Headlines

NIMASA, banks disagree over interest rates on CVFF loans, opens discussion with NNPC Shipping.

––invites Afrexim bank, AfDB, American Express Bank.

–– promises fresh disbursement date.

The Eyewitness Reporter

The disagreement between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the five Primary Lending Institutions( PLIs) selected as vehicles for the disbursement of the controversial Cabotage Vessels Financing Funds( CVFF) may have contributed to the continued delay in releasing the funds to the beneficiaries.

It could be recalled that the former administration of President Mohammudu Buhari, had approved five banks, namely, Zenith, Polaris, Jaiz, Union and UBA as the Primary Lending Institutions(PLIs) to drive the disbursement of the funds.

But the process was stalled, after painstaking preparations for the disbursement, following the disagreement between NIMASA, the custodian of the funds and the banks on the interest rate chargeable on the loans.

According to Dr. Bashir Jamoh, the Director General of NIMASA, the five PLIs insisted on collecting 7.5 percent interest from the beneficiaries while NIMASA insisted on a 6.7 percent interest rate.

The uncompromising stand of the two parties has led to the delay in the disbursement of the funds.

Dr. Jamoh, who was speaking Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024 during the visit of the Managing Director of NNPC Shipping, Mr Panos Gliatis, disclosed that three new banks have shown interest in the disbursement process.

Even though, he did not disclose the level of involvement of the new banks neither did he mention at what rate they are willing to disburse, he however gave a tentative six-month take off of the disbursement.

According to him, Afrexim Bank, African Development Bank, and American Express Bank have all agreed to offer assistance towards the disbursement of the funds.

It could be recalled that the disbursement of the fund rests on a tripartite contributory quota.

NIMASA is expected to contribute 50 percent, the Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs) will contribute 35 percent and the beneficiaries are expected to contribute 15 percent.

However, Dr. Jamoh said there is renewed hope for the disbursement of the funds with the discussion currently going on with the NNPC Shipping.

He explained that NIMASA and NNPC Shipping have agreed to open discussion on reviving the stalled disbursement.

While briefing the new helmsman of the Organization, Mr Gliatis, Dr Jamoh expressed hope that the new MD will continue from where his predecessor stopped on the matter of CVFF.

Jamoh recalled the contributions of the NNPC Shipping towards the success of the CVFF which he described as a milestone in the disbursement of the fund.

According to him, the organization has promised to provide cargo for the beneficiary indigenous ship owners because according to him, acquiring a vessel will be useless without access to cargo.

Also, NNPC Shipping has decided to contribute nine percent of the 15 percent contribution of the indigenous beneficiary while he takes the remaining six percent in a bid to share the risks.

Jamoh further disclosed that with the commitment of NNPC Shipping and the buy-in of the new man at the helm of affairs of the company, he expressed hope that the six-month timeline for the disbursement of the fund is achievable.

The MD of NNPC Shipping, Panos Gliatis said the organisation is committed to the success of the CVFF and promised to work towards its sustainability.

”We shall work diligently towards the success of the project”, he enthuased.

NIMASA DG however warned that the timeline was not sacrosanct as its realization is dependent on the exigency of the prevailing situation and subject to the pleasure of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

” We proposed six six-month timeline for the commencement of the disbursement of the CVFF but that date is not sacrosanct.

“I am not promising, it is just a proposal because it is only the Minister who has the power to give a definitive date.

” NIMASA is just an agency under the supervision of the minister, we merely carry out his orders.

“We need to brief and convince him on this matter” he declared.

Jamoh however expressed optimism about the interest of the minister on the disbursement of the funds as a result of his warning that the CVFF should not go the way of the Anchor Borrower Fund of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).

” The Minister has warned that CVFF should not become another Anchor BorrowerFund” Jamoh stated.

He further disclosed that the proposed Maritime Bank is another avenue to further assist indigenous ship owners.

According to him, preparations have reached an advanced stage for the takeoff of the Bank.

“NIMASA’s Abuja office has been mandated to provide office accommodation for the bank by dedicating a whole floor to the Bank” Jamoh disclosed.

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.