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First-year anniversary: Stakeholders knock Oyetola’s performance as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy 

“Nothing has changed and nothing will change in the next three years”
Funso OLOJO 
The general mood among the expectant maritime stakeholders was that of gloom, disappointment, doubts and pessimism as they looked back at what they described as the cheerless and uninspiring one year of stewardship of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola.
The initial expectations, high hopes and optimism they had at the creation of the new ministry have paled into painful disappointment, sunken hopes and misery, casting on them a thick pall of melancholy as they looked at the past one year in office of the Minister.
They peeped into the future of the sector under the present Minister with consternation, trepidation and forlorn hope.
Oyetola has the rare privilege of being the pioneer Minister of the novel ministry widely acknowledged as a beacon of hope and a launching pad for the accelerated growth of the sector.
So when Oyetola assumed office on August 21st, 2023, maritime stakeholders, especially Indigenous ship owners whose businesses are gradually going under due to long years of maladministration, neglect and policy summersault, placed much hope on the minister to hit the ground running by stirring into action the sleeping sector that has been performing below its capacity.
The expectant stakeholders had expected the Minister to latch on the existing structures, spiced with innovative ideas, to stimulate the growth of the industry.
But one year later, the stakeholders were unanimous in their shared grief and disappointment over the arrested growth of the sector.
They bemoaned that the hope and aspirations they shared for the accelerated and stimulated growth of the sector under the Minister have been largely misplaced and probably exaggerated.
Worst still, they said they didn’t see any glimmer of hope, not now or in the next three years when the Minister is expected to superintendent over the maritime sector.
Prince Ayorinde Adedoyin, an indigenous shipowner and Chairman, Peacegate Group, said there was nothing significant that the Minister has achieved in the last one year that is worth cheering about.
“The past year in the maritime industry? I think some people have pointed to the appointment of a new Managing Director for NPA, a new head for NIMASA, and the presence of a Minister as positives.
” But, what new policies have been introduced to advance the industry?
” Honestly, I haven’t seen anything significant. Yes, they say one year might be too short to judge, perhaps because they’re still ‘cooking’ what they want to serve us.
” But it feels like the meal is taking too long to prepare. If you ask me, I haven’t witnessed any remarkable progress in the maritime sector over the past year.
“That’s just my opinion, but I’m open to others sharing their perspectives, as there might be things I’m not aware of.
“The sector has been very quiet lately, and I don’t see anything changing significantly in the next three years.
“Perhaps they’ll start acting on their plans tomorrow, but as of now, things have been very slow.
“And regarding the controversial CVFF (Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund), I really don’t know what to say.
“The money has just been sitting there, and I hope it’s at least accruing interest.
“But the real question is: who will benefit from this fund? The old shipowners who contributed? Or will it be used to foster new ownership?
“Everyone seems to be looking out for their own interests rather than considering the overall benefits to the industry.
“Even if the funds were disbursed tomorrow, who would they go to?
” The same applicants from the past decade? Will new applications be called for?
“These are questions that need answers before any meaningful progress can be made.
” If the money is not carefully disbursed, it could create more problems than it solves.
“The industry needs to sit down and figure out how to use this money to develop the sector, whether through funding infrastructure or training programs.
” It shouldn’t just be about buying vessels when there aren’t even contracts available for them.”
The disappointment and pessimism of Otunba Sola Olatunji, Shipowner and Member of  Nigerian  Shipowner Association(NISA) were poignant when he expressed doubt if anything would work in the Ministry of Marine and Blue economy.
“It’s hard to predict the intentions of those in power, but I doubt if anything will work in the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry without deliberate government intervention.”, he declared pointedly
“Regarding the CVFF, I doubt if it even exists. Over the past decade, we’ve seen all sorts of propaganda from NIMASA about this illusion called CVFF.
” It’s all just a show, and the Minister and DG are here to play their parts.
“In three years, I’ll remind you of my stance—it’s all just a propaganda stunt”
Chidi Anthony Opara,  a freight forwarder believed the minister may have underestimated the task at hand which he said had clearly overwhelmed his capacity.
“The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy may have been overwhelmed by the novelty of the ministry.
“Previously, these functions were handled by the Ministry of Transportation, so the bureaucratic processes of transferring responsibilities to the new ministry likely caused delays.
” The Minister might have made promises out of excitement, not fully understanding the teething problems that would arise.”
Chief Issac Jolapamo, the veteran Indigenous shipowner and the pioneer President of NISA, didn’t want to be drawn into the discussion of the sector he had spent over 60 years of his life because things have failed to improve.
He said that given what he regarded as the foundational problems of the industry which have become malignant, he has decided to adopt a “siddon look” approach in order to avoid evoking bad memories that could hurt him.
” The problem of the industry is foundational and unless there’s a holistic approach where the government confronts it frontally, the problem will still be there.
The chairman of Morlap Shipping said he didn’t know the capacity of the present Minister of Marine and Blue Economy if he could solve these problems in the industry.
” I don’t really know the capacity of the minister if he could resolve the issues in the maritime industry.
” I have lived all my life in the maritime industry but I have stopped bothering myself thinking about what we ought to do but which we have failed to do.
“I have since stopped worrying myself about the happenings in the industry because that will evoke bad memories which could hurt me and I don’t want to get hurt,” Jolapamo declared.
He said that without having ships, we cannot say we are practicing maritime.
” If you don’t have ships, you cannot say you are practicing maritime. If you cannot go to the sea, whatever you do, it is peripheral.
” Unfortunately, we are not addressing the issues like how do we acquire vessels where we can train our upcoming seafarers.
” We should not rely on other people to do it. We are not addressing this or better still, the government is just paying lip service to it.
” Owing and operating a vessel is more than a Cabotage. Cabotage is a minute part of shipping, it is operating on brown water but I am talking about international shipping.
” So far, I haven’t seen anything concrete towards that,” the foremost Indigenous shipowner said in a pained voice
Emenike Nwokeoji, the National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) was more diplomatic in his assessment as he spoke tongue in cheek.
“It’s too soon to evaluate the Minister’s performance.
“He didn’t inherit a ministry, he’s the first to hold this position, which means he’s laying the foundation.
” A lot of time has likely been spent harmonizing the Blue Economy Ministry with other ministries, like Transport.
” We should give him more time to build.
“The creation of the Blue Economy Ministry is a good idea, but as they move into their second year, they need to focus on educating people about what the ministry stands for.
” The Blue Economy encompasses a lot, and this ministry could play a major role in turning the economy around if properly expanded and managed.
“Rather than just continuing with existing functions, they should explore new areas that can significantly contribute to economic growth.”
However, it was not all knocks and condemnation for the Minister as
Alhaji Aminu Umar, former Nigerian Shipowners Association(NISA) and current President, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping was more patronising in his assessment of the Minister.
“Well, I think so far, the Honorable Minister has engaged. Remember, his ministry has been restructured, and there is a lot of responsibilities added such as fisheries, because it’s a blue economy.
“Usually, fisheries was in agriculture or somewhere, but now I understand it has been added to the ministry.
“Based on what we have, the engagements we have had with the agencies under him, we have seen positive changes in the way they implement policies and connect to us.
“The minister has been able to guide his agencies who are working directly with operators in the industry.
“We have seen a positive change from the DG NIMASA to the new MD of Nigerian Ports Authority, ES Shippers Council, and a host of others.
“They have told us that they are working under the direction of the minister.
“He is moving, we believe he is moving in the right direction. He is starting a new ministry, so it will take time to settle, but he is moving in the right direction.
“His people under him are doing well. The minister has even shown us his scorecards and where he intends to go.
” As an operator, the minister can focus on developing business by creating a supportive environment, improving infrastructure in the shipping and maritime domain, and continuing to support maritime security.
” For instance, NMASA’s intervention funds like the CVFF and policy changes to encourage more business are important.
” Improving port infrastructure and ensuring efficient operations are also key.
” The maritime environment has been witnessing a lot of changes globally, and with COVID-19, there have been increased requirements and costs for ships. This has made it expensive to invest in shipping” declared the shipping expert.
Generally, the maritime stakeholders have unanimously agreed that Oyetola has not met their expectations and has not acquitted himself well enough in the last one year to give them the confidence that he has the capacity to move the industry significantly forward.
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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.
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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.

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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.
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