Maritime

Sierra Leone Assures Support For MOWCA’s Safety Navigation

Published

2 years ago

April 29, 2024

The Secretary General Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr Paul Adalikwu, has received additional support from the government of Sierra Leone in the organisation’s drive to reduce maritime accidents and promote safe navigation in West and Central Africa.
Adalikwu, who was in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital, to meet with the country’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Fanday Turay, expressed MOWCA’s concern over the various marine accidents involving ferries, boats, barges and other watercrafts, said such accidents are avoidable when safety measures and practices are adhered to.
The MOWCA SG decried the loss of lives and investments occasioned by the various marine accidents and formally invited Sierra Leone to the regional workshop on safety of inland waterways and passenger ferries in West and Central Africa planned to hold in Libreville, Gabon, from 15-17 July, 2024.
He added that MOWCA is organising the training in conjunction with the IMO and International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF).
He drew attention to a boat accident that occurred in Gabon in 2023 in which over 60 persons died and seven were declared missing, saying the incident prompted MOWCA to approach Gabon to offer assistance in planning the workshop .
Adalikwu informed the Minister that MOWCA is offering maritime training scholarship to 10 Sierra Leonian youths at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, as part of capacity building drive.

While urging West and Central African countries to prioritise training of operators of boats and ferries, he identified that some of the marine accidents in the sub region involved persons not trained and without any formal record of their particulars.

He advised that water transportation being a critical mode of logistics should not be left unregulated or made an all comers affair in the interest of passengers and safety and avoiding commercial loses to trader victims.

He further explained that the workshop, which will feature training and retraining of operators in the inland waterways space, will serve as a “Train The Trainers” session, which is planned to be cascaded down the line.

According to him, “Our training faculty for the workshop will take participants through basic safety measures that are in sync with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Safety of Lives at Sea (SOLAS) and basics of the Standard of Training Certification and Watch keeping (STCW) as they apply to inland waterways, especially in areas of emergency and occupational safety for smaller platforms.

“We know SOLAS is tailored towards sea going vessels, but measures for accident prevention and response mechanism to emergencies in inland waterways are similar.

“Findings have indicated that most people operating small boats for commercial transportation are not formally trained, which poses great danger to travelers along the inland waterways.

“We are also looking at rules of the road for water transportation, particularly on ways to avoid collision in the event of crafts approaching each other”, he said.

The SG gave his host a copy of MOWCA’s Publication of Annual Report of activities which includes meeting of the Council Ministers with the IMO in 2022 in London, leading to the establishment of a MOWCA-IMO Joint Action Plan on areas of collaboration and cooperation.

Consequently, the Committee of Experts from member States produced six Working Groups on identified areas of needs will meet in Abidjan next month.

He further informed that the Working Groups were inaugurated and had been meeting virtually, with a physical meeting coming up in Abidjan from 6-10 of May, 2024 for which invitations had been extended to Sierra Leone and other countries.

Responding, Ambassador Fanday Turay expressed gratitude to Adalikwu and commended the zeal of the SG in reviving the organisation.

The Minister recalled the age long existing relationship between Nigeria and Sierra Leone and in particular the support from Nigeria during their crises period.

He congratulated the SG for the good work that he has done since he came on board MOWCA and the collaborations he has established with other international organizations.

Turay stated that Sierra Leone was reviewing its maritime documents for onward submission to the Parliament and Cabinet and assured that this will help address such challenges that affect the country’s commitment to international bodies.

The Minister thanked the SG for the 10 scholarship slots at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, noting that most of the Sierra Leonian seafarers were aging and needing younger replacement, hence he views the scholarship as a good way to go.

On the waterway transport, the Minister informed the SG that they sought the assistance of the UNDP to support in the building of jetties, saying that this will go a long way in their transport masterplan.

He assured the SG of maximum cooperation at all times .

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

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