Headlines

BOAN lauds Tinubu on creation of Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, congratulates Oyetola

The Eyewitness Reporter

The Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, saying this clearly displays the capacity and ability of President Tinubu to transform the nation’s maritime sector and by extension the economy.

Also, BOA congratulated the new Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and described the appointment as a dint of hard work and commitment.

The BOAN President, Honourable Olubunmi Olumekun, gave the commendation in a statement issued by the association in Lagos today and signed by himself.

According to the BOAN President, “I, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Executive and members of the Barge Operators’ Association of Nigeria, express warm regards and congratulations on your (Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola) appointment as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is an honor well deserved and is a testament to your hard work, commitment, dedication and positive contribution to nation-building. Congratulations once again!

“The Barge Operators’ Association of Nigeria (BOAN) was formed with the core mandate to promote coastal and inland shipping of cargo (bulk, liquid, containerized etc) in Nigeria using barges, either self-propelled or with the assistance of a tugboat.

“Data has shown that in the past half a decade, an estimated three million (3,000,000) TEUs of import and export containers have been shipped through the inland waterways from the Nigerian Ports and jetties using barges, with a volume of trade translating to billions of Naira.

“This data which covers containerized cargo only goes to show the influence of BOAN and barge operations in boosting trade as well as the nation’s marine and blue economy.

“The wisdom of Mr. President, Your Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in establishing a new ministry for the maritime sector clearly displays his capacity and ability to transform the nation’s maritime sector and by extension the economy.

“The development and sustainability of the Marine & Blue economy is of critical importance, particularly for a maritime nation like ours. It is our utmost belief that your charismatic leadership in coordinating the affairs of the ministry while instilling the spirit of cooperation and synergy amongst all industry stakeholders will set the tone for an improved maritime sector.

“A critical facet of the Marine and blue economy in Nigeria is the Inland and coastal Shipping industry with its primary legislation, the Coastal & Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act, 2003. It is no coincidence that this novel ministry under your astute leadership was created, exactly two decades after the enactment of the Cabotage Act.

“Nigeria being a signatory to the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) further underscores the potential of the coastal and inland shipping sector in developing trade, boosting export, creating employment, strengthening the Naira, and improving the economy amongst others. Taking advantage of this opportunity will further show Nigeria as a maritime powerhouse and a deserving member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.

“The pertinence of a synergistic relationship between the Ministry and the Barge Operators’ Association of Nigeria (BOAN) cannot be overemphasized, thus the clarion call for cooperation. It is our honest belief that ‘our’ ministry will transform the nation and place it in an enviable position amongst the committee of nations.

“We anticipate further engagement with your good offices and potentially a courtesy visit subject to your overriding convenience. Please accept the assurances of our highest and esteemed regards. We assure you of our unwavering support and wish you well in all your endeavors.”

Headlines

Former Super Eagles stars grace Taiwo Afolabi cup tournament

Funso OLOJO, Editor

Former Nigerian footballers, including Daniel Amokachi, Dosu Joseph, Tajudeen Disu, Fatai Amoo, and Waidi Akanni, were among the dignitaries who graced the final of this year’s Taiwo Afolabi Football Tournament held at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos.

The U-17 tournament, which is in its 10th edition, is one of the leading grassroots football competitions in Lagos State, sponsored by Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, to discover, nurture, and promote young football talents at the grassroots level.

At the end of the grueling final matches, Fortune FA, Oshodi and Labro Queen, Oyingbo, emerged winners of the boys and girls competitions respectively.

Fortune FA defeated Dynamo FC, Iwaya 2-0 in the boys’ final, with goals from Quadri Popoola and Agbato Wasiu securing the title.

In the girls’ final, Labro Queen FC and Starlet Girls FC of Idimu played out a goalless draw in regulation time before Labro Queen triumphed in the penalty shootout, converting five of their six kicks to edge Starlet, who scored four from six attempts.

Speaking at the event, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Chairman of SIFAX Group, who was accompanied to the event by his wife, Mrs. Folashade Afolabi, reflected on the tournament’s journey over the past decade and expressed satisfaction with its contribution to youth development through sport.

He recalled his own playing days as a young man and explained that the competition began as a modest football fixture tied to his birthday before evolving into a structured platform designed to identify, nurture and support young talent.

Afolabi noted that the tournament was established to create opportunities for young people to channel their energy productively, develop discipline and gain exposure that could shape their future careers.

“We need to encourage the youth, because without encouraging them, they cannot be successful.

“Young, talented football players like the one featured in this tournament require consistent guidance, mentorship and platforms that help them build their skills and confidence, as well as assist them to remain focused so as to fulfil their potential, both on and off the pitch,” he said.

Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association also commended Afolabi and SIFAX Group for sustaining the competition over the last ten years and highlighted the positive impact the tournament has had on youth football development across Lagos State.

The association’s Secretary, Mr Aliyu Ganiyu, said the tournament has provided numerous players with opportunities to showcase their abilities, with several participants from previous editions progressing to play professionally in Nigeria and abroad.

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.

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.

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.