Headlines

Disquiet in Shippers’ Council as Ukeyima sacks 30 staff employed by Jime

Akutah Pius Ukeyima

—–political rivalry between the two gladiators hots up.

Exclusive by Eyewitness Reporter

The new Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Akutah Pius Ukeyima and his predecessor, Emmanuel Jime, have imported their political rivalry from Benue state, their home state, to the Council as Ukeyima has embarked on a mission to obliterate the legacy of his predecessor at the council.

Jime, who was appointed by the Buhari Administration as the Executive Secretary of the council on June 24th, 2021, was unceremoniously sacked two years later in October 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Replacing Jime as the ES was his kinsman from Benue state, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, who was appointed on October 25th, 2023.

The first official assignment the new helmsman embarked upon in the council was the sack of 30 staff employed by his predecessor, Emmanuel Jime.

Our reporter gathered that shortly before he exited office on October 25th, 2023, Jime had hurriedly employed 30 staff, most of whom are from his home state, Benue.

The employed staff were from the initial 45 that were shortlisted.

After screening, 30 were employed in process sources described as bizarre and alien to the laid down civil service employment procedures.

It was further gathered that the successful candidates were given their appointment letters on October 10th, 2023.

13 out of the 30 employed staff have resumed duties at the headquarters while the rest were still awaiting their posting to the out-station offices of the council before the hammer of Ukeyima fell.

Our reporter further learnt that immediately after the incumbent ES resumed duties, he called for the nominal register of the staff from the Human Resources Manager Mrs. Okam Adaku.

She reportedly went with the nominal register and the list of the new recruits which was yet to be harmonized with the Council’s official register.

This raised the curiosity of Akutah Pius Ukeyima who asked why the names of the 30 staff were on another list different from the official staff register.

The explanation given to the new helmsman seemed to have infuriated him and this made him come down hard on the new appointees.The HR manager, Mrs Adaku, reportedly told him of the fresh employment made by his predecessor that same October he resumed.

He immediately ordered the suspension of all 30 new staff until their employment was regularized.

” He asked the HR Manager to issue the 30 fresh staff suspension letters.
“He also asked them to stop coming to the office until December last year when he promised to conduct fresh employment exams for them.

“He even placed the security on standing order not to allow any of the 30 sacked new staff into the Council s premises as whoever flouts the order will face severe consequence.” a source said.

But till the time of writing this report, no such revalidation exercise of the employment of the 30 fresh staff, was yet to be done, thus raising fears that they may have been sacked.

It was further learnt that Ukeyima flayed the manner the employment exercise was carried out which he said was in breach of due process.

He queried the hurried process adopted by his predecessor, alleging nepotism in the process.

He was said to have asked why the employment exercise was not done much earlier before he came and why it had to be delayed till the twilight of the tenure of his predecessor.

However, knowledgeable sources whispered to our reporter that immediately after President Tinubu won the Presidential election and was sworn in, Jime knew his days at the Shippers’ Council were over.

This was because of the role he allegedly played in the electoral bid of the then Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, in his effort to outbid Tinubu for the presidential ticket of the All Progressive Congress(APC).

He was said to be among the Chief Executive officers of government agencies under the Ministry of Transportation who provided a war chest for Ameachi to prosecute his political ambition.

When Amechi lost the APC ticket to Tinubu, he was said to have instructed his allies in these agencies, of which Jime was among, to support the Presidential ambition of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

“So when Tinubu won the Presidential election, Jime knew he was living on borrowed time as the ES of the council as it was a payback time.

His worst nightmare came when Tinubu appointed George Akume, the former Governor of Benue state, as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF).Jime has had a long-running political battle with Jime.

Jime then reached out to SGF for a truce to save his job but all his entreaties fell on deaf ears.

So when all entreaties by Jime to Akume, the SGF, to resolve their political differences so that he could retain his job failed, only then did he know his time as the NSC boss was over.

“That was when he hurriedly employed these 30 staff, most of whom were his kinsman, in a last ditch effort, an exercise he should have done much earlier in his tenure in other not to raise any suspicion” a source declared.

It was therefore not a surprise to him when he (Jime) was eventually sacked and Ukeyima, a political ally of Akume, was appointed as a replacement.

The three political gladiators, Akume, Jime and Ukeyima, are from Benue State.

While Akume is from Wannune Tarka Council Area of Benue state, Jime is from Mbalagh Council ward of Makurdi LGA of Benue state and Ukeyima is from Mbagwaza Ushongo LGA of Benue state.

All of these LGAs are in the Senatorial Zone of the State.

Unfortunately, the 30 innocent staff were caught in an intricate political web of Benue politics which was brought to the Nigeria Shippers’ Council.

“It was a regrettable matter as those affected were merely used as canon folders and pawns in the political chessboard of Benue politics” an industry observer lamented.

” The most painful of the whole matter is that four out of the 30 staff caught in the political cross-fire of Benue politics were 2018- 2019 batch of the National Youths Service Corps(NYSC) who have since then been working with the council without any remuneration.

“They had worked for five years without a salary and the only compensation for their commitment and hard work has now been truncated by Ukeyima” another source agonised.

It was learnt that the sacked staff were yet to collect the mandatory 28 days allowance meant to fund their relocation as it’s the practice in the civil service before they were axed.
And all of the sacked freshly employed staff were graduates who were placed on the Level 8 cadre of the civil service structure.

However, all efforts to reach the NSC boss, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, proved abortive as he was said to have been away in Abuja when our reporter visited his office last week.

His aides declined comments as they pleaded with our reporter that they were not competent to make any comment without authorization from the ES.

“He is the only person who can speak on this issue or whoever he authorises to speak on his behalf” one of his aides pleaded.

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Customs PR officers dominate NCCSC graduation, clinch overall best honours

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

The Public Relations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a rare academic feat as two of its officers emerged the top graduating students at the Nigeria Customs Service Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada.

At the graduation ceremony for Senior Course 14 held on Friday,June 26th, 2026, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Ridwan Yusuf was named the Overall Best Graduating Student, capping an outstanding performance by winning three additional awards.

His colleague, CSC Nuruddeen Sa’idu, was named the Second Best Graduating Student, completing a remarkable sweep by officers from the Service’s Public Relations Unit.

The double honour highlights the intellectual depth, leadership capacity and professionalism within the Customs Public Relations Unit, demonstrating that its officers excel not only in strategic communication but also in administration, operational management and policy leadership.

Beyond the accolades, the achievement is expected to open another chapter in their careers, as both officers may be retained by the College as Directing Staff, in keeping with the institution’s tradition of engaging its highest-performing graduates to mentor future participants.

If confirmed, the appointments would recognise their exceptional academic and professional abilities while entrusting them with the responsibility of shaping the next generation of Customs leaders, although their absence would be keenly felt within the Public Relations Unit.

The Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit congratulated both officers on their outstanding accomplishments and wished them continued success as they assume greater responsibilities in service to the nation.

Headlines

Stakeholders hail commitment of NIMASA to welfare of Nigerian seafarers as salaries jump by 150 percent

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has won widespread acclaim from key maritime stakeholders for its sustained commitment to improving the welfare, remuneration and professional development of Nigerian seafarers, with reforms that have increased their earning capacity by over 150 per cent.

The commendations came on Thursday, June 25th, 2026 during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, where government officials, lawmakers and labour leaders unanimously applauded the agency’s efforts to reposition Nigerian seafarers for global competitiveness.

Leading the tributes were the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshilokin, Chairman of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Khadija Bubar Abba Ibrahim, represented by her Deputy, Uduak Alphonsus Odudou and President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi.

They praised NIMASA for implementing policies and programmes that have significantly improved the welfare, working conditions and international recognition of Nigerian seafarers.

Earlier, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted the agency’s strategic interventions, revealing that over 2,459 cadets have been trained or are currently undergoing training in reputable maritime institutions across the world under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).

Mobereola disclosed that Nigerian seafarers’ earning capacity has risen by more than 150 per cent following NIMASA’s successful enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and the integration of the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) agreement into the International Transport Workers’ Federation/International Labour Organization (ITF/ILO) wage framework.

The development, he explained, has effectively placed Nigerian seafarers on internationally recognised wage scales and improved their conditions of service.

“At NIMASA, the welfare, safety, security and professional advancement of seafarers remain central to our maritime governance agenda.

“We recognise that protecting and empowering seafarers is not merely a regulatory obligation but a moral imperative and a strategic necessity for sustaining the growth and resilience of the maritime industry.

“In line with this commitment, the Agency has continued to champion strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers,” Mobereola said.

He called for stronger collaboration among governments, maritime administrations, shipowners, employers, training institutions, labour unions and other industry stakeholders to build a maritime ecosystem that prioritises safety, dignity, inclusion, wellbeing and professional excellence of seafarers.

According to him, the complex risks faced by seafarers require a collective and sustained response from all stakeholders.

The NIMASA boss described the annual Day of the Seafarer celebration as more than a ceremonial event, saying it should serve as a renewed commitment to ensuring that every seafarer is respected, protected, fairly treated and empowered to realise his or her full potential.

He paid glowing tribute to seafarers for their invaluable contributions to global commerce despite the enormous challenges they confront at sea.

“Beyond transporting cargo, seafarers navigate unpredictable weather conditions, demanding working environments, evolving security threats and increasing geopolitical realities.

“They endure prolonged separation from their families and loved ones while coping with the physical and psychological demands inherent in life at sea.

“Yet they continue to demonstrate exceptional resilience, professionalism and unwavering commitment,” he said.

Addressing Nigerian seafarers and their counterparts across the world, Mobereola added:

“You are not only the backbone of global trade but also proud ambassadors of our maritime nation. Your contributions continue to strengthen the maritime sector, support economic growth and enhance Nigeria’s standing within the international maritime community.”

Headlines

FG to Shipping Firms: End abuse of Nigerian Seafarers now or face consequences

— as Oyetola vows zero tolerance for poor welfare of seafarers , unveils national carrier plan to boost jobs, sea-time training

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to shipping companies, crewing agencies and shipowners against the maltreatment of Nigerian seafarers, declaring that any practice that undermines their welfare, safety and dignity will no longer be tolerated.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, delivered the warning at the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration held in Lagos on Thursday, June 25th,2026, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerian seafarers and improving their welfare.

The event, themed “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk,” drew key stakeholders from across the maritime industry, including heads of maritime agencies, members of the National Assembly, shipping companies, crewing agencies, ministry officials, maritime labour unions and seafarers.

Speaking through the Director of Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry, Mr. Makoji Musa, Oyetola said the era of neglecting Nigerian seafarers must come to an end.

“Let me send a clear message to all shipping companies, crewing agencies and employers of seafarers.

“Our seafarers must be treated with dignity, fairness and respect at all times.

“The era of neglecting the welfare of seafarers, denying them their legitimate entitlements, or subjecting them to unacceptable working conditions must come to an end.

“The well-being of our maritime workforce is non-negotiable,” the minister declared.

Oyetola described seafarers as the backbone of global commerce, noting that they facilitate over 85 per cent of world trade despite operating under difficult and often hazardous conditions.

“Behind every successful voyage lies a story of commitment, endurance and sacrifice,” he said.

“Seafarers spend long periods away from their families, work under demanding conditions and navigate increasingly complex operational and security challenges.

“Their profession requires not only technical competence but also courage, discipline and exceptional resilience.”

He stressed that celebrating seafarers should go beyond ceremonial speeches and translate into concrete actions that improve their working conditions, strengthen safety standards and safeguard their rights.

The Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing maritime safety, security and decent work through reforms targeted at improving maritime education and training, raising certification standards, expanding employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers and ensuring full compliance with international maritime conventions.

In a major policy announcement, Oyetola disclosed that the Ministry is in the final stages of establishing a national shipping carrier under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

According to him, the initiative is designed to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign shipping lines, curb capital flight, strengthen indigenous shipping capacity and, crucially, create more employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers.

He explained that the proposed national carrier would also address one of the biggest challenges confronting Nigerian cadets by providing adequate sea-time training required for international certification and employment.

“The Ministry is finalizing plans to establish a national shipping carrier through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

“This strategic initiative will help stem the enormous capital flight associated with the dominance of foreign shipping lines, enhance Nigeria’s participation in international maritime trade and strengthen our national shipping capacity.

“Importantly, the initiative will create new opportunities for Nigerian seafarers by expanding sea-time placements, increasing employment prospects, developing local maritime expertise and providing a sustainable platform for career advancement,” Oyetola said.

The Minister maintained that protecting the welfare and rights of seafarers remains central to the Federal Government’s vision of building a globally competitive maritime sector and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.