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MTS Partners NMLA Against Victimised Members

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The Mission to Seafarers (MTS) says it would partner with Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) to protect its members who are victimised on board vessels.
The partnership,  MTS said, would also bail seafarers who may be arrested and victimised in Nigeria over infractions or crimes committed by their ship owners.
Chairman, Management Committee, MTS, Lagos, Adebayo Babatunde Sarumi, made this known during the 2022 Annual Sea Sunday Service held at “Our Saviours Church”, TBS, Lagos.
Sarumi  said  the partnership is part of an enhanced effort to demonstrate gratitude to seafarers for their invaluable contributions to global trade.
The former Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), also said the MTS, Lagos, would significantly improve the Seafarers’ Centre in Apapa.
He indicated that MTS’ partnership with NMLA to provide legal representation became imperative now that rising global statistics show that many vessels are getting arrested and seafarers are increasingly detained over crimes or offences by owners of vessels.
Sarumi stressed the need for more stakeholders’ partnership for a vibrant MTS centre, equipped with modern facilities and the requisite personnel to attend to seafarers.
He noted that, “The seafarer is a worker that the world is yet to truly understand.
“These are workers who carry everything imported, that citizens of any nation utilise.
“When we were younger, the Seafarers’ Centre in Apapa was a beehive of activities.
“When seafarers come to Lagos ports, we bring them to that Apapa Centre to care for them.
“After spending 6 -10 weeks on the waters, when seafarers come to the shores of a nation that is not their home, it’s only befitting that they have a place where they are cared for psychologically, spiritually and physically.
“There is no better place to go than an establishment set up by a Christian organisation which is what MTS stands for,” Sarumi said.
He encouraged the church and other well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate with MTS Lagos to make seafarers that come to the nation’s shores realise that the work they put in is truly appreciated.

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Maritime

NPA Warns Against Illegal Containers Stripping On Port Access Roads

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The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has warned against the illegal stripping of containers by drivers and terminal operators along the port access road.
Managing Director, NPA, Mohammed Bello Koko, issued the warning during a visit to Tin-Can Island Port where he inspected designated container stripping yards around the port.
He warned that truckers caught in the act stand the risk of being delisted from the electronic call-up system platform managed by the Trucks Transit Parks (TTP).
Bello Koko said container stripping on the port access road violates operational guidelines and will no longer be condoned.
He also announced that NPA has rolled out standard operating procedures for barge operators.

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Maritime

BMTA Urges FG To Fix Moribund Refineries

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Following the incessant hikes on petroleum pump price in the country, Bonny Maritime Transport Association (BMTA) has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to fix all the moribund refineries to production capacity
The Association said the repairs of the refineries would reduce the high cost of petrol pump price and alleviate poverty in the land.
Safety officer, BMTA, Comrade Kings Dume, stated this to TheTide during an interview in Port Harcourt.
Dume, who decried the hardship ordinary Nigerians were facing, said boat users hardly travel by water due to high cost of transport fare.
He said a boat journey from Port Harcourt to Bonny Island now cost between N6000 and N6500 per passenger, making it difficulty for travelers to board boats to and from their home town.
According to him, if the pump price keeps skyrocketing, there is every tendency that boat fare may be increased from N6000 to N8000 per passenger this Christmas season
He further noted that the inability of the Federal Government to repair the refineries has brought untold hardships, hunger and suffering to homes.
“Cost of living has skyrocketed everywhere and everyday, the poor can no longer go to market, parents can no longer pay bills and most children have dropped from schools due to poverty and hardships”, he stated.
He lamented that most boat operators were no longer in business due to high cost of procuring spare parts, engine oil and patrol to power their boats.
Comrade Dume appealed to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government to see reasons and fix all the moribund refineries for use to end hardship and poverty ravaging the land.
He noted that the repair of the refineries by this administration “would bring succour and confidence to an average Nigerian”.

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Maritime

Customs Partners Copyright Commission To End Piracy

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In a bid to end all forms of piracy and other social vices, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to end piracy of intellectual and creative property in Nigeria.
Customs said their collaboration would create opportunities for the two parties to establish a significant legacy that will end the menace of piracy in the country.
Comptroller General, Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this while receiving members of the Commission at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
He explained that the NCS had concluded plans to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, enhancing its programmes in all aspects through creative activities and training of its staff.
On the need to organize training for the Service’s officers in combating piracy, Adeniyi said, “the programme will introduce officers and men of the Service to new values and expertise that would enhance their capacity and morale to fight piracy”.
The Comptroller General, who noted the importance of the collaboration, said protecting creative and intellectual property significantly contributes to the country’s economic growth.
Earlier, leader of the delegation and Director General, NCC, Dr. John Asein, expressed his appreciation to the NCS for the importance of addressing piracy of intellectual and creative property.
“The idea behind paying this courtesy visit to you, Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was to congratulate you on your appointment and to extend our hands for collaboration to end piracy”, he stated.
The DG further explained that “apart from strengthening the creative skills of officers and men in various sectors, the commission would achieve its mandate by working with the NCS”.

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