September 3, 2025

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WMD 2024: Nigeria To Invest In New Technologies, Alternative Fuels For Safe – Oyetola By Asuquo Nuwak …Let’s renew our dedication for safety, innovations – Mobereola The Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has assured that Nigeria will increase investments in new technologies and alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emission and ensure safe shipping operations in the country. His Excellency, Adegboyeka Oyetola, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, in his presentation during the celebration of World Maritime Day (WMD) 2024 in Lagos, said: “For safety and operational efficiency, it is imperative that we invest in upgrading our facilities and building capacity to ensure Nigeria remains competitive in the global arena of seaborne trade”. This year’s World Maritime Day theme, Navigating the future: safety first!” looks to focus on a “collective effort to keep pace with the ongoing transformation in shipping” and regulatory regimes that priorities safety in the face of technological advances. “World Maritime Day is a day where global maritime community marks 50 years of international ship safety treaty. It is observed on the last Thursday of September each year to highlight the importance of marine safety, security and protection of the marine environment”. “The year 2024 marks a significant milestone in the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, a crucial treaty by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that regulates maritime safety”. He said since its founding in 1948, the IMO has prioritized safety as a central aspect of its mission, while Nigeria has consistently worked to align its regulatory framework with IMO standards and other international maritime regulations, reinforcing the commitment to upholding the highest standards of maritime safety. He disclosed that in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is taking proactive measures to enhance the maritime sector by embracing emerging technologies and fostering innovation to drive growth. According to the report, “Key among the initiatives of the Ministry are digitalization and automation of port operations to enhance safety, security, efficiency as well as performance optimization to reduce costs, increase reliability, and the adoption of innovative practices to propel the industry towards sustainable development”. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, and Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Administration, Safety and Education, Hon. Khadijah Bukar Ibrahim, affirmed the legislators’ commitment to developing the requisite laws to support the maritime industry. The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, in his remarks called for renewed dedication to safety, while assuring that the Agency is committed to maintaining a sustainable maritime future for Nigeria. In his words: “Let us renew our dedication for safety, innovation and stewardship in the maritime sector. Together, we can navigate a safer future for our maritime industry,” The President of Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), Engr. Israel Obadan, in his presentation, commended the maritime industry, particularly NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, for fostering a new sense of calm on the nation’s maritime domain. The MD/CEO of Sea Transport Services Nigeria, Mr. Aminu Umar, told the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and the industry to continue supporting youth in exploring career opportunities and vocations in the maritime sector. The event also included the presentation of awards, cash prizes and scholarships to several secondary and tertiary institution students who wrote articles on the Blue Economy, sponsored by NIMASA. A former Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, who presented the award, also congratulated the winners of the competition. In the words of Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho: “Let this be a lesson to our students that hard work and diligence pay.” World Maritime Day was first held in 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the IMO Convention. Since then, celebrations have taken place worldwide to highlight the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment, while emphasizing specific aspects of International Maritime Organization’s mission”. Dignitaries in attendance included Director-General of NIMASA, Dr.Dayo Mobereola, Chairman/CEO, Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company, Captain Iheanacho; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi; President, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Aminu Umar, Managing Consultant/CEO Samuelson, Tony Epelle; Director, Maritime Se curity and Safety, FM M&BE, Babatunde Bombata. Other dignitaries at the event included Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, William Bwala; Vice-President, Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), Engr. Emmanuel Ilori; Director, Special Duties, FM M&BE, Vivian Nwosu; Technical Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, (FM M & BE) Prof. Busayo Fakindele; Director, Maritime Security and Safety, FM M&BE, Babatunde Bombata. Further breakdown of dignitaries included Former Director, Special Duties, NIMASA, Lami Tumaka; Director Procurement, NIMASA, Otonye Obom; Executive Director, Operations, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Adeyemi; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Jibril Abba; Head, Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards, NIMASA, Patrick Eigbe; SA-ED Ops, Peter Agbaminoja; Head, Abuja Zonal Office, NIMASA, Mojisola Jimoh; Head SER      

WMD 2024: Nigeria To Invest In New Technologies, Alternative Fuels For Safe – Oyetola By...

Read MoreRead more about WMD 2024: Nigeria To Invest In New Technologies, Alternative Fuels For Safe – Oyetola By Asuquo Nuwak …Let’s renew our dedication for safety, innovations – Mobereola The Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has assured that Nigeria will increase investments in new technologies and alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emission and ensure safe shipping operations in the country. His Excellency, Adegboyeka Oyetola, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, in his presentation during the celebration of World Maritime Day (WMD) 2024 in Lagos, said: “For safety and operational efficiency, it is imperative that we invest in upgrading our facilities and building capacity to ensure Nigeria remains competitive in the global arena of seaborne trade”. This year’s World Maritime Day theme, Navigating the future: safety first!” looks to focus on a “collective effort to keep pace with the ongoing transformation in shipping” and regulatory regimes that priorities safety in the face of technological advances. “World Maritime Day is a day where global maritime community marks 50 years of international ship safety treaty. It is observed on the last Thursday of September each year to highlight the importance of marine safety, security and protection of the marine environment”. “The year 2024 marks a significant milestone in the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, a crucial treaty by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that regulates maritime safety”. He said since its founding in 1948, the IMO has prioritized safety as a central aspect of its mission, while Nigeria has consistently worked to align its regulatory framework with IMO standards and other international maritime regulations, reinforcing the commitment to upholding the highest standards of maritime safety. He disclosed that in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is taking proactive measures to enhance the maritime sector by embracing emerging technologies and fostering innovation to drive growth. According to the report, “Key among the initiatives of the Ministry are digitalization and automation of port operations to enhance safety, security, efficiency as well as performance optimization to reduce costs, increase reliability, and the adoption of innovative practices to propel the industry towards sustainable development”. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, and Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Administration, Safety and Education, Hon. Khadijah Bukar Ibrahim, affirmed the legislators’ commitment to developing the requisite laws to support the maritime industry. The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, in his remarks called for renewed dedication to safety, while assuring that the Agency is committed to maintaining a sustainable maritime future for Nigeria. In his words: “Let us renew our dedication for safety, innovation and stewardship in the maritime sector. Together, we can navigate a safer future for our maritime industry,” The President of Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), Engr. Israel Obadan, in his presentation, commended the maritime industry, particularly NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, for fostering a new sense of calm on the nation’s maritime domain. The MD/CEO of Sea Transport Services Nigeria, Mr. Aminu Umar, told the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and the industry to continue supporting youth in exploring career opportunities and vocations in the maritime sector. The event also included the presentation of awards, cash prizes and scholarships to several secondary and tertiary institution students who wrote articles on the Blue Economy, sponsored by NIMASA. A former Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, who presented the award, also congratulated the winners of the competition. In the words of Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho: “Let this be a lesson to our students that hard work and diligence pay.” World Maritime Day was first held in 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the IMO Convention. Since then, celebrations have taken place worldwide to highlight the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment, while emphasizing specific aspects of International Maritime Organization’s mission”. Dignitaries in attendance included Director-General of NIMASA, Dr.Dayo Mobereola, Chairman/CEO, Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company, Captain Iheanacho; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi; President, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Aminu Umar, Managing Consultant/CEO Samuelson, Tony Epelle; Director, Maritime Se curity and Safety, FM M&BE, Babatunde Bombata. Other dignitaries at the event included Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, William Bwala; Vice-President, Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), Engr. Emmanuel Ilori; Director, Special Duties, FM M&BE, Vivian Nwosu; Technical Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, (FM M & BE) Prof. Busayo Fakindele; Director, Maritime Security and Safety, FM M&BE, Babatunde Bombata. Further breakdown of dignitaries included Former Director, Special Duties, NIMASA, Lami Tumaka; Director Procurement, NIMASA, Otonye Obom; Executive Director, Operations, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Adeyemi; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Jibril Abba; Head, Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards, NIMASA, Patrick Eigbe; SA-ED Ops, Peter Agbaminoja; Head, Abuja Zonal Office, NIMASA, Mojisola Jimoh; Head SER      

Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command Records ₦48.74bn In 8 Months By Asuquo Nuwak … Seizes contraband goods worth ₦148.93 million The Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command, of Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Dr. Ben Oramalugo, PhD, FCIA, FNIM, has recorded a total revenue of N48.74 billion between January and August 2024, with 2.74 percent increase, compared to the N47.41billion revenue recorded during the same period in 2023. The breakdown of the revenue figure from June 14th to August 29th 2024, has shown that the command recorded a total revenue of N18.07 billion, with N13.31billion collected in the months of June and July, while N4.77 billion was collected in August. When the revenue figure for the three months is added with the N30.66 billion recorded between January and May 2024, the command realized a total revenue of N48.74 billion. According to the report, the improved revenue performance is attributed to enhanced monitoring and enforcement, strategic collaboration with stakeholders, and the adoption of advanced technologies. These efforts have streamlined operations, reduced bottlenecks, and strengthened the Command’s ability to detect and prevent revenue leakages. In the area of anti-smuggling activities, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has made impressive achievements between June 14th and August 29th, 2024, leading to the interception of various contraband goods, including 2,448 wraps and 11 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, valued at ₦148.93 million. These items have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Oyo State, to demonstrate effective interagency collaboration. Moreover, the Command received approval to auction 40,915 liters of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) with a Duty Paid Value of ₦27.89 million. In line with the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and protect the economy from the risks associated with illicit trade, the command have received approval to auction 40,915 liters of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N27.87 million. The Customs Area Controller, expressed the Command’s commitment to adopting technological innovations and fostering collaboration with other security agencies, stakeholders and the general public. Dr. Oramalugo highlighted the Command’s commitment to adopting technological innovations and fostering collaboration with other security agencies, stakeholders, and the general public. He noted that these measures are crucial in countering the evolving tactics of smugglers and securing economic stability. He reaffirmed his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and service. Comptroller Oramalugo, also extended his gratitude to key supporters, including the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, traditional rulers in Oyo and Osun states, sister security agencies, sister units of the Customs Service, and other stakeholders, for their ongoing support and collaboration. In conclusion, Comptroller Oramalugo promised that the Command would continue to leverage technology and innovative practices, in line with the new Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023, to further enhance its operations and deliver on its mandate.

Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command Records ₦48.74bn In 8 Months By Asuquo Nuwak … Seizes contraband...

Read MoreRead more about Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command Records ₦48.74bn In 8 Months By Asuquo Nuwak … Seizes contraband goods worth ₦148.93 million The Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command, of Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Dr. Ben Oramalugo, PhD, FCIA, FNIM, has recorded a total revenue of N48.74 billion between January and August 2024, with 2.74 percent increase, compared to the N47.41billion revenue recorded during the same period in 2023. The breakdown of the revenue figure from June 14th to August 29th 2024, has shown that the command recorded a total revenue of N18.07 billion, with N13.31billion collected in the months of June and July, while N4.77 billion was collected in August. When the revenue figure for the three months is added with the N30.66 billion recorded between January and May 2024, the command realized a total revenue of N48.74 billion. According to the report, the improved revenue performance is attributed to enhanced monitoring and enforcement, strategic collaboration with stakeholders, and the adoption of advanced technologies. These efforts have streamlined operations, reduced bottlenecks, and strengthened the Command’s ability to detect and prevent revenue leakages. In the area of anti-smuggling activities, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has made impressive achievements between June 14th and August 29th, 2024, leading to the interception of various contraband goods, including 2,448 wraps and 11 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, valued at ₦148.93 million. These items have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Oyo State, to demonstrate effective interagency collaboration. Moreover, the Command received approval to auction 40,915 liters of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) with a Duty Paid Value of ₦27.89 million. In line with the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and protect the economy from the risks associated with illicit trade, the command have received approval to auction 40,915 liters of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N27.87 million. The Customs Area Controller, expressed the Command’s commitment to adopting technological innovations and fostering collaboration with other security agencies, stakeholders and the general public. Dr. Oramalugo highlighted the Command’s commitment to adopting technological innovations and fostering collaboration with other security agencies, stakeholders, and the general public. He noted that these measures are crucial in countering the evolving tactics of smugglers and securing economic stability. He reaffirmed his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and service. Comptroller Oramalugo, also extended his gratitude to key supporters, including the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, traditional rulers in Oyo and Osun states, sister security agencies, sister units of the Customs Service, and other stakeholders, for their ongoing support and collaboration. In conclusion, Comptroller Oramalugo promised that the Command would continue to leverage technology and innovative practices, in line with the new Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023, to further enhance its operations and deliver on its mandate.