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Nigeria is ready to reclaim category C status at IMO-Jamoh

Eyewitness reporter
The Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr.Bashir Jamoh has declared the readiness of Nigeria to reclaim the Category C status at the International Maritime Organisation(IMO).
It could be recalled that the country has become a serial loser in its attempts to clinch the coveted seat in Category  C at the IMO, losing the seat narrowly in December 2019, making it the fifth time the country will miss the prized seat.
The last time the country sat in that revered group of maritime nations at the IMO was in 2009 during the administration of Dr. Ade Dosunmu as the DG of NIMASA then.
But Jamoh has vowed to break this cycle of electoral defeats of Nigeria at the IMO by ensuring that the country clinches the coveted seat in November when the elections come up.
He made this pledge on Wednesday when he played host to  Executive Members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council led by the Chairman, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi at the NIMASA headquarters in Lagos.
Jamoh hinged his optimism on the successes recorded by NIMASA in degrading the dreaded pirates on the Nigerian waters.
According to him, the activities of pirates have declined drastically by 80 percent on Nigeria’s territorial waters.
“We have recorded a drastic reduction in piracy and this is enough for us to beat our chest and that we are ready to return to the category ‘C’ of membership of International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
“However, the year 2021 has witnessed a significant turnaround under my leadership as insecurity on Nigerian waters had reduced by 80 percent,” he said.
He said that the last time the country had a drop in piracy attack in the nation’s waterways was in 1994, saying that Nigerian waterways were one of the top 10 safest waters in the world.
He noted that this achievement was enough reason to sensitise and inform the international community that the Nigerian waterways are now safe than ever before, as Nigeria must take its rightful position among the comity of nations globally.
“We want the cost of Insurance Premium paid by Nigerians as a result of insecurity to be reconsidered as insecurity in the country’s waterways had drastically reduced, ” Jamoh said.
He lauded the agency for working toward the actualisation of the Blue Economy, adding that the aim and target of the agency were to see that the Blue economy was harnessed to the maximum.
“We have eight coastal states in the country and we want these states to develop their potentials in order to contribute to the country’s revenue,” Jamoh added.
Jamoh however said 783 million dollars had been lost to pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea.
In the area of professional reportage, the Director-General appealed to journalists to be mindful of what information they release to the public.
“Our priority as a nation should be striving to project positive reports that will project Nigeria in better light to the international community as done in advanced countries,” the NIMASA boss said.
Jamoh said that journalists, especially those covering maritime beats, should always hear both sides of a story before going to town with information.
“We cannot achieve much without the media, especially in the area of educating people.
“The role of the media in any society cannot be overemphasized as no agency or society can function effectively without the press because the media helps in shaping public opinion.
“Another election in the Global Maritime Industry (IMO) will hold in November 2021 and I urge the media to showcase achievements of Nigeria to the world before then in order to put Nigeria at the forefront globally.
Jamoh lauded the efforts of other 19 African countries including Nigeria at tackling social vices in the Gulf of Guinea.
He happily received the Executive members of Lagos NUJ and described the visit as a homecoming for Ajayi who served as President of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) between 2009 and 2011.
On his part, the NUJ Chairman assured NIMASA of regular publicity as well as a robust relationship between the Lagos Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists and NIMASA.
He lauded NIMASA for the giant strides it had achieved in the Maritime sector which included safeguarding of Nigeria’s waterways, collaboration with sister agencies of government as well as donations worth millions of naira to the Internally Displaced Persons and victims of disaster in the country.
Ajayi also presented pressing issues of the union before the management of the agency, not forgetting to seek sponsorship for its fast-approaching Press Week scheduled to hold in October 2021.
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Features

Beyond Lagos ports: Why NPA should position Eastern ports for global recognition

Chief Nasiru Ibrahim

Monday Discourse with Ibrahim Nasiru focuses on why government should look beyond Lagos ports and position Eastern ports for global recognition.

Our feature last week on the World Bank Top 20 ranking for Tin Can and Apapa Ports sparked an intense industry debate.

The biggest question raised: What about the rest of Nigeria’s coastlines?

Dropping tomorrow morning, June 29th, 2026,we go beyond the Lagos headlines to break down the hidden operational realities of Nigeria’s Eastern Ports.

Don’t miss “Beyond Lagos: The Untold Realities of Nigeria’s Eastern Corridor Seaports”

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Headlines

NIMASA unveils digital portal to fast track Seafarers’ discharge book processing

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has intensified its digital transformation drive with the launch of an electronic Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal, a platform designed to eliminate bureaucratic delays and automate the application, verification and issuance of Seafarers’ Discharge Books.

The portal was unveiled on Thursday, June 25th, 2026 in Lagos as part of activities commemorating the 2026 Day of the Seafarer, themed “Carrying the World Trade, Carrying the Risk.”

The initiative is expected to improve service delivery, strengthen the integrity of seafarers’ documentation and boost the international competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers through a fully digital certification process.

Speaking at the launch, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the platform as a major milestone in the Agency’s digital transformation agenda.

“As we celebrate the men and women who keep global trade moving, it is imperative that we also provide them with efficient and secure systems that support their professional development.

“The Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal eliminates unnecessary bottlenecks, strengthens the integrity of our certification process and reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to the welfare and global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers,” Mobereola said.

He explained that the portal provides a seamless end-to-end digital process beginning with the verification of applicants’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) through integration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

After successful authentication, applicants create accounts, verify their email addresses through a One-Time Password (OTP), complete live facial capture for identity confirmation and upload mandatory documents, including their Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates and other required credentials.

According to the Director-General, every application is digitally reviewed by the Agency’s Shipping Master, who either approves compliant submissions or returns rejected applications with clear reasons for correction, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.
Upon approval of all required documents, applicants can apply for a new, replacement or temporary Seafarer’s Discharge Book, make payment through the integrated online platform and receive an automatically generated unique Seafarer Discharge Book serial number after successful processing.
Mobereola said the fully automated system would significantly reduce processing time, minimise manual intervention and enhance the security, traceability and authenticity of seafarers’ documentation.
“Technology remains central to our vision of building a modern maritime administration that meets international standards.
“This platform is another demonstration of our resolve to deploy innovative solutions that improve regulatory efficiency while delivering better services to Nigerian seafarers and the maritime industry,” he added.
The launch of the portal reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety standardisation, digital governance and efficient regulatory service delivery in line with global best practices.

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Customs

Customs PR officers dominate NCCSC graduation, clinch overall best honours

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 

The Public Relations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a rare academic feat as two of its officers emerged the top graduating students at the Nigeria Customs Service Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada.

At the graduation ceremony for Senior Course 14 held on Friday,June 26th, 2026,  Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Ridwan Yusuf was named the Overall Best Graduating Student, capping an outstanding performance by winning three additional awards.

His colleague, CSC Nuruddeen Sa’idu, was named the Second Best Graduating Student, completing a remarkable sweep by officers from the Service’s Public Relations Unit.

The double honour highlights the intellectual depth, leadership capacity and professionalism within the Customs Public Relations Unit, demonstrating that its officers excel not only in strategic communication but also in administration, operational management and policy leadership.

Beyond the accolades, the achievement is expected to open another chapter in their careers, as both officers may be retained by the College as Directing Staff, in keeping with the institution’s tradition of engaging its highest-performing graduates to mentor future participants.

If confirmed, the appointments would recognise their exceptional academic and professional abilities while entrusting them with the responsibility of shaping the next generation of Customs leaders, although their absence would be keenly felt within the Public Relations Unit.

The Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit congratulated both officers on their outstanding accomplishments and wished them continued success as they assume greater responsibilities in service to the nation.

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