Abikan, Director General of NIALS, was then held, followed by an interactive session with attendees, which concluded the event.
Present at the Colloquium were the President, Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice M. B. Dongbam-Mensem, who was represented by Hon. Justice E. O. Williams-Dawodu, and Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, who was represented by Hon. Justice A. Faji.
The Admiralty Law Colloquium is an annual event organized by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in partnership with the National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) and with the support of the National Judicial Institute (NJI). Its purpose is to facilitate discussions on maritime law, focusing on improving adjudication, enhancing maritime security, and advancing the Nigerian Blue Economy.
Picture: R-L: Hon. Justice Ayokunle O. Faji; Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomoye Agim, JSC CFR; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Hon Justice E.O. Williams-Dawodu, and Director General, National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, NIALS, Professor A.I Abikan, during the 4th Nigerian Admiralty Law Colloquium in Lagos.

 

 

For decades, the Apapa Port access road was bad news to Nigerian port users as it parades a horde of stationary trucks, touts, and everything that is anti-productivity. This was a major setback to Nigeria’s march to economic self-sufficiency because of the strategic position the port occupied in wealth creation. Presently, that nightmare is largely non-existent. Order has returned, with the deployment of the Ètò Electronic Call-Up System by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). ETO is — a digital innovation that has redefined port traffic management and restored efficiency to Lagos ports.

The Ètò platform, developed by Trucks Transit Parks Limited (TTP), is a comprehensive traffic management solution that schedules, tracks, and authenticates the movement of trucks entering and exiting port terminals. What began as a stopgap measure has now evolved into a nationwide model for automated access control, real-time monitoring, and data-driven logistics.

Central to the success of this transformation is the integration of electronic barriers across all Lagos Port Complex terminals. The barriers lift only for trucks with verified Ètò-issued call-up tickets, ensuring every truck movement is pre-approved, logged, and traceable.

“The barrier system gives us end-to-end visibility and control — from booking to terminal exit,” explained Mrs. Stella Oladiran, NPA’s General Manager, Operations. “We can now account for every truck’s movement, eliminate human interference, and measure operational efficiency in real time.”

Before this reform, Apapa’s arteries were choked by unregulated truck diversions, fake call-up slips, and illegal parking. The Ètò system and barrier integration have sealed those loopholes, saving time and money for transporters, exporters, and terminal operators.

Port stakeholders have hailed the Federal Government, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, for their steadfast commitment to reforming the ports and restoring sanity to Apapa roads.

According to Mr. Adebowale Lawal, Port Manager of the Lagos Port Complex, the Ètò system has brought discipline, transparency, and structure to truck traffic.

“We’ve integrated terminal gates with the Ètò platform to manage entry and exit in a coordinated manner,” Lawal said. “What you now see on Apapa roads is not gridlock but sequenced truck movement. This system is sustainable because it is digital and transparent. Credit goes to the NPA leadership under Dr. Dantsoho and the guidance of Minister Oyetola.”

Chairman of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Chief Remi Ogungbemi, also lauded the transformation, dismissing reports of a gridlock resurgence as “false and misleading.”

“All the roads to Apapa — Wharf, Creek, and adjoining routes — are now clear and orderly,” he said. “Trucks move in single, controlled lanes. That’s progress. We commend the Federal Government, NPA, and TTP for their resolve. For once, technology is driving discipline at our ports.”

Picture: Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, MD, NPA.

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has paid glowing tribute to one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s maritime industry, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, as he celebrates his 75th birthday.
The President of MARAN, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, said this in a congratulatory message on Wednesday in Lagos.
Bivbere described Prince Shittu as “a colossus who bestrides the maritime industry like an octopus,” lauding his visionary leadership, pioneering reforms, and selfless service to the nation’s maritime community.
“Prince Shittu’s name has become synonymous with integrity, courage, and innovation, qualities that defined his long and impactful career as a customs broker and industry leader.
“As former President of the Association of Nigerian Customs Licensed Agents (ANLCA), Prince Shittu is widely credited with repositioning the association and restoring its dignity, unity, and relevance during his transformative eight-year tenure.
“Under his leadership, ANLCA evolved from a fragmented professional body into a formidable voice in maritime advocacy, promoting the welfare of customs brokers while fostering collaboration with government agencies and terminal operators,” he said.
Bivbere recalled that Prince Shittu’s tenure witnessed groundbreaking initiatives that improved professional standards and strengthened compliance within the freight forwarding sector.
He added that his emphasis on ethics and transparency remained a guiding principle for many practitioners today.
“Beyond his role in ANLCA, Prince Shittu has been a consistent voice for industry reforms aimed at improving trade facilitation, reducing bottlenecks, and enhancing operational efficiency at Nigeria’s ports.
“Colleagues and contemporaries describe him as a man of discipline and conviction, one who never shied away from speaking truth to power when it came to protecting the interests of maritime stakeholders.
“MARAN praised his mentorship of younger professionals, noting that many of today’s successful customs brokers and freight forwarders owe their growth to his guidance and encouragement,” he said.
Bivbere also commended Prince Shittu’s entrepreneurial spirit as the Chief Executive Officer of Skelas Group of Companies, a conglomerate that had contributed significantly to job creation and economic growth within and beyond the maritime sector.
According to the statement, Prince Shittu’s journey from a young customs agent to an industry icon exemplifies resilience, hard work, and the belief that integrity remains the best currency in business.
“Prince Shittu’s leadership style was rooted in fairness, vision, and the courage to make tough decisions,” the statement added. “He built bridges across divides, uniting professionals under a common goal of progress and respectability,” he said.
As he turns 75, MARAN expressed profound appreciation for his unwavering support of the association and the media community, describing him as a friend of the press who always valued truthful and balanced reportage.
The association prayed for continued health, wisdom, and strength for Prince Shittu, wishing him many more years of impactful service to the maritime industry and humanity at large.
“Prince Olayiwola Shittu remains a beacon of excellence whose footprints will continue to inspire generations of maritime professionals,” Bivbere concluded.

 

The Ports Authority Police (Western) Command has welcomed a new Commissioner of Police, CP Toyin Agbaminoja, who officially assumed duty yesterday as the 33rd Commissioner of the Command, headquartered in Apapa, Lagos.

She succeeds AIG Olanrewaju Olawale Ishola, who was recently promoted and retired from active service.

CP Agbaminoja, a distinguished officer with over three decades of service, joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1994 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.

A native of Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language from the University of Ilorin.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, ASP Isaac Hundeyin, noted that her career spans a wide range of operational, investigative, and administrative roles, including postings at the Kwara State Police Command, the IGP Monitoring Unit in Abuja, the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) in Ikoyi, and the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

She also led police operations at the NAFDAC Enforcement Unit, tackling counterfeit and regulatory violations.

CP Agbaminoja is no stranger to the Ports Authority Police Command, having previously served as DPO Roro Port Division, Command Traffic Officer, and Area Commander, Western Ports. Her appointment marks a return to familiar terrain, now at the helm of the Command.

She has broken multiple glass ceilings in her career, becoming:

The first female Area Commander, Area ‘M’ Idimu (2017)

The first female Head of Zonal CID, Zone 2, Onikan (2021)

The first female Deputy Commissioner of Police at both the Airport Command (2023) and Oyo State CID (2024)

Promoted to Commissioner of Police in February 2025, she most recently led the Special Inquiry Bureau at FCID, Alagbon, before her deployment to Apapa.

Upon assuming office, CP Agbaminoja pledged to work closely with stakeholders in the maritime sector to enhance port security, improve operational efficiency, and foster a safe environment for economic growth.