Maritime

NIMASA Urges China To Partner Nigeria On Maritime Sector Dev

Published

10 years ago

July 8, 2016

The Director-General of
the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, has urged the Chinese Government to collaborate with the Nigerian maritime sector for economic growth.
This is contained in a statement by the Head of Corporate Communication of NIMASA, Hajia Lami Tumaka, obtained by our correspondent in Lagos recently.
The statement said that the director-general received the Acting Chinese Consul-General, Mr. Li Yong, who paid a courtesy visit to the agency
According to him, the Nigerian maritime sector holds the key to unlocking the opportunities of the sector in the whole of Africa because of our strategic location, population and volume of trade.
The statement said if anyone wanted to do business in Africa, Nigeria is the place of choice.
The director-general also stated that the Agency was willing to partner with the Chinese Maritime Administration in the areas of ship building and recycling, on-board training for cadets as well as technical support.
He said that collaboration with various stakeholders across the globe was fundamental to unlocking the maritime opportunities in Nigeria.
Peterside said that cooperation among the Global South countries was the way to drive emerging economies to the height of development.
He commended the Chinese Government for its willingness to strengthen the Nigerian-China relationship as evident in the major developmental projects across the country.
In his response, Yong said that he was happy with the China-Nigerian relationship, adding that the Chinese Central Government was willing to partner with Nigeria in the areas of technological advancement and information sharing.
The Chinese envoy also expressed his government’s determination to support Nigeria in the fight against piracy and other criminal activities at sea.
Meanwhile, the current administration of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has pledged to adhere to statutory due diligence in the administration of the Cabotage Fund.
The NIMASA Director-General (DG), Dr Dakuku Peterside, said that with the clamour for a national shipping line, there was every need to strengthen the administration of the fund.
Peterside told newsmen on the sidelines of a news conference in Lagos on Sunday that the fund was set-up to encourage Nigeria ship owners to be able to acquire and maintain vessels.
The DG regretted the spate of maladministration that had become the lot of the fund in the recent past, which he said, had made it inoperative.
“We are aware of the complaints of the contributors (ship owners) of the fund and their predicament in accessing it.
“The fund, if well administered, will ensure that Nigeria has sea going vessels at all times, with a large number of Nigerian seafarers on board.
“It is a pride to see our national flag hoisted on transnational vessels,’’ Peterside said.
According to him, the idea will absorb many of the country’s trained but idle seafarers, thereby adding to the Nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He added that the administration would tend to emulate countries like the Philippines in exporting seafarers to other countries, thereby stemming piracy on board.
Peterside said that the agency was training middle-cadre manpower at the maritime academy at Oron, while the senior officers were being trained abroad.
He noted that NIMASA’s primary objective did not include the setting-up of a Maritime University, as was being propelled by the ousted leadership of the agency.
“The Cabotage Fund, under the present leadership, will be channelled for what it is meant for and not for a university.

Maritime

NAGAFF Petitions IGP Over Alleged Maritime Police Harassment

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu over alleged unlawful conduct, extortion, intimidation, harassment and obstruction of trade by officers of the Maritime Police Command operating around Nigerian seaports.

The petition, dated August 14, 2026 and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police at Force Headquarters, Abuja, specifically identified the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa; Tincan Island Port; and other designated port locations, including bonded terminals, as areas where the alleged misconduct is taking place.

The petition was signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, National Coordinator, 100% Compliance Team, NAGAFF.

NAGAFF described the situation as a growing impediment to trade facilitation and a factor contributing to the rising cost of doing business in Nigeria.

According to the association, freight forwarding practitioners have, over a sustained period, reported and independently observed what it described as a pattern of misconduct involving Maritime Police personnel around the nation’s seaports.

The petition alleged that officers issue container blockage letters to shipping lines and terminals through the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, allegedly demanding payments before release orders are subsequently issued.

It further listed alleged practices including extortion, described as demanding and receiving money or other documents from freight forwarders, drivers and agents as a condition for the release or unhindered passage of cargo.

The association also alleged intimidation and harassment, including verbal abuse, threats, unlawful arrest and detention, seizure of documents and, in some instances, physical assault.

NAGAFF said such activities could obstruct trade facilitation by causing avoidable delays, port congestion and disruption of supply chains, contrary to the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business reforms.

It also argued that the alleged unofficial payments and additional charges ultimately increase the cost of doing business, with the burden transferred to importers, exporters and consumers.

In its petition, NAGAFF cited several laws and regulatory instruments which it said underscore the need for clearly defined roles and lawful conduct within the port environment.

The association referenced Sections 4 and 5 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, the Nigerian Ports Authority Act and the Customs Service Act 2023.

It also cited the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business Executive Orders and National Action Plan on Business Environment Reforms, as well as constitutional provisions relating to dignity, personal liberty and freedom from discrimination and unlawful obstruction in the conduct of lawful business.

NAGAFF warned that the alleged activities could undermine Nigeria’s trade competitiveness, discourage investment in the maritime and logistics sectors and weaken public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

The association further argued that the alleged conduct was inconsistent with Nigeria’s commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement.

The freight forwarders’ body requested the Inspector-General of Police to order an immediate investigation into the allegations and direct the cessation of what it described as unlawful container blockage, extortion, intimidation and harassment by Maritime Police officers at the affected ports.

It also called for the constitution of a joint task force comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and NAGAFF to monitor and enforce compliance with lawful conduct at the ports.

The association further requested that any officers found culpable after investigation be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action and, where warranted, criminal proceedings in accordance with applicable Police Force regulations and the laws of the Federation.

NAGAFF also asked the police authorities to issue clear guidelines on the lawful scope of Maritime Police engagement at seaports and grant the petitioners an opportunity to be heard with further evidence in support of the petition.

Additionally, it called for a clear distinction between the functions and jurisdictional boundaries of the Maritime Police and the Commissioner of Police, Ports.

The association stressed that it was not opposed to legitimate police operations at the nation’s ports, but insisted that such operations must remain within the law and should not turn legitimate cargo clearance processes into avenues for unlawful financial gains.

“We are not opposed to legitimate police operations at the ports. We only demand that such operations be conducted strictly within the purview of our extant laws, without turning legitimate cargo clearance into an avenue for unlawful financial gains,” the association stated in the petition.

NAGAFF said it remained willing to provide further particulars, documentary evidence and witness accounts to assist any investigation arising from the petition.

Maritime

Marine Minister Commends President Tinubu On NPERA Bill Assent

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assenting to the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, 2026, describing the development as a major milestone in the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Oyetola said the presidential assent to the legislation would pave the way for the establishment of a dedicated, robust and independent economic regulator for the nation’s ports, capable of promoting transparency, efficiency and competitiveness.

In a statement posted on his official X account, the Minister expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming the maritime industry and unlocking the immense potential of the Blue Economy.

According to Oyetola, the presidential assent is a significant step towards building a globally competitive maritime economy and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.

“I thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for assenting to the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, 2026, paving the way for a dedicated, robust and independent economic regulator for our ports,” Oyetola stated.

He explained that the legislation would provide a stronger legal basis for the regulation of tariffs, charges, competition, licensing and the resolution of commercial disputes within the port industry.

The Minister noted that the establishment of an independent economic regulator would bring greater certainty, transparency and efficiency to port operations, thereby enhancing investor confidence and improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

“This landmark legislation will strengthen the regulation of tariffs, charges, competition, licensing and commercial disputes, bringing greater certainty, transparency and efficiency to Nigeria’s port sector,” he said.

Industry stakeholders have long advocated for an independent port economic regulator to address concerns over arbitrary charges, promote fair competition among operators and ensure a more transparent and predictable business environment.

Maritime

Apapa Ports Manager Advocates Woman Involvement In MWP Bootcamp

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Lagos Ports Complex Manager, Mr. Debo Lawal, has urged participants at the 6th annual Maritime Writes Project (MWP) Creative Writing Bootcamp to use their voices to promote Nigeria’s maritime and port sector as an industry that embraces inclusion.

Lawal, who was Special Guest of Honour at the Opening of the 2026 bootcamp at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Apapa Port, Lagos, encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity to highlight the growing participation of women in traditionally male-dominated maritime roles.

He noted that there are more than 10 female crane operators in Lagos port, alongside female tugboat pilots and numerous other women working across in the port.

According to him, the growing presence of women in operational and technical positions demonstrates that the maritime sector offers opportunities for women and should be portrayed as an inclusive industry.

Lawal formally opened the bootcamp, which brings together young writers, maritime stakeholders, academics and mentors under the theme, “Voyages Through Chokepoints: Power, Passage and Life at Sea.”

The Head of Faculty for the 2026 edition and Dean, Faculty of Arts, Adeleke University, Prof. Adegbite Tobalase, urged participants to use the bootcamp to develop their individual voices and understand the discipline required to produce original works.

“We welcome you not merely to a training programme, but to a mission: to grow literary talent through maritime storytelling, and to deepen Nigeria’s maritime consciousness through the power of the written word,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Director, International Ocean Institute-Nigeria Centre (IOI-Nigeria), Mr. Akanbi Williams, commended MWP for combining creative writing with practical exposure to the maritime sector.

The Institute, which has partnered with MWP for five years, urged participants to “observe, listen, question, learn and write,” stressing the importance of looking beyond ships, ports and waterways to the people, communities and livelihoods connected to the maritime environment.

It said storytelling could help communicate maritime knowledge to wider audiences, particularly young Nigerians, while encouraging greater understanding of the sector and the blue economy.

Earlier, the Project Coordinator, Maritime Writes Project, Ezinne Azunna, said the initiative was designed to bridge creative writing and maritime awareness by exposing young writers to the realities of the sector.

She said participants would engage with maritime professionals, facilities and communities, enabling them to develop stories grounded in authentic industry experiences.

The 2026 theme draws attention to the significance of maritime chokepoints to global trade, diplomacy, economics and human activities. Mentorship sessions and facility tours are designed to help participants develop stories based on real maritime experiences.

For returning participants, the impact of MWP extends beyond creative writing.

One of the project’s alumni, Uche Ohiaeri, who returned for the 2026 edition, said her participation in the programme in 2022 transformed her confidence and broadened her interests from creative writing to environmental conservation and community development.

Ohiaeri recalled that she initially joined because she simply enjoyed writing, but the experience challenged her to ask deeper questions about the ocean, the environment and communities connected to them.

She subsequently became involved in conservation activities at her school, where she taught younger students, and eventually wrote her first book.

According to her, the programme gave her the confidence to explore opportunities she had not previously considered and showed her that creative writing could serve as an entry point into wider environmental and civic engagement.

The Maritime Writes Project has previously held sessions in Lagos, Osun an

d Rivers states and has produced three published anthologies featuring 17 stories by past participants.

The organisers noted that African writers remain significantly under-represented in maritime fiction and that MWP is encouraging a new generation of Nigerian writers to explore stories around the ocean, shipping, coastal communities and the blue economy.

by Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos