Headlines

US frets as China pushes to head IMO

, Zhang Xiaojie, China's candidate for IMO Sec.Gen

The eyewitness reporter with agency report

The United States of America (USA) is getting uneasy over the latest move by China to head the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as its Secretary General.

China has thrown its hat into the ring in the race for the exalted position as its candidate, Zhang Xiaojie, is set to take over from Kitack Lim of South Korea, who will relinquish the position in December 2023.

The anxiety of the USA over the ambition of China to lead the IMO is hinged on the possibility of China using the position to hurt the shipping interests of the USA in the global market, especially in the area of exports, fishing, and navies.

It could be recalled that there is no love lost between the two countries in terms of trade as the USA is weary of the dominance of China in the world economy.

This rivalry came to the fore during the administration of Donald Trump when his government tried to cut down the influence of China on the American domestic market.

Maritime experts and commentators have warned the USA of the economic consequences of China’s emergence as the IMO scribe.

Both countries are category A members of the IMO which have the largest interests in providing international shipping services.

However, Brett Schaefer, a Jay Kingham Senior Research Fellow at Margaret Thatcher Center and his counterpart, Steven Groves, a Margaret Thatcher Fellow, both asked the US president, Joe Biden, to stop the ambition of China to head the IMO.

In their report, the two scholars claimed China will use the position to protect and further consolidate its interests in the global shipping trade to the detriment of the USA.

According to them, China is seeking greater influence inside U.N. agencies as it entered the race to head one with authority over global shipping rules.They said though the IMO operates in relative obscurity, its actions have a substantial if indirect, impact on standards of living worldwide.

“There is no question where Zhang Xiaojie the Chinese Candidate for the IMO secretary General position, will fall on any issue of import to Beijing.

“This should be highly troubling to the U.S. and like-minded governments.

“We have seen what the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is capable of when awarded such a leadership position.

“One need only look at how it handled the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which adopts codes, conventions, and guidelines governing procedures and practices for air traffic.

“As ICAO Secretary-General from 2015 to 2021, Chinese national Fang Liu undermined the mission and integrity of the organization.

“Specifically, she used her influence to block Taiwanese participation, undermine accountability, and conceal a Chinese cyber-attack on the ICAO that spread malware to member governments and private industry.

“This is only one example. Whenever Chinese nationals have led U.N. specialized agencies—whether at the International Telecommunication Union, the U.N. Industrial Development Organization, or the Food and Agriculture Organization—they have used their influence to benefit China in defiance of their responsibility to be neutral international civil servants.

“Now the CCP wants to do the same at the IMO, which sets standards for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping.

“The agency also has a role in maritime-related legal matters such as compensation, liability, and facilitation of sea traffic.

“As was made clear at ICAO, China seeks leadership positions in U.N. organizations not from altruistic fidelity to their missions or to bolster their effectiveness, but to advance CCP policies and priorities. Over and over, when a Chinese national assumes a position of authority in the United Nations system, Beijing demands that they support and advance Chinese interests.

“So now that China has put forth a candidate to lead the IMO, we must ask why China wants this position and how it serves Beijing’s interests.

“Though the IMO operates in relative obscurity, its actions have a substantial, if indirect, impact on standards of living worldwide. More than 80 percent of global trade in goods is delivered by sea, meaning that every person benefits from safe, secure, and timely shipping.

“Beyond the consumer, the IMO also impacts national interests.

“The IMO has focused increasingly on combating air pollution and decarbonization related to shipping, including a “rapid shift from today’s predominant use of fossil fuels to zero-carbon alternatives,” and combatting illegal and unregulated fishing.

“The IMO also sets rules and standards that affect military maritime movement through key international waterways such as the Straits of Malacca and through strategic archipelagic sea lanes in Indonesia and the Philippines.

“China has a strong interest in these issues. When combined, China and Hong Kong rank first among the world’s nations in terms of ownership by commercial value and third in terms of shipping registries, so rules and regulations that require refitting or updates to vessels disproportionately impact China.

“Illegal and exploitative legal fishing by Chinese vessels, often held by state-owned enterprises, is extensive and conducted at an unprecedented scale. Historically, China has strongly objected when U.S. warships sail through the Taiwan Strait to enforce freedom of navigation principles.

“Beijing has an interest in shaping how the IMO will address these matters.

“China also has significant commercial and military interests in the South China Sea, over which it has claimed “indisputable sovereignty.”

“The Chinese navy regularly harasses foreign military ships in the South China Sea and has systematically built military bases through an unprecedented program of dredging and artificial island-building.

“The IMO plays a critical role in setting the rules of the road through the South China Sea” the two scholars submitted.

However, in July, the 40 member states of the IMO Council will meet to elect the next Secretary-General.

The selection is then submitted for approval to all 175 member states later in 2023 and the new Secretary-General assumes office in 2024.

However, the maritime commentators believed that Zhang Xiaojie, tge Chinese Candidate, should be the greatest concern and worry for the US.

Zhang Xiaojie had served as head of China’s delegation to the IMO Council since 2015 and also served as Chair of the Council for 2018-2019.

This put him in a vantage position and made him well-known to the people that would elect the next Secretary-General.

Notably, he has served in numerous posts in the Chinese government, including Director of International Organizations and Multilateral Affairs in the Ministry of Transport.

“In short, he has worked in the Chinese government in various posts for over 30 years.

“Having been charged with advancing China’s interests in the IMO, he knows China’s agenda in the organization intimately.

The Margaret Thatcher Center scholars both claimed that Zhang Xiaojie will not have a free hand if elected as Secretary-General as he will be teleguided by his home government to advance Chinese interests through hiring and managerial decisions, just as Fang Liu did at the ICAO.

“Considering that the CCP expects Chinese nationals to advance its agenda even when serving as senior international civil servants—under threat of arrest and punishment—there is no question where Zhang Xiaojie will fall on any issue of import to Beijing.”This should be highly troubling to the U.S. and like-minded governments.

“China is already pressing countries to support Zhang Xiaojie diplomatically and, if past practice is any indication, offering economic incentives for support. Countering this push and ensuring that an alternative candidate becomes Secretary-General of the IMO will require the U.S. to apply its own pressure and work closely with allies” the maritime experts noted

The IMO Council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the Assembly, for supervising the work of the Organization.

Between sessions of the Assembly, the Council performs all the functions of the Assembly, except that of making recommendations to Governments on maritime safety and pollution prevention.

The Assembly, which normally meets once every two years in regular session, is responsible, among other things, for electing the Organization’s 40-Member Council.The following countries were elected by the Assembly, at its thirty-second session, to be Members of the IMO Council for the 2022-2023 biennium:

Category (a) 10 States with the largest interest in providing international shipping services:

China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Panama, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America.

Category (b) 10 States with the largest interest in international seaborne trade:

Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates.

Category (c) 20 States not elected under (a) or (b) above, which have special interests in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to the Council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world:

The Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Türkiye and Vanuatu.

Headlines

FG takes safety on waterways campaign to Ogun, donates 3500 life-jackets to waterways operators.

Funso OLOJO

As part of efforts to enhance the safety of waterways across the nation, the federal government has donated 3500 life-jackets to Ogun State Government for waterways operators in the state.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who handed over the life-jackets on Tuesday, assured Nigerian inland waterways users that the ministry will stop at nothing to curb the needless loss of lives on waterways.

Represented by Director of Maritime Services in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Mercy Ilori, the Minister said the campaign is part of a deliberate national strategy to embed a culture of safety on our inland waterways.

“This is one of the most comprehensive Federal government responses in recent times to the persistent loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways.

“Consequently, there have been successful handovers of Safety life jackets at Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Taraba, and Lagos States.

” We are now in Ogun State to sustain the momentum and reveal the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of the people of Ogun.

“You will all agree with me that the frequency and tragic consequences of boat mishaps across the country are deeply concerning.

“It is in recognition of this menace that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prioritize life-saving interventions to bring about tangible change.”

He stressed that the government’s commitment to end the needless loss of lives on waterways is anchored on three pillars: Strict enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023; Continuous public education and sensitization campaigns; and Provision of critical safety equipment, notably life jackets, to waterway users.

“It is worthy to note that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), a key agency under the Ministry, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this strategy.

“NIWA continues to lead in regulation, monitoring compliance, and supporting education and enforcement efforts on our inland waters,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, assured the Minister that the life jackets will be distributed equitably to registered operators across the state.

The Governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, stated that safety on the nation’s waterways wasn’t a privilege but a right of everyone in Ogun State.

He also assured that the State is ready and willing to provide all the necessary support to sustain the momentum but to enhance inland waterways as viable and secured alternative to road infrastructure.

“Safety on the waterways is not a privilege, it is a right.

” Every life jacket handed over today represents a life potentially saved, a family preserved, and a future secured.

” This initiative aligns with the human capital development pillar of our administration’s ISEYA agenda ensuring that people remain at the heart of our progress

“Ogun State values the synergy we have fostered with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and applauds their dedication to the development of marine infrastrucnare, safety standards, and the blue economy as a whole.

” Ogun State stands ready and willing to provide all the necessary support to sustain this momentum, not only in marine safety but also in enhancing inland waterways as viable and secure alternatives to road transport.”

“To our waterway users, boat operators, fishermen, and residents of our riverine communities: these life jackets are for you.

” But more importantly, the knowledge and awareness you will gain from this sensitization effort will serve as your daily companion, protecting you and helping you protect others.

“Ogun State hereby assures the Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy and NIWA that these life jackets will be equitably distributed to verified and recognised operators across the state’s waterways, from Iwopin to Ebute-Ero, from Agbara to Tongeji, Imakun Omi to Ode-Omi, and other active riverine corridors.

” A strict monitoring and maintenance protocol will be enforced to ensure sustainability and accountability.”

The State Governor, however, warned that State actors would not allow preventable tragedies define the nation’s waterways

“As we continue to embrace innovation and development in transportation, we must also embrace accountability and responsibility.

“Let us not allow preventable tragedies to define way of life, let us instead champion the principles of safety, respect for life, and collective vigilance.”

However, the Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, warned that the issue of safety on the inland waterways cannot be over emphasized as he recounted several tragic incidents that claimed lives in hundreds.

“The issue of safety can never be over-emphasized. In June 12, 2023, a wooden boat carrying wedding guests returning from a marriage ceremony from Niger State capsized in Jeva Channel Lake, in River Niger in Kwara State, owing to overloading and a submerged tree.

“The boat was reported to be carrying over 200 guests despite having the capacity of carrying just less than 100 passengers.

“More than 200 lives were lost, among which a father and four of his children were involved. So you can imagine the kind of tragedy that befell the family.

“Again, in October 1, 2024, a wooden boat carrying mostly women and children traveling for religious festive occasions capsized in Niger State.

“The boat was reported to be carrying over 300 passengers even though it has the capacity of carrying less than 100 passengers. More than 100 lives were lost.”

NIWA Managing Director, who was represented by Engr. Elsie Egwuatu, observed that in the respective cases the boats were heavily overloaded, sailed at night without the proper navigational aids and conveyed passengers without life-jackets.

“So if you think safety is expensive, try disaster. Over 90 percent of accidents that happen on our waterways are caused by human error.

“In most cases, it is caused by captain’s negligence. The newly gazetted Marine and Transport Regulations Codes, which spells out offences and punishments, ranging from fine to imprisonment, mandates the compulsory use of life jackets for all waterways users sailing on our waterways,” she added.

Also speaking, the National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Alhaji Tarzan Balogun called for intensified regulatory efforts to prioritize safety and infrastructural development on Nigerian waterways.

Alhaji Balogun commended the government for its efforts in promoting safety across the country’s inland waterways, even as he assured that the life jackets would be used judiciously.

“There must be a firm policy — no life jacket, no entry. I’ve witnessed several cases where passengers refuse to wear them. That should not be allowed. Safety must come first,” he said.

Balogun also praised the federal government, particularly President Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, for their commitment to maritime safety and for recognizing the importance of life-saving gear in water transport.

“If you’re drunk or perceived to be a threat to others onboard, operators must have the authority to refuse you entry.

” There is also the problem of bringing animals onboard, especially dogs who can scare passengers onboard and make boats capsize,” he stated.

Balogun also called on the Ogun State Government to emulate Lagos by setting up a dedicated waterways authority and constructing jetties in collaboration with local boat operators.

Headlines

Dangote supports NPA -led One stop shop committee with brand new bus for enhanced operations

Funso OLOJO

The President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for the effective way it has handled the implementation of the Federal Government’s policy on domestic sales of crude oil and refined products in Naira.

To this end, Alhaji Dangote has donated a brand new Coaster bus to the OSS Committee to further ease its operations.

In a letter signed personally, Alhaji Aliko Dangote assured that his organisation will continue to explore ways of supporting the committee to sustain its successes in the implementation of the presidential directive.

The Letter reads in part: “In recognition of the enormous responsibility placed on shoulders of the One Stop Shop (OSS) by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, and our commitment to ensuring the committee delivers on its mandate, I am pleased to donate to the committee one (1) brand new Coaster bus to facilitate the daily discharge of their operations.

“We believe this bus will be used productively by the committee as we continue to look for ways to support and appreciate the efforts of this noble committee

Recall that the Chairman, Technical Sub-Committee, on the implementation of the Federal Government’s policy on domestic sales of crude oil and refined products in Naira, Zacch Adedeji, had during a recent visit to NPA, commended the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) Team, led by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for ensuring smooth operations of the directive.

He thanked the team led by NPA for “playing a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the presidential directive on the domestic sales of crude oil and refined products in Naira”

Adedeji said: “We recognize that this pioneering effort is a significant achievement, and no doubt reflects your commitment and patriotism”.

“Thus, we encourage you to maintain the hard work and dedication that has made this initiative a success.

“We also extend our gratitude to all participating agencies for their invaluable cooperation and support,” Adedeji said.

Headlines

CRFFN Registrar talks tough over Court judgement nullifying collection of POF, declares Customs agents will continue to pay despite court ruling.

–vows to appeal the judgement.

Funso OLOJO / Gloria Odion

The Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding Practice in Nigeria(CRFFN), Mr Kingsley Igwe, has vowed that the Council will appeal the Lagos High Court judgement which nullified the collection of Practitioners Operating Fee(POF) by the CRFFN from Customs Clearing Agents.

It would be recalled that in 2018, the National Council of Managing Directors of Licenced Customs Agents(NCMDLCA) approached a Lagos High Court in order to stop the collection of the controversial POF which commenced in 2017.

However, seven years later, on May 26th, 2025, Justice D.E Osiagor , ruled that the collection of POF from the Customs Agents by the CRFFN was illegal, contending that the council only have control over freight forwarders but not customs agents.

But in a swift reaction, the Council’s Registrar said the Customs agents are within the sphere of control of the CRFFN and are therefore mandated pay the POF.

Quoting copiously from the Customs Act 2023, Mr Igwe said the Customs agents are part of the freight forwarding profession.

” The Nigerian Custom Service Act, 2023, further reinforces the regulatory role of CRFFN over customs agents who operate within the freight forwarding value chain, notably Section 106, Subsection 4 of the Nigerian Custom Service Act, 2023, states, and I quote, a customs representative, if you like, a customs license agent, shall be a freight forwarder.

“I repeat, a customs representative, if you like, a customs agent, shall be a freight forwarder, and shall be subject to the regulations and code of conduct of the freight forwarding profession in Nigeria, in this case, a profession regulated by Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria”

” This provision legally integrates custom representatives into the freight forwarding profession, making them subject to the regulatory control and code of conduct established by CRFFN”

The council Registrar therefore vowed that the court judgement will be appealed.

” The Council’s legal team is thoroughly reviewing the contents, the context and legal implication of the said judgments and reaffirm that where necessary, the Council will exercise its rights of appeal, review or clarification through competent judicial channels”

The Registrar also condemned what he described as a secretive manner in which the court process was carried out without informing the defendants.

“I wish to express deep concern over the secretive manner in which it was issued reportedly without due notice to the defendants as named in the suit.

” Such a process somehow is contrary to expected principles and processes as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Council views this report as the handwork of some mischief makers to derail the peace reforms and progress achieved in the freight forwarding sector in recent times”

He said that the court judgement would not stop the Council from collecting the POF, ” because the appeal never mentioned that they should stop paying POF”

” It only declared it illegal. It didn’t say stop, henceforth.

“So the collection of POF is continuous. And as a matter of fact,this is not against court ruling”

” I want to be clear on that. Because court never said stop collecting. It’s two different things.

“So that people don’t misunderstand it that way. Then, we’re already almost at the point of submitting the appeal. And we will pass the same submission” Igwe declared.

He therefore urged the freight forwarding practitioners to go about their normal duties and continue to pay the POF.

Igwe also declared that the plaintiff, the Council of Managing Directors which instituted the court process is under the control of the CRFFN ” and they will pay and continue to pay the POF”

He therefore asked the freight forwarders to continue to discharge their obligations under the CRFFN by paying the required practitioners fee pending the matter is resolved in the Court.

“POF is not a tax or a revenue level. But a statutory fee gazetted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria and created under the powers conferred on CRFFN by its establishing acts.