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Farinto identifies barriers to intra- African trade

The Eyewitness Reporter

Former Acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, (ANLCA), Kayode Farinto , has identified concealment of information as one of the stumbling blocks to the successful implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA in Nigeria.

Farinto, who stated this in a paper titled, “AfCFTA: Dismantling Trade Barriers, Navigating Regional Trade”, which he delivered at the 2024 MARAN Annual Maritime Lecture, MAMAL held in Lagos recently ,said that pretending that all was well when it was not true, would be the greatest undoing to Nigeria as a country in maximizing the benefits inherent in the continent-wide trade.

According to him, “Nobody expected a hitch-free take off but we should stop pretending and deceiving all Nigerians as if all is well.

” We are all aware of the controversy surrounding the first shipment under AfCFTA where according to Mr. Segun Olutayo, leader of the AfCFTA Coordination Office in Nigeria, endeavored to window-dress this controversy by saying that receiving Certificate of Origin under AfCFTA is only a preliminary step akin to a starting point and does not necessarily indicate that a shipment has been made.

“It’s high time we stopped this our attitude where we conceal and distort real information to confuse and convince Nigerians that all is well when we know that with speaking out, people can proffer solutions to whatever problem that arises.

“Giving out accurate information is one of the factors that can make AfCFTA a success (through information management).

“Concealing information from the public is not part of good information management and it runs negatively against the Freedom of Information Act.

” There’s nothing wrong with confirming to stakeholders when issues go wrong. All that is needed is allay their fears that whatsoever that is wrong can be corrected.”

Going further, he maintained that if the Africa Continental Free Trade Area must succeed, the Nigeria Customs Service, must play a pivotal role in this ,adding that one of the things that must be done was to ensure that trade was facilitated.

He said, “I watched with keen interest, Nigeria’s participation in the Biachara Africa 2024 Summit in Kigali where Nigeria businesses showcased their offering and was also delighted to hear a committal statement from the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, promising to ensure that trade facilitation becomes the focal point of the Service going forward, which has obviously been downplayed before now.

“It is not out of place for NCS to roll out her Standard Operating Procedure, (SOP) for AfCFTA.

“However, I am glad to inform this gathering that the NCS, for once, seems serious about facilitating good trade.

‘ I rely on a recent circular released to her officers to ensure that issues of alerts are not only streamlined but its incessant issuance be addressed where every Deputy Comptrollers in charge of revenue has been given a marching order to ensure compliance by their officers.

” What is only needed to be added is sanctions for non-conformists. If this is achieved, the major monster that can kill the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement has been successfully eliminated.”

Insisting that the Nigeria’s maritime sector had not fared well in the area of logistics management, Farinto however blamed it on the nation’s inability to embrace multi-modal transport system, noting that Nigeria’s reliance on road sector alone was a stumbling block and a barrier to free flow of trade.

“The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy needs to liaise with the Ministry of Trade either on a Private Party Agreement, PPA or taking it as her core responsibility to ensure that our over reliance on road is stopped.

“There is need for rail connectivity between the hinterland and our ports. Barge operation should be employed to reduce the congestion and traffic on road and to save time for the success of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement“, he said.

Pointing out that non-tariff barriers including technical barriers were very many in Nigeria, Farinto insisted that virtually all federal government regulatory agencies had one fine, levy and other which he said was killing trade.

“Take for example, a regulated item by either SON or NAFDAC must pay many levies or taxes such as import permit, MANCAP, money for examination to be conducted, fees to be paid before labelling rights are granted”, Farinto lamented.

Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria, MARAN, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere acknowledged that AfCFTA represented a groundbreaking initiative by the African Union, designed to create a single market for goods and services, promote free movement across borders and unlock the immense economic potential of the continent.

He however, identified barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory bottlenecks and operational inefficiencies as hampering the seamless flow of goods across the continent.

He, therefore, submitted that for Nigeria to maximize the benefits of AfCFTA, it must address critical requirements including: Improved Trade Infrastructure -Enhanced Roads, Transit Trailer Parks, and functional scanning facilities at ports; Efficient Procedures – Compliance with Rules of Origin, RoO and streamlined export processes as well as Capacity Building – Training Customs officers and other stakeholders to align with AfCFTA protocols.

Others according to him, include Investment in Maritime Assets: With intra-African freight expected to increase by 28% and maritime demand by 62%, we need significant investments, including the addition of 100 vessels to facilitate transport as well as Leveraging Technology and Innovation to Facilitate Trade.

“As laudable as AfCFTA is, some persons in Nigeria are worried that our lack of infrastructure (mainly energy and road) and inconsistent policy will continue to affect our production level.

“They are concerned that as a result of our low production capacity, our initial gain of shipment outside the country may fizzle out when other African countries with better production environment begin the shipment of their goods; while Nigeria may end up becoming a dumping ground.

“The African Union has reported that intra-African trade currently stands at just 10%, compared to 60% in Europe. With AfCFTA, there are projections to raise this to 20%. For this to happen, we must ensure free and efficient movement of goods across borders through vehicles, railways, ships, and trucks.

“Let us use this platform today to brainstorm on solutions, forge collaborations, and commit to actionable steps that will help dismantle trade barriers and build a robust framework for regional trade”, he concluded.

Headlines

Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the need to assent to the Nigerian Shipping and Ports Economic Regulatory Agency(NSPERA) bill

By Elder Asu Beks

Mr President,on behalf of the Maritime Elders Forum and entire maritime stakeholders, i respectfully send you season’s greetings.

There is no doubt, Mr President, that 2025 has been one of the most turbulent and challenging years in the history of our nation.

From the wave of insecurity ,which you have tackled squarely,to the far reaching economic reforms which has translated to the tax reform bills , are all pointers to the fact that you are taking the challenges head on.

Mr President , your modest achievements in the Oil and Gas sector are also there for all to see.

From the bold decision to abolish fuel subsidy to the increase in daily production levels to an average 1.8m bpd ,from about 1mbpd daily output as at May ,2023, and the complete disapperance of fuel queues, it is certain, Mr President, that you are building a legacy of renewed hope, unprecedented in the life of our nation.

We cannot thank you enough, Mr President.

For us in the maritime sector, the most profound of your score card remains the creation of a specialised Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

The demand for a Ministry to oversee Nigeria’s vast maritime domain is as old as Nigeria’s Independence.

For us as critical stakeholders, this couldnt have come at a better time.

In just two years of the creation of this specialised Ministry, Nigerians are already reaping bountifully from this innovative move.

Only last month,Nigeria won an election into the elusive category ” C” of the International Maritime Organisation, (IMO).

This victory is coming after nine unsuccessful attempts, spanning 14 years.

With this victory , which couldn’t have been posible without your fatherly role,our fortunes as one of the greatest maritime nations in sub saharan Africa has been solidified.

Mr President, another milestone recorded under your watch ,since the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is the introduction of the game changing National Single Window platform which comes into effect in the first quarter of 2026.

The National Single Window is a trade facilitation tool designed to eliminate multiple entries by various regulatory bodies in business transactions in our seaports.

In other words, it is a digitalized platform that allows importers and exporters to submit all necessary documents, permits , and data to multiple government agencies through a single entry point.

Mr President, with these developments, you have etched your name as “the President who saw tomorrow” by demonstrating in concrete terms, the enormous potentials which this sector holds as your administration continues to look at a Nigeria beyond oil.

In this regard, Mr President ,we the Maritime Elders Forum urge you ,without delay to sign into law, the Nigerian Shipping and Port Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill .

The NPERA Bill aims to transform the Nigerian Shippers Council, (NSC) into a powerful, independent economic regulator for Nigeria’s Ports,creating a strong frame work for tariffs,fair competition and efficiency after port concession.

The Bill, a brain child of Dr Tajudeen Abass, Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, is aimed to fill the vacuum created by an absence of a regulatory agency in such a critical sector of our national economy ,as against other sectors such as banking, petroleum , energy and communication.

This critical Bill seeks to repeal the old Nigerian Shippers Council Act and empower the Council to manage port economic activities, boosting the Blue Economy.

Mr President, the laudable objectives of this Bill include;establishing an independent regulation to create a strong legally backed economic regulator for our ports; Control tariffs, charges and regulate port charges in such a manner as to prevent arbitrariness and ensure fairness; to promote fair competition by improving overall port operations and attract investment; Support the Blue Economy to align with our national goals for developing Nigeria’s Marine Economy.

Your Excellency Sir, this Bill was given an accelerated hearing ,and was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly on April 10, 2025 upon which it was forwarded to you for assent.

Mr President sir, the delay or your failure to assent to this Bill is coming at huge cost and has resulted in significant economic losses for Nigeria, primarily by perpetuating an unregulated and inefficient port system that has led to huge financial leakages that deter investment.

Mr President, sir, it is estimated that the nation is losing billions of dollars dailly to the absence of a strong legal frame work for port economic regulation.

We have on good authority, Mr President, that this obvious lack or absence of a regulated ports industry is also taking a huge toll on local and foreign investments as an estimated $250b is said to be lost annually, aside arbitrary charges by terminal operators and Shipping Lines .

In a nutshell, Mr President, the envisaged benefits of this brand new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has been eroded on account of the absence of a legal regulatory frame work.

As it stands, sir ,a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy without an Economic Regulator is akin to a football game without a referee.

it means anything goes and the out come of a game without an official umpire could be better imagined.

Mr President sir, consequently ,the time to sign the NPERA Bill is now.

Thank you Mr President for listening to this passionate appeal.

Let this be your new year present to Maritime Stakeholders.

ELDER ASU BEKS, CONVENER, MARITIME ELDERS FORUM, LAGOS

Headlines

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.

Headlines

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.