Headlines

Maritime agencies groan under delayed release of 2024 sectoral budget

Adegboyega Oyetola,Minister of Marine and Blue Economy

–-accuse National Assembly of complicity

— We have passed, released budget— N/A fires back

—Marine and Blue economy ministry keeps mum

Funso OLOJO

The alleged delayed release of the maritime industry sectoral budget has become a subject of speculation and ding-dong affairs between the agencies in the sector and the National Assembly.

Sources close to some of these agencies have claimed that their 2024 sectoral budget has not been released by the National Assembly seven months into the year.

A concerned source close to one of the affected agencies, who pleaded for anonymity for fear of reprisal, confided in our reporter that the 2024 sectoral budget for his agency is yet to be passed and released by the National Assembly, a claim which a source close to the Assembly has denied.

“This was despite our budget presentation and defence at the twilight of 2023” a source close to one of the affected agencies disclosed.

The source accused the members of the House Committees of the Senate on Marine Transport and the House Committees on Ports and Harbour, Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Inland Waterways and Shipping Services of complicity in the delayed release of the budget.

The source alleged that due to the refusal of some of the agencies to accede to what he claimed has become a practice of budget padding, their budgets are delayed.

” During last administration, budgets were quickly passed and released because the agencies consented to budget padding”

” For instance, if an agency proposed a budget of N100m, it could be padded with an additional 30 million which would be taken upfront for the budget to be quickly passed and released” the source alleged.

The source however claimed that under the present government, everyone was being cautious as nobody wanted to go to jail.

” Under the present dispensation, nobody wants to go to jail hence the refusal to consent to budget padding which may have resulted in the delay” the source further alleged.

The source further declared that the delayed release of the budget has hampered the operations of these agencies as they could not embark on critical infrastructural and operational projects.

” We are only allowed to spend between 20 percent to 25 percent of the proposed budgets before they are passed”

” And these are used to pay salaries and other overhead costs”

” If you embark on any project outside the discretionary percentage of your budget as critical expenses, you will go to jail, so this has hamstrung the agencies’ Heads from embarking on major operational projects” the source alleged.

However, National Assembly sources who spoke to our reporter on strict instruction for anonymity faulted the claims of the agencies.

” These are a pack of lies” one of the sources countered.

” It is not true that the National Assembly is holding on to the budget of the agencies nor engages in budget padding.

” Which of the agencies are you talking about?

” Is it NPA, NIMASA, Shippers Council , MAN, Oron, or NIWA?

” Their budgets have been passed”, the source claimed, and went on to explain the principles governing budget consideration, passage, and transmission.

“A budget runs a 12-month cycle.

” The recurring expenditures such as salaries and other overhead costs start from January to January.

“But the budget proper doesn’t start in January but from around June to June, each year.

“To take care of exigencies that may disrupt the 12-month cycle period of budget implementation, the National Assembly usually extends the implementation of previous budgets like the 2023 budget, to December.

” When you run a budget late, you cannot shut down the old one completely.

” Constitution allows you to spend existing sub-head up till half of the year.

” I believe their budget is ready.

”The National Assembly extended the implementation of the 2023 budget till December because they have not finished its implementation, so nothing is crippled as they claimed.

” There are certain things that are automatic. The salaries and other overhead costs are automatic.

” It is only new projects they are not allowed to dabble into before the current budget is passed and released.

” This will allow them to complete the existing projects they have been committed to before they undertake new ones”

The highly placed National Assembly source insisted that the sectoral budget of the maritime agencies has been passed and said if they haven’t got them, it was probably because the documents are in the middle of conveyance.

The source claimed that the budget is no longer transmitted directly to the agencies as was the case before but through their parent ministry, which is the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy which in turn transmits it to the Ministry of Finance where the government will deduct at source 50 percent of the budget before the balance is transmitted to the respective agencies.

” Remember, as contained in the 2024 Finance Act, the Federal government deducts at source 50 percent of the value of budgetary allocations to all the self-funding agencies and parastatals before the balance is remitted”

” Now that the Federal government has taken over the receipt of their money and deducts 50 percent before remittance to them, sometimes it may be delayed before remittance is done to the agencies.

The source said this may have led to their present financial crunch which they should not blame on the National Assembly.

” At no point in time did the agencies have no budgetary allocations.

” If they are complaining about lack of adequate funds, that is a different thing entirely.

” They should not hold the National Assembly responsible for their present financial predicament”

The source accused those peddling the allegation of an attempt to give the National Assembly a bad name.

“What I know and can confirm to you is that their budgets are no longer with the National Assembly.

According to the source, MAN Oron got its budget about two months ago.

The same thing goes for Nigerian Shippers’Council and NIWA.

” If there is still any other agency which has not received its own, it may probably be with the Ministry of Marine and Blue economy for necessary scrutiny or within the conveyance process”

The source said that the NPA has a peculiar case because the new MD has just resumed and could not be allowed to start spending money without studying the situation he met on the ground.

” Even, the NPA which has a peculiar case cannot complain of budget delay because they got virement.

” Not only that, the period of its budget implementation was extended.

” It was supplemented around February or March 2024 when the agency got additional budgetary allocation”

” National Assembly has no hand in the delay budget release or withholding or inadequate funds they may be facing and I challenge anyone with contrary position” the source declared.

Meanwhile, the efforts of our reporter to get the position of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy on the sectoral budget controversy met hostile reactions.

It would be recalled that in December 2023, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, presented N10.9billion budget to the joint House committees on Marine Transport and the House of Representatives committees on Ports and Harbour, Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Inland waterways and Shipping Services.

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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.

Business

Taiwo Afolabi calls on African businesses to scale up their operations for global relevance

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group, has called on African entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to prioritise the growth of large, sustainable corporations capable of competing globally, rather than operating fragmented and small-scale enterprises that limit the continent’s economic potential.

Speaking at the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda, Afolabi said Africa’s economic transformation would depend significantly on the emergence of strong indigenous corporations with the scale, structure, and capacity to drive industrialisation, create jobs, attract investment, and compete internationally.

According to him, discussions at this year’s forum reinforced the urgent need for African businesses to embrace collaboration, long-term thinking, regional integration, and strategic expansion.

He said: “Africa cannot achieve its full economic potential with thousands of weak and fragmented businesses operating in silos.

“What the continent needs are strong institutions and large corporations that can survive beyond their founders, scale across borders, attract global capital, and compete with the best companies around the world.”

Afolabi noted that while entrepreneurship remains critical to Africa’s growth story, the continent must deliberately move beyond subsistence and lifestyle businesses towards building enduring enterprises with robust governance systems, innovation capacity, and continental reach.

He stressed that African governments, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders must create enabling environments that support business scalability through improved infrastructure, access to finance, favourable regulations, and intra-African trade.

“The conversations at the Africa CEO Forum clearly showed that Africa’s future lies in integration and scale.

“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a historic opportunity for businesses to expand beyond national borders and build truly pan-African enterprises,” he added.

Afolabi noted that SIFAX Group’s long-term vision is anchored on strengthening intra-African trade and supporting the successful implementation of AfCFTA through investments in logistics, ports, transportation, and digital finance solutions across Africa.