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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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Customs

Customs PR officers dominate NCCSC graduation, clinch overall best honours

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 

The Public Relations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a rare academic feat as two of its officers emerged the top graduating students at the Nigeria Customs Service Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada.

At the graduation ceremony for Senior Course 14 held on Friday,June 26th, 2026,  Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Ridwan Yusuf was named the Overall Best Graduating Student, capping an outstanding performance by winning three additional awards.

His colleague, CSC Nuruddeen Sa’idu, was named the Second Best Graduating Student, completing a remarkable sweep by officers from the Service’s Public Relations Unit.

The double honour highlights the intellectual depth, leadership capacity and professionalism within the Customs Public Relations Unit, demonstrating that its officers excel not only in strategic communication but also in administration, operational management and policy leadership.

Beyond the accolades, the achievement is expected to open another chapter in their careers, as both officers may be retained by the College as Directing Staff, in keeping with the institution’s tradition of engaging its highest-performing graduates to mentor future participants.

If confirmed, the appointments would recognise their exceptional academic and professional abilities while entrusting them with the responsibility of shaping the next generation of Customs leaders, although their absence would be keenly felt within the Public Relations Unit.

The Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit congratulated both officers on their outstanding accomplishments and wished them continued success as they assume greater responsibilities in service to the nation.

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Stakeholders hail commitment of NIMASA to welfare of Nigerian seafarers as salaries jump by 150 percent 

 Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has won widespread acclaim from key maritime stakeholders for its sustained commitment to improving the welfare, remuneration and professional development of Nigerian seafarers, with reforms that have increased their earning capacity by over 150 per cent.

The commendations came on Thursday, June 25th, 2026 during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, where government officials, lawmakers and labour leaders unanimously applauded the agency’s efforts to reposition Nigerian seafarers for global competitiveness.

Leading the tributes were the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshilokin,  Chairman of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Khadija Bubar Abba Ibrahim, represented by her Deputy, Uduak Alphonsus Odudou and President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi.

They praised NIMASA for implementing policies and programmes that have significantly improved the welfare, working conditions and international recognition of Nigerian seafarers.

Earlier, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted the agency’s strategic interventions, revealing that over 2,459 cadets have been trained or are currently undergoing training in reputable maritime institutions across the world under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).

Mobereola disclosed that Nigerian seafarers’ earning capacity has risen by more than 150 per cent following NIMASA’s successful enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and the integration of the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) agreement into the International Transport Workers’ Federation/International Labour Organization (ITF/ILO) wage framework.

The development, he explained, has effectively placed Nigerian seafarers on internationally recognised wage scales and improved their conditions of service.

“At NIMASA, the welfare, safety, security and professional advancement of seafarers remain central to our maritime governance agenda.

“We recognise that protecting and empowering seafarers is not merely a regulatory obligation but a moral imperative and a strategic necessity for sustaining the growth and resilience of the maritime industry.

“In line with this commitment, the Agency has continued to champion strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers,” Mobereola said.

He called for stronger collaboration among governments, maritime administrations, shipowners, employers, training institutions, labour unions and other industry stakeholders to build a maritime ecosystem that prioritises safety, dignity, inclusion, wellbeing and professional excellence of seafarers.

According to him, the complex risks faced by seafarers require a collective and sustained response from all stakeholders.

The NIMASA boss described the annual Day of the Seafarer celebration as more than a ceremonial event, saying it should serve as a renewed commitment to ensuring that every seafarer is respected, protected, fairly treated and empowered to realise his or her full potential.

He paid glowing tribute to seafarers for their invaluable contributions to global commerce despite the enormous challenges they confront at sea.

“Beyond transporting cargo, seafarers navigate unpredictable weather conditions, demanding working environments, evolving security threats and increasing geopolitical realities.

“They endure prolonged separation from their families and loved ones while coping with the physical and psychological demands inherent in life at sea.

“Yet they continue to demonstrate exceptional resilience, professionalism and unwavering commitment,” he said.

Addressing Nigerian seafarers and their counterparts across the world, Mobereola added:

“You are not only the backbone of global trade but also proud ambassadors of our maritime nation. Your contributions continue to strengthen the maritime sector, support economic growth and enhance Nigeria’s standing within the international maritime community.”

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Headlines

FG to Shipping Firms: End abuse of Nigerian Seafarers now or face consequences

— as Oyetola vows zero tolerance for poor welfare of seafarers , unveils national carrier plan to boost jobs, sea-time training

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to shipping companies, crewing agencies and shipowners against the maltreatment of Nigerian seafarers, declaring that any practice that undermines their welfare, safety and dignity will no longer be tolerated.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, delivered the warning at the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration held in Lagos on Thursday, June 25th,2026, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerian seafarers and improving their welfare.

The event, themed “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk,” drew key stakeholders from across the maritime industry, including heads of maritime agencies, members of the National Assembly, shipping companies, crewing agencies, ministry officials, maritime labour unions and seafarers.

Speaking through the Director of Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry, Mr. Makoji Musa, Oyetola said the era of neglecting Nigerian seafarers must come to an end.

“Let me send a clear message to all shipping companies, crewing agencies and employers of seafarers.

“Our seafarers must be treated with dignity, fairness and respect at all times.

“The era of neglecting the welfare of seafarers, denying them their legitimate entitlements, or subjecting them to unacceptable working conditions must come to an end.

“The well-being of our maritime workforce is non-negotiable,” the minister declared.

Oyetola described seafarers as the backbone of global commerce, noting that they facilitate over 85 per cent of world trade despite operating under difficult and often hazardous conditions.

“Behind every successful voyage lies a story of commitment, endurance and sacrifice,” he said.

“Seafarers spend long periods away from their families, work under demanding conditions and navigate increasingly complex operational and security challenges.

“Their profession requires not only technical competence but also courage, discipline and exceptional resilience.”

He stressed that celebrating seafarers should go beyond ceremonial speeches and translate into concrete actions that improve their working conditions, strengthen safety standards and safeguard their rights.

The Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing maritime safety, security and decent work through reforms targeted at improving maritime education and training, raising certification standards, expanding employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers and ensuring full compliance with international maritime conventions.

In a major policy announcement, Oyetola disclosed that the Ministry is in the final stages of establishing a national shipping carrier under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

According to him, the initiative is designed to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign shipping lines, curb capital flight, strengthen indigenous shipping capacity and, crucially, create more employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers.

He explained that the proposed national carrier would also address one of the biggest challenges confronting Nigerian cadets by providing adequate sea-time training required for international certification and employment.

“The Ministry is finalizing plans to establish a national shipping carrier through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

“This strategic initiative will help stem the enormous capital flight associated with the dominance of foreign shipping lines, enhance Nigeria’s participation in international maritime trade and strengthen our national shipping capacity.

“Importantly, the initiative will create new opportunities for Nigerian seafarers by expanding sea-time placements, increasing employment prospects, developing local maritime expertise and providing a sustainable platform for career advancement,” Oyetola said.

The Minister maintained that protecting the welfare and rights of seafarers remains central to the Federal Government’s vision of building a globally competitive maritime sector and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.

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