Maritime

MWUN Boss Charges FG On Sea Pirates

Published

13 years ago

August 9, 2013

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.

Maritime

CILT Nigeria Seeks Anti- graft Agency Collaboration

Published

3 weeks ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation, CILT has sought collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC towards enhancing interconnectivity through a multimodal logistics and transportation system that involves the rail, road, sea, motorways and pipelines.

The request was made last week when the President and chairman of Council, CILT, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, led other executives on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede at the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

“We can collaborate with the EFCC in terms of advocacy. When I’m talking of advocacy, I’m talking about the issue of the transport and logistics sector.

“We can have anti-corruption awareness within the transport sector. Another key issue has to do with professional ethics and training. We believe that we can collaborate with EFCC in the area of public transport as regards to integrity programmes for industry professionals and also research policies addressing logistics vulnerabilities in financial crimes,” he said.

He also identified logistics and supply chain expertise as another area of collaboration with the EFCC.

According to him, “There’s no way you can conduct an investigation without bumping into the issue of logistics and transportation. We believe that we can look into this and offer professional memberships to your members of staff at different levels.

“We believe if they are members of the institute, it will lessen the cost of your investigation.

“In our Academy, We can also offer to deliver lectures in this area to enhance professionalism. So, before your Cadets pass out from the Academy, members of the Institute can make lectures to be delivered in the areas of logistics and transport so as to enhance their professionalism.

“,At the end of the day, they will have professional certificates and also have enhanced capacity to investigate the issues of logistics and transportation.”

He blamed the delay in the clearance of goods in Nigerian seaports to logistical inadequacies.

“There’s so much serious problem in logistics in Nigeria, so many duplications. And it’s not giving Nigeria a good image. You are talking about bringing investors.

0″I don’t want to bring investors if it would take weeks to clear their goods,” he said.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

Maritime

Nigeria Customs, Malaysia Strengthen Bilateral Agreement ….As Trade Hits 1.82tr in 5 Years

Published

3 weeks ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has advanced its strategic engagement with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD).

This followed an official visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the RMCD Headquarters on the sidelines of his participation at DSA Malaysia 2026.

The engagement comes against the backdrop of expanding bilateral trade, with Nigeria’s imports from Malaysia increasing from NGN 159.9 billion in 2020 to NGN 716.0 billion in 2024, and cumulative trade value reaching approximately NGN 1.82 trillion over a five-year period.

The Nigeria customs boss was received by the Director-General of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Dato’ Haji Amran bin Haji Ahmad, whose appointment in March 2026 reflects a strong reform-oriented leadership in enforcement and regulatory administration.

Both leaders held high-level discussions focused on institutional collaboration, customs modernisation, and coordinated border management frameworks to strengthen efficiency and regulatory integrity.

The Comptroller-General emphasised that the scale and trajectory of Nigeria–Malaysia trade relations necessitate a more structured and formalised customs-to-customs partnership.

He noted that Malaysia remains a significant trading partner to Nigeria, with key imports including crude palm oil, refined palm olein, jet fuel, food preparations, machinery, and other industrial inputs.

He further underscored the critical role of customs administrations in facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding national economic and security interests.

Both administrations acknowledged the absence of a formal legal framework guiding bilateral customs cooperation despite longstanding trade relations.

To address this gap, both parties agreed to initiate processes toward establishing a Mutual Recognition Agreement under the framework of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), to be pursued through appropriate diplomatic channels.

This initiative is expected to provide a structured basis for cooperation, enhance mutual trust, and support reciprocal trade facilitation measures.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to present its evolving border management architecture, including the establishment of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) as an integrated frontline border control body.

In his aresponse, the Comptroller-General highlighted the Nigeria Customs Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and other trade facilitation frameworks designed to ensure predictable clearance processes, reduce transaction costs, and strengthen compliance.

Both sides emphasised the importance of deeper collaboration in intelligence sharing, enforcement coordination, and technology-driven border management, particularly in addressing illicit trade and transnational trafficking.

To this end, the NCS reiterates its commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships as part of its broader modernisation agenda.

The Service noted the outcome from this engagement will enhance operational capacity, improve trade facilitation, and reinforce border security, while supporting Nigeria’s economic growth objectives.

As part of ongoing efforts to deepen institutional collaboration, the Comptroller-General also used the opportunity to visit the Nigerian Diplomatic Mission and Defence Office in Malaysia, commending their roles in advancing Nigeria’s interests and supporting nationals abroad.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

Maritime

Customs Deploys Seven Patrol Vessels, Boost Waterway Anti-smuggling

Published

3 weeks ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Customs Service NCS has deployed seven operational patrol vessels to Western Marine Command to combat smuggling and other maritime crimes

The vessels, comprising two gunboats and five logistics boats, were officially handed over to the Command recently, increasing its fleet to significantly enhance patrol coverage and rapid response capacity within its area of responsibility.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Comptroller of Western Marine Command, Patrick Ntadi, said the deployment reflects the Service’s strategic commitment to strengthening enforcement across critical maritime corridors.

“These assets are a clear demonstration of our resolve to secure Nigeria’s waterways against economic sabotage and transnational crimes.

“We are not only expanding our operational capacity but also ensuring that our officers are better equipped to respond swiftly and effectively,” he said.

Ntadi described the expanded fleet as a major boost to ongoing anti-smuggling operations, noting that it addresses previous logistical challenges and strengthens deterrence along key waterways.

“The fight against smuggling is dynamic, and we must remain proactive.

“This deployment, alongside continuous training and inter-agency collaboration, will significantly improve our enforcement outcomes and protect national revenue,” he added.

To support the effective deployment of the vessels, officers of the Command recently underwent an intensive training programme conducted by SEWA Africa Ltd, the contractor responsible for the boats.

The training focused on handling techniques, safety procedures, and operational efficiency.

Representative of SEWA Africa Ltd, Steven Okitiape, explained the training was designed to enhance both competence and safety among officers.

“This training serves as both a refresher and a capacity-building initiative, ensuring that officers can maximise the performance of these vessels while maintaining the highest safety standards,” he said.

By: CHINEDU WOSU