Connect with us

Headlines

NBS exposes lack of depth of reforms in maritime industry as it rates sector low in contribution to Nigeria’s GDP

Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy
Funso Olojo 
The National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) has exposed the shallow depth of the reforms in the maritime industry, which according to the ratings of the agency, have not yet produced desired results to catapult the sector into its reckoning.
In his latest ranking of the contributions of various sectors to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023, the maritime sector was not captured in the data for the assessment.
The NBS, in its data analysis, only mentioned water transport, as the contributor to the country’s GDP.
In the 2023 report, the NBS noted that water transport contributed a mere N12.6 billion which was 0.01% of GDP.
In  Q2 of 2022, the maritime sector as represented by the water transport in the report, contributed a mere N2.4 billion to the GDP out of N45.5 trillion GDP for that period.
Stakeholders believed that this was a reflection of the so-called reform programmes which the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy prided itself on having initiated in the sector.
They noted that the ministry has not done enough to trigger the necessary transformation in the sector which could lead to the full exploitation of the huge potential in the industry.
The low rating of the sector by the NBS and the below-average performance of the new ministry came amidst the controversial award which was curiously given to the Ministry by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council(PEBEC) as the best-performing ministry in driving ease of doing business.
It could be recalled that on June 28th, 2024, the Special Adviser to the President on
Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, at a town hall meeting, pronounced the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as the Best Performing Ministry in the delivery of the reform activities, a claim which stakeholders have roundly condemned and faulted.
Muda Yusuf, the CEO of Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), has bemoaned the lightweight performance of the maritime industry despite its huge potential.
The former Director-General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, however, condemned the underreporting of the maritime sector by the NBS.
Some stakeholders have however attributed the non-recognition of the capacity of the sector by the NBS to the gross failure of the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Meanwhile, Dr. Yusuf, who was the lead speaker at the breakfast meeting convened by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria(MARAN) in Lagos, believed that the maritime industry has contributed far more than what was reported by the NBS.
“There is evidently a gross under-reporting of the activities of the maritime sector by the National Bureau of Statistics.
“For instance, in the Q2 GDP report, the maritime sector (water transport) was said to have contributed a mere 2.4bn Naira to the GDP out of N45.5trn GDP for the quarter.
“This is a contribution of a mere 0.01 percent. In the first quarter of 2022, the NBS recorded 0 percent contribution of the sector to GDP.
“In the GDP numbers, water transport is the only proxy closest to maritime. But maritime sector activities are beyond water transportation.” Dr Yusuf observed.
However, while delivering a paper at the breakfast meeting with the theme: Trade Facilitation and President Tinubu Economic Agenda: Matters Arising, the CPPE boss frowned at the lack of recognition of the maritime industry’s contributions to the GDP.
“As a country, we are yet to appreciate the full significance of trade and the international trade ecosystem as leverage for economic transformation.
 “This perhaps is why trade issues have not attracted the level of attention commensurate to their contribution to the economy.
 “The trade sector accounts for 16% of our GDP in 2023 which amounts to over N27 trillion.
” But this data reflects largely domestic trade – that is wholesale and retail trade.
“The contribution of international trade and the entire ecosystem is yet to be adequately captured in our GDP data.
 “This is what the maritime sector or the blue economy represents.
 “I am hoping that as the GDP is rebased, this grave shortcoming in our economic data will be corrected.
“What we have in the NBS data is water transport.
 “But the maritime sector or blue economy is beyond just water transportation.
“Water transport for instance contributed a mere N12.6 billion in 2023, which was 0.01% of GDP.
 “This certainly cannot be what the maritime sector contributed in the whole of 2023.
” And this has been the trend over the years.
“The maritime sector handles over 95% of our international merchandise trade.
 “The value of trade in 2023 was N71.9 trillion in 2023, with import accounting for N36 trillion and export accounting for another N36 trillion.
 Stakeholders have therefore tasked the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola to go beyond rhetoric but stimulate the sector to enable it to leverage the enormous resources in the industry for maximum growth.
“What impact has the new ministry made barely 11 months after its creation and the resumption of duties by Adegboyega Oyetola as the minister that will justify the pyrrhic award by PEBEC? , a concerned maritime operator queried.
Oyetola was first appointed as the Minister of Transportation on 16th August 2023 but redeployed four days later to head the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Customs

Apapa Customs commences stricter crowd control measures to enhance security at command

Funso OLOJO, Editor
In response to the rising wave of insecurity across the country, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded plans to tighten access control measures to ensure that only authorized persons gain entry into the command to conduct official business.
As part of the new security arrangement, all licensed clearing and forwarding agencies operating at the command have been directed to submit the names of three representatives through Customs Form C-30, who will be authorized to carry out daily transactions on behalf of their companies.
The NCS Form C-30 is an operational document that serves as proof of authorization for a licensed clearing and forwarding agent to operate within a designated Customs command. It is a mandatory requirement for cargo clearance and export processing at Nigerian ports.
The initiative comes amid heightened efforts by government agencies and private organizations to strengthen security protocols and protect personnel, facilities, and critical national assets from emerging threats.
Speaking exclusively with our correspondent, the Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the measure is aimed at reducing the number of visitors to the command and enhancing access control in response to growing security concerns nationwide.
According to him, the requirement for clearing and forwarding agencies to nominate representatives for Customs transactions is already provided for in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, although it has not been fully implemented.
He disclosed that the Apapa Command has decided to activate the provision in view of the prevailing security situation in the country.
“This is a standard procedure globally to enhance security at ports, which are critical to the world economy.
“In Nigeria, our ports are the arteries of the economy, and we cannot afford to expose them to the risk of attacks.
“We have to be proactive and not wait until an unfortunate incident occurs before taking action.
“America never expected the September 11 terrorist attacks.
“It is for these reasons that the management of the Service has decided that the enforcement of the crowd-control provisions contained in the Customs Act 2023 should commence at the Apapa Command, given its status as the largest and flagship Customs command in the country,” Oshoba stated.
The Customs Area Controller explained that restricting physical access to accredited company representatives would not only strengthen security but also improve operational efficiency and facilitate better monitoring of activities within the command.
He further disclosed that the policy, which is scheduled to take full effect next week, will significantly limit the movement of unauthorized persons within the command premises.
“The accredited representatives of all registered clearing and forwarding agencies will be issued official duty identification cards, which will grant them access to the command.
“Whenever there is a change in personnel, the concerned agency will notify the command so that the necessary adjustments and replacements can be updated in our system.
“Visitors, including journalists, will be required to register at the gate and will be issued visitor identification cards.
“This is a standard practice globally. I am aware that terminal operators such as Grimaldi at PTML and APM Terminals at Apapa Port already operate similar crowd-control mechanisms,” he noted.
The new access-control regime follows recent efforts by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to improve security, operational efficiency, and reduce the cost of doing business at the ports.
It could be recalled that between May 14th and 16th,  2026, PEBEC, led by its Director-General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, coordinated a major enforcement operation along the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors in Lagos to dismantle illegal checkpoints and extortion points obstructing cargo movement.
The operation targeted notorious extortion locations, including Liverpool Bridge, the Terminal International Container Terminal (TICT) Second Gate, NAGAFF Junction, ETISALAT Roundabout, and Fidelity Roundabout.
Working in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Government, PEBEC sought to restore order and eliminate unauthorized checkpoints that had become a major impediment to trade facilitation.
The exercise resulted in the immediate removal of illegal structures and unauthorized personnel operating along the corridor, while authorities issued a stern warning against any attempt to re-establish the extortion checkpoints.
Continue Reading

Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
‎
‎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.
‎
‎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.
‎
‎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.
‎
‎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.
‎
‎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.
‎
‎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.
‎
‎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.
‎
‎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.
‎
‎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.
‎
‎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.
‎
‎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.

Continue Reading

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.
Continue Reading

Trending