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Day of Dockworker: Govt.promises to prioritise safety, welfare of Dockworkers to enhance economic prosperity, port productivity 

Funso OLOJO 
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has disclosed that government was taking deliberate steps to improve the safety and welfare of dockworkers in the maritime industry in order to enhance their productivity and economic prosperity.
The Minister, who was speaking at the 2025 Day of The Dockworker held in Lagos on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025, said government recognized the invaluable contributions of dock labourers to the economic prosperity of the country, promising that their safety and welfare will not be compromised.
Adegboyega, who spoke through the Director- General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, said dockworkers are vital to creating a maritime industry where safety is assured and productivity increases.
” In the maritime industry, safety underpins operational efficiency, economic stability, and international confidence.
“A safe port guarantees that every ship calling at Nigeria’s shores does so confidently.
“Today reminds us that our dockworkers are vital to creating a maritime industry where safety is assured and productivity increases.
” As dockworkers, you are the first link in the trade chain that fuels our economy and turns the potential of the blue economy into real national growth.
“We recognise that your work is demanding and often hazardous, as it requires not only strength and skill but also proper training, protection, and institutional support, given the presence of heavy equipment, unpredictable weather, and time-critical tasks.
“To our dockworkers, your labour is the engine of this industry. Your contribution is valued.Your safety is non-negotiable.
“This is why the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is taking deliberate steps to improve working conditions across port operations” the Minister stated.
He noted that the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which was approved earlier in the year by the Federal Executives Council(FEC),   emphasises workers’ welfare and port safety, strengthens regulation, enhances compliance, and prioritises risk mitigation measures.
Adegboyega further enumerated some of the intentional efforts of government to improve the working conditions of Dockworkers
“Port renovation and modernisation efforts are also underway to ensure that our facilities meet global standards, reduce turnaround times, and minimise exposure to operational hazards.
“Furthermore, the Federal Government has initiated safety and capacity-building programmes, including providing modern protective equipment for dockworkers and riverine transport operators, as part of its commitments.
“Through NIMASA, we are enhancing safety training, improving emergency response capabilities, and developing professional development schemes” the Minister disclosed.
Adegboyega however enjoined all stakeholders to partner government in improving the quality of lives of dock labourers in order to enhance the economic prosperity of the country.
“To our partners and stakeholders, let us remain committed to innovation, modernisation, and sustainable growth.
” The  success of blue economy relies on people, particularly the dockworkers we honour today.
“Let us ensure that the environment in which they work is safe, dignified, and efficient” he noted.
The Minister lauded the efforts and foresight of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) and the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) for organizing the Day of the Dockworker to celebrate and honour dock labourers in the country.
This year’s theme, “Safe, Safe Ship” emphasizes the responsibility of government to provide enabling environment that will promote safety of ports, the people and infrastructure in the industry.
The occasion was attended by a large numbers of dock labourers under the aegis of Maritime Workers Union(MWUN), terminal operators under the Umbrella of Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) and stevedores under the aegis of Nigerian Association of Stevedoring Operators (NASO).
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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.
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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.

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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.
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