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Farinto identifies barriers to intra- African trade

The Eyewitness Reporter 
Former Acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, (ANLCA),  Kayode Farinto , has identified concealment of information as one of the stumbling blocks to the successful implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA in Nigeria.
Farinto, who stated this in a paper titled, “AfCFTA: Dismantling Trade Barriers, Navigating Regional Trade”, which he delivered at the 2024 MARAN Annual Maritime Lecture, MAMAL held in Lagos recently ,said that pretending that all was well when it was not true, would be the greatest undoing to Nigeria as a country in maximizing the benefits inherent in the continent-wide trade.
According to him, “Nobody expected a hitch-free take off but we should stop pretending and deceiving all Nigerians as if all is well.
” We are all aware of the controversy surrounding the first shipment under AfCFTA where according to Mr. Segun Olutayo, leader of the AfCFTA Coordination Office in Nigeria, endeavored to window-dress this controversy by saying that receiving Certificate of Origin under AfCFTA is only a preliminary step akin to a starting point and does not necessarily indicate that a shipment has been made.
“It’s high time we stopped this our attitude where we conceal and distort real information to confuse and convince Nigerians that all is well when we know that with speaking out, people can proffer solutions to whatever problem that arises.
“Giving out accurate information is one of the factors that can make AfCFTA a success (through information management).
“Concealing information from the public is not part of good information management and it runs negatively against the Freedom of Information Act.
” There’s nothing wrong with confirming to stakeholders when issues go wrong. All that is needed is allay their fears that whatsoever that is wrong can be corrected.”
Going further, he maintained that if the Africa Continental Free Trade Area must succeed, the Nigeria Customs Service, must play a pivotal role in this ,adding that one of the things that must be done was to ensure that trade was facilitated.
He said, “I watched with keen interest, Nigeria’s participation in the Biachara Africa 2024 Summit in Kigali where Nigeria businesses showcased their offering and was also delighted to hear a committal statement from the Comptroller General  of the Nigeria Customs Service, promising to ensure that trade facilitation becomes the focal point of the Service going forward, which has obviously been downplayed before now.
“It is not out of place for NCS to roll out her Standard Operating Procedure, (SOP) for AfCFTA.
“However, I am glad to inform this gathering that the NCS, for once, seems serious about facilitating good trade.
‘ I rely on a recent circular released to her officers to ensure that issues of alerts are not only streamlined but its incessant issuance be addressed where every Deputy Comptrollers in charge of revenue has been given a marching order to ensure compliance by their officers.
” What is only needed to be added is sanctions for non-conformists. If this is achieved, the major monster that can kill the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement has been successfully eliminated.”
Insisting that the Nigeria’s maritime sector had not fared well in the area of logistics management, Farinto however blamed it on the nation’s inability to embrace multi-modal transport system, noting that Nigeria’s reliance on road sector alone was a stumbling block and a barrier to free flow of trade.
“The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy needs to liaise with the Ministry of Trade either on a Private Party Agreement, PPA or taking it as her core responsibility to ensure that our over reliance on road is stopped.
“There is need for rail connectivity between the hinterland and our ports. Barge operation should be employed to reduce the congestion and traffic on road and to save time for the success of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement“, he said.
Pointing out that non-tariff barriers including technical barriers were very many in Nigeria, Farinto insisted that virtually all federal government regulatory agencies had one fine, levy and other which he said was killing trade.
“Take for example, a regulated item by either SON or NAFDAC must pay many levies or taxes such as import permit, MANCAP, money for examination to be conducted, fees to be paid before labelling rights are granted”, Farinto lamented.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria, MARAN, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere acknowledged that AfCFTA represented a groundbreaking initiative by the African Union, designed to create a single market for goods and services, promote free movement across borders and unlock the immense economic potential of the continent.
He  however, identified barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory bottlenecks and operational inefficiencies as hampering the seamless flow of goods across the continent.
He, therefore, submitted that for Nigeria to maximize the benefits of AfCFTA, it must address critical requirements including: Improved Trade Infrastructure -Enhanced Roads, Transit Trailer Parks, and functional scanning facilities at ports; Efficient Procedures – Compliance with Rules of Origin, RoO and streamlined export processes as well as Capacity Building – Training Customs officers and other stakeholders to align with AfCFTA protocols.
Others according to him, include Investment in Maritime Assets: With intra-African freight expected to increase by 28% and maritime demand by 62%, we need significant investments, including the addition of 100 vessels to facilitate transport as well as Leveraging Technology and Innovation to Facilitate Trade.
“As laudable as AfCFTA is, some persons in Nigeria are worried that our lack of infrastructure (mainly energy and road) and inconsistent policy will continue to affect our production level.
“They are concerned that as a result of our low production capacity, our initial gain of shipment outside the country may fizzle out when other African countries with better production environment begin the shipment of their goods; while Nigeria may end up becoming a dumping ground.
“The African Union has reported that intra-African trade currently stands at just 10%, compared to 60% in Europe. With AfCFTA, there are projections to raise this to 20%. For this to happen, we must ensure free and efficient movement of goods across borders through vehicles, railways, ships, and trucks.
“Let us use this platform today to brainstorm on solutions, forge collaborations, and commit to actionable steps that will help dismantle trade barriers and build a robust framework for regional trade”, he concluded.
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NIMASA opens investigation into vessels collision accident at Bonny anchorage as five crew members sustain injuries 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Administration(NIMASA) has opened a full scale investigation into the accident which occurred as a result of a collision between a container vessel, MV MAERSK VALPARAISO, and an oil tanker, MT LADY MARTINA, at the Bonny Inner Anchorage.

The accident which occurred on May 20th, 2026, has triggered a flurry of activities,  has resulted in an oil spill in the affected area.

The Deep Blue Operating Base (FOB) in Bonny received a distress call at approximately 1130 hours regarding the collision involving MV Valparaiso, a Singapore-flagged container vessel with IMO No. 9433054, and MT Lady Martina, a Nigerian-flagged oil products tanker with IMO No. 5104033.
In response, the Base immediately deployed 10 armed personnel onboard DB 214, one of the interceptor boats under the Deep Blue Project, to the scene of the incident.
Five crew members onboard MT Lady Martina sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly evacuated to the FOB Bonny sickbay for medical attention.

Following the collision, MT Lady Martina drifted ashore and is currently aground along the Bonny Channel, while MV Valparaiso remains grounded at the Bonny Inner Anchorage pending damage assessment and further investigation.

The management of MAERSK has officially reported the incident to the Agency.

Consequently, the Director General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, has ordered a full investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the collision.

In addition, NIMASA has established a Situation Monitoring Room to coordinate response efforts and monitor developments arising from the incident.

Dr. Mobereola, who was personally on ground in Rivers State to inaugurate the situation room,  also directed the Agency’s Marine Environment Management Department to immediately commence an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the affected area, while taking necessary steps to mitigate the impact of the Tier 1 oil sheen and protect the marine environment.

NIMASA promised to  update the public with the outcome of the investigation into the incident.

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NIMASA deepens maritime security as 492 Deep Blue personnel graduate in tactical training.

Funso OLOJO, Port Harcourt.
The Nigeria’s maritime security received a massive boost as 492 personnel of the iconic Deep Blue project have graduated from tactical trainings received across some of the best security institutions in the world.
Unveiling the graduants in their tactical attires at the Elele military barrack, Port Harcourt, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Administration( NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the occasion gave the agency a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment on its task to ensure Nigeria’s maritime domain is secured.
According to him, the 492 graduating Deep Blue personnel undergone specialized trainings conducted across several strategic training locations across the world, including Italy, Switzerland, Australia, Syria and
Nigeria.
He disclosed that the training has therefore exposed the personnel, taken from across different units of the Deep Blue project, to global best practices and international operational standards in maritime security operations.
“Today’s event is a demonstration of
operational readiness, institutional resilience and Nigeria’s determination to maintain a safe, secure and economically viable maritime environment.
“With many people are not fully aware of the level of operations and integration and technological capacity that supports these achievements.
“The Deep Blue architecture integrates two special mission aircraft equipped with advanced maritime surveillance sensors, three special mission helicopters for over-the-sea operations and surveillance, two special mission vessels for deep sea operations, eight unmanned aerial vehicles for real-time intelligence gathering, 16 fast interception boats for rapid tactical response and 15 armed coastal patrol vessels.
” The Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence Center, the C4I, serves as
the central coordination hub for military domain awareness and operational response.
“As many of you may recall, the Gulf of Guinea was once regarded as one of the most challenging military
maritime regions in the world due to incidents of piracy and robbery.
“Today, through the Deep Blue project and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we are proud to say that Nigeria has
transformed the narrative which has resulted in zero piracy incidents since 2022.
“This has restored trust among global shipping operators, investors, and maritime stakeholders.
Mobereola expressed appreciation the Minister of Marine and Blue
Economy, Adeboyega Oyetola, for what he described as his exemplary leadership, strategic guidance, and steadfast commitment to promoting maritime security initiatives in Nigeria.
He also acknowledged the role the  Minister of Defense, General
Christopher Musa and the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Belo
Matawale for their continued support and commitment towards strengthening national security and enhancing interagency cooperation in the maritime domain.
Mobereola commended  the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Army, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, (DSS) and all security and intelligence agencies whose professionalism and
cooperation continue to strengthen the operational success of the Deep Blue project.
Hee made special mention of Deep Blue project technical partner HLSI, Security Systems Technologies Limited, for their invaluable support, technical expertise, commitment to capacity development, and strategic partnership in the implementation and sustainability of the Deep Blue project.
NIMASA DG also congratulated the graduating personnel  for successfully completing the important steps of their professional journey.
“This strength you have received comes with enormous responsibility as you are expected to uphold high standards of professionalism, discipline, integrity, and the discharge of your duties.
Tge event was by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,  the  Minister of Defense, General
Christopher Musa and the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Belo
Matawale, high military personnel from Navy, Army and Sir force.
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WHO honors NFVCB over tobacco control in entertainment industry

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has been honoured with the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General’s Special Award, African Region, receiving a Certificate of Appreciation for its outstanding contributions to tobacco control advocacy and the promotion of responsible media content in Nigeria.
 The NFVCB is the only institution among the five-person African Region winners unveiled as part of the activities commemorating World No Tobacco Day.
This recognition by the DG of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, acknowledges the Board’s leadership in regulating the depiction and promotion of tobacco and nicotine products in Nigerian films, music videos, skits, and other audiovisual content, particularly those accessible to young audiences.
 The WHO Director-General’s Awards are presented annually ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31 to honour individuals and organizations across WHO’s six regions for exceptional work in advancing the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
NFVCB was recognized for its landmark 2024 regulations prohibiting the promotion, and glamourization of tobacco and nicotine products in entertainment content.
The regulations require that any necessary depiction of tobacco use in films and videos must carry health warnings, receive the highest classification rating, and be restricted to audiences aged 18 years and above.
The regulations also mandate producers to place a disclaimer and disclose any relationship with the tobacco and nicotine industry while prohibiting tobacco brand display and product placement in entertainment content.
The policy aligns with the implementation guidelines of Article 13 of the WHO FCTC on tobacco depiction in entertainment media.
With the introduction of the regulations, Nigeria became the first country in Africa and only the second globally to establish such comprehensive safeguards against the glamorization of tobacco use on screen.
Research and WHO guidance have consistently shown that the portrayal of tobacco use in entertainment media normalizes smoking behaviour and increases the likelihood of tobacco uptake among young people.
Through clear regulatory standards, the Board is helping to reduce exposure to pro-tobacco imagery while promoting socially responsible storytelling within Nigeria’s creative industry.
The recognition also aligns with the 8-Point Agenda of the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, aimed at strengthening policy frameworks, promoting responsible creative content, preserving cultural values, and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s creative capital by 2030.
Speaking on the recognition, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Dr.Shaibu Husseini, described the award as a validation of the Board’s efforts toward promoting responsible storytelling and safeguarding public interest through effective content regulation.
“This award is a validation of the work we have done with the Nigerian creative industry to promote responsible storytelling.
“The goal has never been to censor art, but to ensure that our films do not inadvertently market products that are harmful to public health,” he stated.
 Dr. Husseini reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote healthy societal values, protect children and vulnerable audiences, and strengthen the positive influence of Nigeria’s entertainment industry globally.
The ED also expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, filmmakers, producers, and advocacy partners, especially Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), National Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA), and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), for their collaboration in advancing the policy.
The Board stated that it would continue to strengthen enforcement of the regulations, expand public education and stakeholder engagement, and deepen collaboration with WHO, the WHO FCTC Secretariat, and relevant stakeholders in promoting responsible entertainment content and public health protection.
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