Headlines

Norway lauds Nigeria over her role in Gulf of Guinea

—–as NIMASA seeks partnership to develop Nigeria’s shipping industry

The eyewitness reporter

The Norwegian Foreign Minister, Anniken Huitfeldt, has showered praises on Nigeria for her commanding role in the Gulf of Guinea which she said has resulted in tremendous success in curtailing the pirate activities in the region.

Huitfeldt, who gave the commendation in Lagos Monday during her visit to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), noted that the relative peace and security the shipping community is currently enjoying in the Gulf of Guinea is to a large extent due to the dedication and commitment of Nigeria to the safety and security in the troubled region.

She, therefore, sent the appreciation of the Norwegian government to Nigeria in general and NIMASA in particular for this feat.

“I thank the Nigerian government and NIMASA for their dedication to the safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea.

“I am deeply impressed by what I saw on my visit to NIMASA.” she declared.

She said Nigeria is one of the respected partners of Norway and therefore her role in the Gulf of Guinea is appreciated by her government.

The Norwegian minister further disclosed that safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea are very dear to her home government, as a result, she said Norway has given support to Nigeria in the fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

“Norway has contributed to maritime development in Nigeria through capacity training and has also rendered economic assistance through the United Nations towards enhancement of maritime safety” she declared

The Norwegian minister visited the facilities at the NIMASA’S Resources Centre where she and her entourage were shown a practical demonstration of the quality of safety equipment at the C4i centre.

The host, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, who conducted his guests around the facilities at the centre, also lectured them on the functions, duties and responsibilities of the agency as a leading maritime administration in West Africa.

Dr. Jamoh disclosed that Nigeria, as a leading maritime nation in the West African sub-region, hosts over 110,000 vessels annually but unfortunately, due to a lack of viable shipbuilding and repairs industry in the country, most of the ship owners move their vessels to other neighboring countries of Togo, Ghana and the Republic of Benin for drydocking and ship repair.

He however disclosed that the Agency’s 50 million floating Dock, when finally deployed, will generate a whooping sum of N1 billion monthly.

The NIMASA DG however told his Norwegian guest that the agency is desirous of partnering with the European country to exploit the huge market in Nigeria’s ship repairs industry.

“Over 110, 000vessels come to Nigeria annually but because of lack of ship repairs industry in the country, some of the ship owners have to move their ships to Togo, Ghana and the Republic of Benin to repair their ships”

“There is a huge demand for ship repairs in the country

“NIMASA welcomes partnership with Norway to exploit and develop shipbuilding and ship repairs industry in the country ” Jamoh disclosed.

Anniken Huitfeldt came with some ship owners in her country who are expected to look into business and investment opportunities in Nigeria’s vast maritime industry.

Norway is reputed to be the 5th largest shipbuilding nation in the world and has 89 ports.

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.