Headlines

Oyetola predicts excess revenue from Blue Economy with 90 percent growth

– set to overtake NNPCL in revenue generation

Funso OLOJO

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that there is a silent revenue explosion in the Blue Economy industry in Nigeria with the potential to overtake the legendary Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited(NNPCL) in revenue generation.

Oyetola, who was speaking to journalists on the sideline of the 2025 Day of the Seafarer held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday June 25th, 2025, said the industry has already generated revenue in excess of 90 percent and is not looking back in its race to outdo the NNPCL.

The Minister said with automation, modernization of the nation’s ports and the deployment of technology, the Blue Economy will be the next cash cow for the country.

He further stated that the Ministry was

doing its best to unlock the potential for the growth of the Nigerian economy through job creation and environmental sustainability.

“I want to assure you, even right now, within a little time, we’ve increased our revenue by not less than 90 per cent.

” We’re just not making noise about it, but with automation, with the modernisation of the port, with the development of technology, we believe that the Blue Economy will surpass the NNPC revenue.

“We’re doing our best to ensure that we’re able to unlock the potential of the options for the growth of the Nigerian economy, job creation and environmental sustainability.”

“In the past, there was no operating policy. We succeeded in putting a policy in place that is very robust and has met the world’s best standards.

“It is a policy that defines in clear terms the operation of the Blue Economy in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, in what appears to be a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a smarter, more transparent, and efficient maritime sector, the federal government has launched a Maritime Labour E-Platform to digitalise the governance of maritime labour.

Oyetola, who officially unveiled the digital platform at the Port Hacourt event, said the platform is more than just a portal, but offers real-time data access, enhances regulatory compliance, and creates a centralised system for labour administration.

“This E-Platform is a bold step toward digital governance, improved service delivery, and industry-wide innovation.

” The platform offers real-time data access, enhances regulatory compliance, and creates a centralised system for labour administration.

“I commend NIMASA for this forward-looking initiative, which aligns perfectly with our Ministry’s vision of ease of doing business, global competitiveness, and human capital development in the blue economy.”

While encouraging maritime stakeholders to embrace the new platform and make full use of its capabilities, he remarked that this year’s theme of The Day of the Seafarer “My Harassment-Free Ship,” speaks to the collective duty to make every ship as a safe, respectful workplace.

“Harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry. We are prioritising quality training by upgrading maritime institutions, expanding capacity-building programmes, and aligning our seafarer education with international standards.”

“We are committed to full compliance with the STCW Convention, including recent amendments mandating anti-harassment training onboard ships.

” These steps are vital to ensure our seafarers remain competitive and globally employable,” he said.

The Minister assured that the government is investing in seafarers’ welfare through stronger regulation of recruitment and placement agencies, improving access to decent work, and collaborating with shipowners to guarantee fair treatment and onboard safety.

“The recent Collective Bargaining Agreement, facilitated by NIMASA alongside industry unions and employers, sets a new benchmark for fair wages, decent working conditions, and improved dispute resolution.

” NIMASA continues to enforce flag and port state controls, and promote Nigeria’s presence in global shipping, ensuring our seafarers are well-protected and respected internationally,” he stated.

Nevertheless, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, called on Shipowners, operators and crewing agencies to review their operational manuals to align with the amendments to the MLC 2006 code.

The MLC 2006 codes, it was gathered, addressed issues affecting Seafarers such as recognition of seafarers as key workers, improved protection against shipboard violence and harassment, enhanced access to shore leave, repatriation, and updated medical and occupational safety standards.

“At the recently concluded 113th session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva, seven amendments to the MLC 2006 code addressing a broad range of issues affecting Seafarers, including the recognition of seafarers as key workers, improved protection against ship board violence and harassment, enhanced access to shore leave and repatriation and updated medical and occupational safety standards were approved by an overwhelming majority.

“These seven amendments reflect a collective global effort to align maritime Labour standards with the evolving landscape of global shipping.

” I therefore call on Shipowners, operators and crewing agencies to begin to review their operational manuals to align with these amendments ahead of the expected entry into force in December 2027.

“Our Seafarers must be able to report grievances without fear of retaliation, while also ensuring protection against vexations or malicious complaints.”

Dr Mobereola however urged government, employers, unions, shipowners, and civil society not to leave Seafarers alone in their struggles.

He also argued that a vessel is not just a seafarer’s place of work but a temporary home that must reflect the highest standards of dignity and professionalism, fostering zero tolerance for harassment.

‘Today provides an opportunity for the Maritime Community to honour Seafarers globally for their immense contribution to both domestic and international trade, powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans.

“The theme for this year’s celebration — “My Harassment-Free Ship” — is particularly apt, as it is a call to action to ensure that our seafarers feel safe, are valued and protected while at sea because the ship is not just their place of work; it is their temporary home.

“It must therefore reflect the highest standards of dignity and professionalism fostering zero tolerance for harassment.

“NIMASA must therefore continue to play its part in ensuring that Nigeria contributes effectively to regulations affecting Seafarers.

“We remain the highest contributor of Seafarers in Africa. Our men and women sail on vessels in our domestic waters and also globally.

” This will continue to grow through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) and the efforts of our Maritime Training Institutions.”

Dr Mobereola, who further stated that a harassment-free ship is a cohesive ship, stated that Nigeria will create confidential reporting channels for incidents of harassment and ensure that reports are thoroughly investigated and addressed.

“In addition, NIMASA will play its role by establishing clear policies and procedures for preventing and addressing harassment on Nigerian–flagged vessels, ensuring confidential reporting channels for incidents of harassment and that reports are thoroughly investigated and addressed.

“Today is a clear reminder to us all – government, employers, unions, shipowners, and civil society- that Seafarers should not be left alone in their struggles.

” They look up to us to help them foster a culture of zero tolerance on ships to protect their dignity.”

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.