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Appreciative Maritime Journalists pay homage to Ex-NIWA MD, Bola Oyebamiji over media support

Funso OLOJO
A group of appreciative Maritime Journalists has concluded arrangement to visit the former Managing Director of Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority(NIWA), Mr Bola Oyebamiji at his base in Osun state.
The visit, scheduled for the third week of January 2026, is meant to appreciate him for his support to the maritime media as well as to wish him well in his political career.
According to Elder Frank Meke, the Leader of the media coalition,  the journey will also afford the journalists the opportunity to present the nomination letter as the most media- friendly CEO to the APC candidate in 2026 Osun state governorship election.
It could be recalled that Mr Oyebamiji was unanimously crowned as the Most Media- friendly CEO in maritime industry in 2025, an award given to the estwhile NIWA helmsman in recognition of his consistent openness, accessibility, and commitment to strengthening media engagement within the maritime sector.
 During the visit, discussions will also be held to agree on a mutually convenient date for the conferment of the award.
Members of the Coalition noted that Mr. Oyebamiji’s three-year tenure at NIWA marked a significant departure from routine media relations, as he deliberately encouraged journalists to go beyond desk reporting.
According to the media group, the APC gubernatorial candidate in 2026 Osun election consistently supported field coverage, enabling maritime reporters to visit project sites, waterways, jetties, and operational areas to gain first-hand understanding of industry issues.
A senior maritime journalist, Frank Meke, speaking on behalf of the Coalition, said Mr. Oyebamiji “believed that informed reporting comes from direct exposure,” adding that his administration ensured journalists were not confined to press statements but were actively exposed to real-time developments across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The Coalition further recalled that part of Mr. Oyebamiji’s vision was to expand the exposure of the maritime press by facilitating visits to coastal states across the country.
This, they said, was designed to equip journalists with practical insights that would enable them to offer informed analysis and constructive advisory input to government and industry stakeholders.
“He understands the strategic role of the media, especially the maritime press, in shaping public understanding and policy direction.
“He has assured us that the same openness, respect, and encouragement we enjoyed at NIWA will continue,” Frank Meke, a veteran journalist close to NIWA  remarked.
The Coalition described the planned visit as both a gesture of gratitude and a reaffirmation of the vital partnership between public office holders and the media in promoting transparency, development, and informed governance.
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Alma Mater honours Mobereola for his mentorship role on younger generation 

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has been honoured with an Award of Recognition by his alma mater, St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan in appreciation of his impactful mentorship and commitment to the development of younger generations.

The recognition was conferred during the school’s 64th Founders’ Day celebration held in Ibadan, where the DG joined other alumni and stakeholders to celebrate the institution’s enduring legacy of excellence.

Commenting on the award, Dr. Mobereola expressed profound appreciation to the school’s management and the Old Boys’ Association for the honour, noting that the recognition holds deep personal significance.

He reflected on his formative years at the school saying “attending the 64th Founders’ Day of St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan, brought back a flood of nostalgic memories.

“Fifty years after walking through those gates where many of my formative years were shaped, I remain deeply grateful for the friendships, guidance from teachers, and the bond of classmates.

” I also wish to sincerely appreciate the Old Boys’ Association for the recognition accorded me this year. I do not take this honour for granted” the DG said.
He reiterated his commitment to mentoring younger people, saying “I remain committed to serving as a role model to the younger generation and to mentoring young men as they navigate their own paths.”

He further encouraged the students to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and positive role models in achieving success.

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NSC buckles under pressure, suspends implementation of tariff hike at ports

Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council may have capitulated under intense pressure from the freight forwarders who have apparently make the regulatory agency hastily reverse itself over the tariff hike at the Ports.
It could be recalled that the NSC approved tariff increase in shipping and terminal charges due to what it said was necessitated by the exigency of time.
However, the implementation of the hike has sparked an uproar among the freight forwarders who have rebuffed all entreaties from the NSC but vowed to shut down the operations of service providers.
Last week, the irate freight forwarders have commenced systematic picketing of some of the shipping company, including MSC, promising to resume the targeted shut -down of the operations of other service providers in the coming weeks.
However, in a dramatic  turn of event, the management of the NSC has directed an immediate suspension of the implementation of the tariff hike by the terminal operators, while urging them to revert to old rate until the issues surrounding the controversial hike are resolved.
In a terse statement by the management, the council said the directive is necessary in order to safeguard fair competition, transparency, and sectoral stability, as well as to give room for likely review of the new charges and conclusion of the ongoing consultation with stakeholders.
“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), in the exercise of its statutory mandate as the economic regulator of the port and shipping sector, hereby directs all shipping lines and their respective agencies to immediately suspend the implementation of the recently approved tariffs.
“This directive is issued pursuant to ongoing engagements with critical stakeholders and in response to substantive concerns raised regarding the timing, structure, and potential impact of the said tariffs on port users and the wider logistics value chain.
“In order to safeguard fair competition, transparency, and sectoral stability, the Council considers it necessary to halt further implementation pending the conclusion of comprehensive consultations and regulatory review.
“Accordingly, all affected operators are mandated to revert to, and apply strictly, the tariff regime that was in force immediately prior to the said increase.
“Any deviation from this directive shall constitute a breach of regulatory compliance and will attract appropriate sanctions in line with extant laws and regulations.
“The Council will, upon conclusion of stakeholder consultations and internal review processes, communicate a definitive position on the matter.
“The NSC remains resolute in its commitment to effective economic regulation, protection of cargo interests, and the promotion of an efficient and equitable maritime transport system.
“All operators are hereby enjoined to ensure strict and immediate compliance”, the statement concluded.
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NSC condemns picketing of MSC over tariff hike, urges freight forwarders to embrace dialogue

Gloria Odion,  Maritime Reporter
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Pius, has called on freight forwarders to embrace dialogue as a constructive means of resolving their grievances rather than resorting to industrial actions capable of undermining the nation’s economy.
Akutah appealed while reacting to the picketing of the offices of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) by freight forwarders protesting the recent increase in shipping line tariffs.
Despite the protests, the Council’s attempt to engage the aggrieved freight forwarders in discussions was resisted, as the protesters insisted that there was no basis for dialogue.
They also vowed to continue the protest on Monday until the increased charges are immediately reversed.
The Shippers’ Council boss stressed that dialogue remains the most effective and modern dispute resolution mechanism, noting that it is faster, more humane, and more productive than what he described as a “bottled anger approach.”
He warned that prolonged industrial disputes within the maritime sector could disrupt port operations and negatively impact trade and economic activities.
While acknowledging the right of stakeholders to express their concerns, the Council condemned what it described as the unprofessional conduct of some freight forwarders, particularly the act of blocking regulators from accessing the MSC premises to address the matter.
 Akutah also recalled that during a similar protest over the same tariff increment a few weeks earlier, the Council intervened and compelled MSC to suspend the collection of the disputed charges for two days while discussions were ongoing.
He reiterated the Council’s commitment to mediating between shipping companies and freight forwarders to ensure fair practices and stability within the maritime industry.
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