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How Far Can Oyetola Drive Marine and Blue Economy Sector?

Adegboyega Oyetola

Funso Olojo

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu carved out the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy from the Ministry of Transportation, it was a dream come true for maritime stakeholders who had long longed for a separate ministry to harness the huge potential of the sector.

They hailed Tinubu as a listening President who harkened to the yearnings of the industry operators.

They had then expected that the President would follow this laudable decision with the appointment of a professional with the ability and capacity to drive this novel initiative.

Names of several home-grown industry technocrats such as Barrister Hassan Bello were thrown up as preferred candidates for the position of the minister of the new ministry.

But the much expectant stakeholders were sorely disappointed when another politician was appointed to head the ministry.

The enthusiasm of the critical stakeholders considerably waned when a politician, a one-term former Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, was appointed as the pioneer minister of the ministry.

Even though most of these vociferous critical stakeholders lack the ability to voice their disapproval of Oyetola’s appointment, their silent grumblings were audible enough to discerning observers.

The stakeholders, most of whom are playing to the gallery while donning patronizing visages for fear of being labeled rebels and opposition, believed that the appointment of another politician who is bereft of deep knowledge of the industry is a recipe for disaster and a great disservice to a sector that has the potential to lift Nigeria out of economic doldrums.

“Oyetola lacks the capacity, technical acumen and required visage to drive such a critical sector to prosperity” a stakeholder noted.

To him, the man who can drive the new ministry considered the most critical to Nigeria’s economic prosperity should be a man who has the tenacity and agility of Rotimi Amaechi, the former Transportation Minister, the technical and professional competence of Bashir Jamoh, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the industry knowledge of Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)and the managerial dexterity and acumen of Barrister Hassan Bello, the erstwhile Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, all rolled into one.

“But unfortunately, Oyetola lacks any of these attributes.

“The only thing going on for him is that he is a politician and he is close to Mr President.

“But maritime is a global sector which does not rely on close affinity with the President but mainly thrives on competence”

” The industry needs someone who can provide the needed leadership, direction and capacity to harness the boundless opportunities in the sector” another industry operator stated.

Even Oyetola is not a top-notch politician couched in the mold of the fiery Nyesom Wike, the incumbent Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“If he were, he would not have lost the gubernatorial seat of Osun state to the dancing Ademola Adeleke.” another respondent declared.

It was a general opinion among the industry stakeholders that the only covering the minister has are the duo of NIMASA DG, Bashir Jamoh and NPA MD, Mohammed Bello-Koko, who are providing direction, needed capacity, technical support and ability required to fuel the engine of the industry.

Unfortunately, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has been lost to another politician, they argued.

“The greatest error which the government nay Oyetola will make is to replace these two industry technocrats with another politicians after their first tenure is over” a Lagos-based shipping magnate observed.

Observers believed that if he does, that will signal the beginning of the downward slide of the industry which rivals the oil and gas sector in terms of revenue generation.

“To cover his knowledge gap of the industry, it will be in the best interest of Oyetola to retain the services of the two helmsmen at NIMASA and NPA who have so far provided the life-saving shield for the minister’ s lack of competence and capacity” another industry operator stated.

It would be recalled that stakeholders have called for the appointment of an industry technocrat such as the erstwhile Executive Secretary of the Shippers’Council, Barrister Hassan Bello, to head the ministry.

However, they were disappointed by the appointment of a politician who they felt could not provide the needed leadership to the new ministry.

Little wonder industry stakeholders maintained a graveyard silence at the appointment of the former Osun state governor.

Some of the disappointed industry operators who lack the confidence to speak out whispered to our reporter that the appointment of Oyetola as the head of the ministry is a fundamental error committed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has severally been hailed for his many competence-based appointments.

“The President missed it on the appointment of Oyetola. If he needed to rehabilitate him politically for his loss of Osun Guber seat, the President shouldn’t have given him such a critical industry as the marine and blue economy which is the lifeline of the economy.

“Creating a special industry for maritime, which shows he is a listening President given the general clamour of the stakeholders, is a big plus for Mr. President but appointing Oyetola to head this all-important ministry is a big minus and a drag on the vibrancy and dynamism of the industry” a frontline industry stakeholder who begged for anonymity for fear of victimisation, declared.

But ASU Beks, a maritime media icon, was not the type to speak tongue in cheek.

With uncommon frankness and candor, Mr Beks said Oyetola has nothing to offer the industry.

In an interview which is a prelude to his forthcoming 70th birthday, the Publisher of the famous Shipping World Magazine described Oyetola as a square peg in a round hole of the new ministry.

He claimed that President Tinubu played politics with the appointment of Oyetola as the minister of marine and blue economy.

“How do you go and establish such a critical ministry that will require technical expertise?

“Then you bring somebody who knows next to nothing about maritime to head the ministry? A ministry that we are hoping would drive this economy.“In Nigeria, we like to politicize everything, are there no APC members in this industry, that are stakeholders, that are qualified?

“I don’t have anything against Adegboyega Oyetola, for me, he is a fine gentleman, not controversial.“But Mr. President should have looked for some other better job for him, not as a Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. He will not deliver”

“I don’t have faith in Oyotola, he doesn’t have the competence, look at the financial sector, look at what Mr. President did. Look at the CBN Governor, look at the economic team.

” You look there, you see experts. Why do we play politics with the maritime sector? A sector that is so critical.

“When Bello-Koko leaves, the next MD of NPA should be somebody from the Nigerian Port Authority.
Let’s stop this idea of looking for politicians to run our ports, for as long as we are doing that, our ports will not grow”.

“It is not just enough for you to go and sign a performance bond, the willpower, the will has to come from this ministry, and the way this ministry is constituted, the will has to come from within.“So I pity our ship owners. They have to put their acts together, they should stop being beggarly, and they should confront the government.

“If they go on like this, in all our lifetime, that CVFF fund will not be disbursed” Elder ASU Beks declared.

The general trepidation among the industry stakeholders is their belief that Adegboyega Oyetola may not possess the requisite attributes and capacity to drive a grade-A sector like the marine and blue economy.

As an insurance expert, maritime is certainly not his familiar turf.

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Tantita intercepts stolen crude on escort of Delta Marine Police, arrests four suspects

Funso OLOJO

Tantita Security Services Limited, a pipeline surveillance operations company, has intercepted a tanker vessel, MT Thor, laden with suspected stolen crude oil.

The interception, which occurred on December 15th, 2025, around the Koko–Excravos axis of Delta State, happened while the vessel was allegedly being escorted by personnel of the Police Marine Unit, Delta State, who reportedly claimed they were acting on directives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja.

Four suspects have been apprehended in connection with the incident and are currently facing investigation for possible prosecution.

The arrest was announced during the handover of the suspects at Koko Port in Delta State by Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL), a firm engaged in pipeline surveillance operations.

Speaking at the handover of the vessel and the suspects at Koko Port, Delta state, the Executive Director of Operations at Tantita, Captain Warredi Enisouh, said the suspects were apprehended with an unspecified quantity of suspected illegally sourced petroleum products aboard the vessel.

According to a situation report made available by the Special Prosecution Team (SPT) of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Product Theft, Tantita alerted the Head of Investigation of the SPT after intercepting MT Thor, which was allegedly laden with crude oil obtained through illicit means.

Preliminary investigations by law enforcement agencies revealed that the vessel, now classified as an exhibit in an ongoing criminal investigation, is linked to a jetty operated by Ebenco Global Services Limited.

Investigation officers disclosed that documents and correspondence connected to the jetty were obtained and are currently under review.

“The owner of the jetty, Mr. Ebenezer, was contacted by investigators and reportedly provided additional documents, including court orders, which are also being analysed as part of the investigation.

“On December 16, a joint investigation team led by the Head of Investigation of the SPT conducted a Joint Inspection Visit in Koko.

The team first met at Tantita’s corporate headquarters in Warri for a briefing, which was also attended by the jetty owner.

“During the inspection, investigators attempted to obtain samples from MT Thor but were unable to do so immediately as the vessel had not yet arrived at the jetty, having been towed from an earlier location by security operatives.

“While awaiting the vessel’s arrival, the team inspected other containers suspected to be carrying crude oil within the premises of Ebenco Global Links Limited, where samples were taken from a storage barge.

“MT Thor eventually berthed at about 8:30 p.m. on 16 December, prompting the joint team to adjourn sampling and other procedures until the following day.

As of 17 December 2025, investigators were reported to be en route to Koko to continue sample collection and complete investigation formalities,” the report read.

Receiving the suspects, the Head of the Special Prosecution Team of the Inter-Agency Task Force, Omar Sini, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to dismantle crude oil theft networks in the Niger Delta, assuring that all findings would be thoroughly examined and prosecuted in line with the law.

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Mobereola, NIMASA DG, reflects on year 2025 with satisfaction, says 2026 holds promising opportunities for maritime industry

Funso OLOJO

The Director -General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has expressed his satisfaction over the achievements recorded in the maritime industry in the outgoing year of 2025, while looking forward to a promising 2026 with hope.

In his Christmas message to the stakeholders in the maritime industry, Dr Mobereola noted that the 2026 ended well with the election of Nigeria into the category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) after 14 years of failed attempts as well as zero occurrence of piracy attacks on Nigeria’ waters.

“The year 2025 has been a good one for our industry as once again, we have not recorded a single piracy attack in our waters in a whole calendar year, Nigeria was also able to deposit three Instruments of Accession to IMO Conventions that were signed by President Bola Tinubu ,we have been able to maintain industrial harmony in the sector all of which culminated to Nigeria’s election into the category C Council of the International Maritime Organization.

“We couldn’t have done this without our stakeholders who have contributed in various ways in the course of their operations during the year. We see you, we thank you and we felicitate with your during this yuletide season”Mobereola observed.

He however assured that the Agency will re-double efforts in ensuring that 2026 is even better for every stakeholder.

While calling on industry operators to brace up for the new year with hope of better times, Dr. Mobereola noted that “at NIMASA, we appreciate the weight of our renewed responsibility by virtue of Nigeria’s membership of the IMO Council because to whom much is given, much is definitely expected.

” You can therefore be sure of an increased momentum in our resolve to sustain maritime safety, security, environmental protection and adherence to relevant conventions and protocols with renewed vigour.”

The DG concluded by acknowledging the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, industry stakeholders, management and staff of NIMASA as well as all Nigerians and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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FG trains 75 boat operators on safe inland waterway navigation

Funso OLOJO

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has concluded a three-day Boat Navigation and Safety Training for 75 boat drivers and skippers, as part of efforts to improve safety and professionalism on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

The training, which ran from Monday, 22, December, 2025 to Wednesday, 24 December, 2025 focused on equipping participants with the practical knowledge and operational competence required for the issuance of the Certificate in Safe Boating and Navigation.

Participants were drawn from major boating associations, including the Maritime Workers Union, the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATAN), and the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN).

Boat operators from Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states took part in the programme.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Timothy Clement of the NIWA Lagos Area Office described the training as a significant intervention aimed at reducing accidents on inland waterways.

He noted that many previous boat mishaps were caused by limited technical knowledge and insufficient experience among operators, adding that sustained capacity-building would help address the challenge.

Clement also highlighted ongoing safety measures being implemented by NIWA, including the removal of wrecks to improve navigation and continuous sensitisation of boat operators along major routes such as CMS, Ikorodu, Badore, Badagry and Port Novo.

According to him, NIWA has intensified awareness campaigns, moving from jetty to jetty to educate operators on safe practices, while encouraging boat owners to release more skippers and captains for structured training programmes.

“So far, so good. We thank God for the success of this three-day training for boat skippers.

“Participants came from Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, and over the past three days, they have learned a great deal,” Clement said.

“This year alone, NIWA conducted sensitisation exercises two to three times across different jetties.

“We are encouraging operators to make more of their captains and skippers available for this kind of training.

” I believe that by this time next year, we will have even more reasons to celebrate improved safety on our waterways,” he added.

Also speaking, the Lead Trainer and Consultant, Dr. Sileola Akinbowale, described the programme as a life-saving initiative designed to strengthen manpower capacity and reduce waterway accidents.

She explained that the training was structured to ensure boat operators are properly equipped with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills required to operate safely and efficiently.

Akinbowale commended the Federal Government, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the former Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, for prioritising safety and capacity development in the sector.

Assessing the programme, she rated it about 90 per cent successful, noting that it combined classroom sessions with practical exercises on the water.

“We did not limit the training to classroom lectures. Participants were taken out for practical sessions at the jetty, which made the programme very effective. It was an all-inclusive training, not just theory,” she said.

She assured that the initiative would be sustained, stressing that continuous capacity enhancement remains critical to saving lives and improving professionalism on inland waterways.

Participants expressed satisfaction with the training, describing it as timely and impactful.

A Lagos-based boat operator, Wasiu Olalekan, said the programme had strengthened participants’ ability to respond to emergencies and distress situations.

“With this training, we now know how to handle distress situations on the waterways because of the knowledge given to us. On behalf of the Lagos State participants, we appreciate the Minister and NIWA management for this opportunity,” he said.

Another participant from Ondo State, Biobaku John, said the training exposed him to critical safety and emergency response skills that would enhance his professionalism.

“I gained important safety and firefighting skills during these three days. As a boat driver, I learned a lot and I am proud to have participated,” he said.

Similarly, the leader of the Ogun State delegation, Pami Ronald, said participants were trained in boat handling, safety procedures, first aid, emergency response, engine maintenance and effective waterway transport management.

“For the past three days, we learned extensively about safety, first aid, how to raise alarms, call for rescue teams and even engine maintenance. The training was very educative,” he said.

The programme forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIWA, in line with recommendations from investigation reports under the tenure of former NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, to improve safety standards, professionalism and confidence among inland waterway operators nationwide.