Connect with us

Maritime

MWUN Boss Charges FG On Sea Pirates

Published

13 years ago

on

Worried by the recent upsurge of sea piracy on Nigeria’s waterways, the branch President of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu has called on the Federal Government to take proactive action in ameliorating further occurrences.

Comrade Bunu, who made the call during an interview with our correspondent after the inauguration of the Sea Truck unit executive of the union in Port Harcourt recently said the increasing rate of sea piracy and armed robbery on Nigeria’s waterways has become a serious threat to the maritime sector, pointing out that if not nipped in the bud now would drive away would – be investors into the business.

According to him, time has come for a drastic measure to be taken against this ugly trend as it is threatening the economic survival of the sector in the country, especially in the Niger Delta.

He hinted that within four months, a good number of seafarers from SeaTruck were abducted but later released after some gratification, stressing that time has come for the government to stop further kidnap in vessels as the international maritime body is also not happy with the development.

The MWUN Branch President of Seafarers, National Inland Waterways (NIWA), Seamen and Water Transport Owners noted that another challenge that is facing the union is that of unemployment as most maritime operators do not follow due process in engaging seafarers.

He stated that a taskforce or monitoring committee would soon be set up to ensure strict compliance and that any company that failed in this regard would be sealed-up.

Comrade Bunu however commended Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in the state for living up to their responsibilities and also rated the activities of the seafarers high, assuring that the union would always support them in their welfare and conducive operational atmosphere.

He also thanked all affiliate bodies for their continued collaboration, enjoining them not to relent.

The Tide

correspondent gathered that a 90 day ultimatum or get sanctioned threat issued by the United States Coast Guard to the Nigerian Government to ensure proper implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code port security will expire this month.

Meanwhile, also speaking with out correspondent, the chairman of SeaTruck unit of the union, Comrade Ekine Tomboitemea thanked God for a peaceful and transparent election and described his victory as a leader to serve and achieve desired result for the workers.

Comrade Tomboitemea said the task is enormous but expressed optimism that with the co-operation and support of all, the sky would be their limit, thanking all for making the day great.

Other Exco members elected include Comrades Michael Amadi – Vice Chairman, Afinidi Job – Secretary, Young Young-Jack – Asst Secretary, Linus Woffe – Treasurer, Chris Johnson – Fin. Secretary, Godsgift Akpengi – Special female member while Sam Otelema and Igwe Ikebuike were Patron and Organising Secretary respectively.

The faction was attended by the state chairman of the union, Comrade Jonah Jumbo, the vice – Ifeanyi Dominic Godwin, the Fin Sec – Prince Isesele, the Secretary, Eze Robert among others.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Maritime

Weak Shipping Line Regulation Undermines Customs Reforms —-Says SEREC

Published

2 weeks ago

on

January 28, 2026

By

The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) says poor regulation of shipping lines could undermine the credibility of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reforms.
Head of Research SEREC, Dr Eugene Nweke  made this Known to Newsmen in Abuja
Nweke said that customs efficiency was linked to the performance of the Nigeria’s maritime and trade ecosystem.
Hr described the NCS as central to the success of the National Single Window (NSW) risk-based clearance and trade facilitation reforms.
“However, Customs efficiency gains are systematically eroded when upstream shipping practices introduce artificial delays, speculative charges, remote cargo release approvals and opaque cost structures”.
“In effect, weak regulation of shipping line conduct externalises inefficiencies into the Customs clearance process, inflates transaction costs, distorts compliance behavior and undermines the credibility of customs-led trade reforms,”
Nweke said that SEREC had submitted a white paper to the government advocating that shipping line governance, port economic regulation, and customs trade administration should be treated as inseparable policy domains.
SEREC said Nigeria’s Port challenges were not only infrastructure-driven but governance-related, warning that weak regulation, missing oversight reports and unchecked discretion in systems like the NSW could undermine reform efforts.
SEREC recommended reforms for Nigeria’s shipping sector, including public release of committee findings, statutory refund timelines with penalties, banning speculative demurrage billing, mandatory local cargo release and alignment of shipping practices with the NSW among others.
Nweke said that the aim of the white paper was to draw attention to sharp practices and regulatory weaknesses that had evolved beyond operational inconveniences into macroeconomic and governance risks.
“For NCS trade reforms to deliver their full impact in 2026 and beyond, shipping practices must align with the same principles guiding Customs modernisation: transparency, predictability, automation, accountability and local control.
Nweke said that by 2026, stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime industry hope to transition from opaque and arbitrary port operations to a transparent, rules-based system managed through digital technology.
He stressed that the shift should align with ongoing reforms and international best practices, facilitated by the government through providing enabling environment and enforcing regulations
“These include predictable costs, enforceable service standards, transparent billing, time-bound cargo release, and institutional accountability particularly as Nigeria advances the National Single Window (NSW), port economic regulation, and revenue optimisation objectives.
“The expectation is not the creation of new laws, but disciplined enforcement of existing instruments, public disclosure of regulatory outcomes, and insulation of regulators from political and commercial capture,” Nweke said.
By: CHINEDU WOSU
Continue Reading

Maritime

Tinubu Approve Take Off Of Olokola Deep Seaport In Ogun State

Published

2 weeks ago

on

January 28, 2026

By

Nigeria President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area
The approval brings  to an end years of delay surrounding the multi billion dollar Port.
Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun made this Known to Journalists during an interactive session
 Governor Abiodun said the Seaport would help decongest Lagos ports, while oil drilling at Tongeji Island would boost economic activities and inclusion in coastal communities.
“The Olokola deep seaport project, which has been on the drawing board for several years, has been revived following a series of meetings with the President”.
“I want to sincerely thank Mr President because this is solely his initiative. In the last two weeks alone, we have held several meetings on Olokola, and he has clearly expressed his desire to see the port become a reality,” he said.
The Governor said the seaport would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, would leverage the coastal road as an alternative logistics corridor and further ease pressure on the Lagos ports.
He commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, saying the move would enhance security and prevent infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic.
The Governor said that the state government was working to provide basic amenities for residents of the island to improve living conditions and support emerging economic activities.
Abiodun thanked the Navy for its contribution to security in the state, attributing the relative peace in Ogun to collaboration among security agencies.
By: CHINEDU WOSU
Continue Reading

Maritime

Gov Eno Vows To Actualise Ibom Deep Seaport Project 

Published

2 weeks ago

on

January 28, 2026

By

 Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno says his administration is  commitment to deliver the Ibom Deep Seaport project as a critical infrastructure to boost the state’s economy and transform the region.
The Governor said this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and the Interaf Group Consortium at the Government House, Uyo.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Enobong Uwah, Eno emphasized on the project’s significance.
“The project is a necessity for the people of the state as my administration is fully committed to putting the necessary requirements in place to get it on course,” Eno said.
The Governor urged the consortium to work closely with the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, AKICORP, and the government’s representatives to ensure its timely execution.
He commended the organisation for its interest in ensuring the actualisation of the project
The Governor thanked the former Petroleum Minister, Mr Don Etiebet, for being a part of the team, and for working toward the actualisation of the facility.
Earlier,Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Interaf Group Consortium, Mr Ezinwa Ibekwe commended the government for the confidence reposed in the company.
Ibekwe assured the government of the consortium’s readiness to deliver on its mandate, promising a collaborative approach to ensure the project’s success.
By: CHINEDU WOSU
Continue Reading

Trending