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NIMASA, Navy dispel rumour on non-deployment, non-functionality of multi-billion naira deep blue assets

—- says project is up and running

The Eyewitness Reporter

The Nigeria Navy has dispelled insinuation in some quarters that the multi-billion naira deep blue assets acquired by the federal government through the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) are yet to be deployed a few years after they were acquired.

In a press statement signed by Osagie Edward, the spokesman of NIMASA, the Naval authority made this clarification through the Acting Fleet Commander, Western Naval Command and Commander Deep Blue Project, Commodore Victor Choji during the working visit by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mohammed Abdullahi to the Management of NIMASA.
During the visit, the Nigerian Navy said the deep blue assets acquired by  NIMASA under the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, otherwise known as the Deep Blue project have been deployed across the South West, Central and Eastern Zonal operations to enhance patrol of the Nigerian maritime domain.
He added that the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla is fully committed to the success of the Deep Blue Project.
According to him, “The assets have already been well deployed. As we speak,five armored vehicles are deployed in Port Harcourt and 3 in Bonny”.

Speaking further, he said the project team deployed 10 more vehicles there, in addition to a drone unit in Bonny and some personnel.

He also hinted that during the last general elections in the country, the mere presence of deep blue assets in those locations provided the needed inference that was required.

Choji also said that in the Central Zone Command, the Navy has deployed three units of special mission elements in brass and two of the interceptor boats with the special intervention force elements in central command.

“In Lagos, just last week, we got a directive that there is a requirement and we are about to deploy two interceptor boats to support the operations that are ongoing in Lagos Inland waters.
“I can state categorically that we have the full backing of the Nigerian Navy for the success of the Deep Blue Project”.

On his part, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh,  noted that the assets acquired by the Agency under the Deep Blue Project are all managed by a project team headed by a Commodore of the Nigerian Navy.

 He restated the agency’s commitment to a robust relationship with the Nigerian Navy towards the economic development of the country.

“I believe that the agency and the Nigerian Navy have a lot in common to ensure safety and security in the nation’s waters.

” While the Nigerian Navy takes care of the kinetic operations, NIMASA concentrates on non-kinetic operations, and the two will have to go hand in hand if we must succeed.
” If you look at the armed forces act, the Nigerian Navy has a role to play in ensuring the implementation and enforcement of the NIMASA and Customs & Excise Act”, he said.

Jamoh expressed the desire of NIMASA to earn full value for funds invested and still investing in the operations of the Deep Blue Project.

“He also noted that the agency is in constant liaison with the National Assembly to ensure an update of the nation’s maritime laws with particular reference to the Merchant Shipping Act to guarantee adequate punitive measures are in the law to deter criminalities on Nigerian waters.

While commending the Nigerian Navy for their efforts in tracking erring vessels that switched off their Automatic Identification System, AIS, in Nigerian waters, Dr Jamoh called for improved synergy amongst all organs of Government in the maritime sector.

Particularly, the Nigerian Navy and the marine arm of the Nigerian Police to quickly tackle head-on; pockets of recent criminalities in the Lagos anchorage and inland waters.

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Customs

World Bank strengthens Customs capacity in post clearance Audit in two- week capacity building exercise

Gloria Odion,  maritime reporter 
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a two-week Technical Assistance Mission on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in collaboration with the World Bank Group under the Accelerated Revenue Mobilisation Reform (ARMOR) Programme, aimed at strengthening compliance management, revenue assurance, and trade facilitation through modern audit practices.
The workshop, which runs from June 1 to June 12, 2026, is taking place at the Service’s  Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-General , Babatunde Olomu, described the mission as a significant step in advancing the Service’s modernisation agenda and strengthening its capacity as a technology-driven, intelligence-led, and globally competitive customs administration.
He noted that modern customs administrations increasingly rely on intelligence-led, risk-based, and post-clearance interventions that promote voluntary compliance while supporting legitimate trade and economic growth.
According to him, the mission offers an opportunity to assess existing processes, identify operational gaps, adopt international best practices, and develop practical solutions to strengthen the Post Clearance Audit framework.
Olomu identified risk-based targeting, case management, registry management, quality assurance, standardisation, and integrated audit systems as key areas of focus.
He emphasised that effective Post Clearance Audit enables Customs to move beyond transaction-based controls to a strategic compliance management approach that enhances revenue assurance, facilitates legitimate trade, strengthens transparency, and boosts public confidence.
“This mission presents a valuable opportunity to critically assess our existing processes, identify gaps, learn from international best practices, and develop practical solutions that will strengthen our PCA framework and overall compliance management system.” he stated.
The ACG commended the Comptroller-General for his commitment to modernisation and capacity building and also appreciated the World Bank and other development partners for their sustained support for Customs reforms.
He urged participants to actively engage throughout the programme and ensure that lessons learned are translated into measurable improvements in daily operations.
Speaking at the event, World Bank Task Team Lead, Moses Kajubi, said the mission is designed to strengthen the capacity of Post Clearance Audit officers through modern customs practices, practical audit tools, and internationally recognised methodologies.
He explained that participants would be exposed to global best practices, case management techniques, and compliance management strategies that can be adapted to Nigeria’s operational environment.
Kajubi stressed the importance of leveraging technology, structured case management systems, and data-driven decision-making to improve audit quality, compliance monitoring, and trade facilitation outcomes.
“This engagement will equip participants with practical tools and global best practices that can be applied directly in the field to improve the effectiveness of Post Clearance Audit operations.”He stated.
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He expressed confidence that the engagement would strengthen institutional capacity and contribute significantly to the Nigeria Customs Service’s modernisation objectives.
Lead Consultant for the ARMOR-P, Colonel Aloke Dutt, said the mission seeks to enhance trade facilitation, optimise revenue, and improve compliance management through a more structured and unified approach to Post Clearance Audit.
He emphasised the need for standardised audit methodologies, effective monitoring mechanisms, and the integration of data analytics into audit processes to improve accountability and operational efficiency.
Dutt also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology-driven solutions such as the B’Odogwu platform and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support a competency-based audit system across the Service.
During a technical session, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Muhammad  Jubril, demonstrated the Post Clearance Audit process on the B’Odogwu platform, explaining how officers can initiate audit reviews using Harmonised Commodity codes and other risk indicators.
In his closing remarks, Comptroller Muhammad Shattima encouraged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the workshop and apply the knowledge gained to achieve the strategic objectives of the NCS.
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Headlines

NIMASA, MARAN renew partnership for enhanced mutual performance 

-as MARAN condoles with agency over death of staff
Gloria Odion, maritime reporter 
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) have renewed their commitment to sustaining their age- long partnership for enhanced  mutual performance that will drive the blue economy.
This commitment was made on Monday, June 1st, 2026, during the visit of the new executive council of MARAN to the NIMASA headquarters on Victoria Island.
During the visit, led by the President of MARAN, Oluyinka Onigbinde, different areas of collaboration to improve the partnership were explored between the two parties and pledges were made for improvement.
However, the agency  called on maritime journalists to uphold ethical journalism, embrace constructive reporting, and partner with stakeholders in promoting Nigeria’s growing blue economy.
Speaking on behalf of NIMASA, the  Deputy Director, Public Relations of the agency , Mr. Osagie Edward, said the call became necessary in order to position the maritime industry in Nigeria in a better stead in international community.
He believed that ethical reporting will promote the vast maritime potential in the country which will attract foreign investors to develop the industry.
The visit, which was the first official engagement between the new MARAN leadership and NIMASA, also served as a platform to discuss areas of collaboration, particularly capacity building for maritime journalists, information dissemination, and support for the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN , Onigbinde, conveyed the association’s condolences to NIMASA over the death of one of its staff members, Ifenyinwa, who reportedly passed away over the weekend.
The MARAN President expressed sympathy with the management and staff of the Agency and prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul, while asking God to grant her family and colleagues the strength to bear the loss.
He noted that the purpose of the visit was to further strengthen the cordial relationship that has existed between MARAN and NIMASA over the years, while seeking deeper collaboration in advancing the maritime sector through responsible and informed journalism.
According to him, there was a need for more structured capacity development programmes for maritime journalists to enhance their understanding of issues in the industry and improve the quality of reportage within the sector.
Responding, Osagie Edward congratulated the newly-elected executives on their emergence, describing their election as a reflection of the confidence reposed in them by members of the association.
Edward acknowledged the longstanding relationship between MARAN and NIMASA, noting that the association has remained a key stakeholder in the growth and development of the maritime industry for more than two decades.
“We have known MARAN for over 20 years, from the days when press releases were physically distributed to the present digital era.
“You are now leading a digital MARAN and I encourage you to build on the achievements of your predecessors,” he admonished.
He assured the association of NIMASA’s readiness to continue collaborating with maritime journalists for the advancement of the industry and the country’s economy.
According to him, the media occupies a strategic position in projecting the vast opportunities available within Nigeria’s blue economy and attracting the investments needed to unlock its full potential.
“The Nigerian blue economy presents enormous opportunities. If the sector is properly projected and branded, the world will become more aware of the potentials we have and investors will come seeking opportunities. This will ultimately benefit the country,” Edward said.
He further disclosed that the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, is leading a team committed to positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime nation globally.
“As a maritime administration, the DG believes Nigeria should be a global leader in maritime administration, and we are working towards that objective.
” We can only achieve it by working together in the interest of the country,” he added.
On MARAN’s request for increased training opportunities, Osagie assured the association that capacity development remains a priority for NIMASA.
“Capacity building is very dear to NIMASA management. We have noted your request and discussions are already ongoing regarding training opportunities for the media.
“We will continue to engage because informed and constructive reporting is beneficial to the industry,” he stated.
Also speaking, Assistant Director, Public Relations, Daniel Kajo, urged members of MARAN to remain committed to the ethics of journalism and continue to promote professionalism in their reportage.
Kajo emphasized the importance of constructive criticism and balanced reporting, noting that the media remains an indispensable partner in the development of the maritime sector.
He encouraged maritime journalists to continue holding institutions accountable while ensuring that their reports are factual, objective, and geared towards national development.
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Headlines

Comrade Muktar Yakubu pleads for patience over ongoing review of staff salary at Nigerian Shippers’ Council 

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
The President of the Senior Staff Association of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Comrade Muktar Yakubu, has asked the staff of the Council to be patient with the management over the delay in adjustment of their salary, revealing that the process is ongoing and awaiting the approval of the appropriate authority.
The labour leader make this clarification following the apparent agitation of staff over the delayed adjustment in their salaries and emoluments.
It would be recalled that the Executive Secretary of the NSC, Pius Akutah, during the 2026 strategic management retreat of the council held in Abeokuta, Ogun state between March,4th – 7th, 2026, had revealed plans by the management to push for the salary review of staff.
However, Comrade Muktar Yakubu said the process had already begun, praising the commitment of Pius Akutah- led management in this regard.
He however clarified that the ongoing salary review within the Council is still undergoing official government processes and has not yet been approved for implementation.
Speaking on the development, Yakubu explained that the exercise is strictly guided by established public service procedures, stressing that salary reviews in federal agencies require multiple layers of approval before they can take effect.
Explaining the procedure, the labour leader said the Nigerian Shippers’ Council initiated the process through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which serves as its supervising ministry.
Comrade Yakubu noted that once the ministry gave its approval, the proposal was forwarded to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) for further statutory consideration, in collaboration with the Budget Office of the Federation and other relevant authorities.
He emphasized that while the proposal has already reached the NSIWC and necessary clarifications were provided when requested, final approval is still being awaited.
Yakubu stressed that no implementation can commence until the Commission gives its formal consent.
He also clarified that ministry’s approval does not translate into immediate salary adjustments, adding that the NSIWC remains the final authority responsible for approving remuneration structures in federal agencies.
Speaking further on the role of management, Yakubu commended the Executive Secretary of the Council for initiating the process and supporting the establishment of a salary committee tasked with reviewing the Council’s financial position and developing a new salary framework.
He noted that the committee’s recommendations were approved internally before being forwarded through the appropriate channels.
Addressing concerns about staff welfare, the union leader said it would be inaccurate to describe the workforce as generally dissatisfied, noting that while individual concerns exist, the Council continues to make efforts within its available resources to improve staff conditions.
He added that staff welfare remains a priority for the union, but must be considered within the financial realities and operational capacity of the organisation, stressing that comparisons with other agencies should take into account differences in budgetary allocations and mandates.
Yakubu further stated that management has already implemented several welfare initiatives and continues to demonstrate commitment to improving staff conditions where possible.
He urged staff to remain patient, reiterating that the salary review process is progressing through due process and that final approval from the NSIWC is the last stage before implementation can begin.
He expressed optimism that once the process is concluded, staff would begin to benefit from the new salary structure alongside other ongoing welfare improvements within the Council.
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