L-R: Director, Shipping Development, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Engr. Chris Amakulo; Executive Director, Operations, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi; DG/CEO NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Special Adviser to DG NIMASA, Engr. Olatunji Ahmed; Director, Marine Environment Management Department, NIMASA, Heavy Dimowo; Coordinator, Central Zone, NIMASA, Captain Abayomi Coker and Special Adviser to ED Operations, NIMASA, Peter Agbaminoja during a retreat organised by the Operations Directorate of NIMASA in Lagos.

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed that staff welfare and continuous capacity development are central to achieving operational excellence at the Agency.

Dr. Mobereola made this known at the inaugural Senior Management Retreat for the Agency’s operational staff, held under the theme: “One Mission, One Team: Driving Operational Excellence.” The retreat brought together senior personnel within the operations cadre, whose responsibilities are critical to the daily execution of NIMASA’s statutory mandates.

In his address, Dr. Mobereola emphasized that the Agency’s overall success hinges on the commitment and dedication of its workforce. He applauded the operational team for their contributions toward advancing Nigeria’s maritime sector and reiterated management’s dedication to providing a conducive environment for professional growth.

“Our success as a team depends largely on the commitment of our operational staff,” he noted. “We will continue to provide an enabling environment that supports capacity development on a continuous basis. Our vision to become the leading maritime administration in Africa, advancing Nigeria’s global maritime goals, is only achievable when staff remain dedicated to their duties.”

He further encouraged attendees to internalize the Agency’s core values, “CAPITAL D”, which serve as a framework for performance, discipline, and professionalism across all levels.

NIMASA’s performance-based reward system is being strengthened, with new initiatives such as gift vouchers introduced to encourage excellence. six outstanding staff, who emerged as top performers in 2023 and 2024, were honored at the retreat. The Director Marine and Environment Management Department,  Heaky Dimowo, Co-ordinator Western zone Gloria Ayansoda, Port Service controller Calabar Port, Aina Akinbola Aderemi, and Engr. Olayiwola Olanrewaju who emerged as the best District Surveyor. Other awardees are Engr. Moshood Taiwo Akinwumi and Engr. Olumide Olugoke Oyewole who emerged Employees of the years 2023 and 2024 respectively.

Also speaking at the retreat, the Executive Director of Operations, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, described the forum as a valuable platform for knowledge transfer, team building, and strategic alignment. He emphasized his commitment to an open-door policy, promoting transparent communication and collaborative problem-solving.

“This retreat marks a new chapter in how we operate,” he stated. “It provides an opportunity to share experiences, strengthen our teamwork, and recommit to our shared mission of delivering maritime excellence.”

The retreat concluded on a high note, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose, unity, and commitment to driving NIMASA’s operations to greater heights.

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 In a decisive shift that continues to redefine Nigeria’s international trade dynamics, the country’s transition from

For decades, Nigeria operated under FOB terms, allowing foreign buyers to take control of crude oil and other exports once cargoes left Nigerian shores. Under this model, critical services such as shipping and insurance were handled abroad, denying the country billions in potential revenue and deeper visibility into its export supply chain.

That changed when policymakers opted for CIF — a model that places the burden of shipping and insuring cargo on the Nigerian seller, giving the nation direct control of the value chain up to the destination port.

Economic Control and Local Empowerment

Experts say the CIF policy has dramatically shifted the balance in Nigeria’s favor.

“Under FOB, we exported more than oil — we exported value, jobs, and visibility,” said maritime analyst Sylvanus Offorka Obasi. “CIF changed that narrative. It has enabled Nigerian shipping firms, insurance companies, and port authorities to play active roles in the export process.”

Since the shift, indigenous shipping lines have recorded increased cargo lifts, while local insurance firms have gained a foothold in marine underwriting. This has not only improved earnings but also enhanced foreign exchange retention, reducing capital flight previously linked to international logistics outsourcing.

Boost to Data Transparency and Regulation

Industry regulators have also noted improvements in data monitoring and port efficiency. With CIF, Nigeria now tracks cargo movement from the port of origin to its final destination, providing critical insights to agencies like the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

“This level of transparency was nearly impossible under FOB,” said a senior official at NIMASA, who requested anonymity. “Now, we have access to shipping manifests, insurance records, and cargo delivery timelines — tools that are vital for trade intelligence and compliance.”

Job Creation and Industry Growth

The change has had ripple effects across the maritime ecosystem. From freight forwarding and cargo handling to marine insurance and port services, the sector has seen increased investment and job creation. Maritime academies have reported growing enrolments as the industry demands skilled manpower to meet new service responsibilities.

According to industry sources, thousands of direct and indirect jobs have been created since the adoption of CIF, particularly in shipping logistics and export-related insurance.

Challenges and Strategic Adjustments

Despite its benefits, the transition faced significant hurdles. Nigeria’s limited shipping infrastructure and a shortfall in vessel availability initially posed challenges. Concerns from international buyers and the learning curve among local operators also required strategic coordination among key players including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), NIMASA, and private logistics firms.

In response, the federal government has ramped up efforts to attract investment in fleet development, while encouraging public-private partnerships to close infrastructure gaps.

A Model for Other African Nations?

Nigeria’s experience is now being watched closely by other commodity-exporting African countries looking to increase control over their export logistics and earnings. Analysts suggest the policy may serve as a model for regional integration and local value chain development across the continent.

“This is about more than oil or shipping,” Obasi said. “It’s about rewriting the rules in a way that empowers the country and its people.”

Looking Forward

As the policy matures, stakeholders are advocating for complementary reforms, including the creation of a national shipping line, greater port automation, and expansion of marine insurance markets.

While critics still raise questions about long-term sustainability and global competitiveness, supporters of the CIF model remain optimistic that Nigeria has taken a bold and irreversible step toward economic self-determination.

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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has firmly denied recent media reports alleging plans to concession its operations, labelling the claims as false and intentionally misleading.

In an official statement released on Sunday, the Agency described the reports as the work of both internal and external saboteurs who have historically benefited from inefficiencies in the system.

“There is no iota of truth in the concession claims. What we are pursuing is systemic digital reform—not a handover of responsibilities,” said Osagie Edward, FNIPR, Head of Public Relations at NIMASA.

Reforming Through Technology, Not Concession

The statement explained that the current NIMASA leadership, following an in-depth internal operational review, resolved to implement technology-driven solutions to strengthen its regulatory capacity, boost revenue generation, and block leakages in the maritime sector.

A key part of this transformation is the introduction of the Maritime Enhanced Monitoring System (MEMS)—a digital tool that brings transparency and efficiency to Nigeria’s maritime operations. MEMS allows real-time tracking of vessel movements, logs regulatory interactions, and automates billing and compliance processes.

“With MEMS, we can now detect, document, and respond to maritime activities with far greater precision. This means fewer bottlenecks and better compliance,” Edward noted.

New Revenue Streams and Environmental Protection

One of MEMS’s notable benefits is in waste reception monitoring, a previously unregulated area that often led to revenue losses. Now, every waste offload can be tracked, time-stamped, and automatically billed, converting missed opportunities into consistent government revenue while also upholding environmental standards.

In the area of marine pollution control, NIMASA’s digital upgrade is also proving critical. The integration of satellite surveillance, automated alerts, and digital logbooks allows for rapid response to pollution events, improved environmental accountability, and the recovery of damages from polluters.

From Paper Trails to Digital Pathways

The Agency attributed past revenue shortfalls to outdated manual systems and fragmented data architecture, which created loopholes for financial exploitation. According to Edward, the ongoing reforms are designed to correct these failures by enforcing a streamlined, transparent, and accountable operational framework.

Aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda

NIMASA emphasized that the reforms align with the broader national objectives of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

The Agency urged the public and stakeholders to disregard the misleading reports and support the transformative steps being taken to digitize and modernize Nigeria’s maritime governance.

“This is not the first time our reforms have faced resistance. The Deep Blue Project also encountered opposition in its early stages but is now globally recognized. Change is never easy—but it is necessary,” Edward added.

NIMASA reaffirmed its commitment to digital innovation, regulatory excellence, environmental stewardship, and revenue optimization as it works to build a more transparent and efficient maritime industry for Nigeria.

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The endorsement came during a high-level inspection of locally-manufactured vehicles by members of the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) at the Customs headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, May 8.

Addressing stakeholders and manufacturers after the tour, CG Adeniyi expressed satisfaction with the quality and efficiency of the vehicles on display.

“In terms of aesthetics, I am satisfied with what I see here. In terms of functionality, we have been assured by the manufacturers that the vehicles are quite efficient,” he stated.

He added that the vehicles’ local assembly was a strong testament to Nigeria’s industrial capabilities.

“What gives me even greater joy is the visible imprint of Nigeria in all the vehicles I have seen today. It shows that they are fully assembled here. It gives me joy that Mr. President’s policy is on the right course,” Adeniyi said.

He emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to patronize locally-assembled vehicles as part of its broader support for national economic growth and industrial development.

Industry leaders at the event commended the Customs boss for his continued support of the Nigerian automobile industry.

Ilekuba Anslem, Chairman and CEO of Cedric Masters Group, thanked the CG for championing the cause of local manufacturers.

Also speaking, Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman and CEO of Nord Automobiles, stated:

“Even before this policy was announced, you had been championing made-in-Nigeria vehicles. With Mr. President’s announcement, we are confident that you will be the first CEO of a government parastatal to fully champion this policy.”

Ajayi also assured the CG that Nord would ensure full after-sales support for its vehicles.

Jonas Ojukwu, a Director at Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), pledged continued delivery of top-quality vehicles to the Nigeria Customs Service.

Other notable stakeholders who participated in the engagement included representatives from Mikano Motors Nigeria and Stallion Motors Nigeria, all of whom expressed readiness to support the government’s drive for local manufacturing.

The inspection underscores the growing collaboration between government agencies and indigenous manufacturers, highlighting a renewed push to industrialize Nigeria through strategic policy implementation and institutional patronage.

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As a major cash cow of Nigeria economy, the Nigerian custom service NCS under the leadership of Controller General Wale Adeniyi on Wednesday May 7th 2025 played host to the Accountant General of the Federation Shamsudeen Ogunjimi who was on a working visit to the Custom house Maitama Abuja.

Welcoming the Accountant General in his office, the CGC Wale Adeniyi thanked him for the visit describing it as symbolic, timely and remarkable move towards appraising fiscal collaboration between the two government agencies noting that the Nigerian custom service NCS is fully aware of the Nigerian pressing economic challenges especially in the area of revenue generation and accountability. He therefore assured the AGF of the service unwavering commitment to bridging fiscal gap through strategic innovations and operational discipline. In his words ” we have seen how critical revenue generation is in this country and we are doing our best on our part, looking at how the service was able to increase its revenue by over 70%before the end of 2024 , it is a demonstration of our resolve to support government financial stability ”
He congratulated Ogunjimi on his appointment as the Accountant General of the Federation as well as commending him for initiating inter agency collaboration. In his response, the Accountant General of the Federation Ogunjimi thanked Adeniyi for welcoming him in his office and assured him that his office is going to develop a robust approach with NCS in the area of joint training of personnel and institutional partnerships to drive efficiency and transparency in the discharge of their duties.

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During a courtesy visit by the AGF to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, both officials reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration as a tool for national economic growth.

Welcoming the AGF and his team, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the critical role of the Office of the Accountant-General in managing Nigeria’s revenue infrastructure. He described the visit as “timely and symbolic,” reflecting the government’s push for stronger institutional synergy.

“We understand how vital revenue generation is, especially in today’s economic climate,” Adeniyi said. “Our over 70% increase in revenue collection by the end of 2024 reflects the Customs Service’s resolve to support financial stability through innovation and discipline.”

He congratulated Ogunjimi on his appointment and praised his enthusiasm for cross-agency cooperation, particularly a proposed joint training initiative for personnel of both organisations.

“This idea aligns perfectly with our vision of building competent and collaborative institutions. We are ready to support its implementation fully,” Adeniyi added.

In his response, AGF Ogunjimi expressed appreciation for the warm reception and commended the Customs Service’s proactive leadership.

“This collaboration is just beginning, and I believe it will be a robust one. I’m proposing that some Customs officers be integrated into our training programmes to foster better understanding and cooperation,” Ogunjimi said.

He emphasized the need for institutional linkages that promote transparency, accountability, and long-term capacity development in Nigeria’s financial system.

The meeting ended with both leaders pledging to work closely in aligning fiscal policies, sharing expertise, and building a more efficient and revenue-driven public service.

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By ifeanyi Edwin nwabugu

In line with its extant resolve to up its game in service delivery and provide a top notch and seamless technology driven services, the Nigeria Customs service NCS has finally commenced a pilot implementation of B’ODOGWU documentation in its three ports commands .This was made known to newsmen by the Controller General of Customs Wale Adeniyi. This strategic initiative represents a bold step in the service delivery reforms aimed at modernising trade procedures and enhance operational efficiency. Therefore following the service command approval to integrate Form M’ process into B’ODOGWU trade portals, preparatory activities has commenced in the three designated commands, these include Port and Terminal Multi services Limited (PTML),Tin Can Island Port and Apapa Area Command. According to the official statement as released by the Custom image maker AC Abdullahi Maiwada explained that these sites were selected to drive the pilot phase in a controlled and strategic environment allowing for a close monitoring, stakeholder’s engagement and performance assessment. The statement reads thus ” during this period a total of 544 Form M’ entries were processed, of these 283 were successfully registered, 10 were validated and 26 were stored for further action, additionally entries were submitted, 120 were returned for correction, 11 were queried , 14 had their PAAR locked and 39 were recommended for approval. These figures refflects the robust testing and interactive learning across all participating commands ” He further provided a detailed analysis of assessments report, documentation made, declaration generated including various recommendations made for approval etc and remarked that the successful implementation of Form M’ pilot phase on the B’ODOGWU platform signals the beginning of a nation wide transition that will streamline custom documentation, enhance transparency and promote faster clearance timelines. He therefore advices that in order to enhance trade facilitation and supply and supply chain security in the ongoing pilot phase, NCS encourages all carriers (shipping and airlines) to commence transmission of manifest to the B’ODOGWU platform, while ensuring that all key stake holder are adequately engaged and prepared for full documentation under the visionary leadership of CGC Adeniyi, the service will continue to pursue automation initiative that will consolidate its role in trade facilitation, revenue generation and national development, he stated

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According to a statement issued by Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the pilot began with strategic preparatory activities in three key Customs formations—Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML), Tin Can Island Port, and Apapa Area Command. These sites were chosen to test the system in a controlled environment, ensure close stakeholder engagement, and assess performance before a full national rollout.

During the pilot phase, a total of 544 Form M entries were processed via the B’Odogwu portal. Out of these, 283 forms were successfully registered, 10 validated, and 26 held in storage. An additional 41 were submitted, 120 returned for correction, 11 queried, 14 had their PAARs (Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports) locked, and 39 recommended for approval—demonstrating the robustness of the system’s trial phase.

On the PAAR side, 37 reports were generated from the Form M entries. Of these, 7 were registered, 12 had their Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) processed, 2 fully approved, 8 recommended for further review, 4 submitted for processing, and 4 queried. This output affirms the portal’s capacity to handle end-to-end trade documentation under real-time conditions.

As the pilot progresses, the NCS is urging all carriers—both shipping lines and airlines—to begin transmitting their manifests to the B’Odogwu platform. The Service is also calling on financial institutions and traders to actively engage with the system and prepare for full deployment, which is expected to reduce bottlenecks and accelerate cargo clearance timelines nationwide.

Under the visionary leadership of Comptroller-General Adeniyi, the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to advancing digital reforms that reinforce its core mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national development.

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The Nigeria customs service NCS has concluded plans to establish a new area custom command at the snake island integrated free zone SIIFZ in Lagos. This was disclosed to newsmen on Wednesday 30th April by the Controller General of Customs CGC Wale Adeniyi during one of his official visits to its facility in Lagos.

According to him the new command will serve as a dedicated free zone which will enhance operations and strengthen regulatory presence in the area. The CG stated that the envisaged command is still at the stage where they are finalising all the documentation and assures that by the next time he visit the place, he will be received by a customs area Controller.

In his remarks, the managing director of snake island integrated free zone SIIFZ Semieu Akorede expressed appreciation for the service support, and highlighted the importance of the visit to the zone operational growth, and expressed the belief that the coming of Controller General is going to add a lot of value to what they do, while soliciting for support from custom officers that are working with them and those that have come to carry out operations in the area.

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The Minister’s remarks, contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by his Media and Communication Adviser, Mr. Bolaji Akinola, spotlight the resilience, dedication, and enduring commitment of maritime workers to the advancement and sustainability of Nigeria’s economy.

“Today, I join millions of Nigerians to salute the unwavering spirit and industriousness of our maritime workers. From seafarers and dockworkers to port administrators and regulators, your efforts are the bedrock of our nation’s gateway to trade and economic prosperity,” Oyetola stated.

Reflecting on the journey so far, the Minister underscored the pivotal role the maritime industry continues to play in driving national development. He described the sector as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic architecture, especially as the country advances President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He further emphasized the need for a united front among government institutions, labour unions, and private stakeholders, urging continued collaboration to build a workforce that is not only globally competitive but also well-motivated and prepared for the future.

“As we mark this important day, we must reaffirm our collective responsibility to support maritime workers through strategic investment, policy innovation, and sustained engagement. The future of Nigeria’s economic strength rests on how well we empower those who keep our ports, seas, and trade lines running,” the Minister noted.

Since the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the sector has witnessed renewed attention and strategic reforms geared toward optimizing its potential. Workers across the maritime value chain have remained central to these reforms, powering logistics, enhancing port efficiency, and facilitating trade and commerce.

International Workers’ Day presents an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices and achievements of these workers, especially amid global economic challenges and shifting trade dynamics. Their adaptability, professionalism, and unwavering service have made Nigeria’s maritime sector a key player in West Africa’s economic landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Minister Oyetola recognized maritime workers as indispensable to Nigeria’s trade and economic prosperity.
• The maritime sector is affirmed as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic future under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
• Stronger partnerships are being encouraged among government, labour unions, and private sector players.
• The government remains committed to ensuring the workforce remains competitive, motivated, and future-ready.
• The message is both a tribute and a rallying cry for collaborative progress and sector-wide innovation.

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