Commentaries

Nigeria’s Loss of IMO Seat: One Defeat Too Many

Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation

Last week Friday, Nigeria once again lost its bid to regain the Category C seat of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in a keenly contested election in London Headquarters of the world body.

Last weekend’s loss makes it the sixth consecutive failed attempt which Nigeria made to recapture the global crown it lost in 2011.

The latest loss was particularly painful and dramatic as the country lost against high expectations and hope for a better outing.

Disappointed stakeholders have since then been making wild guesses as to why Nigeria has consistently become a serial loser at the IMO Council seat elections.

While some believed that the maritime administration in Nigeria has not done enough to make the country merit a seat to dine with serious maritime nations in the world, others believed the loss was an unfair reflection of efforts of the present management of NIMASA to shore up our maritime fortunes.

Not a few stakeholders gave Nigeria a chance to clinch the coveted position which it narrowly lost to Kenya by one vote in 2019.

Nonetheless, we are saddened by this latest loss given the level of improvements we thought our maritime administration has recorded in recent times.

Before this time, the previous losses have mainly been attributed to the notoriety of Nigeria’s waters for pirate attacks as well as the shambled state of our ship registry.

Our Search and Rescue operations were also blamed while the poor level of compliance of port infrastructures to the ISPS code was not spared.

But in recent times, the present management of NIMASA led by Dr Bashir Jamoh has shown uncommon commitment and courage to tackle these challenges.

We can recall that incidents of pirate attacks on our waters drastically reduced early this year due to the collaborative efforts of NIMASA with the Navy.

The notorious Gulf of Guinea was calmer in recent times due to the conscious collaborative efforts and strategic partnership which Nigeria had with foreign Navies whose presence has helped to reduce the incidence of piracy in the region.

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) even acknowledged this feat in its quarterly assessment reports.

Incidents of piracy in the first nine months of 2021 are the lowest reported in 17 years.

This represents 77 percent decrease in incidents between 2021 and 2020 and 95 percent reduction from 2018. “The IMB also reported a 39 percent reduction in piracy and armed robbery incidents in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG),” said Jimoh.

To complement its security efforts on Nigerian waters, NIMASA launched an operation of a modern and sophisticated security architecture known as Command, Control Computer Communication and Information System(C4i).

This is to create maximum security, strong surveillance as well as low freight costs that will boost the confidence of investors and port users.

Also, the NIMASA management took a bold step to revamp the ship registry which has for some years been a disincentive for ships to fly Nigeria’s flag.

On the ISPS code compliance level of Nigerian Ports facilities, the United States Coast Guards (USCG) commended NIMASA as the Designated Authority (DA) over the improved compliance level attained by the country which was rated at 90 percent.

The Search and Rescue operations of the agency have recorded significant milestones in recent times with its rescue operations to salvage distressed ships, passengers, and crew members.

To put the icing on the cake, the Federal Government, early this year, launched the multi-billion dollars security apparatus called deep blue project which was a revolutionary security architecture to sweep our waters of criminal elements.

The project, being driven by NIMASA, involves all other security agencies whose personnel are equipped with the sophisticated hardware and assets acquired under the project to engage criminals on our waters and keep our waters safe.

The international community even commended this security initiative which it confessed has considerable calming effects on the raging Gulf of Guinea.

With all these efforts to improve maritime security and Safety on our waters, which is the core function of any maritime administration in the world and for which Nigeria through NIMASA has acquitted itself, what more does the world want?

The efforts of the incumbent NIMASA management in maritime security have even been acknowledged by the IMO when the body described Nigeria as the most improved maritime nation in the sub-region.

Why then are all these efforts by Nigeria not rewarded with a victory at the IMO elections?

As far as we are concerned, Nigeria lost the elections to grand international conspiracy and criminal gang-up by her jealous and ingrate neighbours.

We are not by any means suggesting that our challenges in the maritime industry are over.

On the contrary, we still need to firm up on some other key areas of administration and operations to put the industry on a sound footing, especially the grey areas identified in the audit exercise by the IMO.

But our position is that, unlike the previous defeats which Nigeria has suffered since 2011, the current loss is most unjustified and unkindest cut given the sincerity of purpose of Jamoh- led management in its reformation agenda in the industry aimed at correcting some of the administrative and operational lapses that had hitherto caused our failures at the IMO Council elections.

Despite this loss, however, we would like to commend Nigeria nay NIMASA for fighting a good battle.

They have put up a good show.

To us Nigeria didn’t lose as a result of administrative ineptitude and operational laxity as some critics may want us to believe but instead, we lost to bad international politics heavily steeped in “bad belle”.

We want to encourage Jamoh and his team not to be despondent nor allow their fighting spirit to be dampened as a result of this defeat which to us, was “against the run of play”.

Rather, the management should go back to the drawing board and commence immediate preparations for the next IMO council elections in 2023.

The defeat should also spur NIMASA to improve on its current drive to reform the maritime industry that will make us break the chains of defeat in subsequent elections.

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Commentaries

Dapo Okubadejo – Visionary leader poised for greater responsibilities in Ogun State

Olufemi Orioye

As the political landscape of Ogun State continues to evolve with an eye on the 2027 general elections, one name that is increasingly being highlighted as a strong contender for the Deputy Governorship seat is Honorable Dapo Okubadejo, the Economic Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun and the state’s Commissioner for Finance.

Okubadejo has, over the past few years, proven his exceptional leadership, financial expertise, and unwavering commitment to the development of Ogun State.

His strategic vision and remarkable track record make him not just a key player in Ogun’s economic progress but also a potential catalyst for even greater growth under the leadership of Senator Solomon Adeola as the incoming governor of the Gateway state

A Financial Maestro with Proven Expertise

Honourable. Dapo Okubadejo’s journey into public service began with an impressive academic background and a career that spans several years in both the public and private sectors.

As the Economic Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Commissioner for Finance in Ogun State, Okubadejo has demonstrated remarkable financial stewardship, steering the state’s economic activities with a blend of innovation, accountability, and transparency.

His ability to manage the state’s finances during times of economic uncertainty, alongside his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, has earned him the admiration of his colleagues and the public alike.

Role in Ogun State Government

Since joining the Ogun State government in 2019, Okubadejo has been a key figure in shaping the state’s economic policies.

-He leads the state’s economic management team

-Oversees budgeting, revenue generation, and fiscal planning

-Helps design and implement economic reforms and development strategies

-His work has focused on improving internally generated revenue, attracting investment, and strengthening financial governance in the state.

One of his notable achievements has been his role in stabilizing the state’s revenue generation systems.

Under his leadership, Ogun State has witnessed a remarkable improvement in internally generated revenue (IGR), reducing reliance on federal allocations.

Okubadejo through his intellectual prowess with his financial expertise has increased the state internal generated revenue from the paltry sum of twenty million naira annually before the current administration to almost three hundred million naira annually while the state’s annual budget of its former four hundred and fifty million naira has also increased to over one trillion naira within seven years in office

This feat has not only enhanced the state’s financial autonomy but has also allowed for greater flexibility in executing developmental projects aimed at improving the lives of residents.

His work on creating a more efficient budget system has allowed Ogun State to channel resources towards key infrastructural projects, education, and health initiatives, creating a ripple effect that benefits the state’s entire economy.

With the forthcoming 2027 elections in sight, Okubadejo’s financial acumen is seen as a valuable asset in managing the economic demands of the state, making him a strong candidate for the deputy governorship role

Who is Dapo Okubadejo?

Dapo Okubadejo is a Nigerian financial expert, investment adviser, and politician who plays a central role in the economic management of Ogun State.

He currently serves as the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun, positions he has held since 2019.

Background and Education

Okubadejo was born in Ogun State, Nigeria, and hails from Ijebu Ode.

He studied Agriculture at Obafemi Awolowo University and later earned a master’s degree in International Finance from the University of Glasgow.

Professional Career

Before joining government, he built a distinguished career in global finance:

He started at Arthur Andersen in 1992, rising to senior management

He became an Equity Partner at KPMG by serving as Head of Deal Advisory and Private Equity for West Africa and later Africa

Okubadejo worked extensively on corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and investment advisory across multiple sectors

He is widely regarded as an expert in international finance, project finance, and investment strategy, advising both governments and private investors

Reputation Within policy and business circle

Okubadejo is known for his technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong background in global finance.

His influence in Ogun’s economic planning has made him one of the most prominent technocrats in the state’s administration.

In simple terms, Dapo Okubadejo is a top financial strategist in government, combining private-sector experience with public service to manage and guide Ogun State’s economy.

A Vision for Ogun’s Future

Okubadejo’s approach to governance has always been rooted in the vision of a prosperous and self-reliant Ogun State.

His involvement in strategic economic planning has positioned the state to be one of the top economic hubs in Nigeria.

His work on the Ogun State Development Plan, a comprehensive blueprint designed to take the state into the next decade of growth, is a testament to his long-term vision.

In recent years, Okubadejo has worked closely with Governor Dapo Abiodun to champion initiatives that will diversify the state’s economy beyond its traditional agricultural base.

He has been a vocal advocate for the growth of the state’s industrial and technological sectors, recognizing that sustainable growth will depend on the development of these critical industries. Under his guidance,

Ogun has attracted both local and international investors, with the state’s manufacturing and technology parks seeing significant expansions.

His forward-thinking policies also emphasize the empowerment of local entrepreneurs and the creation of an environment conducive to innovation.

These initiatives not only stimulate job creation but also lay the foundation for a more resilient economy in the face of global challenges.

Strong Leadership with Community Focus

What sets Okubadejo apart from other political figures is his focus on the people.

He has consistently emphasized the need for governance that listens to the aspirations of the citizens and aligns policies with their needs.

In his various roles, Okubadejo has worked tirelessly to improve the welfare of the average Ogun resident, prioritizing education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

His leadership style is centred on collaboration and inclusivity.

Whether it’s working with other government officials, the private sector, or the general public, Okubadejo believes in building consensus and fostering unity.

His focus on transparency has earned him the trust of both the government and the people, a crucial quality for anyone seeking to hold a high office.

As the Economic Adviser to Governor Abiodun, Okubadejo has acted as a bridge between the state and its international partners, bringing in crucial investments and resources that have accelerated Ogun’s development

His ability to navigate the complexities of global economics while staying grounded in local needs has set him apart as a visionary leader with the kind of global perspective necessary for Ogun to thrive in the coming years.

A Partnership with Senator Solomon Adeola

With the selection of Senator Solomon Adeola as the Ogun State APC gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 elections, the stage is set for a formidable partnership between two leaders who are committed to the state’s prosperity.

Adeola’s wealth of experience in the Senate, coupled with Okubadejo’s financial expertise, presents a strong combination capable of driving Ogun’s next wave of development.

Okubadejo’s deep understanding of state finances, paired with Adeola’s experience in federal legislative matters, makes them a powerful duo in the pursuit of greater infrastructure, job creation, and economic development in Ogun

The synergy between the two would create a dynamic team ready to confront the challenges of governance with confidence and competence.

A Bright Future for Ogun State

As the 2027 elections draw near, Ogun State’s political landscape looks set for transformative changes.

Honourable Dapo Okubadejo’s potential as the next Deputy Governor is undeniable.

His solid record in public service, combined with his clear vision for the future, makes him a fitting choice for a leadership role that demands both experience and foresight.

With Okubadejo at his side, Senator Solomon Adeola would undoubtedly have a reliable partner to help push Ogun State to even greater heights.

Their combined efforts promise a prosperous, self-reliant Ogun State that will be a model for other regions to follow.

In conclusion, as Ogun State prepares for the 2027 elections, one thing is certain: Dapo Okubadejo stands out as an exceptional leader ready to take on greater responsibilities and continue his journey of service to the people of Ogun State.

His appointment as Deputy Governor would not only be a reward for his dedicated service but also a step toward securing a brighter future for all Ogun residents.

Commentaries

AMBO At 60: The technocrat Osun needs for defining future

Abiola Oluwaseun.

Today, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, turns 60.

Yet his birthday is more than a personal milestone; it has become a political moment for Osun State, where citizens increasingly recognise that competence, not theatrics, must define the next chapter of leadership.

Over the decades, the name AMBO has evolved from an acronym into a brand of leadership: calm yet decisive, technocratic yet deeply connected to the grassroots, firm yet unfailingly humane.

In a political climate where noise is often mistaken for achievement, Oyebamiji represents a refreshing countercurrent.

His rise embodies what governance should be , that is, thoughtful, grounded, and anchored in systems that outlive individuals.

Born and raised in Ikire, Oyebamiji’s childhood reflected the realities of rural Southwestern Nigeria in the 1970s: modest homes, tight-knit families, and parents who believed that education was the greatest inheritance.

These early experiences shaped his enduring ethos, which holds that success must be built on discipline, learning, and service, rather than shortcuts or populist gimmicks.

That ethos carried him into the banking sector in the late 1980s, where he began a nearly 40-year career spanning commercial banking, investment management, and public finance.

Whether at Wema Bank or in later roles, he became known for precision, calmness and an uncommon ability to navigate complexity, attributes that would later define his public life.

For instance, as Commissioner for Finance in Osun State, Oyebamiji earned a reputation for steadiness when the economy was anything but steady.

He managed crises, stabilised financial systems, and insisted on transparency at a time when many states were buckling under fiscal pressure.

At the helm of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), he introduced reforms that revived a long-neglected sector.

His insistence on safety protocols, digital compliance systems, and staff capacity-building restored credibility to an agency once dismissed as dormant.

These reforms did not just solve immediate problems; they laid structural foundations that will endure long after his exit, a hallmark of leaders who build institutions rather than headlines.

In a political era dominated by theatrics, Oyebamiji’s competence is a quiet but persuasive argument for a different kind of governance.

Perhaps the most compelling part of AMBO’s recent journey is his intentional return to the grassroots.

Long before declaring his gubernatorial ambition, he toured all 30 local government areas of Osun and sometimes with only a handful of aides, meeting traditional rulers, youth groups, farmers, market women, and party stakeholders.

What he offered was not money or slogans, but time and listening, a rarity in modern politics.

Residents expected a quick speech and a hurried exit. Instead, they encountered a man willing to sit on wooden stools, walk through farms, and ask honest questions about fertiliser, rural roads, and food prices.

That ability to combine technocratic sophistication with human connection has become one of his strongest political assets.

In a state where people insist on touchable leadership, AMBO passes the test.

Osun stands at a crossroads. After three years under an administration more famous for dance-floor theatrics than developmental strategy, the state confronts deep financial pressures, faltering infrastructure, an underperforming agrarian economy, and widening political fractures.

Now, this moment demands a financial expert, not a financial gambler, a planner, not a performance artist and systems builder, not another administrator of stagnation.

In every measurable way, AMBO fits the brief.

His mastery of budgeting, revenue optimisation, and long-term economic planning is not theoretical but proven.

His experience with national logistics and waterway infrastructure gives him an edge in building rural value chains and improving mobility.

And his calm but firm leadership style offers a bridge for a politically divided state yearning for stability.

Some analysts argue that Osun’s next leader must be someone whose legitimacy comes from competence rather than charisma.

Others point to AMBO’s organic support base, who are mostly youths, traditional councils, workers, and party stakeholders, as evidence of a candidate whose popularity grows not from noise but from trust.

At 60, Oyebamiji stands at the convergence of experience, foresight, and maturity.

He is part of a generation of technocrats who understand both the old Osun and the new one that must emerge.

His ambition is not driven by desperation but by preparedness.

As one associate puts it, “AMBO is the kind of leader who prepares long before he steps into the arena.”

That discipline is rare and that’s precisely what Osun needs.

Birthdays are checkpoints, and at 60, AMBO arrives at one with a résumé richer than that of any aspirant in the race: a childhood rooted in Ikire, a career refined in the banking halls of Lagos, a reputation tested in Osun’s public finance, and a national leadership role that broadened his perspective.

He embodies a blend of technocratic depth, local legitimacy, and national exposure.

As Osun inches toward its next gubernatorial transition, the question is not whether AMBO is qualified.

It is whether the state is ready to embrace the kind of leadership that prioritises systems over spectacle, results over rhetoric, and people over performance.

The evidence suggests that Osun’s moment of clarity has come just as history often rewards preparedness with opportunity, politics rewards timing.

And at 60, with his credentials, character, and deepening support across the state, it is increasingly clear that this is AMBO’s time.

Abiola Oluwaseun writes from Gbogan, Osun State

Commentaries

Who is afraid of Bashir Jamoh, NIMASA boss?

Bashir Jamoh, DG, NIMASA

Ikechukwu Ukaegbu

The resurfacing of corruption allegations against the DG NIMASA sparks of nothing short of mischief.

Social media has been awashed with the fake news that N1.5 trillion, $9 Million looted funds were traced to NIMASA boss, Bashir Jamoh’s Personal Account.

However, what is more nauseating is the circulation of this false and stale information by social media users without any form of fact-checking.

No wonder experts have stated that the third world war may be triggered by the misuse of the internet.

About a year ago, Jackson Ude published a damaging article accusing Dr. Jamoh of corruption. Ude is a self-acclaimed journalist and lapdog for the opposition and other disgruntled elements.

He has carved a niche for blackmailing and maligning the government and its top officials.

Owing to his innocence, the NIMASA DG immediately issued a rebuttal and to further validate his incorruptibility, wrote to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) requesting that the allegation leveled against him be investigated; a gesture which was applauded by the public and viewed as a bold move and first of its kind.

Meanwhile, investigations conducted since last year by notable sources revealed that the allegations were nothing but an outright falsehood and mistaken identity.

The analysis of screenshots of chats shared by Ude showed that the report was actually against a retired employee of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Hamza Jamo, who happened to also be a representative of Talent Enterprise, a Dubai-based training firm.

Forensic analysis also showed that the number shared by Ude belonged to the NNPC former staff and not the NIMASA DG but Ude in his quest for mischief refused to conduct due diligence before publishing the disparaging report.

Also, the Dubai-based company, which the former NNPC staff represents went on to issue a statement denying ever having any business relationship with NIMASA or with its Director General.

It is also because the allegations against the NIMASA boss by security agencies were discovered to be false that the EFCC never went after him. Instead, a manhunt was launched for Ude for his detrimental lies.

As usual, he cowardly fled. From a distance outside Nigeria, he throws stones big enough to destroy others’ integrity. Jamoh is not his first or only victim. Ude has targeted many innocent people. He has never proved his allegations. When sued for reputational damage, he is not found to be brought to book.

The recycling of stale information and fake news a year after it was circulated for ill-intentioned purposes is unfortunate and tactless. It is not surprising that these attacks came at a time Jamoh planned to contest the Kaduna State Governorship post.

That it coincided with this political outing revealed an attempt by saboteurs. But he is not going to be on the ballot. Making the spread of the fake information at the heels of the suspension of the Accountant General is a futile effort designed to make the Buhari Government look corrupt.

But despite these continued attempts by the likes of Ude and his sponsors to distract him, Jamoh has excelled as the NIMASA DG.

His appointment by the President is indicative of his capacity to perform excellently, especially with his more than 30 years of experience in the maritime sector.

Not only has he integrated national security and waterways protection infrastructure in the country, he initiated the SHADE Gulf of Guinea project which is playing an active role in tackling sea piracy.

It was following this genius initiative that the International Maritime Bureau struck out Nigeria from its piracy list. In addition, due to his innovative leadership, the number of seafarers has increased with over 2, 000 Nigerians trained under the National Seafarers Development Programme while security to over 22 port facilities in Nigeria has substantially improved.

No doubt, these immeasurable, achievements in just one year have led to enhanced developments in the Nigerian maritime industry. Understandably, his opponents are unhappy and have resorted to adversarial antics to soil his name and make nonsense of his feats.

Nigerians must stand up against fake news and its harmful effect. The use of yellow journalists to attack and undermine honest as well as passionate government officials who are making giant strides in their areas of appointments to move Nigeria forward should also be totally condemned.

As the DG NIMASA continues to write his name in the sands of time, let those who are after him or his job know that their schemes can only end in futility.

Ikechukwu Ukaegbu, is a Maritime Safety Analyst and resides in Abuja, FCT.