Headlines

NPA pledges support to establish arbitration centre in Lagos

Bello-Koko, Ag. NPA MD

—–as Bello-Koko reiterates NPA’s resolve to reopen training school to enhance manpower development

Eyewitness reporter

The Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has urged arbitrators to ensure quick and speedy resolution of disputes in the maritime industry even as he disclosed that the management of the agency has resolved to reopen the NPA training school to enhance manpower development.

He noted that failure to promptly address perceived grievances will be inimical to the growth and development of the sector.

He said to forestall situations that result in prolonged litigations among players in the industry, the NPA will support the Maritime Arbitrators of Nigeria (MAN) in its efforts to establish an Arbitration Centre in Lagos.

The centre, he assured, will help to fast track conflict resolution within Sub Saharan Africa, saying that disagreements are bound to happen amongst players in the Industry and urged stakeholders to approach the centre rather than take the path of litigations which are oftentimes not necessary, time-consuming and costly.

The NPA boss spoke in Lagos when he received the newly elected executives of the Maritime Arbitrators of Nigeria who visited him in his office.

Mr Koko expressed delight over the decades-long synergy between both agencies in the area of support, consultancy and exchange of ideas that has been beneficial to them and the industry at large.

The NPA boss lauded the impacts of maritime arbitrators in solving legal issues in the past, saying the NPA is poised to give all the necessary support to the body to achieve a conducive business environment.

Bello- Koko urged the group to further seek support from the authorities at the Ministry of Transport and Justice respectively which he explained would effectively enhance their operations at enforcement of disputes at the nation’s seaports.

The leader of the team, Mr Bodunrin Adewole said they were at the NPA to intimate the management of their recent election into the office and to solicit for the agency’s support.

He called for the establishment of a Complaint Desk at the Ports across the country just as it operates at other government agencies, stating that they will help fast track dispute resolution which the MAN authorities are willing to key into.

He reiterated that MAN is of the view that swift resolution of disputes at the ports would automatically enhance efficiency and also assist the NPA to realize its mission statement.

Meanwhile, manpower development in the Nigerian maritime industry is set to be enhanced with the planned reopening of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)’s training school following the renovation of the facility after years of being abandoned.

Acting Managing Director of the NPA, Mr. Mohammed Bello Koko affirmed that when training commences at the institution, it will alleviate the difficulties hitherto faced by stakeholders in locating training facilities for manpower development and capacity building and also save cost to the Authority.

Mr Bello-Koko spoke when he received the outgoing management team of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (NIS) led by its Vice President, Chief Segun Olufioye Johnson who paid him a courtesy visit at the NPA’s Corporate Headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

He assured industry players of the agency’s willingness to partner with them in order to boost the manpower and capacity building in the sector, even as “we are ready to reach out to other various training institutes for the development of appropriate training curriculum”.

“We would also engage our retired staff who have vast knowledge to share in our dream of becoming the centre of skills and academic excellence.

According to him, the renovation of the NPA’s training facility is a testament to his administration’s commitment to ensure that adequate and recurrent training is undertaken as and when due by relevant workers in the maritime industry.

The NPA boss disclosed that the newly renovated NPA resource centre has the capacity to accommodate over 250 participants.

He said, “Management is proud of our workforce which can stand out anywhere in the world in the area of efficient delivery of Port services.”

He commended the outgoing NIS management for their immense contribution towards the development of the country’s maritime sector, pointing out that the synergy developed amongst relevant shipping agencies during their tenure in office was worthwhile, saying “your tenure has been rancour-free”.

Koko however assured them that his administration is open to ideas that will bring about positive development in the sector, especially in the drive towards achieving a hub status across the sub-region.

Earlier, the leader of the NIS delegation thanked the Koko- led management for the positive contributions it had recorded since the assumption of office which was undoubtedly phenomenal to the sub-sector.

He applauded the existing collaborations with the NPA that span over 25 years especially in the area of capacity development.

Chief Segun Olufioye Johnson explained that the NIS is seeking stronger ties with the NPA in the area of Research, Development and Consultancy.

He informed the Acting MD that as a result of the efforts made by the NIS in the past, the University of Lagos has established a centre for Multi modalism studies with emphasis on Rail, Road and Sea.

The NIS team later presented a pre-fellowship award to the NPA helmsman in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of the sector.

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.

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.

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.