Friday, December 8, 2023

Maritime Workers Union  Congratulates Ascanio  Ruso For acquiring “MV GREAT LAGOS”

By
Lola Adesokan
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MWUN Logo
Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) under the leadership of its President-General, Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, fnli HFCPSP has  congratulates the Managing Director of Grimaldi Shipping Company, Mr. Ascanio Ruso and his management for acquiring “MV GREAT LAGOS” which is first of its kind in Nigeria.
According to a statement signed by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, Head of Media, MWUN, the ship is described as a marvel of modern engineering with functions of environmental consciousness built to meet the challenges of modern-day technology in the maritime industry.
This, according to the statement  is suffice to say that Ascanio Ruso is one of the best maritime administrators in Nigeria, who treats workers in his employ with humane and dignity for labour.
“I wish to categorically state here again that Mr. Ascanio is a wonderful Managing Director with a human face and one of foremost employers of labour in the industry. Your blood flows with genuine intentions of fair treatment to workers’ welfare in the maritime space.
“We in the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria Congratulate you over this laudable milestone achievement. Once again, we say congratulations Mr. Ascanio Ruso and your management team”. It reads.

Revenue Generation: Seme Customs Records  N4.4bn in November

By
Lola Adesokan
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Continue

CGC Solicits Senate Support For Enhance Customs Automation To Improve Economic Growth

By
Lola Adesokan
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In order to address its core needs by providing modern tools for the complete automation of its operations to enhance trade facilitation and revenue generation, the Nigeria Customs Service has made a move to solicit the intervention of the National Assembly Senate Committee on Customs.
Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR made this plea on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the Senate Wing, National Assembly, Abuja. He emphasized that this call underscores the Customs Service’s commitment to fostering economic growth, job creation, and dynamic trade relations.
Regarding the Senate Committee’s interest in doubling the NCS’s efforts in revenue generation, CGC Adeniyi emphasized, “not only introducing them but also standardizing them to enhance Customs’ clearance processes, revenue generation, which will be a better experience for both Customs administration and stakeholders.”
He recalled the initiation of the automation process by the Nigeria Customs Service in the late 1990s when it purchased modern gadgets, including computers and software, as part of the Service’s efforts to introduce computerization processes.
Discussing the concession issue, CGC Bashir Adeniyi highlighted some of the objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service’s requests to automate its operations. “The first major objective of the consortium was to provide an end-to-end ICT platform to digitalize procedures and processes. The second one is to look at the present infrastructure and update it in line with international standards, ranking amongst the best in the world.” He noted.
He explained that the third objective was to provide technology-based solutions to address challenges faced by the Service, emphasizing, “The last part is the general organization of our infrastructure to provide the tools needed that will be associated with these objectives, deliverables, and part of deliverables first is to build a Unified Customs Management System.”
CGC Adeniyi further explained to the committee members, “The system needs to process the traditions of goods that will provide electronic party systems for the Service whereby its entire processes would be automated.”
He added, “The conditions of the non-intrusive inspection system include provisions, revisions of cargo tracking systems, intelligent gates, new infrastructure, like a data center to build the capacity of officers because it is essential in the last phase of the project.”
Speaking on the Service’s strategic approach to enhancing trade and ensuring smooth businesses for local traders, CGC Adeniyi urged the Senators to actively support local business people in exporting items, emphasizing that such a perspective shift could significantly contribute to boosting Nigeria’s economy and play a pivotal role in job creation.
Responding to the Chairman Committee’s call on the Service to double efforts in revenue generation, CGC Adeniyi highlighted some measures that should be adopted to achieve giant strides. He added, “If we properly monitor the impact of these kinds of instruments, they do not represent an absolute loss to the economy.”
He also mentioned that adopting these measures would create jobs for Nigerians, enhance tax payments, attract investors, and rejuvenate industrial sectors, which, according to him, would not be a loss for the economy.
In response, Senator Muhammad Sani, the Chairman of the Committee, commended Adeniyi for the strides made in revenue generation. Expressing optimism, Senator Sani asserted that the Nigeria Customs Service, with its recent revenue records, appeared poised to multiply its financial contributions—an imperative for the country given its current economic needs.
He said, “By encouraging a more balanced approach, the aim is to empower local businesses through increased attention to export initiatives, aligning with a broader vision for a sustainable economic landscape.”
A similar interactive session with the Procurement Committee from the House of Representatives shed light on the financial commitments of the Nigeria Customs Service.  However,  discussions were postponed to another date.

Idiroko Customs Seizes 975 Rounds of Ammunition, Red Star Cartridges 

By
Lola Adesokan
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In its unwavering commitment to safeguarding and strengthening the security architecture of the nation against insecurity, the Ogun 1 Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service has thwarted the plans of arm smugglers of live ammunition into the country.
Customs Area Comptroller of the Idiroko border of Nigeria Customs Service, DC Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu disclosed to news men on Wednesday 29th November that arms and  ammunition smuggling is a high intelligence operation as it often attempts to evade the watchful eyes of law enforcement agents.
DC Shuaibu explains that it requires concerted and collaborative efforts of law abiding citizens of the country to checkmate. Even as he added that proactive intelligence is required in this regard.
He quipped that smuggling of arms and  ammunition are menace that no border and feeds on the vulnerability of the society. The consequences of unchecked smuggling of arms and ammunition is severe , ranging from the empowerment of criminal organization to escalating crisis and compromise of national security. “For these reasons, we will not relent nor compromise in waging war against the smuggling of unlawful arms and ammunition in building a safe and stable nation” he added.
The Area Comptroller’ disclosed that the 975 rounds of Ammunition red star cartridges was concealed in five (5) bags of foreign parboiled rice and was intercepted  in the Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, following an intelligence report .
”On Monday, 27 November 2023, our operatives conducted a sessional and intelligence-based operation to unravel the tactics deployed by unscrupulous elements to bring in live ammunition through the Imeko axis of the State.
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“We have been on the trail of the ammunition for about a week. Fortunately, at 00:00 hours of the day, we received intel that the five bags of foreign parboiled rice, containing live cartridges of Red Star ammunition, had been carefully hidden in a bush path along the Palace-Ayetoro road, Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.
“Our operatives went to the spot and evacuated the five bags of rice without any encounter. The bags of rice were suspected due to the unusual threading and sewing of the sacks. This quickly aroused the suspicion of our operatives, leading to their opening for proper examination at the Border station.
“During the examination, about 975 rounds of Red Star live cartridges were found to have been ingeniously concealed in the bags. We have intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators of this nefarious act for them to be brought to justice. We recognize the potential danger of arms and ammunition trafficking, which is life-threatening. We shall not renege on our efforts in combating smuggling activities in their entirety.
“We appreciate our gallant officers and men for their bravery and commend the patriotism of our informant in partnering with us. We call on well-meaning Nigerians with useful intel to collaborate with us in enhancing the security of our dear nation. You are assured of maximum security cover.
“Let me use this medium to reiterate that we remain resolute in promoting national security.” Comptroller Shuaibu said.
Extending his appreciation to other sister agencies for the synergy and collaboration the command has continuously enjoyed, he  thanked the CCG, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi for his support and enhancement of their operations at the command.

FOU Zone ‘B’ Records  242 Seizures Worth N2.8b

By
Lola Adesokan
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In a bid to carry out it’s core mandate  of suppressing smuggling and combating all anti-economic activities in all iform, the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ of the Nigeria Customs Service in Kaduna has recorded Two Hundred and Forty-Two seizures of Twenty-One different Items worth Total Duty Paid Value of N2.8 billion.
The Comptroller, FOU Zone’B’ Kaduna, Dalha Wada Chedi in a press release disclosed that this feat was achieved during the ember months and since his assumption of duty at the unit.
He reiterated that the closure of all land borders with Niger Republic is in full force and he assured that the Unit will continue to ensure full compliance with the directives of the leadership and management of the Nigeria Customs Service saddled with the duty of implementing the Federal Government directives.
Comptroller Wada emphasized that the Unit will continue to leverage on the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi in terms of all operational processes aimed at achieving optimal results.
He however called on all stakeholders, especially traders and business people, including all Nigerians to eschew all activities that are in violation of the customs extant laws.
Comptroller Wada made a review of the seizure and made it clear that the Unit is fully prepared to fight against every form of smuggling activities in the yuletide period.
” The statistics of the detentions and seizures made within the period under review with the Total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Two Billion, Eight Hundred Eighty-Eight Million, Four Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety-Four Naira and Sixty-Eight Kobo ( N2,888,460,294.68) only. The breakdowns of the seized items are as follows: 61 Used Vehicles, 18 Means of conveyance, 2991 Bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice (50Kg each), 25 Bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice (25Kg each), 292 Foreign Refined Vegetable Oils (25litres each) , 2131 Cartons of Spaghetti, Macaroni & Couscous, 640 Bales of Foreign Secondhand Clothing, 147 Sacks of Foreign Secondhand shoes, 360 Cartons of Frozen Poultry Products,120 Cartons of Foreign Pomade, 98 Pieces of Foreign Jack Knives,34 Cartons of Foreign Condensed Milk, 1972 Jerry cans of PMS (25 litres each),20 Bundles of Foreign Used Tyres,16 Cartons of Foreign Hookah (Tobacco), 337 Cartons of Foreign Cigarettes ,78 Cartons of Foreign Medicaments,870 pieces Foreign Machetes, 212 Cartons of Foreign Milky Creamer, 76 Bags of Ammonium Sulphate (25Kg each), 76 Cartons of expired seasoning, 10 Bags of Foreign Flour”.
” We are not unaware that within the ember months and especially this yuletide period, many would want to engage in illegal activities, smugglers and all other unscrupulous traders are warned to steer clear of Zone B, our men are fully on ground and combat ready to act in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023″.
” I like to register my profound gratitude to our critical partners the Military, Nigeria Police Force, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and all other sister agencies and to assure them that the Unit will continue to partner with them accordingly”.
Ji
” In line with our Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), all items seized that are more relevant to our sister agencies’ mandate will be handed over to them in the course of this show case specifically NAFDAC where our Unit today will hand over all seized Pharmaceuticals items tothem for further investigation and prosecution wherever possible”. he quipped.

Customs Hand Over Bribe Of $54,330 Illicit Drugs Money To EFCC

By
Lola Adesokan
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Comptroller Dera Nnadi, mni of Tincan Island Customs port Command has made known the zero compromise for corruption stance of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

Comptroller Nnadi said this when he handed over $54,330 bribe money to Lagos Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) , Mr. Michael Wetkas, fwc

The Tramadol were falsely declared as electrical appliances valued at over N856m with a view to conceal them while the cash were offered to compromise the customs officers

The Controller said the act is in clear violation of Section 233 of Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCAA) 2023 and commended the officers who stood their grounds to work ethically and lawfully in the interest of national security

He further called for continuous compliance on the part of port users and reminded them that the NCS with the collaboration of sister agencies like EFCC will continue to frustrate criminal activities in the port

Nnadi thanked Comptroller Oloyede, who under his watch, this seizure was achieved and described him as a good example of the NCS.

He said the two suspects arrested in connection with the two containers are currently being investigated by the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control for possible prosecution.

Mr. Michael Wekas while taking over the cash,
described the feat as a victory for the country and to all the security agencies. He specifically celebrated the officers of the NCS that achieved it.

Wetkas also lauded the the Comptroller General for the letter of commendation in appreciation of the six customs officers who refused to bow to pressure and inducement from the owners of the illicit drugs.

He promised continued collaboration between the EFCC, NCS and sister agencies. According to him, the era of working without collaboration is gone as the agencies now work closer

Maritime Quiz Competition: Eshilokun Commends OAF For Catching Them Young.

By
Lola Adesokan
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…Urges Students To Build Career In Maritime Sector
 …As OAF Inaugurates League Of Mentors 
The Chairman, house committee on Marine Transportation, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni in his goodwill message to Ocean Ambassadors Foundation had said that the foundation’s initiative of catching them young is insightful and worth commending.
Senator Eshilokun said this at the Educators & Maritime Stakeholders Lecture & Awards and 4th Nationwide Virtual Maritime Quiz Competition organized by the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF) on Monday 27th November 2023 at Radisson Blu hotel, Ikeja GRA Lagos.
Eshilokun who was represented by a retired Permanent Secretary in Lagos and currently his Chief of Staff, Hakeem Adeniyi stated that the foundation’s initiative of training a girl child is in fulfilling the  saying that “if you train a girl child you must have  trained the whole country of the world” and also exposing stakeholders in the Maritime industry to better ways of doing their businesses.
He hinted that supporting the  education of younger ones had always been his concern  and goal even while serving as local government chairman. “For some of you that are conversant with my antecedents, one major thing that has endowed my mind is educating our younger ones just as this event is about.
“When I was the chairman of Lagos Island local government I facilitated a number of vocational trainings, the major one is “My complete Student” it entails providing all schooling materials starting from shoes, school bags , notebooks, mathematics set to all students , all pupils in all the 13 primary schools  in the Lagos Island local government. And this I did through out the two term (6yrs) I spent in office.
“And also all the primary schools were modernized with modern days facilities, three of them were rebuild from scratch just to see how child education are important to me  It’s on this note that I want to congratulate the  winner of this year competition amongst our students present here today. Even though there will always be a winner who will emerge but I can assure you that all of you that participated are winners because getting to this stage is not an easy job and count yourself very lucky to have come to an industry, a sector that has not been well tapped into.
“So look at that sector as future endeavors for yourself and put your mind to becoming a professional in the Maritime sector.” He said.
He however appreciate the President for creating Blue Economy ministry “We give kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for including blue economy in the Maritime sector, it’s an area that we have idea but never tapped into , a sector of billions and trillions of naira. Apart from this competition, this is a sector you should look into in terms of career opportunities” Senator Eshilokun said.
The keynote speaker at the event, Mrs Olufunmi Olotu disclosed that the strong narrative about the blue economy  is harnessing the potentials of the ocean and ensuring  that there’s an economic growth for the nation, the people and protecting nature.
While speaking on the theme: Blue Economy and future of the girl child, Mrs Olotu who was the former Port Manager of the premiere port, Apapa Lagos hinted that over the years the GIRL CHILD has been marginalized and the prospect for them is to look for the opportunity to go down to the basis, which is to catch them young.
Mrs Olotu stressed the need for industry experts to start reaching out to the girl child now and not until they are done with schooling, according to her ‘Don’t wait until they finish their thesis and they are having challenges, can we start dealing with them now, start talking to them and encourage them to see that there are opportunities in the maritime sector with the creation of the marine and blue economy ministry.
“Let them realise that they can fit in, we don’t want to see these girls hawking smoked fish, being abuse by men as sexual tools or maybe people that are going onboard or coming ashore.
‘We want to see them play significant roles and we are showcasing women maritime personalities so that they can know that if these women can do it, they too can” She quipped.
She added that provision of platforms for mentorship such as the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation should be encouraged in order to support the children, both girls and boys to have a future in the Maritime industry.
Adding that what can be done to bridge the gap in schools is through awareness advocacy and events like OAF is doing.
She hinted that there are platforms for children to visit the port , all the schools need do is get to the port manager and let them know their intention for excursion, they will be receive with a tour guide or even board a vessel for nursery, primary, secondary and even tertiary.
While urging the educators to spread the potentials of the Maritime sector, she said “I believe that the educators that are present today will join us when they get back to tell others that there is a maritime industry, a Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and there are very wonderful opportunities for those that want to be part of it.
“My advice to students present is to get mentors from this programme, they should not just walk away. Like the young lady that schools in University of Lagos that has been trying severally to do her internship in Unilag but not possible, her attending the program today has networked her to meet the director of  a notable parastatal. Our own way of giving back. Ask questions, meet people, we are dragging them, pulling them to have the opportunity and this is our own giving back what we learnt. This is what we can do to bridge the gap and everyone is together in this” Olotu said.
In her welcome address, the convener of Ocean Ambassadors Foundation, Honorable Olaitan Williams speaks on the journey so far. She explained that the Foundation started with a passion as she came from a rich Maritime community called Ehingbeti,
which has been in existence for over hundred years with commerce thriving but the sad aspect was there was no succession plan.
In her explanation, she grew up there and never knew there was anything called Maritime, just like all students and most adults present at the event never knew there is career in the Maritime sector.
According to her, it became a challenge when she got into the industry and discovered that she has for long be sitting on gold, she decided to challenge herself that she will plant into the upcoming generations whatever she was able to know of the sector.
Mrs Williams stated that the Foundation started in the last eight years with “School to Sea” where they just run quizzes  within Lagos only but during Covid OAF educational palliative was launched nationwide  which made an impact in lives of these children.
They had the first Maritime virtual quiz competition with about 3000 students, reason being that students were at home and parents wanted them to be busy. With the sponsorship.of Unity bank, they recorded over 3000 students in 2021 but in 2022 the number declined to 2000 plus, reason being that no sponsor came forth.
 For this year 2023 she disclosed that they had 1780 students nationwide with the reason still due to lack of sponsorship even though some companies are trying but for the succession plan to make an impact in the life’s of the children more collaboration is expected.
On blue economy, she quipped that Nigeria is not yet there, in her words “In last five years we started the lecture series on  Blue Economy, the future of Nigeria and we have always advocated for the creation of Blue Economy Ministry. We say a very big thank you for the president for giving us at last this ministry.
“If we look at 2030 till now, it’s just few years and this children are the one’s that will rewrite the Maritime history of Nigeria especially the blue economy”
Speaking on the book launch titled ” Some Career Opportunities In The Marine And Blue Economy Workplace”, she disclosed that what prompted publishing of the book was as a result of her discovery that some students and educators lack knowledge of careers in the Maritime sector, in her words “You know initially we had one that has a compilation of past lecture series in the past six years, but this one, i discovered that a ten year old doesn’t even know the color of water not to talk of careers therein, so what we are trying to do in essence is to make sure that an elementary school boy or girl will fashion out his or her career in marine and blue economy from the early ages. So I had to simplify it so that.with the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy it will be easier even at the top to understand because it is new.
“Most people that got to the Maritime industry, believe you me you heard them all, they got in accidentally but we want a sustainable industry so that it will not be an accidental entry but a purposeful entry with sustainability.
“We only have the platform now which is the framework but the impetus to continue is sustainability and we must start.from the cradle, that was what informed the book publication” She responded.
On plans to add the book to the school curriculum, she disclosed that the foundation has written to ministry of education and fortunately they got reply from their agency that deals with curriculum, “that is where we are now but not with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, they should take it up because then we were advocating for a Blue Economy industry and now that we have it, let them take it up, we have done our beats, they should now invite us to ask us where we have stopped, because we are stopping when it comes to curriculum ” she added.
The book was reviewed by Chief Mrs Carolyn Ufere, an independent Maritime practitioner and former Manager of Nigeria Ports Authority.
The high point of the event was the presentation of honors to the various individuals and organizations and also to students who had done excellently well in the competition.
 LTT and NSC bagged the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation blue talent investors while the Ovean Ambassadors Foundation league of mentors was inaugurated in order to help students in various universities to acquire more knowledge from veterans in the industry which we lacked.
They are; Captain  Tajudeen Alao, President, Nigeria Association of Master Mariners, Mrs Ekeoma Ezeibe, Deputy President Nigeria Council of Tegistered Insurance Brokers, Chief Mrs Ufere, an independent Maritime Practitioner and a Licensed Human Resources Practitioner, Mrs. Funmilayo Olotu, Port Administration, Mr.Moses Fadipe, Port Operations,
Multimix Academy, Supply Chain and Logistics, Mrs.Olayinka Oladunjoye, Insurance Broker and Mrs Oluseyi Adejuyigbe Managing Partner, Chaniel Chambers.

CGC Adewale Adeniyi, Others To Brainstorm On Nigeria’s Transborder Trade At AMJON 2023 Conference 

By
Lola Adesokan
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The Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) is all set to take the maritime industry and other associated trades by storm as it organize it’s 2023 Annual Conference and Awards.
The event which is slated to hold on December 14th at the Rockview Hotel Apapa, Lagos, promises to assemble the who is who in the industry ; to brainstorm on the most viable options available to Nigeria to make its trans-border trade more profitable to the nation.
According to a press statement issued by the Association General Secretary/Secretary Conference Planning Committee, Oluwasegun Oladipupo, the five star event which is in its fifth edition, will be chaired by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
The theme is: REBUILDING NIGERIA’S ECONOMY TOWARDS A VIABLE TRANSBORDER TRADE.
Whereas Nigeria’s economy is believed to be the biggest in Africa, it holds the potential to influence trade in the West and Central African region. Nigeria controls over 70% of cargo throughput in the region which accounts for the largest volume of trade by any country in the region.
Illegal trade activities like smuggling has over the years, resulted in the Nigerian markets being flooded with products manufactured outside the country,  but which one way or the other illegally gets  into the country.
In view of President Bola Tinubu Administration’s efforts to reposition the Nation’s ailing economy  anchored on his ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra, “Rebuilding Nigeria’s Economy Towards A Viable Trans-border Trade,” has become imperative.
The AMJON 2023 Annual Conference seeks among others, to achieve the following objectives:
Identify the viability of opening up the Nigerian economy for more importation without making the country vulnerable to dumping, weakened national currency, job loss, closure of industries and other likely challenges.  This is in view of the recent pact between the Nigeria Customs Service and Customs Administration of Benin Republic which allows for harmonisation of import policies and unification of cargo clearance procedures across borders.
 Identify impediments to Trans-border trade like poor access roads; from Babana in Kwara State to Ilorin, Shaki in Oyo to Ibadan, Seme – Badagry in Lagos State, Igolo portion of Benin Republic leading to Nigeria, slow pace on the reconstruction (over two decades) of the Apapa, Onne, Calabar and Warri ports road with a view to encouraging the Federal and State governments to addressing these critical infrastructural deficits.
The conference also aims at drawing maximum attention towards maximising the potentials of the Blue Economy, AfCFTA and Exports among other international trade deals, which is widely acknowledged to be low hanging fruits for economic diversification from a mono-cultural economy to a more viable, sustainable and environmentally-friendly source of sustenance for Nigeria.
It also aims at engendering inter-agency and government/private sector collaborations to build capacity in the areas of indigenous investment, professional expertise and limitless opportunities for job creation, among other benefits.
Speaking about the 2023 conference, President of AMJON, Paul Ogbuokiri said that it has become a tradition for AMJON to set the pace for stimulating discussions on a yearly basis on strategic policies and programmes of government that will benefit the government and the people alike.
Ogbuokiri said the theme of this year’s event was carefully selected to key into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to boost business and generate revenue for the government, while creating employment for Nigerians.
 “The theme is also in tandem with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) new trade policy on trans-border trade with the Nation’s border countries, particularly Benin Republic,” he said.
On his part, the Chairman Planning Committee of the event, Mr. Innocent Orok said this year’s AMJON Conference and awards is particularly targeted at educating Importers, Exporters, Shippers, Truckers, Government agencies and maritime stakeholders on the viability of trans-border trade. He urged the Nigerian trading community and other business people to leverage on the opportunity the  trans-border trade offers to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA).
Orok said that the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR is expected to chair the event and give a keynote address. While the Managing Director of NPA, DG, NIMASA, ES/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Director General SON, and the Managing Director, NIWA among others are expected to make presentations regarding their roles in promoting trans-border trade in Nigeria.
Orok said this year’s conference will also honour some patriotic Nigerians who have contributed their quotas to the growth and development of the sector.
 “The awardees cut across CEOs , Public Relations Managers and other stakeholders.”
It is on record that AMJON as a foremost Maritime Journalists group in Nigeria as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility in the last five years has used its Annual Conference and other organised workshops to set agenda and stir up stakeholders’ engagement in the Nigerian maritime sub-sector.

AMAE 2nd Edition: Art Will Aid In Driving Maritime Sector Agenda – Oyetola

By
Lola Adesokan
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The Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has disclosed that Maritime art can be a very effective tool in driving the agenda and ideas of the Maritime industry since art connects with human emotions.
Oyetola said this in Lagos on Friday at the opening ceremony of the 2nd edition of African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE) themed: “The Convergence: Maritime meets ICT”.
Oyetola who was represented  by a Technical Aide, Prof. Busayo Fakinlede, said maritime art can be a viable alternative to project the enormous potentials available in Nigeria’s blue economy, thereby diminishing sea blindness in the country.
According to him Maritime Art Exhibition is another way to reach out to Nigerians about blue economy. It can be an effective way to build the consciousness of the maritime in the minds of Nigerians
He added that with the creation of the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, there is a greater need for this awareness to enable citizens grasp the importance of the sector.
While giving the assurance of the Ministry’s  willingness to collaborate with industry stakeholders to infuse the required technologies and infrastructure to optimize the huge socio-economic gains accumulative  from the sector, he said “For people to have that clarity and understanding about maritime and how to channel the necessary sectors, we have to explore all approaches.
” It could be via social media, traditional media or art. We have to explore all approaches and art can play a vital role.”
While giving his remarks, the Chairman of AMAE 2023, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, former minister of interior noted that he would have love to  turn the  theme to “Maritime Meets AI” as  Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Artificial intelligence (AI) have already changed the operations of all facets of life.
Capt. Iheanacho who was represented by Mrs. Jean-Chiazor Anishere (SAN), Principal Partner, Jean-Chiazor and Partners commends the Convener of the event for such theme, adding that.as the world is going global so is the need to be more rooted in Information Technology.
Anishere opined that a more proactive approach to ICT and innovations will be more beneficial to the nation as it seeks to maximize the gains inherent in blue economy.
While delivering lecture on “ICT Disruptions for the Sustainability of the Blue Economy”, the guest speaker for the event, Mr. Idongesit Udoh, UK Government Country Lead & Programme Adviser and Global Digital Access Programme in Nigeria, stressed the need for human capital development and infusion of technology in the nation’s maritime space.
Mr Udoh who speaks to the media, identified three key areas in urgent need of ICT deployment in the  maritime sector as real-time monitoring and surveillance, climate resilience and predictive analytics, and documentation, storage and cyber security.
According to him “ICT is an enabler of development irrespective of the sector. For blue economy, there are lots of areas where ICT could drive growth from marine transportation to tourism.
 “However, surveillance using artificial intelligence and internet of things; documentation and cloud computing; as well as decision making guided by big data and data analytics; not forgetting climate related technologies. These are areas in maritime can be enhanced with the deployment of ICT,” he states.
Representing the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko at the event, Port Manager, Apapa Port, Mr. Charles Okaga applaud the Executive Creative Director, Mrs Ezinne Azunna for the silence advocacy role she and her team has been playing in the industry.
He  recounted some successes already recorded in the Authority’s activities as a result of ICT deployment.
He hinted  that ship manifests handling at ports have been enhanced with ICT; nonetheless, he identified ship/ port security to curb piracy and checkmate stowaway as possible areas to explore ICT deployment
On her part, the AMAE Convener/ Programme Director, Ezinne Azunna explain that AMAE 2023 which is the second edition comes with a new twist- the conference, aimed to facilitate quality exchange in the industry.
Ezinne added that the theme, “The Convergence: Maritime Meets ICT”, underscores the invaluable need for updates technologies across the value chain with the audience largely drawn from the Blue Economy, Art and ICT word.
She stated  that AMAE uses photography, textile art, paints, sculpture and other motifs/subjects to tell stories and support causes around the Blue Economy. It is a meeting point for the town and gown.”The conference will help participants/stakeholders find Information Communication Technology solutions” she said.
Dignitaries present at the exhibition are representative of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,
Blue Economy Minister’s , Mrs Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN,,  Mrs. Eunice Ezeoke, President of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, ; Vice President, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Ify Akerele; first Nigerian female Bonded Terminal Operator, Chief Executive, AML Bonded Terminal, Mrs. Affi Ibanga; Barr. Mrs. Gloria Kanabe and Mrs Temilade Ogunniyi, Commercial Manager, AP Moller Terminals.
Others are Director General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Mrs. Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike; President, Female Seafarers Association of Nigeria (FESAN), Koni Duniya; Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA, Mr. Osagie Edwards; Engineering Manager, Radical Circle Technical Services, Engr. Ajibade Hamzat; among others.

Marine And Blue Economy Sector:  Oyetola Brainstorm With Stakeholders On Advancing Sustainable Development

By
Lola Adesokan
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The honorable Minister Of Marine And Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola in a roundtable engagement with industry stakeholders on Advancing Sustainable Development In Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector, has made known the intention of the ministry to embrace the PPP models in transforming the sector.

 

Honorable Oyetola disclosed this on Tuesday while delivering his keynote address at the stakeholders engagement held at Intercontinental hotel in Lagos.

The Minister who said he is acquainted with the sector’s challenges, assured of his commitment to bequeathing to Nigerians a better sector than what is currently on ground.

According to the minister, the forum was convened to bring together players in the sector to discuss and chart a roadmap/direction that will advance the industry’s potential, promote sustainable Blue Economy investments and ensure global competitiveness within the sector.

He assured that the Stakeholders’ Engagement will be a continuum, since it is important to normalise the harmonious synergy and work together inensuring that the industry is safe, reliable and sustainable.

 

He promised that the ministry will refloat the National Shipping Line through a strategic Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement, with a view to capture a substantial share of the estimated $10 billion annual ship charter market within the country.

He added that the initiative will not in anyway impede the growth of local players but rather provide an avenue for them to create and extract more value from the sector, especially through ship construction, maintenance, and repairs.

According to the honorable minister, collaborative synergy between the private sector’s efficiency and the public sector’s oversight, will bring about transformative impact on the marine and blue economy as well as boost the creation of substantial job opportunities and the facilitation of increased trade and investment in the nation, thereby reinforcing the ministry’s collaborative and forward-looking approach.

In his words “There is an urgent need for a collaborative effort to brainstorm and devise strategies to leverage our marine resources for the betterment of the economy and safety of our planet. It is imperative we come up with practicable ways of ensuring that our Inland Rivers, Lakes and Waterways are well utilised for cargo shipment and passenger transportation.

“This Engagement Forum is crucial to the development of the sector as it offers an opportunity for us all to collectively contribute our perspectives, ideas and offer relevant inputs that can propel the sector to the trajectory of success necessary to support the development of the economy as well as meet the expectations of Mr. President who took the courage to open up Nigeria to focus on the Blue Economy Value Chain.

“The zeal for a better life for Nigerians propelled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to recently unveil 8 Presidential Priorities to address critical national challenges. These priorities are to be delivered through eight focus areas, namely: economic growth, food security, energy and natural resources, infrastructure development, security, healthcare, education, improved governance, and job creation.

“Our Ministry though new, is not resting on its oars and has continued to foster Inter-Agency collaborations and implement initiatives to promote Port efficiency, cargo shipment, maritime security and tap into the resources of the Seabed.

“The ministry’s decision to consider the re-establishment of a National Shipping Line, through a strategic PPP arrangement, is borne out of our desire to capture a substantial share of the estimated $10 billion annual ship charter market within the country.

“This initiative will not seek to impede the growth of local players but rather to provide an avenue for them to create and extract more value from the sector, especially through ship construction, maintenance, and repairs. This would enable our local businesses to better leverage the Carbotage Act, which gives Nigerians the exclusive right to control locally generated seaborne trade.

“Other anticipated outcomes include the creation of substantial job opportunities and the facilitation of increased trade and investment in the nation, reinforcing our collaborative and forward-looking approach” Oyetola quipped.

Some areas of discussion at the state holders engagement bothered on strengthening the Blue Governance; Transforming Port Operations; Enhancing Port Infrastructure; and Promoting Blue Economy Investments.

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