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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

MARAN trains 20 members at shipping institute, pledges sustained capacity building

Gloria Odion,  Maritme reporter 

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has trained 20 of its members at the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (CISN) in a renewed effort to deepen maritime journalists’ technical knowledge, strengthen professional competence and improve the quality of reporting on Nigeria’s shipping industry and emerging blue economy.

The Graduate Induction Training Programme, which ended on Saturday, October 10, 2026, exposed participants to the technical, regulatory, operational and environmental dimensions of the maritime industry.

Participants are expected to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma Certificate in Shipping upon successful completion of the programme.

The training covered critical areas, including maritime safety and security, integrated marine environment management, shipping and port management, cargo clearance procedures and documentation, as well as the marine and blue economy.

The initiative underscores MARAN’s determination to bridge the knowledge gap between maritime journalism and the technical realities of the shipping industry, equipping its members with the expertise required to report more accurately and analytically on developments across the sector.

Delivering the first lecture, a CISN lecturer, Mr Patrick Ambakederimo, examined the principles of maritime safety and security, highlighting their significance to efficient shipping operations, the protection of lives and property, and the sustainability of maritime activities.

He discussed the identification and management of risks associated with vessel operations, cargo handling and other maritime activities, emphasising the need for strict compliance with safety regulations, regular inspections, adequate crew training and effective emergency response mechanisms.

Participants were also exposed to the importance of intelligence sharing, effective surveillance, coordinated security operations and adherence to relevant international maritime security standards.

The lecture distinguished between maritime safety, which focuses on preventing accidents and operational hazards, and maritime security, which addresses deliberate threats, unlawful activities and other hostile acts within the maritime domain.

Another CISN lecturer, Mr Sunday Duru, delivered a lecture on integrated marine environment management, examining the need for coordinated strategies to protect marine and coastal ecosystems from the environmental pressures associated with shipping, port operations and coastal development.

Duru stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies, maritime operators, environmental organisations, coastal communities and other stakeholders in addressing environmental challenges confronting the maritime industry.

He identified marine pollution, oil spills, improper waste disposal, plastic pollution and the degradation of coastal ecosystems as critical concerns requiring sustained attention.

He also highlighted the importance of environmental monitoring, pollution prevention, proper waste management and effective enforcement of environmental regulations in safeguarding Nigeria’s marine resources.

Other courses covered shipping and port management, cargo clearance procedures and documentation, and the marine and blue economy.

These sessions were designed to broaden participants’ understanding of the commercial and operational processes underpinning shipping and port activities, while exposing them to the economic opportunities available in fisheries, coastal tourism and other ocean-related industries.

Speaking on the initiative, MARAN President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to sustained capacity building as a strategy for producing a corps of maritime journalists equipped to report the industry with greater accuracy, depth and professionalism.

Onigbinde maintained that effective maritime journalism required more than the ability to gather information and write news reports, stressing that journalists must understand the policies, regulations, commercial transactions and operational processes that shape the industry.

According to him, a technically informed maritime press would be better positioned to interrogate policy decisions, scrutinise industry practices, hold stakeholders accountable and explain complex maritime issues to the public.

He said MARAN would sustain its professional development initiatives through strategic partnerships with maritime institutions, government agencies and private-sector operators, creating more opportunities for members to acquire specialised knowledge and practical industry experience.

The association, he added, would continue to explore training programmes that expose members to emerging trends in shipping, port operations, maritime security, international trade and the blue economy.

Onigbinde stressed that continuous professional development was essential to strengthening the credibility of maritime journalism and improving public understanding of the sector’s contribution to national economic growth.

He expressed optimism that the knowledge acquired by participants would translate into improved reporting, particularly in the coverage of port efficiency, shipping operations, maritime safety, environmental sustainability and government policies affecting the industry.

The training comes at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to improve port competitiveness, strengthen maritime security, promote environmental sustainability and unlock the economic potential of its marine resources.

For MARAN, the programme represents an investment not only in the professional development of its members but also in the quality of public discourse on the maritime industry.

By equipping journalists with a deeper understanding of the sector’s technical and commercial realities, the association hopes to promote more informed reporting, strengthen accountability and enhance public appreciation of the maritime industry’s role in Nigeria’s economic development.

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Customs

MACI hails Customs’ anti-corruption framework, demands full implementation

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Media Anti-Corruption Initiative (MACI) has applauded the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for introducing a comprehensive anti-corruption framework aimed at identifying institutional vulnerabilities, strengthening internal controls and promoting integrity across the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The initiative, which MACI described as a significant milestone in the fight against corruption within the Service, is anchored on three key documents signed by the Customs chief: the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Internal Corruption Risk Analysis and Mapping (ICRAM), the ICRAM Handbook and the Integrity Action Plan (IAP).

In a statement jointly signed by MACI President,  Funso Olojo, and Project Coordinator, Lod Onyeji, the organisation described the development as a “pivotal moment in the fight against corruption within the Nigeria Customs Service.”

Mr Olojo, who commended the initiative of the Customs, noted that the stance of the agency on corruption is in alignment with the aims and objectives of MACI which is an advocate for corruption- free society.

The signing ceremony, held on October 6th, 2026, at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, also witnessed the inauguration of the ICRAM Steering Committee, which is responsible for identifying, assessing and mapping corruption risks across the Service’s operations.

According to the statement, the framework represents a proactive institutional approach to tackling corruption by identifying vulnerabilities in Customs processes and establishing measures to prevent abuse of office, improve accountability and strengthen public confidence in the Service.

The Comptroller-General, Adeniyi, disclosed that the framework was developed in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and partner administrations, including His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the United Kingdom.

He explained that the documents provide practical guidance for Customs officers operating at seaports, land borders and airports, equipping them with procedures and controls designed to promote integrity, transparency and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities.

MACI noted that the introduction of the framework followed a pilot programme conducted across seven Customs Commands and Units, covering 66 processes spanning regulatory activities, core Customs operations and support functions.

The exercise culminated in the development of a comprehensive Integrity Action Plan containing 101 action items and 295 sub-actions designed to address identified corruption risks and strengthen institutional safeguards.

Key measures outlined in the plan include increased automation and improved audit trails, stronger supervisory mechanisms, clearer accountability structures, effective segregation of duties, regular staff rotations and targeted training programmes.

The framework also seeks to strengthen controls governing interactions between Customs officers and stakeholders, an area considered critical to reducing opportunities for corrupt practices and improving compliance with established procedures.

MACI commended the Customs leadership for adopting a risk-based approach to corruption prevention, noting that identifying and addressing institutional weaknesses before they are exploited is essential to building a transparent and accountable public institution.

The organisation, however, stressed that the effectiveness of the initiative would ultimately depend on the consistent implementation of the prescribed measures across all commands and operational units of the Service.

It therefore urged Customs management, officers, stakeholders and relevant partner institutions to support the full implementation of the framework to ensure that the initiative delivers measurable improvements in institutional integrity.

MACI expressed confidence that effective implementation of the ICRAM framework and Integrity Action Plan would strengthen internal controls, reduce corruption risks, promote ethical conduct and enhance public trust in the Nigeria Customs Service.

The organisation emphasised that the new framework should not merely remain a collection of policy documents but should translate into tangible changes in operational practices, staff conduct and the overall culture of accountability within the Service.

 

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Headlines

NIMASA flaunts automation process of Nigerian ship registry at 2- day webinar with stakeholders

Funso OLOJO Editor 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) will host a two-part stakeholder webinar on October 6 and 8, 2026, to showcase the ongoing automation of the Nigerian Ship Registry as part of efforts to modernise ship registration services and enhance the competitiveness of the Nigerian flag.

The webinars will provide shipowners, operators, maritime professionals, financial institutions, insurers and other stakeholders with insights into the new digital registration platform and its potential to significantly improve the speed, transparency and efficiency of ship registration and related services.

The automated system is designed to enable 24/7 access to registration services, streamline application and approval processes, and facilitate faster issuance of electronic certificates, thereby reducing administrative delays associated with conventional paper-based procedures.

A key feature of the platform is its capacity to provide secure, real-time tracking of ship mortgages and related registry transactions. This will strengthen transparency and provide greater visibility for stakeholders, including financial institutions and other parties involved in vessel financing.

The automation initiative is also expected to make interaction with the Nigerian Ship Registry more seamless for local and international shipowners, while improving the Agency’s ability to deliver efficient, responsive and globally competitive flag-state services.

Speaking on the initiative, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the automation of the Ship Registry was part of the Agency’s broader commitment to transforming the Nigerian flag and creating an enabling environment for increased participation in the global shipping industry.

“The automation of the Nigerian Ship Registry represents a significant step in our commitment to providing efficient, transparent and globally competitive services to shipowners and other maritime stakeholders.

“Our objective is to make the Nigerian flag more accessible, responsive and attractive through technology-driven processes that meet international standards,” Mobereola declared.

The ongoing user-testing phase is focused on validating the platform’s functionality, security and user experience ahead of its official deployment.

NIMASA said the webinars would also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to understand the platform, experience its key features and provide feedback as the Agency moves towards full implementation.

The Agency is inviting shipowners, ship managers, maritime professionals, financial institutions, insurers, legal practitioners, classification societies and other interested stakeholders to participate in the webinars.

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