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Temisan Omatseye, former NIMASA DG, rules out disbursement of CVFF under Mobereola

Temisan Omatseye
— says NIMASA has lost focus of its original mandate
Funso Olojo 
The former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Temisan Omatseye, had pointedly told the incumbent DG of the agency, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, that he would not be able to disburse the controversial Cabotage Vessels and Financing Funds (CVFF) during his tenure, no matter how hard he tries.
Omatseye, who was one of the former NIMASA DGs who attended the stakeholders’ interaction session with the new DG at the Eko Hotels on Thursday, May 9th, 2024, got the packed full hall bewildered when he faced Dr. Dayo Mobereola and declared” Let me be frank with you, you will not be able to disburse CVFF”.
Keeping a straight face and not minding the wave of hushed disapproval and surprise from the audience which comprised indigenous ship owners and other stakeholders, Omatseye said his pessimism was based on the conflicting position of the CVFF guidelines and the regulations of the  Banks and Other Financial Institution Act(BOFIA)
” I have my reason.
” By virtue of the CVFF, NIMASA is engaged in risk assessment before the funds are discussed but BOFIA does not allow an outsider to do risk assessment as it relates to funding “Omatseye claimed.
He however said the Mobereola does not need to be held captive by the politics that has stalled the disbursement of the controversial CVFF since 2006 as he has an escape route in the guidelines of CVFF disbursement.
” You can go outside the box.
‘The beauty of it is that the CVFF has to be disbursed according to the guidelines made by the National Assembly and approved by the minister.
“So you don’t have to be held captive,” Omatseye said.
It could be recalled that the disbursement of the CVFF has been stalled since its inception in 2006 due to the intricate politics and intrigues of some powerful forces.
Despite the efforts of the successive NIMASA DG, especially the immediate past helmsman in the agency, Dr Bashir Jamoh, who displayed undisguised passion for the matter, the funds are yet to be disbursed.
Not even with the ministerial powers wielded by the former ministers, Rotimi Amaechi who was frustrated in his attempt and had to hand off as well as Alhaji  Muazu Jaji Sambo, who staked his reputation, the CVFF has since then become a jinx which nobody has been able to break.
However, the former Barrister Omatseye, who was at the helm of affairs of the regulatory agency from July 2009 to December,2010 before he was unceremoniously removed, had earlier lamented that the agency has over the years lost its core objectives as maritime administration.
Omatseye, who came to the event with two other former DGs of the agency such as Dr. Ade Dosunmu and Ferndinad Agu, declared that the main core function of NIMASA is not about regulation but promotion and development of the capacity of indigenous ship owners to compete in international trade.
According to him, Section One of the NIMASA Act encapsulates the core function of the agency which is to develop the indigenous ship owners’ capacity.
” The regulatory aspect is secondary.The The main objective is to develop the capacity of the indigenous ship owners.
” The main objectives of NIMASA could be captured in what I call 3 Ps: to promote, protect and provide the enabling environment for indigenous ship owners which is the most important objective of all maritime administration worldwide.
” To achieve this, NIMASA must return to her core function”
Omatseye also noted that the agency does not have a maritime and policy strategy approved by the National Assembly to drive its operations.
” We must first ensure that the National policy and strategy on maritime is approved.
” Secondly, we must have Nigeria’s policy and strategy on maritime that is well outlined on what must be achieved and then set a timeline on when to achieve them.
“Also,  NIMASA must be professionalised by reviewing the agency’s organogram and everybody in NIMASA must have a job description while all NIMASA staff should have a career path”
While advocating for salary review for NIMASA staff to engender motivation, Omatseye also called for process audit and full automation of the agency and devolution of operational powers to the agency’s Zonal offices.
” The operations of the agency should be decentralized and taken to the zones of the agency in the East and West and Abuja.
”Stakeholders, including ship owners, need not be converging on the offices of the agency before they can register their vessels. They should be able to register their vessels in the comfort of their offices,” Omatseye said.
He further advised the agency to streamline the issuance of Certificate of Competency (CoC) to eliminate forgery and quackery in the seafaring profession in the country.
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Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

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Headlines

One infant, three adults die, several others sustain injuries in fatal train derailment along Warri- Itakpe route 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of four passengers in a train derailment along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State on Monday, June 8th, 2026.
Several others suffered various degrees of injuries.
In a statement by the Ministry of Transportation  and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the victims included two female adults, one male adult and one infant.
The accident involved four coaches which reportedly capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives.
The statement confirmed that a total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.
The NRC had activated immediate rescue and evacuation operations with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m on Monday .
The Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.
 Other notable individuals on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.
As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.
One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured.
“The Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts” the statement declared.
The ministry said full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities while efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.
The Ministry in conjunction with the NRC have commenced a full investigation into the cause of the accident while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected.
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Commentaries

Why Nigeria must prioritize competency development and standards to harness gains of  blue economy

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
Nigeria is endowed with vast maritime resources which offer enormous opportunities for economic growth, employment generation, food security, and environmental sustainability.
With its fabled over 850 kilometers of coastline, extensive inland waterways, and strategic access to the Gulf of Guinea, the country is naturally blessed to emerge as a hub for maritime activities in Africa.
However , taking advantage of these huge massive maritime opportunities should be the priority of Nigerian government which must be intentional on developing competency level of its Maritime professionals and raise their
adherence to international standards.
The blue economy encompasses diverse sectors including shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, offshore energy, maritime logistics, shipbuilding, and marine environmental management.
 These sectors are highly knowledge-driven and require a workforce equipped with specialized skills and globally recognized certifications.
Without competent professionals, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities to countries with better-trained maritime personnel and stronger institutional frameworks.
Competency development is essential for enhancing productivity, safety, and operational efficiency across the maritime sector.
Skilled seafarers, marine engineers, port operators, logistics professionals, and environmental experts are critical to ensuring that maritime activities meet international best practices.
 As global shipping and offshore industries become increasingly technology-driven, continuous training and capacity building are necessary to keep Nigerian professionals competitive in the international labour market.
Skilled maritime professionals such as seafarers, marine engineers and allied personnel in the sector could be sources of foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria as they could be exported to the international community.
Philippines and India are the world’s top exporters of skilled maritime personnel such as seafarers where they get the chunk of their foreign exchange.
If Nigeria could develop such capacity in skilled labourers in the sector and export their expertise, the country could harvest bountifully from such venture.
Equally important is the adoption and enforcement of internationally recognized standards.
Standards provide the framework for quality assurance, safety management, environmental protection, and operational excellence.
Compliance with global maritime standards established by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization(IMO) and the Nautical Institute enhances Nigeria’s credibility as a maritime nation and attracts foreign investment.
Investors and international partners are more likely to engage with institutions and businesses that demonstrate compliance with recognized benchmarks.
That is why the recent certification of the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited by the  UK Nautical Institute is germaine to Nigeria’s quest to develop training capacity and build compliance with standard procedures
This feat also underscores the importance of world-class training institutions in building local capacity.
That is why the  government should give necessary assistance to training institutions in Nigeria such as Maritime Academy of Nigeria(MAN),  Oron and the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited.
Such government patronage and assistance will not only improve the quality of maritime training in Nigeria but also position the country as a regional centre  for maritime education and professional development.
Prioritizing competency development and standards will also contribute significantly to maritime safety and environmental sustainability.
Well-trained personnel are better equipped to prevent accidents, manage maritime risks, and respond effectively to emergencies.
 Furthermore, adherence to environmental standards helps reduce marine pollution, protect biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable utilization of ocean resources, which are fundamental pillars of the blue economy.
From an economic perspective, a competent workforce and strong standards framework can increase Nigeria’s participation in global maritime trade, create high-value jobs, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and improve the country’s competitiveness.
 It also supports local content development by enabling Nigerian professionals and companies to meet the requirements of international contracts and projects.
In conclusion, competency development and standards are not optional components of Nigeria’s blue economy strategy; they are foundational requirements for its success.
 By investing in human capital, strengthening training institutions, and enforcing internationally accepted standards, Nigeria can fully harness the immense potential of its maritime resources and transform the blue economy into a major driver of national development, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.
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