It was not the usual press conference as often replete in most Customs Area Commands spread across the Lagos axis. For Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port, Apapa Command, it was time to say a big ‘thank you!’ to the journalists from across the numerous beat associations whom he described as ‘partners in progress …

President Tinubu calls for prompt ratification of ocean biodiversity treaty and urges increased funding for Nigeria’s blue economy at UN Ocean Conference in France

At the ongoing United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Nigeria has made a strong call for the prompt ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and a significant increase in funding for blue economy initiatives to ensure the protection and sustainable use of the world’s oceans. Delivering Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, …

Nigerdock, promoters of Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ), has announced the establishment of Transocean Coatings FZE, an affiliate of Transocean Coatings Nigeria Limited. At the official signing ceremony, Nigerdock Chief Executive Officer, Maher Jarmakani said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Transocean Coatings Nigeria to our economic zone, and look forward to a partnership that will significantly contribute to the …

Maritime industry stakeholders have applauded the Nigeria/China currency swap initiative recently embarked upon by both countries, even as they urged the Federal Government to watch out for possible long terms adverse consequences of the deal. The critical maritime industry operators were unanimous that while the currency swap deal remains a transformative policy instrument that will significantly reduce shipping costs, enhance …

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has approved the appointment of Dr. Bolaji Akinola as his Adviser on Media and Communications. Akinola, a highly respected maritime and corporate communications expert, brings over twenty-five years of extensive experience and deep industry knowledge to his new role. Throughout his distinguished career, Akinola has built a strong reputation for his insightful …

The Federal Government has once again raised hopes of disbursement of the Cabotage Vessels Financing Funds (CVFF). The funds, which was set up 22 years ago and largely contributed by Nigerian indigenous ships owners, is said to have accrued $350 million (about N420 billion), as at November last year. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale …

Amidst heightened concern of likely drug use by boat operators leading to many boat mishaps along River Niger, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is seeking a partnership with National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other agencies to run tests on operators. LEADERSHIP reports that within one year, boat mishaps have claimed no fewer than …

The Director of Research, Sea Empowerment Research Centre, Dr. Eugene Nweke has appealed to stakeholders in the maritime industry to allow the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) which would in turn add value to the Nigerian ports system. Since the news of the planned reintroduction of the ICTN filtered in, the subject has generated a heated debate …

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that agencies in the Marine and Blue Economy increased revenue generated to the coffers of the federal government by 77%. He disclosed this in an interactive session with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Lagos. According to him, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) during the 120 …