Headlines

Tanzania queues behind Nigeria for election into IMO Category C seat

— as TASAC embarks on 5 -day visit to understudy NIMASA’s operations

Funso OLOJO with Gloria Odion

Nigeria’s quest to grab the elusive Category C seat of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) received a big boost on Monday ‘ May 19th, 2025 when the government of Tanzanian pledged to support Nigeria to regain the prestigious seat it last won nine years ago.

The pledge was made by the Director General of TASAC, Mohammed Salumu, when he led a high powered delegation of officials from the Tanzanian maritime administration to NIMASA for a 5- day benchmark visit to understudy the operations of the agency.

Mr Salumu, who was represented by

Mrs. Leticia Mutaki, Director of Maritime Safety, Security and Environmental Protection, declared that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in African maritime administration and therefore the country will adequately represent the interests of African countries on the IMO category C seat.

“We believe Nigeria’s position on the IMO Council is vital for the region and the continent at large. Tanzania will continue to support this ambition,” she affirmed

The Tanzania maritime administration has embarked on the visit to NIMASA to learn the rope in maritime administration.

According to the representative of DG of TASAC, Mrs Mutak, the maritime administration of the East African country wanted to share from the experience of NIMASA on maritime safety, security, marine pollution control and how NIMASA fulfill its obligations to the IMO.

She said that the visit would also afford the two maritime administrations to formalise a long-term partnership focused on addressing common maritime challenges, enhancing regulatory capacity, and boosting youth employment across the continent.

The strategic collaboration, which was initiated during a visit by TASAC officials to the NIMASA headquarters in Lagos, is expected to cover key areas including maritime safety, flag and port state control, seafarer certification, digital transformation, and environmental protection frameworks.

Receiving the delegation, Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated that the visit goes beyond ceremonial diplomacy, describing it as a foundation for structured, continent-wide maritime engagement.

“This study visit represents a valuable opportunity for our agencies to share expertise, best practices, and innovative solutions to common maritime challenges,” Mobereola said.

“We are not only here to share what we’ve achieved, but also to learn from TASAC. We view this as a mutually beneficial partnership.”

He noted that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had endorsed the initiative, citing similarities in policy direction and a shared commitment to unlocking Africa’s blue economy potential.

Mobereola outlined areas of collaboration including oversight mechanisms, flag and port state control, ship registration, oil pollution compensation systems, seafarer training and certification, financial sustainability in maritime administration, and digital transformation.

He cited the Deep Blue project as one of NIMASA’s key successes in tackling maritime insecurity but stressed that such efforts must be complemented by regional cooperation.

“Our Deep Blue project has helped enhance security in Nigeria’s waters, but maritime threats are transnational and require collective approaches. This collaboration is timely,” he said.

He also expressed NIMASA’s readiness to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding with TASAC, which is currently being reviewed by NIMASA’s legal and technical teams.

Mobereola stressed the importance of the partnership in advancing Africa’s unified voice on the global maritime stage, especially at international bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

“African maritime administrations must begin to coordinate their positions on critical issues such as market-based measures for the green transition,” he said.

“We must also explore comparative advantages in maritime energy and alternative fuels.”

On the continent’s rising role in seafarer supply, Mobereola said both countries can develop maritime human capital through coordinated training programmes and create jobs for Africa’s growing youth population.

Mr Mohammed Salumu , the Director General TASAC applauded NIMASA’s regulatory reforms and technical progress, particularly in maritime security and digitalisation.

He noted that TASAC was particularly interested in learning more about Nigeria’s approach to port and flag state control, ship registry processes, maritime training structures, and how NIMASA sustains its operations financially.

Salumu who was represented by Mrs. Leticia Mutaki, Director of Maritime Safety, Security and Environmental Protection who led the delegation said

“Your Deep Blue security framework is impressive, and your investments in human capacity development are commendable,” Salumu said.

“Tanzania is keen to learn from your systems, especially in areas of certification, flag state inspections, and seafarer welfare.”

He also confirmed that the visit had a dual purpose — to learn and to offer support for Nigeria’s quest for IMO Category C seat.

The TASAC DG described the visit as the beginning of “an important technical alliance” and assured that TASAC would also share best practices from its own regulatory environment to support mutual growth.

Both sides expressed optimism that the collaboration would yield a formal partnership that will promote operational efficiency, improved compliance, and a united African voice in maritime policy decisions.

Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.

Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.

The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.

He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.

Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.

“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.

Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence, brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.

It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.

He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.

He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.

He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).

He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.

According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.

This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.

The Programme, according to the NCS, also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.

According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.

“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.

“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.

” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.

However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.

The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.

The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.

“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.

Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.

The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.

“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.

“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.

“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.