Headlines

We thought NIMASA floating dock belongs to our school—-NMU

Bashir Jamoh, DG, NIMASA

—as Jamoh pledges NIMASA’s support for maritime University

Eyewitness reporter

The management of Nigerian Maritime University(NMU), Okerenkoko Delta State, may have been nursing a forlorn hope of inheriting the multi-billion dollar giant modular floating dock which was purchased by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Their hope was largely fuelled by the unending controversy which surrounded the final abode of the floating dock, many years after it came to Nigeria.

While it seems the floating dock became an orphan without a place to moor the giant asset, stakeholders have suggested that NIMASA should gift the dock to the Nigeria Maritime University to use as its sea-training vessel for its students.

That was before the Nigerian Navy offered its shipyard to accommodate the dock.

Apparently, it was this belief the university management took to the headquarters of NIMASA last week when it paid a courtesy visit to its Director-General, Dr Bashir Jamoh.

During the visit, Dr Jamoh explained the efforts his administration was making to deploy the floating dock for the good of the industry.

Commenting on the Modular Floating Dock, the NIMASA boss noted that experts from the manufacturers of the Floating Dock have been in Nigeria for over a month working on the nitty-gritty of deploying the dockyard.

He also informed the NMU Management that the facility will be available for students from the University for practical experience when it becomes functional.

“Experts from the firm that built the Modular Floating Dockyard have been in Nigeria for quite a while now, providing technical support and working on how to deploy the dockyard productively.

“When I gave them a deadline recently, I was given professional counsel not to rush the deployment. If we have waited this long, we might as well wait a while longer and ensure we don’t regret a deployment in a hurry.

Our students from NMU and other institutions will be welcomed for practical experience in mechanical, electrical, welding, and other areas when we begin full operation.” he said.

It was this explanation that apparently corrected the misconception that the school management had on the floating dock.

The leader of the team and the Chairman of the governing board of the university who was represented by Alhaji Bello Dakku Salihu, expressed delight at clarification about the Modular Floating Dockyard which they had perceived belonged to the school.

” With a better understanding of the history and technicalities involved in the Floating dockyard, we are satisfied with the steps NIMASA management is taking”, the representative of the board chairman of NMU posited.

Dr. Jamoh has however reiterated the Agency’s commitment to the development of the university.

He noted that despite handing over the university to the National University Commission,(NUC) the Agency is committed to supporting NMU by completing projects it initiated in the University.

While advising the Management of NMU to seek national and international accreditations to ensure certificates from the school enjoy global recognition, Jamoh urged NMU management to seek collaboration with the World Maritime University,(WMU) amongst other specialized higher institutions of learning.

“Nigeria Maritime University can conveniently bridge the gap in terms of human capacity deficiency in the Nigerian Maritime sector.

“All you need to do as management is to seek collaboration with similar specialized institutions and ensure that NMU certificates enjoy global recognition.

“Our goal is to seek top-level manpower development from NMU instead of the current situation where institutions abroad are preferred to Nigerian based.”

The NIMASA DG noted that despite handing over the University to the National University Commission, the Agency still makes budgetary provisions for NMU to ensure the completion of projects NIMASA initiated in the university.

“Our belief is that a well-funded NMU will greatly enhance youth employment and engagement, particularly in the Niger Delta Region of the country.

“Our financial commitment to NMU is based on the principle of capacity development.” he declared.

Dr. Jamoh also disclosed that a proposal to convert the NIMASA Science and Technical college Okoloba into a campus of the Nigerian Maritime University is under consideration.

“Our facilities at the Science and Technical College Okoloba in Delta State are grossly being underutilized. A proposal to hand over the facility to the Management of the University is under consideration.”

On his part, the Chairman of the NMU governing board who was represented by Alhaji Bello Dukku Salihu said that “the school is in the process of signing an MoU with the Ghana Maritime University commended NIMASA for constantly supporting the University.

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Customs

Customs shortlists 286,697 candidates from 573,523 applicants eyeing 3,927 vacancies.

– lists conditions for next stage of recruitment exercise

Funso OLOJO

As the race for the 3,927 slots in the Nigeria customs service gets hotter, the Service has shortlisted 286,697 candidates from the total number of 573,523 candidates who applied for the plum job in December, 2024.

In a press statement by the management of the service on the recruitment exercise, 286,697 candidates have been invited to proceed to the next phase of the exercise after a rigorous documentary scrutiny.

According to the Service, the second stage of the exercise is scheduled to take place from September 14th to 21st, 2025 and will be conducted through an online Computer-Based Test (CBT).

The method of examination is a reflection of the Service’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, and fairness in the selection process.

“Candidates shortlisted for the CBT are required to undertake the test at any location of their choice, provided there is reliable internet access.

“The exercise must, however, be conducted using a laptop or desktop computer equipped with a webcam and a full-screen display, as the application is not mobile phone-enabled.

“A facial verification process will be carried out during login; therefore, candidates are advised to maintain a neat appearance to avoid difficulties with recognition.

“The CBT application is sensitive to noise and body movement. Accordingly, candidates must remain fully focused throughout the test’s duration, as excessive movement, whispering, or background distractions may result in automatic logout by the system.

“In the same vein, candidates are advised to avoid switching between windows during the test, as such actions will be flagged as malpractice and may lead to disqualification.

“To further assist shortlisted applicants, the Service has made provisions for a mandatory pre-test exercise, which will be conducted two days before the actual CBT.

“This session will enable candidates to familiarise themselves with the application.

” In this regard, two separate links will be sent to all shortlisted applicants, one for the pre-test and another for the actual examination.

“Candidates who applied for the Superintendent Cadre (Level 8) should note that they will be invited for an additional CBT in the next phase of the recruitment exercise.

“This provision does not apply to the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.

“The Nigeria Customs Service assures all stakeholders that the ongoing recruitment process remains strictly merit-driven and transparent.

“Successful candidates will be duly informed of subsequent phases of the exercise through the Service’s official communication channels, the details of which will be conveyed in due course.

“Applicants are strongly advised to adhere strictly to the issued guidelines and to rely solely on verified official platforms of the Service for authentic updates, as the NCS will neither request any form of payment nor conduct recruitment activities on social media platforms” the statement concluded.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is pleased to inform the general public on the progress of its ongoing recruitment exercise, which commenced with an official advertisement published in national newspapers on Friday, 27th December 2024.

In line with its statutory mandate to strengthen manpower capacity and enhance service delivery, a total of 3,927 vacancies were declared across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres.

The Service received a total of 573,523 applications during the first phase of the exercise.

Customs

Comptroller Oshoba hits the ground running with record of N20 billion revenue collection in single day

Gloria Odion

The new Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has served a strong message about his intention to beat the record of his predecessor, Assistant Comptroller- General of Customs, Babatunde Olomu as he has a collection of N20 billion in a single day.

The new Controller made this feat barely 24 hours after he assumed office on Monday, September 8th, 2025.

The latest record-breaking collection now stands as the highest daily revenue of any command in the Nigeria Customs Service, using the Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu

This record has not only broken the existing ₦18b achieved by the command but has also confirmed the new CAC’s resolve to meet and surpass the revenue target set for the command as stated in his maiden address on Monday

Shortly after taking over, Comptroller Oshoba met with senior officers of the command where he commended them for the great feats achieved in the past with a directive urging them to increase their tempo of productivity.

He reminded them that outstanding results are the real proof of hard work, dedication and uncompromising disposition to duty and that he believes they could do better than they did before his arrival.

On the recent ₦20.1b collection in a day, Comptroller Oshoba said it’s only the beginning of greater exploits and it’s not time for celebration because he foresees greater achievements for the flagship command of NCS under his leadership

He described B’Odogwu as a necessity in the build-up to a more modern and efficient customs administration in Nigeria with potential to strengthen the country’s position as Africa’s largest economy noted for trade facilitation.

“I commend my team and stakeholders for this great milestone of ₦20.1b collection in one day just 24 hours after I resumed here.

” It’s not the time to clap yet because clapping means removing your two hands from work to celebrate.

“Let’s leave the celebration and applause for days ahead when we shall have future achievements of surpassing targets, curbing any attempted smuggling or concealment and treating trade with productive speed without compromising our integrity.

“I believe in action, which speaks louder than words

“We are all part of history as our collective efforts are resonating positively on the Nigerian economy.

” I urge my officers to keep the great work going and for the stakeholders, they should stay on the path of compliance ” Comptroller Oshoba said.

Headlines

Resurgence of boat mishaps unsettles NIWA as Oyebamiji unfolds new measures to tackle waterways accidents

Gloria Odion

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has unfolded though measures aimed at curbing the resurgence of boat mishaps on the nation’s waterways.

The resurgence of waterways accidents, especially the fatality recently recorded in boat mishap in Niger State, has made NIWA to tighten safety measures on the waterways.

Addressing newsmen on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 in Abuja, the Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, announced immediate ban on all loading activities from unauthorised points across the country, insisting that only recognised and registered jetties may be used.

He also mandated all commercial operators to provide lifejackets for passengers, while every boat must clearly display its name and load line.

Oyebamiji gave a directive that all unlicensed boats and watercraft be removed from the waterways, while unlicensed drivers and operators are prohibited from carrying out any operations.

The Authority also called on riverine states to partner with NIWA in safety campaigns, training of operators, procurement and distribution of lifejackets, provision of landing platforms and deployment of modern ferries.

Oyebamiji reiterated his call for the establishment of Coast guards for inland waterways, describing it as an essential enforcement tool that would significantly strengthen NIWA’s safety drive.

The NIWA boss thereafter launched into past measures taken by the Authority to reduce boat mishaps on the waterways.

He noted that since the appointment of the current management in October 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NIWA has implemented a number of far-reaching reforms and initiatives aimed at reducing accidents on the waterways.

He recalled that within the first six months of the administration, the long-awaited Water Transportation Code was gazetted and launched to regulate operators, passengers, and users of the waterways.

Within the same period, Oyebamiji further disclosed,the Authority also inaugurated 15 new operational assets, including patrol boats, water ambulances, survey boats and passenger ferries, while also commissioning new facilities such as the NIWA Clinic and administrative building at its headquarters in Lokoja to improve efficiency.

To enforce compliance, he recalled that the Authority deployed Water Marshals, which have now increased from 80 personnel at inception to 350 across the country.

“Passenger safety has been enhanced through the introduction of a manifest system at recognised jetties to improve record-keeping, while Water Marshals also ensure that the “No Lifejacket, No Boarding” regulation is strictly enforced.

“In addition, the reactivation of Search and Rescue Stations has reduced NIWA’s emergency response time to less than 30 minutes.

“The Authority has also taken its safety awareness campaigns directly to loading points and jetties, reaching more than 300 communities in 2025 alone.

“These grassroots engagements are complemented by periodic campaigns in local languages on radio, television, newspapers and digital platforms.

On the technical side, Mr. Oyebamiji explained that NIWA has intensified channel maintenance for safer navigation.

Marine navigational buoys have been installed on the Lower and Upper Niger, while hydrographic surveys and profiling have been completed from Warri to Baro Port, covering 624 kilometres.

He said the Authority has continued to remove aquatic waste, logs and wrecks from waterways to further enhance navigability, while collaboration with sub national governments has also been strengthened.

He also recalled that in October 2024, NIWA convened a stakeholders’ meeting with state transportation commissioners and other maritime stakeholders in Abuja to deliberate on measures to eliminate boat accidents.

“That meeting produced a communique outlining responsibilities for both federal and state governments.

According to the Managing Director, some states have already started acting on these commitments by providing ferries and lifejackets to their citizens, with Niger State standing out as a prime example.

Mr. Oyebamiji commended the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his unwavering support.

“In the last four months alone, the Ministry has helped NIWA distribute over 45,000 standard lifejackets across twelve states, while also leading state-level safety campaigns in Niger and Bayelsa.

Looking ahead, NIWA intends to deepen collaboration with the Marine Police and the Nigerian Navy, especially in enforcing the ban on overloading, night sailing between 6 pm and 6 am, and compulsory use of lifejackets.

Oyebamiji disclosed that NIWA’s initiatives have already reduced accidents and deaths on the waterways by more than 70 percent compared to previous years, but stressed that more can still be done.

He described the safety of Nigerians on the waterways as a national duty requiring the collective efforts of all stakeholders.

“Based on the innovations and renewed commitment to our mandates, we have reduced waterway accidents and deaths by more than 70 percent.

“But we must do more. Establishing Coastal Guards and deepening collaboration with states and security agencies will help us achieve an accident-free waterway system,” he said.