Headlines

Proposed law to empower Nigerian Shippers’ Council as economic regulator excites Barr. Akutah

—— pledges Council’s commitment to diversification of Nigeria’s economy

Funso Olojo

The on- going move by the National Assembly to give legal teeth to the status of the Nigerian Shippers’Council as the economic regulator of the maritime industry has received full support of the Council which is working assiduously to ensure the process succeeds.

Ventilating the desire of the Council over the bill that will transmute the agency to a brand new body called Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory agency, Barrister Pius Akutah Ukeyima, the Executive Secretary of NSC said the agency is a strong advocate for the transformation.

The position of the Council was in sharp contrast with the thinking of a select stakeholders in the industry under the eagis of Maritime Advocacy Foundation which has mounted a media campaign against the proposed legislative move.

The group, in its apparent misconception and misinterpretation of the motive of the legislative process to transmute the council to

Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory agency, had declared, through its Head of Publicity, Dr Eugene Nweke, that the proposed Act will negate the interests of Nigerian Shippers which the NSC was created to protect.

However, Barrister Akutah, while on a two- day tour of Eastern ports with his management team, reiterated the position of the council in support of the legislative process.

“The council is advocating for the bill which would transform the agency into Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency” Barr Akutah told his audience in Port Harcourt.

It would be recalled that the Committee on Shipping Services in the House of Representatives has slated a public hearing on the bill for Monday , May 27th, 2024 that will repeal the NSC Act 2004 and replace it with Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory agency, which seeks to legalise the new status of the Council as an Economic Regulator.

However, according to Barr. Akutah, NSC as Port Economic Regulator is working with Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on port automation in order to reduce human contacts and to clearance of cargo procedures and processes seamless.

The NSC boss declared that the Council was working assiduously towards actualisation of Federal Government commitment to prioritizing the non oil sector diversification.

The visit gave the Council’s boss the opportunity to inspect Bua Port Terminal at Rivers Port, Onne Multipurpose Terminal and West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) , in Rivers State, respectively.

According to the Executive Secretary, the Federal Government is committed to making Nigeria investment hub for investors in the country, pointing out that the issue of rail connectivity will help to reduce the cost of haulage transportation.

Addressing journalists shortly after the inspection of the facilities, the Executive Secretary said that the essence of the visit was to have an on-the spot assessment of the facilities of the terminal operators.

Given the Council’s mission at the terminal, Barr. Akutah said the Federal Government is committed to creating an enabling environment for investors in the country, as such the need to constantly visit the ports and engage the stakeholders in trade facilitation which is in line with Mr. President’s vision on Ease of Doing Business.

After the facility tours of the ports and terminals, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’Council., Barr. Akutah also had an interactive session with major stakeholders operating at the Eastern Ports.

In his opening remarks, the ES/CEO said the essence of the interaction session with stakeholders is to listen to the challenges that are facing their business in- order to proffer solutions to them.

He harped on the benefit of stakeholders’ engagement and promised to ensure the continuity of its collaboration with stakeholders operating at the ports.

Barr. Akutah said the Federal Government is committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to strive by addressing decayed infrastructure at the ports.

He promised that the Eastern ports would not be left out in the FG’s effort to address the decay infrastructure.

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Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.

Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.

The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.

He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.

Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.

“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.

Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence, brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.

It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.

He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.

He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.

He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).

He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.

According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.

This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.

The Programme, according to the NCS, also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.

According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.

“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.

“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.

” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.

However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.

The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.

The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.

“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.

Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.

The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.

“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.

“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.

“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.