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Tinubu appoints former NIMASA Chief, Adeniran Aderogba, as pioneer head of Maritime Development Bank.

Funso OLOJO 
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally approved the official take- off of the  Regional Maritime Development Bank(RMDB) conceptualized in 2009 by member states of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA.
Nigeria will host the regional financial institution.
Announcing this historic development, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, revealed that President Tinubu has equally appointed a Nigerian and former Acting Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA), Mr Adeniran Aderogba, as the pioneer President and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the regional financial institution.
Aderogba was the former Executive Director of Finance and Administration in NIMASA before his short stint as the Acting DG of the agency.
“This is a moment of great significance for Nigeria and the entire West and Central African sub-region,” an elated Oyetola said.
“After 16 years of waiting, the Regional Maritime Development Bank is finally taking off, thanks to the decisive leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
” His approval not only breaks a longstanding deadlock but also reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration, maritime development, and economic cooperation.”
The Regional Maritime Development Bank is envisioned as a dedicated financial institution that will provide long-term funding solutions for port infrastructure, fleet acquisition, shipping logistics, and intermodal transport systems.
 It is a cornerstone initiative aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure development, inclusive economic growth, and regional partnership.
The Minister said Mr. Aderogba brings over three decades of strategic experience in maritime administration, finance, and investment.
“His appointment is a bold and competent choice that will steer the bank from conception to impact,” he said.
Mr. Aderogba’s extensive career spans the public and private sectors.
He previously served as Executive Director, Finance and Administration at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and was later appointed Acting Director General of the agency.
In the financial sector, he held senior leadership roles at First Atlantic Bank Plc and MBC International Bank Ltd, where he oversaw investment banking and structured trade finance.
He is also the founder of CLG Securities Limited, a financial advisory and investment services firm.
 Over his career, he has led transactions exceeding US$5 billion across diverse sectors, including landmark deals recognized internationally.
 Mr. Aderogba also began his career with KPMG, where he gained foundational experience in auditing and financial consulting.
A respected thought leader in financial markets, Mr. Aderogba has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s financial infrastructure, helping to introduce critical instruments such as the Nigerian Inter-Bank Offered Rate (NIBOR) and the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Fixing (NiFEX).
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a graduate of the University of Lagos, and currently serves on the advisory board of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.
“The appointment of Mr. Aderogba and the operationalization of the RMDB will catalyze development, boost trade, and unlock funding for critical maritime infrastructure,” the Minister stated.
“This achievement is yet another testament to President Tinubu’s unwavering resolve to deliver on long-standing commitments and drive transformative change across the region.”
Mr. Aderogba’s appointment has been duly communicated to him through the office of the Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Mr. Babatunde Bombata.
With Nigeria as the host nation and a seasoned professional at the helm, the Regional Maritime Development Bank is now poised to become a powerful engine for regional growth, connectivity, and prosperity.
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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.
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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.

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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.
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