Headlines

Maritime stakeholders upbeat over MARAN’s annual talkshop

— as Oyetola, Ogbeifun, Navy, Tantita, MASPAN, others confirm participation

Funso OLOJO

The coming annual talk shop of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria(MARAN) called MAMAL, is gathering momentum as stakeholders, including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, have all indicated their interest to attend the flagship talkshop.

This year’s event with the theme “Addressing the Burden of War Risk Insurance on Nigerian Maritime Trade” focuses on the conspiracy of the international shipping companies who have continued to charge War Risk insurance premium on Nigeria- bound cargo despite the relative calm Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea which hasn’t recorded a single incident of pirate attack in the last two years.

Determined to expose the insincerity and the extortionist tendencies of the foreign shipping companies, MARAN has concluded plans to convene a national discourse on the criminality of continued collection of War Risk insurance premium on Nigeria- bound cargo.

The event, earlier scheduled for August 28, 2025, at the Eko Hotel, has now been rescheduled for August 27, 2025, at the Four Point by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to the statement issued by the association, notable corporate and individual stakeholders in the industry have endorsed the programme and indicated willingness to attend.

Oyetola is expected to lead a pack of high caliber of stakeholders to the event.

They included frontline maritime lawyers such as Mrs. Funke Agbor SAN and Dr. Emeka Akabogu SAN, who is expected to deliver the keynote address at MAMAL 2025.

Others are terminal operators and the Chief Executive Officer of Lelook Bags, Chief Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa.

Nigerian Navy, which has condemned in strong terms the continued collection of War Risk insurance premium, has also signified its intention to fully participate in the event.

Also expected at the annual event are representatives from Tantita Security Services Limited and the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) as well as Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, a respected indigenous shipowner, is also billed to attend.

Other associations expected to attend include the Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NITOA), the African Shipowners Association (ASA), the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), and the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA).

The lecture will host strategic dialogues on maritime security, the impact of global shipping insurance practices, and the way forward for stakeholders in the fishing, shipping, and broader maritime sectors.

Stakeholders participation in the forthcoming MAMAL 2025 is considered critical and timely to help shape actionable outcomes and reinforce industry advocacy for safer waters and fairer trade conditions.

The lecture is expected to bring together over 500 industry participants, including shipowners, terminal operators, insurers, legal practitioners, maritime regulators, naval representatives, and diplomats.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy has expressed angst over the War Risk insurance premium still being slammed on Nigeria- bound cargo.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory Oamen, on Wednesday, August 6th, 2015, declared that Nigeria no longer has any justification to remain on the list of countries subjected to War Risk Insurance Premiums by international shipping and insurance companies.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by Executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) and members of the planning committee of the upcoming MARAN Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL) 2025, the Naval chief described the continued classification of Nigeria as a high-risk maritime zone as “unjust” and “unsubstantiated.”

According to the FOC, Nigeria has recorded over three years of piracy-free waters, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, and has invested heavily in maritime security infrastructure and international collaborations to ensure the safety of its maritime domain.

“There is absolutely no reason why Nigeria should still be on any war risk list. For the past three to four years, there has been no piracy incident in our waters. This continued classification is unjustifiable,” he said.

He attributed the country’s improved maritime safety to robust naval presence, surveillance systems such as the Falcon Eye, and strategic partnerships with other navies within the region.

He called on MARAN to escalate the matter by writing to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and engaging other key agencies such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

Earlier in his remarks, MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, said the purpose of the visit was to formally invite the Navy to participate in the 2025 edition of MAMAL, which is scheduled to hold on August 27 at Four Points by Sheraton, Lagos.

Bivbere said the theme of this year’s lecture is, “Addressing the Burden of War Risk Insurance on Nigerian Maritime Trade,” and that the goal is to bring together industry stakeholders to critically examine the continued imposition of war risk charges on vessels calling at Nigerian ports.

“We are not at war. Nigerian waters have remained safe for over three years, yet shipping companies and insurers continue to impose high premiums that affect all aspects of the economy,” he said.

The MARAN president noted that the association intends to use the lecture as a platform to demand action from the international community, particularly the IMO and major insurance firms, to remove Nigeria from the war risk classification.

“We plan to write to the IMO and directly engage insurance companies involved in this to find out why Nigeria is still being charged. The costs are being passed down to importers and, ultimately, to everyday Nigerians,” Bivbere said.

He also disclosed that MARAN has concluded plans to publish a maritime industry compendium featuring key agencies, including the Navy, NIMASA, and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The publication is expected to be launched in September.

Responding to the association’s requests, the FOC pledged the Navy’s support for the upcoming lecture and confirmed that the command will be presenting a paper at the event.

“Rest assured, the Navy will participate fully. We will also use the opportunity to share the efforts and investments made to secure our maritime environment,” he said.

He commended MARAN for its role in public enlightenment and described the media as critical partners in national security. He also welcomed the idea of allowing maritime journalists to observe naval operations during sea exercises, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea.

The FOC concluded by affirming that the Navy’s partnership with MARAN has been officially restored, and promised to continue supporting the association’s initiatives aimed at promoting the Nigerian maritime sector.

The MARAN delegation expressed appreciation to the Navy for its support and reaffirmed its commitment to using the MAMAL platform to highlight issues affecting the industry and push for meaningful reforms.

Customs

Customs complies with ministry’s directive, seeks alternative funding of its services after suspension of 4 percent FOB levy

Funso OLOJO

The Nigeria Customs Service has said it was engaging the Federal ministry of Finance, its supervisory ministry, to seek guidance on alternative measures following the suspension of the 4 percent Free-on- Board (FOB) to ensure continuity of its services to Stakeholders

It could be recalled that the Finance ministry gave a marching order to NCS to halt the implementation of the controversial 4 percent FOB levy on imports.

However,acknowledging the receipt of the suspension order from the Finance ministry, the Customs, through a public statement, said it appreciates the Ministry’s engagement on this matter and remains committed to supporting government fiscal policies.

“The NCS remains optimistic about ongoing discussions with the Federal Ministry of Finance and other relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised while ensuring that the Service’s statutory obligations are met effectively.

” We look forward to constructive engagement that will ultimately serve the best interests of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, enhance revenue generation, and support the nation’s economic growth objectives through efficient customs administration.

“It is also necessary to draw attention to ongoing media reports suggesting that the Service introduced the 4% FOB only recently.

“For clarity, the Service wishes to emphasise that the National Assembly established the 4% FOB provision through Section 18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which stipulates “not less than 4% of the free-on-board value of imports according to international best practices” as a statutory funding mechanism for the Service’s operations.

“The Service assures all stakeholders, including the trading public, licensed customs agents, and international partners, that our operations will continue without any disruption.

” We remain firmly committed to delivering efficient service, upholding international best practices and supporting Nigeria’s economic growth through effective revenue collection and enhanced trade facilitation” the statement concluded.

Customs

FG orders Customs to suspend collection of 4 percent FOB levy

Funso OLOJO

For the second time, the collection of controversial 4 percent Free-on- Board(FOB) Levy on imported goods have been suspended.

This time, it was the Federal government through the Ministry of Finance, the supervising Ministry of the Nigeria Customs Service that ordered the suspension.

In a memo dated September 15th, 2025 and signed on behalf of the Minister of Finance by one R.O Omachi, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties and addressed to the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the government stated that extensive consultations with industry stakeholders and trade experts have revealed that the 4% FOB charge poses significant challenges to the Nigerian trade facilitation environment and economic stability.

The letter reads, “Pursuant to the powers vested upon the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy under Part Ill, Section 12 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 as the Chairman of the Board of Nigeri a Customs Services, I write to direct the immediate suspension of the implementation of the collection of 4% Free on Board (FOB) recently levied
by the Nigeria Customs Service on all imported goods.“Following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders. trade experts, and relevant government officiais, it has become clear that the implementation of the 4% FOB charge poses significant challenges to the Nigerian trade facil tation, environment and economic stability.

“Many importers and businesses have raised concerns about the increased financial burden this levy imposes, with potential adverse effects on inflation, trade competitiveness, and the overall business Climate in Nigeria.

“This suspension will provide an opportunity for comprehensive stakeholder engagement and & thorough review of the levy’s framework and its broader economic implications .

“The Ministry of Finance looks forward to working closely with the Service and all relevant parties to devise a more equitable and efficient revenue structure that susports both revenue generation and economic growth and stability.

“Ensure strict compliance. ‘,the memo concluded.

The first time the controversial Levy was suspended was in February 2025 when it was shortly introduced but the public outcry which greeted the introduction make the Customs management hastily suspended its implementation.

However, the Customs re- introduced the levy on August 4th, 2025.

Meanwhile, the National Spokesman of the Customs, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada denied knowledge of the memo.

‘”I am not aware of such memo.

I am hearing it for the first time ” he declared when asked to react to the document.

The 4 percent FOB Levy is meant to fund Customs’ technological modernization programs, replacing the previous 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) fee.

Customs

Comptroller Anani vows to enforce zero tolerance for smuggling as he takes the mantle of leadership at PTML

Funso OLOJO

The new Customs Area Controller for Ports Terminal Multi services Limited (PTML)Command, Comptroller Joe Anan, has vowed to sustain the momentum of the command, enforce zero tolerance for smuggling and facilitate genuine trade in order to keep the lofty records of the command growing.

He made the pledge while taking the mantle of leadership of the command from the recently promoted ,Assistant Comptroller General,Tenny Mankini Daniyan.

The new Area controller described the command and stakeholders as very well organised and promised to build on the various pioneering feats ACG Daniyan achieved

Comptroller Anani listed the successful roll out and subsequent revenue collection and trade facilitation achievements associated with the Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu, as great milestones that must be improved on.

He also called on all customs officers, officials of sister government agencies and private sector stakeholders to join hands with him in the journey to keep the great records of PTML high

Comptroller Anani urged all the stakeholders to stay on the path of compliance as they stand to benefit more from being on the right side of the law at all times.

He also promised to strictly enforce the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling

The CAC who promised to be accessible to all, also sought that everyone should feel free to interact with him either directly through visits or virtually.

Comptroller Anani said “While thanking God and the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve here, let me state that our journey to succeed must remain a collective task. I am not here to do it alone.

“I hereby call on all customs officers, sister government agencies, private sector stakeholders and the press to support me in our goal to sustain PTML as a model port of excellence, known for security, efficiency and diligent trade facilitation.

“I pledge to build and improve on the gains achieved by my predecessors in the area of faster cargo clearance which aligns with Time Release Study (TRS) programme.

“I am aware that this command holds an outstanding record of two hour cargo release time for compliant RoRo consignment.

” The key word here is compliance. With improved compliance and efficient system, we can do less than two hours.

“Compliance, as the key to trade facilitation, is critical for smooth port operations.

“It ensures adherence to regulations, reduces delays, mitigates risks, and fosters trust among trading partners.

” Compliance minimises bottlenecks and enhances efficiency in global trade and PTML cannot be an exception.

” I want to urge all our stakeholders to imbibe the tenets of compliance because it results in a win-win situation for everyone, saving time and money.

” Whereas non compliance leads to interventions, issuance of demand notices, waste of time and possible seizure , detention and arrest.

” Let’s continue to make this area a great example that it has always been.

“The CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling will be duly enforced on my watch and I am convinced from my background checks that our stakeholders are on the right track.

“Let me use this opportunity to inform you that my office is without a door. I shall be accessible to all physically and virtually in the quest to improve on our duties.

” Feel free to interact with me and avail me all relevant information needed for my success on this assignment” he concluded

Various stakeholders at the command while welcoming the new CAC also commended the ACG Daniyan for his outstanding performance in seeing to the success of B’Odogwu from its pilot phase to full deployments across various commands

They described the ACG’s leadership as outstanding with trail blazing effects on increased trade, revenue ,anti smuggling and robust interaction with stakeholders.

The President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) Otunba Frank Ogunojemite described Daniyan as a man whose records speak volumes positively while urging him to carry his working zeal ahead into NCS management team.

Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, PTML Chapter, Chief Charles Nwarrienne described Daniyan as an excellent officer deserving to be issued a “certificate of project completion” for diligently achieving the success of B’Odogwu from beginning to a state of consolidation.