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MARAN celebrates Nigeria’s re-election into IMO Council seat

Funso OLOJO

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has joined the global community the to celebrate Nigeria’s victory at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) council election.

The foremost maritime media association described the victory as a major boost for the nation’s global maritime standing and a strategic win for the blue economy agenda.

In a press statement issued on Friday and signed by the Caretaker Chairman of MARAN, Jayeolatunde Ayodele, the association said it received the news of Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council with immense joy, noting that the development reflects the renewed trust of the international community in the country’s maritime reforms and security efforts.

Ayodele said the victory marked the successful culmination of a year-long diplomatic campaign led by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, whose strategic engagements across continents helped rebuild Nigeria’s presence and credibility within the global maritime sphere.

The MARAN Caretaker committee chairman further noted that the win was particularly significant as Nigeria had been absent from the IMO Council for 14 years.

According to him, Nigeria’s re- election into the Council reaffirms its position as a key maritime state in the Gulf of Guinea and reinforces its role in contributing to international decisions on shipping regulation, maritime safety, and ocean governance.

Ayodele added that the development would also help drive policy directions that align with Nigeria’s national interest and regional maritime stability.

The MARAN Caretaker committee chairman commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strong political backing to the campaign, stating that the President’s support enabled the Ministry to engage effectively with partner nations and maritime blocs in a highly competitive election cycle.

He said the win would further strengthen the administration’s drive to reposition the marine and blue economy sector as a growth engine for the country.

The MARAN chairman noted that the election could not have come at a better time as Nigeria is intensifying reforms across its maritime institutions, including port modernisation, improved waterways security, and enhanced regulatory efficiency.

He said being on the IMO Council would open more channels for technical cooperation, knowledge sharing and partnerships that could accelerate these reforms.

Ayodele urged maritime agencies to leverage the momentum created by the victory by deepening collaboration, improving service delivery and aligning their operations more closely with international standards.

According to him, Nigeria must now demonstrate through its actions that it is prepared to take full advantage of its restored seat at the IMO.

Ayodele reaffirmed MARAN’s commitment to supporting the Ministry and maritime agencies with accurate reporting, constructive analyses and sustained coverage, stressing that the association remains a critical partner in efforts to advance Nigeria’s maritime development.

He said MARAN expects that Nigeria’s renewed presence at the Council will strengthen investors’ confidence, attract new opportunities and give the country a more influential voice in global maritime affairs.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria would utilize the platform to contribute meaningfully to discussions on maritime safety, shipping innovations, environmental sustainability and global regulatory frameworks that shape the shipping industry.

Ayodele concluded by emphasizing that MARAN will continue to uphold its responsibility as the watchdog of the sector while supporting government efforts aimed at improving the maritime domain and ensuring that Nigeria’s interests are well represented on the international stage.

Headlines

Maersk’s suspension of shipping operations through Strait of Hormuz raises anxiety among Nigerian importers

Attack on vessel in the Strait of Hormuz

Funso OLOJO, with agency report

The on- going hostilies in the Middle East have continued to stifle international trade as most of the shipping companies have suspended voyage through the troubled Strait of Hormuz.

The joint attacks by the military forces of the United States of America (USA) and Israel on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in the assassination of its Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khomenei and over 40 top military officers of the Islamic country,have put a strain on shipping operations along the busy vessel route of Strait of Hormuz as the Houthis militias, who are sympathetic to Iran, have threatened to attack vessels on the route.

Strait of Hormuz accounts for one third of the world shipping passage while the route accommodates the world largest crude tankers , despite its narrow width.

As a result of the threats, which have raised safety concerns on the vessels, cargos and crews, major shipping lines have halted their operations along the route.

Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, has halted passage of cargo vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for “safety” reasons.

“We are suspending all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice,” the Danish group said in an online advisory.“The safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority,” it said.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had earlier announced the Strait’s closure.

Major Middle Eastern oil and gas exporters rely on it to move supplies to international markets while importing nations depend on its uninterrupted operation.

China, one of the biggest destinations of Nigerian importers, make use of the route for import of the crude oil from the Middle East, especially Iran and export of its manufactured goods to the developing countries, especially Nigeria.

This development has raised anxiety among Nigerian importers who expressed concerns over the implications of the disruption on the route one the cost of imports, especially from China.

Headlines

NRC hosts Rotary Club on mobile train

Gloria Odion, Reporter

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has played host to the Rotary Club of Ota by hosting Nigeria’s first-ever Rotary fellowship on a moving train, setting a remarkable benchmark for innovation in civic and humanitarian engagement.

The groundbreaking event brought together members of the club aboard a moving train for fellowship, leadership interaction, and strategic discussion centered on service to humanity, climate action, and sustainable community development.

The fellowship was led by the President of the Rotary Club of Ota, Mr. Charles Umukoro, alongside members of the club’s executive and general membership.

A major highlight of the occasion was the visit of the Railway District Manager, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji, who warmly welcomed the Rotarians on board.

His presence underscored the significance of the event and further strengthened the cordial relationship between the railway management and the Rotary Club.

In a symbolic moment reflecting shared values of service and partnership, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji was formally inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Ota following his welcome address, adding prestige and deeper institutional collaboration to the landmark fellowship.

The moving-train fellowship was widely described as symbolic of progress, innovation, and forward movement—values that align closely with the transformation agenda of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation said it was committed to supporting initiatives that promote national development, environmental sustainability, and community advancement, while showcasing the railway as a safe, modern, and strategic platform for engagement.

Headlines

In Malmo, Sweden, NIMASA renews capacity development partnership with WMU

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has renewed its strategic capacity development partnership with the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden, through the signing of a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime human capital and institutional capacity.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the partnership as a critical pillar in NIMASA’s human capital development framework and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s maritime future.

“This collaboration has significantly strengthened our technical and regulatory capabilities over the years.

“Officers trained at WMU have enhanced our effectiveness in maritime safety administration, environmental compliance, maritime law, and shipping management.

“Their expertise has also reinforced Nigeria’s participation at the International Maritime Organization and other international maritime platforms,” he stated.

Under the renewed MoU, which was first signed in 2022, NIMASA will sponsor at least ten officers annually for the 14-month Master of Science programme at WMU in Malmö for the 2026–2029 intakes, as well as at least one officer for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme jointly delivered by WMU and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), Malta.

The MoU also provides for distance learning, executive professional development courses, research collaboration and technical assistance to strengthen NIMASA’s capacity in maritime safety, environmental management, seafarer certification and implementation of international maritime instruments.

WMU will further seek additional fellowships from international donors for qualified NIMASA candidates.

Dr. Mobereola endorsed the MoU on behalf of NIMASA with the President of WMU, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr signing on behalf of the University while Executive Director Finance and Administration, NIMASA ,Chudi Offodile and the Registrar of WMU, Mr. Peter Marriott both signed as witnesses.

Established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization, WMU was mandated to strengthen global maritime capacity, particularly in developing countries.

The University has since become a leading centre of excellence, and Nigeria has benefited significantly through the training of NIMASA officers who continue to enhance national maritime governance and international engagement.