Headlines
Shipping costs soar as Ukraine war hits maritime trade: UNCTAD

The war in Ukraine is one of the major issues affecting international maritime transport, compounding other challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic and port congestion, and contributing hugely to higher shipping costs, says a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
For instance, the Russian Federation and Ukraine are prominent players in agrifood markets, including animal feed.
Gokaran Singh Pawar, General Manager-Sales of edible oil company Sunpure, says prices of edible oil shot up in the past few months due to multiple global factors, including the ongoing Ukraine war, resulting in supply chain disruption.
Not just oil, but other products have been impacted too, says the UNCTAD report.
Global shipments of fertiliser and its inputs such as potash are projected to drop by 7 percent in 2022.
Grain prices and shipping costs have risen since 2020, but the war has exacerbated this trend and reversed a temporary decline.
The Russian Federation is also a leading oil and gas exporter. In the face of trade restrictions and logistical challenges, the cost of oil and gas has increased as they have to be sourced from other places that are far away.
Higher energy costs have led to higher marine bunker prices, thereby increasing the shipping costs for all sectors.
If global trade is to flow more smoothly, Ukrainian ports should be opened up to international shipping.
Headlines
Edward Osagie, NIMASA spokesman, shines at 2025 National Spokespersons’ Awards in Abuja

–— emerges outstanding spokesperson in Marine and Blue Economy sector
Oyewale emerged winner in a highly competitive category that included Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga and Josephine Adokuru Mudasiru of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA.
The Chairman of the award’s Adjudication Committee, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, while commending the nominees, emphasized that the selection process was rigorous and driven by merit.
Oyewale stood out for his infusion of finesse in strategic communication, skillful workmanship, impactful media engagements and consistency in the excellent projection of the EFCC’s image and in enhancing public understanding of the Commission’s mandate and activities.
Other winners from other categories include: Olufemi Soneye (NNPCL) as Distinguished Spokesperson of the Year (Oil and Gas), Nigerian Customs Service as Best Corporate Spokesperson Team, Kashifu Inuwa (NITDA) as Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector), Femi Babafemi (NDLEA) as Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services).
Soneye (NNPCL) beat ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of Nigeria Police, Igo Weli-Shell Petroleum, Olumuyiwa Akande, SIFAX Group and Osagie Edward-NIMASA to emerge Spokesperson of the Year.
In his remarks, Joshua Audu Gana, Member House of Representatives congratulated the organizers for identifying and rewarding the outstanding communicators across various sectors.
The Special Guest of Honour, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr, emphasized the need for institutions and organizations to involve spokespersons in policy formulation and decision-making processes, noting that spokespersons should be equipped with first-hand knowledge of key issues so as to enhance their effective and accurate public communication.
The National Spokespersons Awards is Nigeria’s foremost platform for celebration of excellence in public relations, strategic communication, and media management.
The award is an annual celebration of individuals and organizations that demonstrate professionalism, innovation, and impactful public communication.
Customs
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