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Tanzania seeks to understudy Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy industry 

– pledges support for the country’ s bid for IMO council seat 
Funso OLOJO 
The  United Republic of Tanzania has expressed interest to understudy the model for Nigeria’s marine and blue economy industry with the aim of replicating the same in the East African country.
Making this declaration on Abuja on Wednesday, June 30th, 2025, was the Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine Gervas Kakele,while leading a high- powered delegation from the East African country to Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola in his office.
To actualise this decision, Mr Kakele said his country will dispatch a team of Tanzanian maritime experts to Nigeria in the coming months to understudy key government agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The Tanzanian envoy also promised the support of his country for the actualisation of Nigeria’s dream to reclaim the council seat of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Category C.
He cited strong bilateral relations and Nigeria’s past support as the reason why Tanzania will throw its weight behind Nigeria.
Speaking during the visit, High Commissioner Kakele reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to fostering strategic maritime cooperation with Nigeria, describing both countries as natural partners with shared aspirations for maritime development.
He noted that Tanzania’s support for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid stems not only from gratitude for Nigeria’s previous backing of Tanzania’s own IMO aspirations, but also from mutual respect and a shared vision for Africa’s voice on the global maritime stage.
In his response, Oyetola welcomed the High Commissioner and his delegation, expressing deep appreciation for Tanzania’s backing of Nigeria’s bid to secure a seat on the IMO Council.
The Minister emphasized that Nigeria’s election into Category C would not only serve national interests but would also bolster Africa’s collective influence in international maritime governance.
“A seat for Nigeria at the IMO Council is, in essence, a voice for Africa,” Oyetola said.
“It means we can collectively advocate for safer shipping, sustainable marine resources, and fairer maritime trade practices across our continent.
“Nigeria’s vast coastline, dynamic port system, and active maritime policies make us a worthy representative of Africa on the global maritime stage.”
Oyetola went on to highlight the numerous initiatives being undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, including efforts to establish a national shipping carrier through a public-private partnership framework.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing intra-African maritime trade, especially under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We believe the future of Africa’s economic resilience lies in maritime collaboration.
“As we unlock the full potential of our blue economy, there is enormous value in partnerships like the one we are building with Tanzania,” the Minister said.
“Your proposed expert delegation is welcome, and my Ministry will provide all necessary support to ensure a productive engagement.”
The Minister further pledged to encourage Nigerian investors to consider opportunities in Tanzania while also calling on Tanzanian investors to invest in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector.
The Tanzanian delegation included Minister Plenipotentiary Allen Kuzilwa and Minister Counsellor Philbert Peter.
 On the Nigerian side, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; Director of Maritime Safety and Security, Mr. Babatunde Bombata; Director of Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy Ilori; and Senior Special Adviser to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, Professor Busayo Fakinlede, were present at the meeting.
As both countries continue to deepen maritime collaboration, the visit marks a significant step towards shared progress in Africa’s evolving marine and blue economy landscape.
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Tompolo pays glowing tribute to Wike on his 58th birthday.

Funso OLOJO 
High Chief  Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has eulogised the uncommon courage, resilience and unwavering sense of duty of Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory(FCT), describing these attributes as those that align with the Tantita’s objectives and work ethic.
Tompolo, the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, make this observation in his message to Wike on his 58th birthday, where he paid a glowing tribute to the FCT Minister.
According to him, Wike’s  public life is a reflection of courage, conviction and an unwavering sense of duty.
Tompolo said Wike’s journey through public service—marked by legal brilliance, political audacity and firm decision-making—has consistently demonstrated that true leadership is defined by impact, not rhetoric.
He noted that from Wike’s formative years in public administration through his tenure as Governor of Rivers State and now as FCT Minister, his performance has remained anchored on results, resilience and a relentless commitment to public good.
“In the Federal Capital Territory, your presence is already being massively felt.
” The renewed focus on infrastructure, order, and accountability speaks to a hands-on leadership style that understands Abuja’s symbolic and practical importance to Nigeria’s unity and governance,” Tompolo said.
The TSSNL founder commended Wike for recognising the intrinsic connection between security, development and national stability, stressing that the minister’s insistence on law, order and institutional discipline aligns strongly with Tantita’s mission of protecting critical assets and fostering a safe environment for sustainable growth.
He added that Wike’s reputation as “Mr. Project” was well-earned, given his consistent record of performance and the courage to take difficult decisions when duty demanded it.
“In moments that demand firmness, you have chosen responsibility over convenience, standing by your convictions even when the path was difficult,” he said.
Tompolo prayed for renewed strength, sharper vision and continued success for the minister as he marks another year, expressing confidence that Wike’s service would continue to leave a lasting imprint on national development.
“Please accept my sincere best wishes for good health, wisdom, and continued success. May the years ahead bring fulfilment and further contributions to the progress and unity of Nigeria,” he added.
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Nigeria denies ownership of detained vessel

VLCC SKIPPER
Funso OLOJO 
 The management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has clarified the status of a tanker vessel, MT SKIPPER, currently intercepted and detained by the United States Coast Guard(USCG) over alleged oil theft and other transnational crimes.
According to the statement from the Nigeria’s maritime industry apex regulatory agency, the vessel , Very Large Crude Carrier,is not a Nigerian – flagged vessel while its purported owners, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, are not registered with NIMASA as a shipping company.
“An analysis of the vessel’s movement, monitored through the Agency’s Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence (C4i) Centre, shows that the vessel was last sighted in Nigerian waters on 1st July 2024.

“After departing Nigerian waters, the vessel continued on its international voyage pattern and was tracked operating in the Arabian Sea (Asia) and later in the Caribbean region, where the U.S. interdiction eventually took place.

“Records indicate that SKIPPER which was formerly owned by Triton Navigation Corp, has undergone multiple name changes over time.

“The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders, including U.S. authorities, in the ongoing investigations. He emphasized that criminality will not be tolerated in Nigerian waters” NIMASA stated in a public statement.

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Adeniyi, Akutah, Fakolade, Warredi, Maiwada headline 10th anniversary of seminar for maritime journalists in Lagos 

Funso OLOJO 
First Mediacon media group, the convener of the annual seminar for maritime journalists, has lined up an array of industry’s stakeholders to sharpen the intellectual capacity of maritime journalists at this year’s workshop.
The annual event, which is the 10th edition this year, holds December 17th, 2025 in Lagos.
According to the organisers of the programme, the cream of the maritime industry have been lined up to engage the industry’s media in intellectual discussions that will deepen the knowledge of its practitioners in digital trade facilitation, regulatory efficiency and the economic reforms.
Key speakers at the event include the Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Barrister Akutah Ukeyima who is expected to deliver the keynote address, Mr Tola Fakolade, Director of the National Single Window, Mr Warredi Eniosuoh, who is expected to chair the event and Deputy Comptroller of Customs and the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada.
Maiwada is expected to deliver a practical training on “Data Analysis for Effective Maritime Reporting”
According to Mr. Sesan Onileimo, CEO of First Mediacon Network Limited and convener of the seminar, “the past decade has proven that accurate, data-driven journalism is vital to the growth of the maritime economy.
“This platform empowers journalists with the tools to properly analyse reforms, interrogate investments and provide the business community with credible information.”
Now in its tenth year, the seminar has become a major business intelligence platform, equipping maritime journalists with the technical insight required to analyse policy decisions, market trends and operational performance within the nation’s blue economy.
Over the years, it has helped strengthen the information value chain that supports investment decisions across ports, logistics, shipping, and inland trade corridors.
This year’s edition comes at a time when Nigeria’s maritime economy is undergoing significant transformation, driven by digitalisation, regulatory restructuring and demand for greater operational transparency.
Marking a decade of consistent impact, the organisers reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the professional capacity of the maritime media, while promoting a more transparent, efficient and investment-friendly maritime environment.
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