The Mile 2- Tincan - Apapa expressway in Lagos, Nigeria is again motorable after over 12 years of unimaginable hideous gridlock. The road houses two of Nigeria’s busiest #seaports- the TinCan Island Port and the Lagos Port Complex also known as Apapa port. This port corridor is also a major hub for tank farms distributing petroleum products.
A scuba diver, Kelvin Soldier Ngwa, has been found dead 5 days after reported missing amid an unapproved diving activity at Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) facility in Warri, Delta State.
The Diving Personnel Development Foundation (DPDF) disclosed this in a press statement disseminated on Tuesday, signed by its Principal Investigator, Mr. Julius Ugwala.
According to the report, at about 11am on May 2nd, 2024, the scuba diver went missing during a salvage dive job for air lifting around a submerged barge at NPA Warri, with a depth of over 15 meters.
He had successfully air lifted during the first dive and was given a pull to come to surface so he could check his air gauge which was allegedly at 100bar. Thereafter, he took the second dive but the tender noticed the diver soon stopped responding to pulls and deployed a standby diver who followed the lifeline down. Sadly, the standby diver found scuba cylinder, with body harness and sign of little entanglement, the investigator explained.
Ugwala, who is also Nigeria's Chief Inspector of Diving, observed that the incident which took place at Matrix/ Ayiri tank farm, NPA Warri was SCUBA Diving - an operation that is restricted by Factories (Diving at Work) Regulations, 2018.
The diving expert lamented that no approval was granted to the company for the commencement of any diving operation within Nigeria territorial water in line with the Diving at Work Regulations.
Meanwhile, some possible causes of the incident were listed to include; substandard equipment, inexperience, faulty demand valve gauge, limited volume of air in the cylinder, inadequate size of team, unqualified dive supervisor, no hyperbaric chamber onsite, no Emergency Response plan/procedure, among others.
He, however, recommended, diving research to be embarked on for continuous improvement in the sector and encouraged that incidents/accidents are reported and investigated so the nation learns from them.
Programmes targeted at aspiring and current leaders who want to understand diving business practices be encouraged, he recommended.
The Diving Personnel Development Foundation (DPDF) is a non-profit organisation concerned about the total well-being of divers, that encourages equal work opportunities and promotes safe diving operations.
DPDF dreams for an industry without incidents/accidents and so drives studies and analyses of events and mishaps with the aim of drawing attention to gaps in the sector and making recommendation on how those gaps can be closed.
Tincan Island Customs Surpasses 2024 Q1 Target, Recognises Outstanding staff
Heightened awareness, stringent regulations and sustained monitoring required to stop use of harmful antifouling systems in shipping- Prof. O. S. Ayanda
Olushola Ayanda, an Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria has raised an alarm over the continuous presence of harmful, prohibited organotin compounds in Africa’s Blue Economy.
Ayanda who made the disclosure recently during an exclusive interview on Live Conversations, a live broadcast by Maritime TV Africa, called on the Nigerian government to enforce the ban of the use of toxic tributyltin and triphenyltin which is still sold in the open market.
He stated that these chemicals which are used in producing in marine paints, pesticides and other substances have the highest toxicity.
He noted that Africa's marine ecosystems are now facing a dire threat from these toxic compounds, which are pollutants primarily originating from anti-fouling paints extensively used in the maritime industry.
Antifouling compounds, designed to repel fouling organisms from marine structures and vessels, inadvertently wreak havoc on non-target marine life, persisting in the environment and earning the moniker of "persistent organic pollutants."
Although banned by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), organotins are still used in some regions, especially Africa, raising grave concerns.
Drawing from his research at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa, during which he found the presence of organotin compounds in water samples from Cape Town harbour, Prof. Ayanda said "Organotin compounds, particularly the tri-substituted variants, are utilised in anti-fouling paints to deter marine organisms from adhering to ship surfaces.
He called for the comprehensive monitoring and regulation citing the absence of robust data as exacerbating the challenge, leaving Africa's waters vulnerable to contamination and its inhabitants at risk of adverse health effects.
He said the consequences of organotin exposure is catastrophic and ranges from mass mortality of marine species to the development of male characteristics in female invertebrates, adding that human health is also imperiled by cancers, neurological disorders, and reproductive abnormalities with the consumption of seafood contaminated by the anti-fouling agents.
Prof. Ayanda who is pioneering work on the Application of Nanomaterials Combined with Advanced Oxidation Treatment Techniques for the Removal of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDC), Persistent Organic Chemicals (POP), and Emerging Micro-Pollutants from Contaminated Waters believes his research will mitigate pollutant contamination at its source, safeguarding both marine ecosystems and human populations.
However, he underscored the need for concerted efforts, advocating for heightened awareness, stringent regulations, and sustained monitoring to stem the tide of contamination and secure a sustainable future for Africa's blue economy.
He urged policymakers, regulators, stakeholders and the public to embrace the call to action in the defense of the oceans and the myriad lives they sustain.
Written by:
Damilola Ogunojuwo
As part of efforts to avail Nigerian and African children vital career information and exposure, a nonprofit organization - Juvenile Career Education (JuCE) Africa - is set to launch its holistic approach to improving and complimenting the child education system across the continent.
The launch will be done virtually via Zoom https://tinyurl.com/JuCEAfrica, on March 30th, 2024 and Nigerian and African schools, children, parents, and institutions are invited to participate free of charge.
JuCE was incorporated in October 2023 with the aim of providing guidance via career information, exposure and direction to secondary school students in Nigeria.
Speaking on the initiative, the Founder, Adaeze Montserrat Okeke, noted that the need for JuCE is driven by the fact that the Nigerian educational system expects children to make major career decisions at a young age without the necessary exposure and mentorship.
This project is intrinsically linked to two causes I care deeply about; children and education. So, I am deeply excited that this project is finally at a stage I can share it with the world and hopefully get the world to share in the execution of this vision.
Our inaugural year 2024 is packed with exciting insights for children on how to choose a career, how to start preparing for university - and no, it doesn’t start from SS3 or even senior school! Global competitors start grooming their kids for global opportunities as young as 8 years old, she said.
The Founder also shared that an Educational Psychologist, Chika Ehirim-Nmor will be speaking at the launch; lending her professional credence to the necessity of the vision of the NGO.
Over the course of the year, JuCE Africa will also be spotlighting some professions by having young professionals in medicine, law, tech and the creative industry, amongst others share their journeys into those professions, and how the Nigerian child can position themselves for careers in that field in the future.
With a vision to prepare young ones for the future, JuCE will share with the Nigerian child the impact of globalization, technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution on today’s professions, positioning them for tomorrow’s realities.
We want the Nigerian child to be globally relevant but also nationally conscious to contribute to building a better Nigeria in and outside of Nigeria, Adaeze remarked.
She emphasised that by providing the Nigerian secondary school child access to career guidance and mentorship by young professionals in all walks of life, and open days and internships with companies, JuCE will provide the much needed insight and guidance which will help the Nigerian child navigate their career choices.
We also provide guidance through our University Preparation Programme (UPP) preparing our children for global university opportunities. The vision of JuCE is to to see an Africa where children’s career paths are intentionally thought through, developed and chosen to set them up to excel in their desired paths, she added.
To learn more about JuCE Africa, its mission and upcoming activities, visit its website juceafrica.org
Group reports 5℅ gender inclusion growth in seafaring
As the world prepares to celebrate the 2024 International Women's Day (IWD), Female Seafarers Association of Nigeria (FESAN) has decried the prevalence of a huge bias against female seafarers by Nigerian ship owners.
The President of FESAN, Koni Duniya, made this appeal while speaking at a special edition of Live Conversations on Maritime TV Africa in commemoration of IWD 2024 on Monday, stressing that only 5 percent growth in female seafaring in Nigeria has been recorded since 2019.
At the virtual live broadcast themed, "Female Inclusion in Seafaring: The Nigerian Case Study", Duniya, observed that at the lower-end of cadetship FESAN's record lists 100 junior cadets while only 3 are currently in the senior cadre of the seafaring career.
Her words: "We have several female seafarers whose licenses have expired and they can't renew it because they can't land jobs. The situation is bad because manning agencies are directly telling females that ship owners don't want them."
Many females remain at the bottom because of the gender bias in the maritime industry. Some others can't progress to the senior level because they can't afford the necessary trainings. For those whose parents were able to send them to school for the basic training, they can't proceed further because of the high costs. Nevertheless, if they had been able to go onboard ships, they would utilize their stipends to augment their fees to upgrade their certificates.
Emphasising the importance of data of the nation's seafarers, Duniya lamented that if everybody in the shipping industry in 2019 made commitment to foster inclusivity of women in the industry there would have been no place to find the female seafarers.
FESAN started by trying to provide the data of women in the industry. We want to monitor our progress and growth. 254 females are in the cadetship cadre as trainees. Several girls are looking for sea time opportunities. For female seafarers’ development in Nigeria, we are still at an infancy stage because there is a lot of work to do for female seafarers to grow to the senior cadre, she opined.
Meanwhile, she noted that over 30 female seafarers who were unemployed until their licenses expired now require financial assistance to pay for mandatory courses in preparation for cadetship/sea time.
We have members who graduated school with mandatory course but 26 require placement onboard for sea time. Some members with sea time require financial assistance for oral exams. There also members with Certificate of Competence (CoC) and required mandatory courses but are looking for onboard employment opportunities. Some other members whose CoC and other certifications have expired.
When we started FESAN, we were excited that everyone was interested in improving the seafaring opportunities for women; but when we started knocking on the doors of companies, we realized that only few organizations were interested. It is the efforts of those few companies that have led to little progress, Duniya stated.
Despite the creation of a new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Duniya maintained that the dream of attaining blue economy potentials in Nigeria won't be realized if the nation doesn't prioritize seafaring
There is also an issue with VISA approvals in Nigeria. India and Philippines are leading nations in seafaring globally and their seafarers have up to 10 years US visa approvals. As soon as they have contracts, they pack their bags and travel. In Nigeria, we have girls who have crewing employment for vessels that work in U.S but they can't get visas to join the vessel. A vessel owner can't wait forever, so if the Nigerians can't get visas the opportunity goes to other seafarers that are more accessible," she asserted.
She equally observed that CoCs from Nigeria still haven't attained global acceptance despite the existence of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron since 1977.
The Online Maritime Media Association of Nigeria OMMAN can authoritatively report that the name 'Wale' voraciously mentioned in a video alluded to by an alleged Southwest Smuggler, IBD Deinde was neither that of Wale Adeniyi, the CGC, or any Customs officer, but one of the errand boys of the embattled businessman.
It would be recalled that a video recently sneaked into the industry, where an alleged Southwest smuggler, Deinde threatened to rain down fire and brimstones, after his goods were impounded by Customs Officers, in the Ilaro area of Ogun State.
The CGC has zero tolerance for corruption and had severally warned that he would not spare any Customs officer found culpable in the corruption web.
An insider at Ilaro, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, with OMMAN correspondents while making the clarification at the weekend, said his boss actually had no direct access to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, hence, couldn't have meant the CGC.
He however affirmed that his boss actually called the Controller, Federal Operations Unit FOU, Ikeja, where he met a brick wall.
My Boss was angry and visibly agitated. He was saying, 'Pele, call Wale (to get my phone) to call Ejibunu. But in a fit of anger (or slip of tongue), said Pele, call Wale. Ejibunu call Wale...!"
Of course, Ejibunu was not there in front of him, so how could he have said Ejibunu, call Wale!", he said, stressing the need not to further escalate the issue and get his boss into more trouble.
You guys are funny. You came to Ilaro to follow up a story promoted by a blogger, who didn't even run it on his own site!", he further asked, adding that the alleged promoter of the story, Fisayo Soyombo, though not a journalist, had already gotten his boss into trouble; in addition to getting some highly placed members of the community, sleepless nights.
Two OMMAN Correspondents who were in Ilaro at the weekend noted that though the brouhaha occurred in January, several weeks after, and contrary to the hot expletives, the seized contraband goods which ignited the controversial sparks in the video, are still secured in Ikeja, in full custody of the Federal Operations Unit, Lagos.
An industry watcher, Bolutife Egbewole told OMMAN, that he had seen the viral video; and going by the observed crazy display, he knew the goods were gone.
You remember the story of the kite, the duck and the hen? If he had the capacity to free his goods from the Customs Service, he definitely wouldn't be shouting crazily...
If he had that kind of influence that he alluded to, then, he would simply keep quiet, and honourably phoned his Contacts at the top. He lacks tact!", Egbewole noted further, saying the only thing he couldn't understand was why armed Customs operatives who should be protecting their colleague who was being publicly harassed, were pleading with the fire-splitting businessman.
Do highly trained and equipped officers who owe allegiance to the federal government need to betray such palpable fears...?" he asked, wondering why he was not instantly arrested and detained, for disrupting the officers from performing their legitimate duty. At Ikeja, OMMAN correspondents spoke with four senior Customs officers, who echoed same sentiments, before painfully acknowledging the possibility that the service may have its fair share of bad eggs, just like every other government parastatals like Police and Immigration did.
We acknowledge the fact that we too may have a few bad eggs. But I can assure you that the Abuja High Command is already looking in that direction and currently doing something about it", one of the officers indicated.
But the four sources faulted the account linking Ejibunu with any possible movement of drugs and weapons to the North (in line with allegations) stressing that Ejibinu’s jurisdiction does not even extend to the North.
His jurisdiction is just Southwest. Anyone attempting to link Ejibunu with so much influence must have forgotten that the cross- border security agencies, and police of varying state, NDLEA operatives and sometimes the military have a road network of monitoring personnel”, the officer further said.
You should talk to the CAC when he comes in. But i can assure you that he has no such influence; to settle even just the Customs on the highway from Lagos to Maiduguri, not to talk of, all the other varying arms of the government security agencies mandated to be on the highways.
When we finally got through to the FOU Controller, by phone since he couldn’t be reached by touch, he affirmed that Demade actually phoned him.
“I am not saying that people should not write whatever they like, but the ethics of journalism demands the writer must ensure a balanced reportage, by hearing from the other side too. Nobody like that came to my office.
“As to your question, my responses is that my officials intercepted some contraband goods and impounded them. The seizure was still within the area. So, he (the alleged smuggler) went to Rotimi (a Customs officers) to plead with him that the seized items belonged to his junior brother; and should be released. Rotimi told him that he already informed the Controller and the Controller had instructed that the seizure be brought to FOU warehouse. It was at that point that he decided to call Ejibinu.
He actually did place a call to me; he actually did place a call. And when he placed the call; he now told me, 'Controller please help me, the goods belong to my junior ones, and i told him, ‘I have made up my mind; i am seizing it; and that it should be brought to Ikeja.
He pleaded that I shouldn’t do that; at that point, I truncated the call.
But I later called him to warn him, that he would be held fully accountable if there should be any organised reprisal attack against my officers.
It was after he met the brick wall from me that he descended on my officers, as witnessed in the video.
For an investigative reporter, I should expect that he asked what generated the commotion as witnessed in the video.
He was probably not even there; he only lifted a portion of the squabble and began to write.
As a public servant, my phone numbers are accessible to everybody. As a public servant, we are supposed to serve the people. Can any Nigerian call me, and I would decline his call?
Now, that seizure had since been brought into the Government warehouse; as it has been seized.
This thing happened in January and remember, this same person (Deinde) few years ago, (during Col. Hamid Ali’s regime) was arrested and detained in Abuja, but was eventually released", the FOU Controller also stated.
He debunked the allusion that the Wale mentioned was the CGC, stressing the fact that Deinde’s statement was ‘call wale… Bring my phone, bring my phone, but ironically, the blogger allegedly misrepresented it to be the CGC.
I am the sitting Controller, He had spoken to me. He obviously had no need calling the CGC
There would be no point in calling the CGC. It was around the time the International Customs day was holding. The CGC would have been extremely busy and couldn’t even have been reached” he explained, stressing that he had a very brief discussion with Deinde.
Interestingly, a source at Ilaro alleged that the “Investigative Journalist” Soyombo had once, in the course of his in-depth investigation procured, few months back, about a hundred bags of rice and starked it in a warehouse; only for Customs Operatives to storm the warehouse and carted them away!
If the account was true, that obviously could pitch the investigative journalist against the Customs.
Of course, that would truly be a paradox if a CNN or BCC reporter would procure a hundred bag of rice and stash it in a warehouse, to look for truck drivers, just to prove that rice smuggling is real!
Even at #40,000, a hundred bags of rice would gulp over N4,000,000, excluding the cost of transportation or other logistics. Had he succeeded, would he have been selling the rice; or take it to the Customs Harvey Road Zonal office to address a press conference?
As we tidy up our report, one major riddle remained unsolved; did Soyombo leave so many ends open, because he wasn't a journalist, but a blogger? Were the open-ended untidy reports deliberately crafted to meet the demands of a particular class of clients rather than an altruistic contribution, for sincere expansion of the frontiers of justice?
Better put, who could be the major sponsors or beneficiaries? And finally, Why didn’t Fisayo Soyombo reach out at any point to either the FOU Controller, or the Command's Public Relations Officer, in tandem with the Journalistic ethics: audi alteram partem - hear the other side, except you harbour ulterior motives.
On October 31, 1975, Mrs Kenechi Edith Okezie was born to the family of Elder and Mrs Godfrey Ogbuefi, natives of Awka-Etiti, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State.
She had her Primary School Education at Saint Catherine’s Model School, Surulere, Lagos between 1979-1986 and thereafter, proceeded to the Federal Government College, Onitsha in Anambra State where she had her secondary school education from 1986 - 1992. Between 1993 – 1997, she had her Tertiary Education at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State and graduated with a B.Sc. Degree in Marketing. In1998, she had her Youth Service at the Pacific Merchant Bank, Lagos Street, Kano State.
Fuelled by her passion for more knowledge, she immediately went in for a Masters Degree at the University of Lagos, Akoka between 2000 – 2001 and graduated with an MBA in Business Administration.
Okezie’s first job was with the Standard Trust Bank now the United Bank of Africa (UBA) in 2001 where she was until November, 2001 when she got employed by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Her career in Nigerian Ports Authority started on November 27, 2001, she was employed as a Senior Marketing Officer in the Marketing Department at Tin-Can Island Port, Apapa, Lagos. At Tin-Can Island Port, she worked in different sections and capacities from 2001 till 2013 and was later deployed to the Corporate Headquarters, Marina, Lagos.
While still at Tin-Can Port, she obtained a Professional Post Graduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management in 2011 from the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria and was the best graduating student of the year.
After six years at the NPA headquarters, she was posted to Lagos Port Complex in August, 2019 where she worked in the office of 26th Port Manager of the Lagos Port Complex, Mrs Olufumilayo Bolanle Olotu.
She was later redeployed to the Corporate Headquarters in February, 2023 to her Department, the Monitoring and Regulatory Services Division, where she was until June, 2023 when the present Port Manager of the Lagos Port Complex – Mr Charles Bamidele Okaga (the 27th Port Manager of LPC) engaged her as his Personal Assistant. She served in that capacity until 27th December, 2023 when she was appointed the Port Manager of the Rivers Port Complex, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Mrs Kenechi Edith Okezie is presently the youngest Port Manager with the Nigerian Ports Authority, and also the only female Port Manager in the present administration.
In her 22 years in Nigerian Ports Authority, she has served in numerous committees and in different capacities which include:
Other Committees include NIMAREX, NIMPORT etc.
| Chartered Member | Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) |
| Member | National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) |
| Member | Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) |
| Member | Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA) |
| Member | Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA) |
Kenechi Edith Okezie is married to her course-mate and friend of 29 years and blessed with two (2) beautiful daughters.
REPORT BY BIMCO
Since November 2023, Houthi forces have attacked ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In December, most container and gas carriers started avoiding the region and by January, a significant reduction in transits was seen across most sectors.
So far in February, the number of ships transiting through the Gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal is 50% and 37% lower than last year respectively. Container ship transits are down by 70% through the Gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal. Prior to the attacks, shipments through the Suez Canal accounted for roughly 10% of global trade.
The attacks on ships in the Red Sea are directly affecting the ability of countries in the region to import and export cargo. Even where alternative export routes exist, these often come at a higher cost, longer duration and with constraints to capacity.
Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt can avoid the Red Sea, as Saudi Arabia and Jordan can transport cargo via for example Dammam in the Persian Gulf, while Egypt can rely on its Mediterranean ports such as Alexandria and Damietta. However, rerouting will be difficult for all but container cargoes.
Other countries do not appear to have viable alternatives to Red Sea shipping and any attempts to transport cargo overland would likely be very difficult. Consequently, shipments in Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea and Yemen have so far fallen 25% y/y in 2024. Djibouti is a noteworthy exception, where shipments have remained stable.
The worsening conditions could affect the economies and possibly add to instability in several economies in the region. Yemen, Sudan and Somalia already suffer under armed conflicts. The instability in the Red Sea has made it more challenging for them to receive international aid and could increase the cost of basic goods.
A US-led coalition and a recently launched maritime operation by the EU have been deployed with the aim to safeguard ships in the Red Sea. However, the attacks have not yet ceased, and the outlook remains uncertain. Until a solution emerges, regional economies will continue to bear the cost
Photo caption: L-R: President of the Association of Nigeria Customs Licensed Agents ANCLA, Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji; President of Ship Owners Association of Nigeria Mr. Sonny Eja; Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Bashir Jamoh; President of Nigerian Maritime Law Association, Funke Agbor SAN; author and celebrant, Dr. Emeka Akabogu; Chairman of Dozzy Group, Sir Daniel Chukwudozie OON; Director of Maritime Services at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Babatunde Sule Jimoh; Executive Director Rainoil Limited, Mrs. Godrey Ogbechie; Dr. Prince Chris Igwe OFR; Managing Director of 11Plc, Chief Adetunji Oyebanji; and President of Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Alhaji Aminu Umar, at the Book Presentation and Birthday Dinner of Dr. Akabogu.
*Akabogu unveils 2 shipping books, rewards 3 young writers
Eminent personalities from maritime and energy sectors including; the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR; Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko; Chairman if Rain Oil Limited, Mr. Gabriel Ogbechie; President of Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA), Funke Agbor SAN; among others graced the 50th birthday ceremony of Dr. Emeka Akabogu on Friday.
Other dignitaries were; the President, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Alhaji Aminu Umar; Chairman, Starz Group, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun; Principal Partner, Jean-Chiazor and Partners, Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN; President, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Chief Emenike Nwokeoji; President, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Mr. Sonny Eja; Former Managing Director of Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), Dr. Kofi Mbiah; and more.
Two comprehensive books on shipping and port laws in Nigeria were unveiled at the birthday dinner by the veteran commercial lawyer, Dr. Emeka Akabogu, as part of activities to celebrate his golden jubilee.
Industry veterans described the books: 'Ship Arrest in Nigeria' and 'Nigerian Ports Law' as assets to the maritime sector, stressing that they are the most comprehensive books on law, shipping practices and procedures for ship and cargo arrest in the country.
As part of efforts to contribute to youth development, Akabogu also rewarded three young students for their literary exploits via the Dr. Emeka Akabogu Maritime Writing Challenge (DREAM WRICH) themed: “Resurrecting the Dry Bones of the Law”.
The first position was clinched by Anakor Vera Chukwunolu who bagged N250,000 prize; while Abakare Elvina Onome and Obimuonso Grace Chidalu got N150,000 and N100,000 in the second and third position respectively.
Impressed by massive impact and development in Nigeria's maritime sector driven by Dr. Akabogu, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, encouraged more Nigerians to step up and be as impactful and inspiring as Akabogu.
Jamoh's words: "If we have about 5 personalities like Akabogu with huge impact on the industry, we should go to sleep because they will address most of the problems in the sector. As a regulator, we are concerned with industry players understanding the laws and regulations, but people like Dr. Akabogu help simplify our activities."
The NIMASA boss recalled that there was a point when the agency and the entire shipping industry was having problems with the arrest and detention of vessels before Akabogu led a team to the Federal High Court to brainstorm on how to develop guidelines to address the challenge.
Speaking on the books launched by Akabogu at the event, the NIMASA Director General described the books as assets to maritime stakeholders and potential investors.
On his part, the President of NCS, Aminu Umar thanked Emeka Akabogu specially for creating numerous opportunities for rich and robust discourse on pertinent issues in maritime and energy sectors.
"Honestly, the industry has benefited so much from these platforms created by Akabogu for matters relating to shipping. In the shipping sector, it is a privilege to have someone like Akabogu because although there are numerous challenges in the sector, the industry is also an interesting and rewarding one."
"I also congratulate him for launching two books that are relevant to the industry with emphasis on ship arrests and port operations," Umar said.
Meanwhile, the President of ANLCA, Chief Emenike Nwokeoji, encouraged young Nigerians to see Akabogu as a role model worth emulating.
"I will advise young people to learn a lot from you. 50 years isn't 50 days. At ANLCA, we are excited to be here to celebrate with Dr. Akabogu and we believe that with these books the next generation is better equipped with vital information about the industry."
"We also thank the celebrant for giving opportunities to young people via writing about shipping and the debate competition on port efficiency and port optimization. We thank God for using you to make tremendous impact in the shipping industry and ANLCA can assure you that it will continue to support you," Emenike remarked.
Also speaking, the President of SOAN, Mr. Sonny Eja, described the celebrant as a valuable asset to Nigerian ship owners.
"We are all gathered here to celebrate an outstanding and incredible individual. Emeka has been very valuable to Nigerian ship owners and particularly the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN). We can't thank him enough for his great contributions to the sector. At 50 years, he looks like a 25-year old or a 30-year old. Congratulations Sir," Eja said.
The event also featured the review of the new books, as Prof. Adewale Olawoyin SAN - Professor of Law, University of Lagos, reviewed 'Ship Arrest in Nigeria'; while the review of 'Nigerian Ports Law' was done by Victor Onyegbado Esq.
© Shutterstock/byvalet | A large container ship passes through the Suez Canal.
Escalating attacks on ships in the Red Sea are adding strain to shipping routes already hit by conflict and climate change says UNCTAD
The UN’s trade and development body, UNCTAD, has raised profound concerns over escalating disruptions to global trade.
It says that recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea, combined with geopolitical tensions affecting shipping in the Black Sea and the impacts of climate change on the Panama Canal, have given rise to a complex crisis affecting key trade routes.
UNCTAD’s head of trade logistics, Jan Hoffmann, outlined the organization’s detailed analysis of the situation at the UN’s daily press briefing on 26 January. He underlined maritime transport’s critical role in international trade, noting that it is responsible for approximately 80% of the global movement of goods.
Disruptions in the Black Sea and Panama and Suez Canals
The Suez Canal, a critical waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, handled approximately 12% to 15% of global trade in 2023. UNCTAD estimates that the trade volume going through the Suez Canal decreased by 42% over the last two months.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has also triggered substantial shifts in oil and grain trades, reshaping established trade patterns.
Meanwhile, the Panama Canal, another key artery for global trade, is grappling with a severe drought that has diminished water levels, resulting in a staggering 36% reduction in total transits over the past month compared to a year ago.
The long-term implications of climate change on the canal's capacity are raising concerns about enduring impacts on global supply chains. The crisis in the Red Sea, marked by Houthi-led attacks disrupting shipping routes, has added another layer of complexity.
Container ship transits plummet as freight rates and emissions surge
In response to the Red Sea crisis, major players in the shipping industry have temporarily suspended Suez transits.
Notably, weekly container ship transits have plummeted by 67%. Tanker transits and gas carriers are also experiencing significant declines.
Meanwhile, shipping prices are increasing. The $500 surge in the average container spot freight rates during the last week of December was the highest ever weekly increase.
Average container shipping spot rates from Shanghai have more than doubled (+122%) since early December. More specifically, the rates from Shanghai to Europe have more than tripled (+256%), while rates to the west coast of the United States increased by 162%, although ships on this route do not go through the Suez Canal.
Insurance premiums have also surged, compounding the overall cost of transit.
Additionally, ships rerouted from the Suez and Panama Canal routes are compelled to travel faster to compensate for detours, burning more fuel per mile and emitting more CO2, further exacerbating environmental concerns.
“Here we see the global impact of the crisis, as ships are seeking alternative routes,” Mr. Hoffmann said.
Global implications: Increases in energy and food prices.
UNCTAD underscored the far-reaching economic implications of these disruptions.
Prolonged interruptions, particularly in container shipping, pose a direct threat to global supply chains, raising the risk of delayed deliveries and higher costs.
While current container rates are approximately half of the peak seen during the COVID-19 crisis, it will take time for the higher prices to hit consumers, with the full impact expected within a year.
Energy prices are witnessing a surge as gas transits are discontinued, directly impacting energy supplies, especially in Europe.
The crisis is also impacting global food prices, with longer distances and higher freight rates potentially cascading into increased costs. Disruptions in grain shipments from Europe, the Russian Federation and Ukraine pose risks to global food security, affecting consumers and lowering the prices paid to producers.
Impact on developing countries and the need for collective action
“Developing countries are particularly vulnerable to these disruptions, and UNCTAD remains vigilant in monitoring the evolving situation,” Mr. Hoffmann said.
The organisation emphasised the urgent need for swift adaptations from the shipping industry and robust international cooperation to navigate the rapid reshaping of global trade dynamics.
The current challenges underscore trade's vulnerability to geopolitical tensions and climate-related challenges, demanding collective efforts for sustainable solutions, especially in support of the countries more vulnerable to these shocks.
Credit: UNCTAD Press
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…Urges FG to set up Special Intervention Fund to attract experienced mariners as lecturers
Nigeria’s civil service and budgetary conditions for contract employment has impaired opportunities for the Maritime Academy of Nigeria to attract experienced, forward-looking mariners as lecturers despite the recent commendable efforts at upgrading its infrastructure and equipment, the Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) has said.
President of AMANO, Emmanuel Maiguwa Gankino-EMG made this disclosure on Tuesday in Lagos at a press conference put together by the group to address the state of affairs on Maritime Capacity Development in Nigeria.
Emmanuel said that in spite of the recent transformation witnessed at the school, the Academy is struggling to attract the needed professionals to meet its obligations.
He said only an intervention funding that is commensurate with the compensation of professional mariners in the private sector would lure them into the system, adding that besides the Academy, the industry needs a pool of experienced mariners to advance.
He stated that the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) requires the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to engage of professional mariners but regretted that since 2013, the door had been shut on such employments by the Agency.
The AMANO president disclosed that the last batch of 60 professional mariners, including class 1 captains and chief engineers who were engaged by NIMASA in 2013 have been in a “proper placement debate/conflict” with the agency.
His words;
We have recognised that despite the remarkable transformation achieved at the Maritime Academy in terms of infrastructure and training equipment, the Academy is struggling to attract the needed professionals to meet its obligations. One of the major challenges is the condition of civil service vis-à-vis the budget available for contract employment, which is insufficient to attract experienced mariners who are required to provide tutorship to the cadets. AMANO wishes to encourage the Minister to consider special intervention funding that will enable the academy to adequately match professional mariners' compensation to that of the private sector to attract qualified professionals into the system. We refer to the laudable steps taken by the leadership of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) around 2013 to bring in at least 60 professional mariners, including class 1 captains and chief engineers. However, subsequent administrations still need to sustain this initiative to ensure succession plans. Those engaged in 2013 have been in a proper placement debate/conflict with the agency, significantly affecting their performance and preventing the Agency from deriving value from the presence. We understand that even though the agency has carried out significant employment since 2014, the employment did not bring marine professionals as required by IMO to maintain the standard required for the Nigerian Maritime Administration. We call on the Administration and the Minister to review the gap alongside the last IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) through an independent committee that will recommend actionable steps. Emmanuel also expressed fear and worry that the trajectory of the development of the nation’s capacity for the maritime space is not clearly defined and called for effective policies and actions.
Lamenting the absence of data on Nigerians who have acquired Class 1 licenses under the local or other foreign administration, he stated that a clear understanding of the capacity and gap remains critical to the development of the sector. He further urged Government to introduce a legal instrument to back the mandatory registration of all citizens who are seafarers irrespective of what part of the world they operate as this would guide policy formulation and its capacity development programmes.
We have observed that the country does not have records of its citizens who have acquired Class 1 licenses under the Nigerian or other foreign administration. The implication is that the country does not know its CAPACITY and GAP. Understanding our manpower capacity/GAP in specialised areas is critical to developing the Marine and Blue Economy. We call on the Ministry to work with NIMASA and ensure that a quality database backed by law is developed to serve as a source of policy guidance and public information tools that will aid the growth of the maritime industry”, he said.
Maritime TV Africa reports that press conference was attended by executive members of AMANO including the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Capt Jide Olugunwa; Secretary, Capt. Garba Gajere; and the Financial Secretary, Inoma Frances.
