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Who is afraid of Nigerian Shippers’ Council bill?

Funso Olojo

Over the years, Nigerian shippers have remained in the shackles of economic bondage of the imperialist foreign shipping companies and terminal operators.

These foreign service providers in the maritime industry have mindlessly exploited and extorted the hapless Nigerian shippers with reckless abandon.

At the drop of a hat and with no justification, they slam arbitrary charges on the shippers who are helpless due to proper regulations of the activities of these economic imperialists.

The Nigerian Shippers’Council, the agency of government which is supposed to protect the economic rights and interests of the exploited shippers, is helpless as it lacks legal powers to intervene and halt economic injustice freely being meted out to the Nigerian shippers.

At the dawn of port concession, the government came up with the idea of economic regulation of these service providers but failed to specify which of its agencies in the sector would assume the role.

This lack of policy direction created a space for rivalry between the Nigerian Shippers’Council and Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA)as the two agencies were then contesting for the role of economic regulator.

This further gave the impetus to the mindless exploitation of the shippers in the hands of the service providers who were having a field day while the NPA and NSC were busy slogging it out with themselves over who is the economic regulator.

However, in 2014, the matter was put to rest when the NSC was officially pronounced as the industry’s economic regulator.

However, that still didn’t solve the problem as the status was a mere pronouncement by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) without appropriate legal backing.

The service operators cashed in on this by further subjecting the Nigerian shippers to horrendous economic servitude.

The efforts of the NSC to intervene and bring sanity to the economic activities of these providers were roundly rebuffed and discountenanced.

More often than not, the directives of the economic regulator were observed in the breach and treated with ignominy.

The council was on several occasions dragged to court by the service providers who have become emboldened by the lack of proper legislation to give legal teeth to the status of economic regulator of the NSC.

The agency was often ignored and treated with disrespect by the service providers as the Council was laboriously striving to stamp its authority as the economic regulator with little or no success.

The aggrieved Shippers, who have become disillusioned by the lack of adequate protection from the council, have tagged the agency with demeaning sobriety as “the toothless bulldog”.

However, in 2024, there appeared a ray of hope in the skyline of the industry for the oppressed and harassed Shippers when a bill to give legal teeth to the economic regulator status of the Council was moved on the floor of the House of Representatives.

The sponsor of the bill, Alhaji Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House, sought to repeal the Nigerian Shippers’Council Act (Cap N133, LGN 2004) and 2010 and replace it with The Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Bill that will empower the Shippers’Council to regulate the services of service providers in the industry.

The bill, when passed, will liberate the Nigerian shippers from the economic shackles of the imperialist foreign service providers such as the terminal operators and shipping companies.

As expected, the bill torched the raw side of its antagonists who mounted opposition to its passage.

Serious efforts were made to frustrate the public hearing on the bill which was eventually held on May 27th, 2024 at the conference room of the Assembly complex.

A few days to the appointed day of the hearing, an emergency group which styled itself Maritime Advocacy Foundation, emerged and called a press conference where it put up a poor attempt to demonise the bill.

His head of Publicity, Dr Eugene Nweke, who is a respected stakeholder in the industry, canvassed opposition to the passage of the bill, saying it was against the interests of Nigerian Shippers.

Similarly and in quick succession, the Committee on Ports and Harbour, in political intrigue and manipulation, tried to stop the hearing when it announced its postponement.

Thank God for the alertness of well-meaning industry stakeholders as well as the members of the Committee on Shipping Services which stood their ground to thwart

the grand plan to detail the legislative process to transmute the council to more effective economic regulator.

Abdussamad Dasuki, the Chairman of the committee on Shipping Services who superintendent over the bill, allayed the fears of the stakeholders who were eager to end the impunity of the imperialist service providers.

The stakeholders were not fooled by the diversionary tactics of the antagonists of the bill as they thronged the venue of the public hearing, despite the purported postponement, as the event was successfully held on the appointed day.

The attendance was impressive.

The Council’s team was led by its Executive Secretary, Barr. Akutah Ukeyima, who led a powerful lobby group to the event.

Past Executive Secretaries of the agency such as Adebayo Sarumi and Barrister Hassan Bello were all on ground to lend helping hands to the actualisation of the bill.

Maritime stakeholders such as Prince Olayiwola Shittu were also on ground to lend their voices to the passage of the bill.

Curiously, Dr Eugene Nweke, the Publicity Head of the Maritime Advocacy Foundation, which opposed the bill, was also there.

More intriguing was his defence of the bill when speaking with journalists at the sideline of the public hearing.

Hear Dr Nweke, the Publicity head of MAF speak at the event

“This law is overdue for implementation in the Nigerian maritime industry.

“You need to know the number of charges that port users are levied unnecessarily by operators at the ports to know why we need such a law.

”Cargo owners have been at the mercy of port and shipping operators for years, with many losing billions of Naira to arbitrary charges that ought not be levied against them.

“If your cargoes get delayed inside the port for no fault of yours, you pay extra charges because your cargoes are spending extra days inside the ports.

” For example, when the Service provider handling the Customs server has issues, and the network is down, cargoes spend extra days inside the port because, without a network, Customs cannot process your consignment.

“The port terminal operator and the shipping company will slam additional charges on your cargoes because your cargoes stayed extra days inside the port even though they know you don’t have powers over when the Customs server is up and running.

“Another issue that we still battle over is when there are labour strikes nationwide and the ports are shut down.

“During such strikes, cargoes spend extra days inside the ports while vessels get delayed for weeks over such issues.

“After the labour strike is over and the ports are opened, cargo owners are slammed with all sorts of arbitrary charges from the shipping companies and the port terminal operators over the delays caused by the port shut down.

“Most often times, importers end up paying huge sums of money just to clear their cargoes from the ports because there is nobody to fight for them.

“But now, with the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill nearing fruition, there is hope for importers. There is hope for port users. The era of impunity in broad daylight with nobody to cry to looks like it’s coming to an end very soon.”

This statement, when juxtaposed with his press statement as the publicity head of MAF where he poured vituperation on the bill and its sponsors, leaves one wondering why the respected scholar was speaking from both sides of his mouth.

Nonetheless, it was obvious that the antagonists of the bill to emancipate the harangue Nigerian shippers are losing their battle as the bill enjoyed the overwhelming support of the stakeholders as the bill awaits the third reading before it is passed into law.

However, the stakeholders, especially the NSC, must not go to sleep as the vultures which seek to devour the bill before it matures into an Act are still prowling to launch possible last-minute surprise attacks.

The members of the Committee on Ports and Harbour, who tried to play the spoiler role, should be under surveillance while the members of the Committee on Shipping Services, who have acquitted themselves well so far on this legislative process to end the slavery of Nigerian Shippers from long years of subjugation to the imperialist exploitation and extortions, should also be monitored to guide against last-minute capitulation to the political manipulation and manovering of the antagonists.

Related Topics:featured Shippers Council bill

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NIMASA opens investigation into vessels collision accident at Bonny anchorage as five crew members sustain injuries

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Administration(NIMASA) has opened a full scale investigation into the accident which occurred as a result of a collision between a container vessel, MV MAERSK VALPARAISO, and an oil tanker, MT LADY MARTINA, at the Bonny Inner Anchorage.

The accident which occurred on May 20th, 2026, has triggered a flurry of activities, has resulted in an oil spill in the affected area.

The Deep Blue Operating Base (FOB) in Bonny received a distress call at approximately 1130 hours regarding the collision involving MV Valparaiso, a Singapore-flagged container vessel with IMO No. 9433054, and MT Lady Martina, a Nigerian-flagged oil products tanker with IMO No. 5104033.

In response, the Base immediately deployed 10 armed personnel onboard DB 214, one of the interceptor boats under the Deep Blue Project, to the scene of the incident.

Five crew members onboard MT Lady Martina sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly evacuated to the FOB Bonny sickbay for medical attention.

Following the collision, MT Lady Martina drifted ashore and is currently aground along the Bonny Channel, while MV Valparaiso remains grounded at the Bonny Inner Anchorage pending damage assessment and further investigation.

The management of MAERSK has officially reported the incident to the Agency.

Consequently, the Director General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, has ordered a full investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the collision.

In addition, NIMASA has established a Situation Monitoring Room to coordinate response efforts and monitor developments arising from the incident.

Dr. Mobereola, who was personally on ground in Rivers State to inaugurate the situation room, also directed the Agency’s Marine Environment Management Department to immediately commence an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the affected area, while taking necessary steps to mitigate the impact of the Tier 1 oil sheen and protect the marine environment.

NIMASA promised to update the public with the outcome of the investigation into the incident.

Headlines

NIMASA deepens maritime security as 492 Deep Blue personnel graduate in tactical training.

Funso OLOJO, Port Harcourt.

The Nigeria’s maritime security received a massive boost as 492 personnel of the iconic Deep Blue project have graduated from tactical trainings received across some of the best security institutions in the world.

Unveiling the graduants in their tactical attires at the Elele military barrack, Port Harcourt, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Administration( NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the occasion gave the agency a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment on its task to ensure Nigeria’s maritime domain is secured.

According to him, the 492 graduating Deep Blue personnel undergone specialized trainings conducted across several strategic training locations across the world, including Italy, Switzerland, Australia, Syria and

Nigeria.

He disclosed that the training has therefore exposed the personnel, taken from across different units of the Deep Blue project, to global best practices and international operational standards in maritime security operations.

“Today’s event is a demonstration of

operational readiness, institutional resilience and Nigeria’s determination to maintain a safe, secure and economically viable maritime environment.

“With many people are not fully aware of the level of operations and integration and technological capacity that supports these achievements.

“The Deep Blue architecture integrates two special mission aircraft equipped with advanced maritime surveillance sensors, three special mission helicopters for over-the-sea operations and surveillance, two special mission vessels for deep sea operations, eight unmanned aerial vehicles for real-time intelligence gathering, 16 fast interception boats for rapid tactical response and 15 armed coastal patrol vessels.

” The Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence Center, the C4I, serves as

the central coordination hub for military domain awareness and operational response.

“As many of you may recall, the Gulf of Guinea was once regarded as one of the most challenging military

maritime regions in the world due to incidents of piracy and robbery.

“Today, through the Deep Blue project and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we are proud to say that Nigeria has

transformed the narrative which has resulted in zero piracy incidents since 2022.

“This has restored trust among global shipping operators, investors, and maritime stakeholders.

Mobereola expressed appreciation the Minister of Marine and Blue

Economy, Adeboyega Oyetola, for what he described as his exemplary leadership, strategic guidance, and steadfast commitment to promoting maritime security initiatives in Nigeria.

He also acknowledged the role the Minister of Defense, General

Christopher Musa and the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Belo

Matawale for their continued support and commitment towards strengthening national security and enhancing interagency cooperation in the maritime domain.

Mobereola commended the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Army, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, (DSS) and all security and intelligence agencies whose professionalism and

cooperation continue to strengthen the operational success of the Deep Blue project.

Hee made special mention of Deep Blue project technical partner HLSI, Security Systems Technologies Limited, for their invaluable support, technical expertise, commitment to capacity development, and strategic partnership in the implementation and sustainability of the Deep Blue project.

NIMASA DG also congratulated the graduating personnel for successfully completing the important steps of their professional journey.

“This strength you have received comes with enormous responsibility as you are expected to uphold high standards of professionalism, discipline, integrity, and the discharge of your duties.

Tge event was by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Defense, General

Christopher Musa and the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Belo

Matawale, high military personnel from Navy, Army and Sir force.

Headlines

WHO honors NFVCB over tobacco control in entertainment industry

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has been honoured with the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General’s Special Award, African Region, receiving a Certificate of Appreciation for its outstanding contributions to tobacco control advocacy and the promotion of responsible media content in Nigeria.

The NFVCB is the only institution among the five-person African Region winners unveiled as part of the activities commemorating World No Tobacco Day.

This recognition by the DG of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, acknowledges the Board’s leadership in regulating the depiction and promotion of tobacco and nicotine products in Nigerian films, music videos, skits, and other audiovisual content, particularly those accessible to young audiences.

The WHO Director-General’s Awards are presented annually ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31 to honour individuals and organizations across WHO’s six regions for exceptional work in advancing the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).

NFVCB was recognized for its landmark 2024 regulations prohibiting the promotion, and glamourization of tobacco and nicotine products in entertainment content.

The regulations require that any necessary depiction of tobacco use in films and videos must carry health warnings, receive the highest classification rating, and be restricted to audiences aged 18 years and above.

The regulations also mandate producers to place a disclaimer and disclose any relationship with the tobacco and nicotine industry while prohibiting tobacco brand display and product placement in entertainment content.

The policy aligns with the implementation guidelines of Article 13 of the WHO FCTC on tobacco depiction in entertainment media.

With the introduction of the regulations, Nigeria became the first country in Africa and only the second globally to establish such comprehensive safeguards against the glamorization of tobacco use on screen.

Research and WHO guidance have consistently shown that the portrayal of tobacco use in entertainment media normalizes smoking behaviour and increases the likelihood of tobacco uptake among young people.

Through clear regulatory standards, the Board is helping to reduce exposure to pro-tobacco imagery while promoting socially responsible storytelling within Nigeria’s creative industry.

The recognition also aligns with the 8-Point Agenda of the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, aimed at strengthening policy frameworks, promoting responsible creative content, preserving cultural values, and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s creative capital by 2030.

Speaking on the recognition, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Dr.Shaibu Husseini, described the award as a validation of the Board’s efforts toward promoting responsible storytelling and safeguarding public interest through effective content regulation.

“This award is a validation of the work we have done with the Nigerian creative industry to promote responsible storytelling.

“The goal has never been to censor art, but to ensure that our films do not inadvertently market products that are harmful to public health,” he stated.

Dr. Husseini reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote healthy societal values, protect children and vulnerable audiences, and strengthen the positive influence of Nigeria’s entertainment industry globally.

The ED also expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, filmmakers, producers, and advocacy partners, especially Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), National Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA), and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), for their collaboration in advancing the policy.

The Board stated that it would continue to strengthen enforcement of the regulations, expand public education and stakeholder engagement, and deepen collaboration with WHO, the WHO FCTC Secretariat, and relevant stakeholders in promoting responsible entertainment content and public health protection.