… NIMASA, NPA, NIWA, Shipper’s Council, Other Stakeholder Set To Attend

As the Nigerian maritime industry sets for the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) flagship annual Maritime Finance Conference, several industry stakeholders who have indicated intention to attend have said that if the outcome of the conference is taken seriously by the government, it could catalyse the development of the country’s Blue Economy.

The year’s special edition which is jointly organized by AMJON and NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) is pulling key maritime industry operators and stakeholders and country financial institutions in the country who will be the main providers of the necessary financing the industry badly needs to thrive.

According to AMJON president, Mr Paul Ogbuokiri, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has declare willingness to participate in the brainstorming event.

He added that more and more stakeholders, industry experts, and the public have continued to sign in to participate in this pivotal event which is scheduled to start by 10:00an, tomorrow, Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The theme for this year’s conference, “Vessel Acquisition/Construction: Nigeria’s Banks, Insurance Firms, Government, and the Blue Economy,” promises to be a focal point for discussions on enhancing Nigeria’s maritime industry.

The conference will convene leading figures from the banking and insurance sectors, government agencies, and maritime professionals to explore the intersections of finance, risk management, and policy in bolstering the nation’s blue economy.

Organisers have assured that participants can look forward to a series of in-depth presentations, expert analyses, and engaging discussions aimed at unraveling the complexities of maritime finance.

The event will also offer valuable networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with influential leaders and decision-makers who are driving change in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Key topics to be addressed include innovative financing solutions for vessel acquisition and construction, strategies for effective risk management, and the critical role of government policies in sustaining and expanding the maritime industry.

AMJON encourages everyone with a stake in Nigeria’s maritime future to join this groundbreaking conference, which is set to be a cornerstone event for the sector.

All roads leads to Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, August 22, 2024 for the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria Finance Conference.

Key maritime stakeholders including the Managing Director of NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), Abdulkadir Ahmed; Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola; Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho and others are billed to attend.

According to a press statement signed by president of AMJON, Paul Ogbuokiri, the 2024 AMJON Conference which is in collaboration with the NSML will be chaired by the Managing Director/CEO, NSML, Mr Abdulkadir Ahmed who will also present a paper on Training and Capacity for Sailors and Mariners.

Dr Mobereola, shall present a paper on Actualizing the Vision of the Blue Economy while Dantsoho of NPA is expected to deliver a keynote speech on Repositioning The Ports For Greater Efficiency–The NPA Option

Financial institutions like Fidelity Bank are also participating as Fidelity Bank PLC would speak on ‘Funds For Maritime Infrastructure and National Development–The Fidelity Offers and Packages.

Meanwhile, other industry experts slated to speak at the event include the Controller of Apapa Customs Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, who will speak on Customs Role in Trade Facilitation: Issues and Challenges, while the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Command, Apapa, Comptroller Dera Nnadi; who is the chairman of Time Release Study will present a paper too

Mr. Paul Ogbuokiri, stated that the 2024 edition is packed to get experts to brainstorm and proffer solutions to the very knotty challenge of attracting investment and financing to the Nigerian Maritime industry.

Ogbuokiri said the conference also aimed at supporting the Federal Government efforts at making Blue Economy Nigeria’s quick fix and lasting option for economic diversification.

Chairman, 2024 Planning Committee of the AMJON Annual Finance Conference, Mr Kelvin Kagbare, assured that all that is needed to make the event a success have been put in place.

He disclosed that other industry bigwigs like the President General of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju and the President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr Emenike Nwokeoji; among others were expected to grace the event.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Saturday, 17 August 2024, co-led officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) alongside the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), with the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Muhammad, in a 5km walk tagged “Work-Life Balance” aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two agencies.

Shortly after co-leading the 5km “Work-Life Balance” event with Corps Marshal Shehu Muhammad, which started at the FRSC Headquarters around 6 am, officers and men of the two agencies traversed Herbert Macaulay Way to the Wuse Market traffic light and returned to the FRSC Headquarters via Maputo Street.

CGC Adeniyi expressed a solid determination to enhance inter-agency collaboration between the NCS and the FRSC, particularly in curbing smuggled vehicles on Nigerian roads.

He reiterated that the essence of the walk was to strengthen the existing relationship among security agencies and foster the spirit of friendship. He added, “I am very sure that all my officers and I have really enjoyed the outing. I promise that moving forward, we will be part of this exercise every month.”

The CGC implored officers and men of the FRSC and NCS to embrace the spirit of brotherhood to achieve their mandates. He said, “I have always reiterated that there are many things we can do together. I implore us all to continue exploring ways to work together because we are stronger when we are united.”

“Our systems can synergise so that we don’t allow smuggled cars on our roads. Through this collaboration, we can ensure that every vehicle registered in Nigeria has paid the correct duties,” he added.

In his remarks, Corps Marshal Shehu Muhammad expressed his belief that organising social activities and exercises between sister security agencies could be key to building a prosperous nation.

“I am optimistic that such outings will improve our health and well-being. We all know that good health is not just wealth but also freedom and the best blessing God gives mankind,” he said.

“Therefore, this exercise will continue monthly, and we will always be ready to converge here for this same event because we believe that a healthy workforce is key to productivity,” Corps Marshal Muhammad added.

He expressed his sincere appreciation to CGC Adeniyi for attending the event in person. He noted, “I want to sincerely appreciate the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who is here with his full team. This demonstrates the strong partnership and brotherhood between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps.”

“What the Comptroller-General of Customs and his team showcased this morning reflects the spirit of love and good synergy between us, as Customs are brothers to the FRSC,” he said.

He concluded by noting that the NCS has been a solid partner to the FRSC on several occasions, adding, “I am confident this partnership will continue.”

Despite worries over the looming nationwide protest, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu has g reassured port users operating in Apapa that activities of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) would continue uninterrupted.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu gave this reassurance while addressing a meeting of stakeholders in Apapa on Tuesday.

According to a press statement issued by the Command Public Relations Officer, CSC Usman Abubakar, it reads that Comptroller Olomu hinted that it has become expedient to rebuild confidence in importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, haulage operators and other port users on the availability of Nigeria Customs Service officers in Apapa Port on all working days as usual.

Compyroller Olomu stated that customs officers attached to the command at the port and all terminals under his watch shall be available to discharge their usual functions and support in facilitating all legitimate trade within their purview.

He advised that the office of the Customs Public Relations Officer and other offices assigned to function as help desks shall be available to address inquiries and give further details where necessary.

For the avoidance of doubt, Comptroller Olomu reminded members of the Apapa Port Community, including sister government agencies, that customs officers shall be resuming work by 8am on all weekdays and may work during weekends, when necessary.

Appreciating the compliant port users, whom he described as partners in progress, Comptroller Olomu reiterated the command’s resolve to continually ensure maximum collection of all government revenue without compromising the due diligence required for all import and export cargo examination.

Also, speaking at the meeting, Commissioner of Police in charge of Western Ports, CP Lanre Ishola thanked the Controller for convening the meeting and stated that the police will ensure the respect of citizens’ rights at all times

The Port Manager for Apapa Port, Mr. Charles Okaga reminded all port users at the meeting that Apapa Port runs a 24-hour operation. Okaga added that other stakeholders in the cargo clearing process, like the shipping companies and terminal operators, will be sensitised by Nigerian Ports Authority to dispense their services normally.

Okaga said the NPA will urge shipping companies and terminal operators not to impose demurrage on cargoes under their control, for days they couldn’t effect services for clearance

Some groups of advocacys has encouraged all citizens to actively participate in the proposed nationwide protest scheduled to commence on 1st of August 2024 in other to shape a just and accountable society.

The civil society organisations also call on all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

According to a press statement made available to our correspondent , titled “The Right to Peaceful Protest: A Pillar of Democratic Governance as Constitutionally Guaranteed” it reads “In light of recent events and ongoing discussions surrounding the appropriateness of citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with government policies andactions, we, the undersigned civil society organisations, are compelled to reaffirm the fundamental right of citizens to peaceful protest as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance.

“This right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change”.

The press statement also explains the constitutional right of the citizens to express themselves through protest, “Protesting is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others.

“It allows citizens to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in the democratic process.

“Protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people.

“History has shown that protests can lead to significant changes in government policies, processes and practices, highlighting the power of collective action to address grievances and promote good governance”.

They however urged protesters and organisers to be orderly without violating public right. “While the right to protest is a fundamental principle of democratic nations, we concede that it must be exercised peacefully and responsibly without violating the rights of others.

“Accordingly, we urge all parties engaged, including protest organisers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritise safety and the rule of law. Law enforcement has a duty to safeguard protesters while upholding public order.

” Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest or threaten public safety. Attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive use of force, or unjust legal actions are unacceptable and counterproductive.

“Every protest is deemed peaceful, and if intelligence indicates otherwise, it is the role of the appropriate government agencies to identify such saboteurs and arrest them immediately.

“Arresting protest organisers shows a lack of understanding of the enemies of the state. We urge the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to uphold the rights of all protesters and establish a mechanism to promptly address and dismiss oppressive charges that may arise from these protests.

They listed the demands to include, reducing the cost of living, curbing insecurity, reducing the cost of governance, electoral reform, judicial reform, and constitutional reform, which are all recurring themes in Nigeria’s journey towards a healthy democracy.

They however reaffirm their commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights and stand in solidarity with those who decided to exercise the right to peaceful protest.

For enquiries, you may contact any of these numbers: Edet – +2348037145991; Edosa –
+2348035670173; Yemi – +2348082192510; Odeh – +2348034696666
Signed:
1. 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative
2. Accountability Lab Nigeria
3. Africa Institute for Enyergy Governance (AFIEGO) Uganda
4. BudgIT Foundation
5. Centre for Accountability and Inclusive Development (CAAID)
6. Centre for Inclusive Social Development (CISD)
7. Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)
8. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
9. Dataphyte Foundation
10. DigiCivic Initiative
11. Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria
12. Farnnel Women Foundation
13. Gee Foundation for Social Justice and Development
14. Global Rights
15. Health Education and Human Rights Advocacy Initiative (HEHRAI)
16. HIFWAC Relief
17. Hope Behind Bars Africa
18. Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation ( ISDF)
19. International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC)

20. International Press Centre (IPC)
21. Kilimanjaro Youth Foundation
22. Media Rights Agenda (MRA)
23. Mothers United and Mobilised
24. Nigeria Network of NGOs
25. Paradigm Initiative (PIN)
26. Policy Alert
27. Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)
28. Research Centre for Development Action
29. Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC)
30. Sesor Empowerment Foundation
31. TechHer NG
32. The Meluibe Empowerment Foundation
33. We the People
34. WikkiTimes
35. Yiaga Africa

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) under the leadership of the President -General, Comrade (Prince) Adewale AdeyMWUN aMWUN nju, fnli, HFCPSP, has disassociated the foremost maritime labour Union in the country,(MWUN), that it’s executives and officils are in no way connected to the individuals responsible for the planned nationwide protest scheduled for A ugust 1, 2024.

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria is a responsible Union with it’s vast membership as workers in the Maritime sector, providing essential services at all times and round the clock and also came into proper reckoning with commitment and patriotism during the COVID-19 lockdown when our member were required to render essential services in spite of the stay at home order by National Council For Disease Control (NCDC).

The Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Prince Adeyanju, who doubles as Vice President Global, International Transport Workers Federation ( ITF) said that Maritime Workers Union is an affiliate of the Congress and the Union will always heed calls of the NLC to participate in any industrial strike or in a coordinated, lawful or orderly industrial action, which in this case is a reversed one.

Having said so, the Union will not take part in any protest not not directed by the Nigerian Labour Congress; however, the Union does not begrudge any Nigerian citizen to a peaceful protest.

Dr. Adeyanju also admonished members of the Union desist from any protest in the terminal jetties or oil & gas platforms and stay clear from hoodlums who may want to take advantage of the protests, to destroy properties, and towards maiming and loss of lives of innocent citizens as the scars of EndSars is still fresh in our memories.

The Union as always is committed to industrial peace and harmony within the sector; therefore, our members must be at alert and be vigilantly sensitive towards miscreants, who may want to invade our sector to commit havock on the day in the name of protests.