Connect with us

Headlines

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.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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

Headlines

Tantita intercepts stolen crude on escort of  Delta Marine Police, arrests four suspects 

Funso OLOJO 
Tantita Security Services Limited, a pipeline surveillance operations company, has intercepted a tanker vessel, MT Thor, laden with suspected stolen crude oil.
The interception, which occurred on December 15th, 2025, around the Koko–Excravos axis of Delta State, happened while the vessel was allegedly being escorted by personnel of the Police Marine Unit, Delta State, who reportedly claimed they were acting on directives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja.
Four suspects have been apprehended in connection with the incident and are currently facing investigation for possible prosecution.
The arrest was announced during the handover of the suspects at Koko Port in Delta State by Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL), a firm engaged in pipeline surveillance operations.
Speaking at the handover of the vessel and the suspects at Koko Port, Delta state, the Executive Director of Operations at Tantita, Captain Warredi Enisouh, said the suspects were apprehended with an unspecified quantity of suspected illegally sourced petroleum products aboard the vessel.
According to a situation report made available by the Special Prosecution Team (SPT) of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Product Theft, Tantita alerted the Head of Investigation of the SPT after intercepting MT Thor, which was allegedly laden with crude oil obtained through illicit means.
Preliminary investigations by law enforcement agencies revealed that the vessel, now classified as an exhibit in an ongoing criminal investigation, is linked to a jetty operated by Ebenco Global Services Limited.
Investigation officers disclosed that documents and correspondence connected to the jetty were obtained and are currently under review.
“The owner of the jetty, Mr. Ebenezer, was contacted by investigators and reportedly provided additional documents, including court orders, which are also being analysed as part of the investigation.
“On December 16, a joint investigation team led by the Head of Investigation of the SPT conducted a Joint Inspection Visit in Koko.
The team first met at Tantita’s corporate headquarters in Warri for a briefing, which was also attended by the jetty owner.
“During the inspection, investigators attempted to obtain samples from MT Thor but were unable to do so immediately as the vessel had not yet arrived at the jetty, having been towed from an earlier location by security operatives.
“While awaiting the vessel’s arrival, the team inspected other containers suspected to be carrying crude oil within the premises of Ebenco Global Links Limited, where samples were taken from a storage barge.
“MT Thor eventually berthed at about 8:30 p.m. on 16 December, prompting the joint team to adjourn sampling and other procedures until the following day.
 As of 17 December 2025, investigators were reported to be en route to Koko to continue sample collection and complete investigation formalities,” the report read.
Receiving the suspects, the Head of the Special Prosecution Team of the Inter-Agency Task Force, Omar Sini, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to dismantle crude oil theft networks in the Niger Delta, assuring that all findings would be thoroughly examined and prosecuted in line with the law.
Continue Reading

Headlines

Mobereola, NIMASA DG, reflects on year 2025 with satisfaction, says 2026 holds promising opportunities for maritime industry 

Funso OLOJO
The Director -General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has expressed his satisfaction over the achievements recorded in the maritime industry in the outgoing year of 2025, while looking forward to a promising 2026 with hope.
In his Christmas message to the stakeholders in the maritime industry, Dr Mobereola noted that the 2026 ended well with the election of Nigeria into the category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) after 14 years of failed attempts as well as zero occurrence of piracy attacks on Nigeria’ waters.
“The year 2025 has been a good one for our industry as once again, we have not recorded a single piracy attack in our waters in a whole calendar year, Nigeria was also able to deposit three Instruments of Accession to IMO Conventions that were signed by President Bola Tinubu ,we have been able to maintain industrial harmony in the sector all of which culminated to Nigeria’s election into the category C Council of the International Maritime Organization.
“We couldn’t have done this without our stakeholders who have contributed in various ways in the course of their operations during the year. We see you, we thank you and we felicitate with your during this yuletide season”Mobereola observed.
He however assured that the Agency will re-double efforts in ensuring that 2026 is even better for every stakeholder.
While calling on industry operators to brace up for the new year with hope of better times, Dr. Mobereola noted that “at NIMASA, we appreciate the weight of our renewed responsibility by virtue of Nigeria’s membership of the IMO Council because to whom much is given, much is definitely expected.

” You can therefore be sure of an increased momentum in our resolve to sustain maritime safety, security, environmental protection and adherence to relevant conventions and protocols with renewed vigour.”

The DG concluded by acknowledging the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, industry stakeholders, management and staff of NIMASA as well as all Nigerians and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Continue Reading

Headlines

FG trains 75 boat operators on safe inland waterway navigation

Funso OLOJO
The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has concluded a three-day Boat Navigation and Safety Training for 75 boat drivers and skippers, as part of efforts to improve safety and professionalism on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The training, which ran from Monday, 22, December, 2025 to Wednesday, 24 December, 2025 focused on equipping participants with the practical knowledge and operational competence required for the issuance of the Certificate in Safe Boating and Navigation.
Participants were drawn from major boating associations, including the Maritime Workers Union, the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATAN), and the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN).
 Boat operators from Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states took part in the programme.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Timothy Clement of the NIWA Lagos Area Office described the training as a significant intervention aimed at reducing accidents on inland waterways.
 He noted that many previous boat mishaps were caused by limited technical knowledge and insufficient experience among operators, adding that sustained capacity-building would help address the challenge.
Clement also highlighted ongoing safety measures being implemented by NIWA, including the removal of wrecks to improve navigation and continuous sensitisation of boat operators along major routes such as CMS, Ikorodu, Badore, Badagry and Port Novo.
According to him, NIWA has intensified awareness campaigns, moving from jetty to jetty to educate operators on safe practices, while encouraging boat owners to release more skippers and captains for structured training programmes.
“So far, so good. We thank God for the success of this three-day training for boat skippers.
“Participants came from Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, and over the past three days, they have learned a great deal,” Clement said.
“This year alone, NIWA conducted sensitisation exercises two to three times across different jetties.
“We are encouraging operators to make more of their captains and skippers available for this kind of training.
” I believe that by this time next year, we will have even more reasons to celebrate improved safety on our waterways,” he added.
Also speaking, the Lead Trainer and Consultant, Dr. Sileola Akinbowale, described the programme as a life-saving initiative designed to strengthen manpower capacity and reduce waterway accidents.
She explained that the training was structured to ensure boat operators are properly equipped with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills required to operate safely and efficiently.
 Akinbowale commended the Federal Government, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the former Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, for prioritising safety and capacity development in the sector.
Assessing the programme, she rated it about 90 per cent successful, noting that it combined classroom sessions with practical exercises on the water.
“We did not limit the training to classroom lectures. Participants were taken out for practical sessions at the jetty, which made the programme very effective. It was an all-inclusive training, not just theory,” she said.
She assured that the initiative would be sustained, stressing that continuous capacity enhancement remains critical to saving lives and improving professionalism on inland waterways.
Participants expressed satisfaction with the training, describing it as timely and impactful.
A Lagos-based boat operator, Wasiu Olalekan, said the programme had strengthened participants’ ability to respond to emergencies and distress situations.
“With this training, we now know how to handle distress situations on the waterways because of the knowledge given to us. On behalf of the Lagos State participants, we appreciate the Minister and NIWA management for this opportunity,” he said.
Another participant from Ondo State, Biobaku John, said the training exposed him to critical safety and emergency response skills that would enhance his professionalism.
“I gained important safety and firefighting skills during these three days. As a boat driver, I learned a lot and I am proud to have participated,” he said.
Similarly, the leader of the Ogun State delegation, Pami Ronald, said participants were trained in boat handling, safety procedures, first aid, emergency response, engine maintenance and effective waterway transport management.
“For the past three days, we learned extensively about safety, first aid, how to raise alarms, call for rescue teams and even engine maintenance. The training was very educative,” he said.
The programme forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIWA, in line with recommendations from investigation reports under the tenure of former NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, to improve safety standards, professionalism and confidence among inland waterway operators nationwide.
Continue Reading

Trending