…As Mobereola says Africa must prioritise sustainable, responsible maritime practices 

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has called on Maritime stakeholders across Africa to leverage the continent’s renewable energy potential to become a global leader in green shipping.

The Minister observed this at the maiden Africa Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonization, held on Monday at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

He stated that, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) advancing efforts to adopt the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Strategy, Africa must assert its presence and safeguard its interests. 

Similarly, Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) emphasized that Africa must prioritise sustainable and responsible maritime practices in line, with international frameworks as the continent develops.

Oyetola said, “With over 90 percent of global trade facilitated by maritime transport, reducing  GHG emissions from shipping is not just an environmental necessity, but an economic imperative. Africa must ensure that its voice is heard, and its interests safeguarded in shaping policies that impact our economies and livelihoods.  

“Shipping decarbonisation goes beyond just shipping, as it touches various sectors of the economy and livelihoods. 

*L-R: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; CEO, Natural Eco Capital, Dr Eugene Ituah; Principal Investigator of the LEAP Project, Dr. Dola Oluteye; Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E Adegboyega Oyetola; Alternate Permanent Representative of Liberia to IMO & Chair, MEPC, Harry Conway and Chief of the Naval Staff of Nigeria, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla during the maiden Africa Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonization in Abuja.

“Decarbonising the shipping industry must be pursued in a manner, that is just and equitable, ensuring that no African nation is left behind.

“Africa’s maritime sector is uniquely positioned to leverage its strategic geographic advantage,  renewable energy potential, and growing Port infrastructure development to become a global leader in green shipping. This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to align investments with sustainability and economic growth,” Oyetola said.

In his welcome address, Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director General of NIMASA, explained, “The shipping industry accounts for approximately 3 per cent of global GHG emissions, contributing to climate change. The environmental concerns arising from these emissions have created a sense of urgency, driving the world to focus on shipping decarbonization, and Africa must not be left behind.”

Mobereola noted that the focus of the two-day summit is on Africa’s cooperation regarding the IMO’s GHG strategy and the basket of mid-term measures, ensuring a just and equitable transition for the continent and enhancing its technical capacity for climate action. 

He further stated, “The decisions we make today will shape the future of our maritime industry and our contribution to global climate goals. This summit provides a unique opportunity to align our regional strategies with international frameworks while addressing Africa’s challenges and opportunities.

Key presentations at the summit include “IMO’s Journey So Far in Its GHG Reduction Strategy” by Dr. Harry Conway, Chairman of the IMO’s MEPC and Alternate Permanent Representative of Liberia to the IMO, and “The Role of Africa’s Maritime Administrations in Shaping Shipping Decarbonization” by Mr. John Oming’o, President of the Association of African Maritime Administrations.

*Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola during the maiden Africa Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonization in Abuja.

Oming’o highlighted the benefits of decarbonisation to include the reduction of global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, job creation in renewable energy, shipbuilding, research and development, improved air quality near ports and coastal cities, port modernisation for clean and efficient logistics, green fuel production hubs, amongst others.

Goodwill messages focused on the need for collaboration in achieving a green maritime environment in Nigeria and Africa were presented by Chief Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology; Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff. They commended the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA for their pivotal roles in Africa’s maritime industry and, pledged the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to contributing to the overall goal of decarbonization in the maritime domain, particularly within the Nigerian shipping and the maritime environment.

The Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command announced Monday a glowing record of accomplishments attained within the first 17 days of March 2025, resulting in heavy seizures of foreign rice, Cannabis Sativa, and Used Tyres, amongst others.

“I am pleased to inform you that, within the last 17 days after the Command’s maiden press briefing under my distinguished leadership, the Command has once again recorded a significant seizure of foreign parboiled rice, Cannabis Sativa, Used Tyres, used Clothes, Used Shoes and Used Compressors with a Duty Paid Value of ₦468,706,602.00k”, the Customs Area Controller CAC, Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja stated in Ibadan.

In his maiden address in February, Adelaja had indicated that within the first 22 days of his assumption of duty, significant milestones were similarly recorded both in the area of revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities, culminating in the collection of ₦2,048,487,969.00k as revenue for the period of 1st February – 27th February 2025, while the sum of ₦165,387,000.00k was recorded for the anti-smuggling activities during this same period.

Adelaja stated that the achievement was made possible through effective intelligence sharing by the Customs Intelligence Unit, the Customs Police Unit, and the unwavering support of relevant stakeholders who collaborated with the Command to accomplish yet another milestone. 

He subsequently provided a breakdown, which showed the undermentioned seizures:

1. Foreign parboiled rice

2,030 (50kg) Bags

₦223,300,000.00k

2. Used Clothes

28 Bales

₦20,160,000.00k

3. Used Shoes

1 Bale

₦420,000.00k

4. Used Refrigerator Compressors

28 Pieces

₦1,764,000.00k

5. Used Ac Compressors

8 Pieces

₦252,000.00k

6. Used tyres

167 Pieces 

₦16,032,000.00k

7. Premium Motor Spirit

167 (25 Liters Kegs)

₦4,592,500.00k

8. Cannabis Sativa

660kg

₦21,780,000.00k

9. Means Of Conveyance 3; 

₦180,406,102.00kk

TOTAL

₦468,706,602.00k

 He noted that the foreign parboiled rice was concealed in three heavy-duty trucks.

“Unfortunately, these trucks were used to smuggle prohibited items. These illegal activities undermine the nation’s economic development and pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens.

“I would like to sound a note of warning to smugglers who persist in engaging in illegal activities that are detrimental to the economic growth of our nation that the Oyo/Osun Area Command will leave no stone unturned to enforce necessary compliance of Customs laws. 

“I would like to assure the general public that the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command remain resolute in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade, as we would not relent on our efforts to curb these unlawful acts. 

“On this note, I call on our relevant stakeholders and patriotic citizens to continue extending their maximum support and cooperation in the fight against smuggling and other illegal activities. Your unwavering support is invaluable and will greatly enhance our ability to effectively discharge our duties in safeguarding the nation’s economy.

“I would like to seize this opportunity to appreciate the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR fnipr psc+ and his Management Team for the unwavering support extended to the Officers and Men of the Command in ensuring the efficient discharge of our duties.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Abiodun Makinde fse, for his unwavering dedication and the pivotal role he played in ensuring that the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command operate in an enabling environment to effectively discharge our primary duties. 

“While extending my sincere appreciation to our esteemed traditional rulers for their continuous support and cooperation, which remain invaluable to the success of our operations. I also acknowledge the unwavering commitment and collaboration of our sister security agencies within the state. 

“To the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, I sincerely commend your resilience, dedication, and commitment to suppressing smuggling and ensuring compliance with Customs extant laws. 

“Your efforts are duly recognized and appreciated. I urge you all to remain steadfast and intensify your commitment to the discharge of your statutory duties”, Comptroller Adelaja further stated.

…Credits the feat to CGC’s unwavering support and his Officers’ dedicated commitment to duty 

The Apapa Port Customs Command on Friday breaks own record, as it rallies around its strength to achieve a daily revenue collection of ₦18.9bn.

The  Friday, March 14, 2025 feat stands out as the Command’s highest collection in history, with the Customs Area Controller CAC, Dr Babatunde Olomu, describing the accomplishment as the beginning of greater exploits to be achieved in 2025.

Hitherto, the existing highest daily collection was ₦18.2b, which sthe ame Comptroller Olomu achieved in October 2024.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Ph.D, while crediting the feat to the unwavering support of the Comptroller General and his management team, also generously lauded the dedicated commitment of his officers to duty, sustenance of compliance as a norm, and promotion of industrial harmony in Apapa Port as well.

It was equally learnt that the Controller, acting under the directives of the CGC had spearheaded high level discussions to partner with the Nigerian Ports Authority in resolving all crises with port users and truckers over issues around the Eto’o call up system, which had caused traffic gridlock along the Apapa Port corridor. 

Further to the CGC’s directives, Comptroller Olomu also  stepped in to prevent the planned withdrawal of service by maritime workers and freight forwarders due to unresolved issues between them on one hand and APM Terminals on the other hand. 

“In line with the directives of the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR who has promotion of robust stakeholder engagement as one of his cardinal thrusts, we intervened in the disputes involving sister government agencies, terminal operators and stakeholders in the port”

The efforts of the CGC, through the CAC prevented a shutdown of port activities and promoted productivity with seamless import and export activities, which correspondingly resulted in the mind-blowing revenue feat.

Speaking on the impressive revenue collection and harmonious working environment, Comptroller Olomu said, “Ports are critical national assets with direct impacts on the economy touching on local and global trade. It is, therefore, imperative to keep the ports working, especially Apapa Port, which accounts for the highest volume of cargoes coming into Nigeria.” 

“In line with the directives of the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR who has promotion of robust stakeholder engagement as one of his cardinal thrusts, we intervened in the disputes involving sister government agencies, terminal operators and stakeholders in the port”. 

“We are also not lowering our guard in the fight against smuggling as our officers are ever ready to detect concealments, under declaration, false declaration, and other antics geared towards duty evasion”

“It is heartwarming to note that our intervention succeeded in promoting uninterrupted trade and strengthening port users’ confidence”

“Our record-breaking achievement of ₦18.9b daily collection on Friday, March 14, 2025, is the beginning of greater exploits to be attained this year. We are also not lowering our guard in the fight against smuggling as our officers are ever ready to detect concealments, under declaration, false declaration, and other antics geared towards duty evasion,” he said.