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“Where is Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola?”

-maritime industry on auto-pilot as Minister’s whereabouts unknown

–maritime stakeholders express concerns over continued absence of minister at major public events

FUNSO OLOJO

Maritime stakeholders in the industry have expressed concerns and worries over the continued absence of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola, at major high-stakes functions in the sector.

The concerned industry operators, who seemed to be expressing genuine agitation over the whereabouts of the minister, observed that Oyetola has consistently absented himself in the last few weeks from some critical government and corporate functions that signpost the core functions of his ministry.

According to them, such events were attended by the representatives of the Minister.

They make copious references to the international workshop on Deep Seabed activities held on Wednesday, 18th- Thursday 19th, 2024 in Abuja where the minister, due to the importance of the meeting, was supposed to welcome participants but was represented by Oloruntola Olufemi, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Similarly, the stakeholders pointed to the two-day 4th Annual Symposium and workshop organized by the African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) held in Lagos on September 24th- 25th, 2024 where he was also represented.

More poignant among the events in which the inexplicable absence of the minister raised the adrenaline of the stakeholders was the ongoing 79th United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) 2024 at New York, United States of America.

The concerned stakeholders expressed alarm over his absence at the global event where they believed he should have used the platform to sell the programmes of the ministry to the global world.

According to them, that was one absence too many.

Similarly, the World Maritime Day held in Lagos on Thursday, September, 26th, 2024 which the Minister was supposed to have declared open, was done on his behalf by Mr Olufemi, the Permanent Secretary.

” We would have understood the absence of the Minister at the World Maritime Day if he had attended the UNGA 2024″ an agitated stakeholder observed.

” Even if he had attended the global event in New York, he would still have had time to fly back to attend the World Maritime Day where he was supposed to address the participants who are the key industry stakeholders on the achievements of his ministry, his policy thrust and projection.

“After all, I learned that NIMASA DG who addressed the Atlantic Cooperation submit which the Minister should have ordinarily addressed if he had gone, had time to fly back to attend the World Maritime Day” an obviously unhappy stakeholder interjected.

Checks by our reporter revealed that the Minister had busy schedules during the weeks in July and August 2024 when he was actively involved in maritime activities to the delight of stakeholders.

However, the observant stakeholders claimed that they started to notice the gradual withdrawal of the minister from public functions at the beginning of September 2024 till the end of the month when his representatives held forth for him at all events.

“From the beginning of September up till the moment am talking with you, we haven’t seen the minister at the crucial public functions which raise our concerns” another industry operator volunteered.

A perusal of the minister’s X official page and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which normally give detailed coverage of his official activities, showed that the minister’s last public outing was on August 27th, 2024, when he attended the 2024 International Business Conference and Expo organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

On August 24th, Oyetola attended the signing of the Agreement on Minimum Conditions of Service for Labour in Nigeria’s Shipping industry.

On July 13th, the minister attended Chief Olusegun Osoba’s 85th birthday and book launch.

On July 11th, he was at his Alma Mater, the University of Lagos, as the Keynote speaker during the institution’s Employment Clinic Education to Empowerment Transition Programme (EETP) career event tagged ” Blue Career Insights”

The Minister was also at the 17th Seminar for Judges organized by the Nigerian Shippers’Council on July 9th-July 11th, 2024 in Abuja.

On July 4th, Oyetola personally commissioned NPA’s High Tech Marine Crafts in Lagos.

On July 3rd, he hosted the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, in his Office in Abuja.

The minister’s above itinerary clearly showed that he was a busy man who was always engaged in industry activities.

It was against the background of this realization that there are now heightened concerns about his less public appearance in recent times.

More worrisome, according to the concerned stakeholders, was the absence of the minister at the 79th edition of UNGA in New York.

He was at the 2023 edition of the global conference where he accompanied President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He also addressed the 2023 Atlantic Cooperation submit chaired by the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.

His engagement with Dr Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank and Governor Rahman of Kwara state was generously captured on his X page.

As was the usual practice of the minister, his attendance at the 78th UNGA in 2023 was flamboyant and captured on his official X page, including the official X page of the ministry.

Even, his Special Assistant on Media, Ismail Omipidan, made a public spectacle of the minister’s departure to 2023 UNGA on his Facebook account page with copious pictures.

The absence of such a flamboyant display of the activities at the 79th UNGA in New York on the Minister’s X page raises the suspicion of discerning stakeholders that the minister did not attend the all-important 2024 UNGA which heightens their anxiety over the whereabout of the the former Osun state governor.

The suspicion and anxiety of industry operators were hinged on the fact that it was the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime and Administration Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, who addressed the 2024 Atlantic Cooperation submit held on the sideline of the 79th UNGA.

The same summit which was addressed by Oyetola last year.

The Atlantic Cooperation submit, a ministerial gathering, was curiously addressed by Mobereola, the head of an agency under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

“If he(Oyetola) was there, Mobereola wouldn’t have been the one to address that important submit” an operator said.

Also, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed through a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF) that a lean size of Nigeria’s delegation should go to 2024 UNGA to reflect the mood of the nation.

As a result, government officials whose office have direct relevance to the topics of the global event were only allowed to go.

Consequently, the advance party who welcomed Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Federal government Head of Nigeria’s delegation to the global event, was on hand to receive the Vice president when his presidential plane touched down at John F Kennedy International Airport on Sunday, September 22nd, 2024.

The advance party included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar who coordinated the visit, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Director General of the National International Technology Development Agency(NITDA) , Kashifu Inuwa as well as Nigerian Diplomats and UN officials.

Observers claimed that Oyetola should have been among the delegates due to the Atlantic Cooperation submit which he expected to participate which is relevant to the global event that could have warranted his attendance according to the Presidential order.

The attendance of Dr Tijani, the Minister of Communication and Inuwa, DG, NITDA was hinged on their participation in the SDG Media Zone meeting convened by the UN Department of Global Communications held on the sideline of the global conference.

The same criterion qualifies Oyetola to attend the conference because of the Atlantic Cooperation submit which he was supposed to have addressed.

However, stakeholders said they were worried that the minister was missing at such a critical global event.

However, Mohammed Tahir Zakari, the Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, acknowledged the absence of the minister at recent industry events, including the 79th edition of UNGA.

“Indeed it is true the minister has not been seen at public events in recent times but I am not in a position to tell you where he is.

” All I know is that the minister is hale and hearty. He is ok” the ministry’s official spokesman said.

But in another breath, Zakari claimed that Oyetola was on official assignment outside the country, but not at UNGA.

” He is on an official assignment outside the country. That is all that I can say.

”Anywhere the minister is, he is on official assignment” Zakari claimed.

When he was asked why the minister was not at UNGA and if his purported official assignment outside the country was more important than the global event in New York, Zakari retorted in a menacing voice ”My friend, I cannot answer all these questions you are asking me.

” I am not in a position to tell you more than what I have told you. “

He however acknowledged that the minister had been having quality representations at the public events he was supposed to attend which he believed was normal.

He however expressed gratitude to the stakeholders for their concerns over the whereabouts of the minister.

Beyond the levity the official spokesman of the ministry took the unknown whereabouts of the minister, some angry stakeholders said they are looking forward to the impending cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which will see non-performing ministers lose their job.

” Oyetola has not provided the expected quality leadership in the maritime industry since he assumed office a year ago.

” Can you imagine a minister who is supposed to provide quality leadership and direction to his field lieutenants now on AWOL and remains incommunicado, leaving the industry on autopilot.

”He also refused to avail us of his performance as a minister when he clocked one year in office in August”, the agitated industry operator said.

” If the assessment by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman, on whose recommendations the cabinet reshuffle will be based, is anything to go by, Ministers like Oyetola should be among the causalities” another angry stakeholder blurted out his frustration at what he described as uninspiring leadership of Oyetola in the last one year in office.

It could be recalled that the presidency has confirmed the resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reshuffle his 47-member cabinet soonest.

According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who made the planned cabinet known, the exercise would be evidence-based.

Besides, the presidency stated that Tinubu would be aided in his decision by public opinion that has been empirically extracted.

Onanuga, who was in the company of Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media, O’tega Ogra, said there was no timeline as to when Tinubu would reshuffle his cabinet which was inaugurated in August 2023.

He disclosed that the president had indicated his plan to reshuffle his cabinet, but said he could not be categorical about when he will do it.

“I don’t have any timeline. The president has expressed his desire to reshuffle his cabinet and he will do it. I don’t know whether he’s going to do it before October 1st, but he will surely do it. So that’s what I will say. He has not given us any timeline he’ll do it, but he will do it. He has expressed his plan he wants to do it.”
Shedding more light on the planned cabinet shake-up, Ogra explained that the President would be guided by an empirical process, making reference to the performance indicator, which is being coordinated by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman.

All the pictures are from the Minister’s attendance of 2023 UNGA

Related Topics:featured Where is Oyetola?

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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.

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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.

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.