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Oyetola rallies stakeholders for implementation of national policy on marine and blue economy 

– enumerates successes , projections of the ministry for the industry.
Funso OLOJO 
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,  Adegboyega Oyetola, has enjoined industry stakeholders to support the national policy on marine and blue economy which he believed will drive the growth and development of the industry.
The Minister make this appeal in Lagos on Thursday , July 3rd, 2025 while engaging the industry stakeholders on the need for their collaboration for effective implementation of the policy.
It could be recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in May, 2025, approved Nigeria’s 10-Year National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy from 2025-2034.
The Policy is designed with a robust implementation plan and the goal of harnessing Nigeria’s vast marine resources to drive economic growth.

At the 2nd Citizen/Stakeholders’ engagement held in Lagos, Oyetola said the approval of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council marks a critical turning point in providing a comprehensive framework to unlock value across Nigeria’s marine ecosystems.

According to him, the  policy encompasses port infrastructure, maritime security, aquaculture, ocean governance, marine biotechnology, renewable energy, coastal tourism, and climate resilience.

“Our gathering today is not ceremonial. It is a working forum designed to develop a strategic roadmap for implementation.
” We are here to design actionable frameworks, set implementation priorities, and assign clear institutional responsibilities.
“In doing so, we must focus on improving coordination, ensuring accountability, and building capacity at all levels” Oyetola told the stakeholders who gathered at the event.
The Minister further delved into the successes and projections of the ministry
” We are focused on modernising our port infrastructure.
“The Federal Government has approved the contracts for the reconstruction of the Apapa and Tin Can Ports, under the Western Port Rehabilitation Programme.
” Procurement is ongoing for the Eastern Ports. These upgrades are complemented by the deployment of digital solutions, including the Port Community System, the E-Call-Up System, and a unified One-Stop-Shop for port clearance.
“These interventions are designed to reduce delays, boost investor confidence, and reposition Nigeria as a regional maritime hub.
“We are also working to strengthen indigenous shipping capacity. Through a public-private partnership model, we are pursuing the revival of a National Carrier.
” Additionally, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced preparatory activities for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund.
“The process is being carefully structured to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance. When operational, the Fund will significantly expand opportunities for Nigerian shipping operators.
“On revenue and service delivery, we have recorded consistent year-on-year growth across our agencies. This is largely driven by our digitization drive, which is improving operational efficiency, closing leakages, and attracting private capital into the sector.
“Furthermore, we are making concerted efforts to streamline trade facilitation, reduce procedural bottlenecks, and eliminate overlapping regulatory burdens.
“Investment opportunities are expanding in bonded terminals, dry ports, inland logistics corridors, and warehousing infrastructure.
“Our overarching objective is to make Nigeria the maritime and logistics gateway for West and Central Africa.
“​On the regional front, Nigeria is championing the operationalisation of the Regional Maritime Development Bank under the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA).
“With its headquarters here in Abuja, the Bank is poised to provide long-term financing for maritime infrastructure, thereby accelerating regional integration and supporting cross-border trade.
“Our inland waterways are also receiving priority attention. The Ministry, through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has introduced the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulation, 2023, and launched a nationwide water safety campaign.
” We have distributed over 42,000 safety jackets, deployed ferries, patrol boats, and trained water marshals.
“These efforts are already yielding results in reducing boat mishaps across the country  and restoring confidence in water transport as a safe and viable mode of movement.
“Following the formal transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to our Ministry, we are repositioning the sector as a key contributor to food security and rural livelihoods.
“Ongoing efforts include reviving critical fishing terminals, automating licensing systems, and incentivising responsible private investments in both artisanal and commercial aquaculture.
“Maritime security remains central to our mandate. Through the Deep Blue Project, Nigeria has maintained zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters for three consecutive years.
“This achievement has earned us commendation from the international community and contributed to regional maritime stability.
“We are also proud that Nigeria’s offer to host the African Union Combined Maritime Task Force in Lagos has received endorsement from the AU Peace and Security Council” Oyetola enthused.
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Headlines

Rolling Gazing Terminal excites NAGAFF, says it meets standard for bonded facilities

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders has commended Rolling Gazing Bonded Terminal for its operational standards, saying the facility can improve cargo efficiency and reduce port congestion.

NAGAFF’s Trade Advocacy Committee gave the commendation Thursday during a nationwide inspection of licensed bonded terminals. NAGAFF Founder Dr. Boniface Aniebonam led the delegation.

Aniebonam praised the terminal’s automation, cargo handling infrastructure and security systems. He said the facility reflects the standard required to strengthen trade facilitation and address logistical challenges.

“The infrastructure is available, the equipment is functional, and the operators are fully prepared for business,” he stated.

Committee Head Dr. Increase Uche said the terminal is adequately equipped and shows strong commitment to service delivery. He added that the facility can evolve into a major logistics hub due to location and expansion space.

Operational Manager Stanley Enoma said the terminal runs TOS and EDI platforms and is expanding capacity to 5,000 TEUs.

NAGAFF said the assessment will continue at other bonded terminals to identify gaps and promote efficiency.

NAGAFF has commended Rolling Gazing Bonded Terminal for meeting operational standards expected of Customs bonded facilities. The commendation followed an inspection by NAGAFF’s Trade Advocacy Committee on Thursday as part of a nationwide assessment of bonded terminals.

NAGAFF Founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam praised the terminal’s automation, cargo handling equipment, security systems and operational preparedness, saying it can improve cargo movement and reduce seaport congestion.

Committee Head Dr. Increase Uche said the facility is adequately equipped and has potential to become a major logistics hub due to location and expansion capacity. Operational Manager Stanley Enoma disclosed the terminal operates TOS and EDI platforms and is expanding to 5,000 TEUs capacity. NAGAFF said it will compile a report and continue inspections nationwide to identify operational gaps and promote trade facilitation in the maritime sector.

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Customs

Apapa Customs commences stricter crowd control measures to enhance security at command

Funso OLOJO, Editor
In response to the rising wave of insecurity across the country, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded plans to tighten access control measures to ensure that only authorized persons gain entry into the command to conduct official business.
As part of the new security arrangement, all licensed clearing and forwarding agencies operating at the command have been directed to submit the names of three representatives through Customs Form C-30, who will be authorized to carry out daily transactions on behalf of their companies.
The NCS Form C-30 is an operational document that serves as proof of authorization for a licensed clearing and forwarding agent to operate within a designated Customs command. It is a mandatory requirement for cargo clearance and export processing at Nigerian ports.
The initiative comes amid heightened efforts by government agencies and private organizations to strengthen security protocols and protect personnel, facilities, and critical national assets from emerging threats.
Speaking exclusively with our correspondent, the Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the measure is aimed at reducing the number of visitors to the command and enhancing access control in response to growing security concerns nationwide.
According to him, the requirement for clearing and forwarding agencies to nominate representatives for Customs transactions is already provided for in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, although it has not been fully implemented.
He disclosed that the Apapa Command has decided to activate the provision in view of the prevailing security situation in the country.
“This is a standard procedure globally to enhance security at ports, which are critical to the world economy.
“In Nigeria, our ports are the arteries of the economy, and we cannot afford to expose them to the risk of attacks.
“We have to be proactive and not wait until an unfortunate incident occurs before taking action.
“America never expected the September 11 terrorist attacks.
“It is for these reasons that the management of the Service has decided that the enforcement of the crowd-control provisions contained in the Customs Act 2023 should commence at the Apapa Command, given its status as the largest and flagship Customs command in the country,” Oshoba stated.
The Customs Area Controller explained that restricting physical access to accredited company representatives would not only strengthen security but also improve operational efficiency and facilitate better monitoring of activities within the command.
He further disclosed that the policy, which is scheduled to take full effect next week, will significantly limit the movement of unauthorized persons within the command premises.
“The accredited representatives of all registered clearing and forwarding agencies will be issued official duty identification cards, which will grant them access to the command.
“Whenever there is a change in personnel, the concerned agency will notify the command so that the necessary adjustments and replacements can be updated in our system.
“Visitors, including journalists, will be required to register at the gate and will be issued visitor identification cards.
“This is a standard practice globally. I am aware that terminal operators such as Grimaldi at PTML and APM Terminals at Apapa Port already operate similar crowd-control mechanisms,” he noted.
The new access-control regime follows recent efforts by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to improve security, operational efficiency, and reduce the cost of doing business at the ports.
It could be recalled that between May 14th and 16th,  2026, PEBEC, led by its Director-General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, coordinated a major enforcement operation along the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors in Lagos to dismantle illegal checkpoints and extortion points obstructing cargo movement.
The operation targeted notorious extortion locations, including Liverpool Bridge, the Terminal International Container Terminal (TICT) Second Gate, NAGAFF Junction, ETISALAT Roundabout, and Fidelity Roundabout.
Working in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Government, PEBEC sought to restore order and eliminate unauthorized checkpoints that had become a major impediment to trade facilitation.
The exercise resulted in the immediate removal of illegal structures and unauthorized personnel operating along the corridor, while authorities issued a stern warning against any attempt to re-establish the extortion checkpoints.
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Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

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