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Bello-Koko kicks off 2022 Maritime Cup tourney as ENL wins opening match 

The Eyewitness reporter
The 2022 Ships & Ports Maritime Cup Competition kicked off in grand style in Lagos on Tuesday with eight teams vying for the coveted trophy.
The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, represented by the General Manager,  Human Resources, Mr. Ahmad M. Umar, formally kicked off the competition.
The NPA Managing Director was supported in kicking off the tournament by the Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup; Chairman, Shipowners Forum, Barrister (Mrs.) Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi and representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Navy Capt. Christian Akokota.
In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Bello-Koko assured the maritime community of his support for sporting activities, even as he commended Ships & Ports Communication Company, the organisers of the annual tournament, for creating the platform for competitive sporting activities in the industry.
“It gladdens my heart to see young men file out today. We appreciate the organisers of this event for doing it every single year.
“I wish everyone good luck, but there is no work without hard work, as you must have prepared yourselves very well for this competition,” he said.
The NPA boss encouraged employees in the maritime industry to engage in sporting activities to improve their health and well-being.
STOAN Chairman, Princess Vicky Haastrup, noted that the competition was good for industry operators’ mental health.
Haastrup commended Ships & Ports for keeping the competition alive, despite the challenging times, particularly regarding the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is really important for our mental health, it instills unity within the sector.
“We are a family – everyone in the shipping sector, so it is really so great for all of us to participate.
“Like the previous competition, this is going to be a huge success. The winner will carry the cup and it is ENL that will carry the cup because I know my boys are up to the task.
“This is good for the industry and this championship has come to stay. I say a big thank you to the organisers and I wish everyone the best of luck,” Princess Haastrup, who is also, the CEO of ENL Consortium, said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Shipowners Forum, Mrs. Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi, said she was impressed by the large turnout at the opening ceremony.
“This is a competition, so there will be losers and winners.
 However, you are all winners because you will make new friends, which is what the Maritime Cup is doing in the industry.
Good luck and may the best team win,” she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ships & Ports, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, said that the Maritime Cup competition was set up to foster healthy living and promote recreation in the maritime industry.
Akinola said the competition is in its 12th edition.
“This competition is about bringing together everybody in the maritime industry in a convivial atmosphere, away from the serious discussions that we are all used to in seminars and conferences.
“Apart from bringing the industry together, it encourages recreation and of course, we know the importance of sports and exercise in healthy living.
“This is what the tournament is all about,” he said.
He noted that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual competition did not hold in 2020 and 2021.
In the opening match of the tournament, defending champions ENL Consortium defeated Higher Pacific International 4-1.
HPI opened the scoring through Gozie Ebule in the 38th minute of the first half, but ENL equalized two minutes later through its top striker Paul Uchechi.
Joseph John scored for ENL in the 42nd and 85th minutes while Uche Nkwoji sealed ENL’s victory with a fourth goal in the 87th minute.
The Maritime Cup Football Competition was created by Ships & Ports in 2009 to encourage recreation and camaraderie among employees of government agencies, private sector operators, and regulators in the maritime industry.
Eight teams namely Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), ENL Consortium, Josepdam Port Services (JPS), Nigerian Navy, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Higher Pacific International (HPI) and Dynesty Ocean Shipping are competing in the tournament this year.
NPA, Josepdam, NAGAFF and Dynasty are playing in Group A while defending champions ENL Consortium, Customs, Navy and HPI will compete in Group B.
Winners of the Maritime Cup since its inception are the Nigerian Navy (2009), Micura Stevedoring Services (2010), Nigeria Customs Service (2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2017), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (2014), Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (2015), Nigerian Ports Authority (2018) and ENL Consortium Nigeria Limited (2019).
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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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