Category: Maritime Sector

The Nigerian Navy has announced the promotion of 146 senior officers to various ranks following the approval of the Navy Board on Thursday, December 19, 2024. This development is part of the Navy’s commitment to recognizing excellence and enhancing its leadership structure.

The breakdown of the promotions reveals that 24 Commodores have been elevated to the rank of Rear Admiral, 26 Captains promoted to Commodore, and 96 Commanders advanced to the rank of Captain.

Among those promoted to Rear Admiral are Ibrahim Mohammed-Katsina, Suleman Dahun, Gideon Jinjirim Kachim, Abolade Olanrele Ogunleye, and Seminu Adisa Adepegba. Others include Bob-Manuel Kokoete Effiong, Yusuf Sani Idris, Danjuma Mohammed Ndanusa, and Ifeanyi Chidi Okpala.

Newly promoted Commodores include Mohammed Ahmed Abdullahi, Kabir Umar Rabiu, Bashir Abubakar, Olayinka Ayodele Aliu, and Uche Aneke. Additional names in this category feature Temitope Adeshola Bamidele, Ekuma Raphael Ekuma, Nsikan Friday, and Ibrahim Ari Gwaska, among others.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly promoted officers and their families. In his statement, he urged them to rededicate themselves to their responsibilities, uphold the Navy’s values, and remain loyal to the nation and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Nigerian Navy continues to prioritize merit and commitment as it strengthens its leadership cadre to address evolving security challenges effectively.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Command, has made significant strides in its anti-smuggling operations, intercepting goods valued at over N229 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV) shortly after the appointment of Acting Customs Area Controller, DC Mohammed Salisu. The announcement was made during a press conference on December 19, 2024, at the Command’s Headquarters in Idiroko. In his address, DC Salisu emphasized his commitment to professionalism, integrity, and the eradication of smuggling activities that harm the Nigerian economy. He credited the success to strategic intelligence, surveillance, and collaboration with patriotic Nigerians, highlighting the unwavering support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

Recent operations by the Command resulted in the interception of several illicit goods. These included 2,169 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 1,128 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing over 1,100kg, 21 bales and 2 sacks of used clothes, 166 pieces of pneumatic tyres, 4,360 cartons of imported shoes, 250 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 20 smuggling vehicles, and a foreign-used 2012 Toyota Highlander. These seizures occurred at key smuggling hotspots, such as Idiroko, Ilaro, Alamal-Rounda, Obada Oko-Abeokuta, and Ijoun axes.

DC Salisu emphasized the detrimental effects of certain seized items. The illegal importation of rice disrupts Nigeria’s efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency and negatively impacts local rice production. The smuggling of cannabis sativa, on the other hand, endangers public health and safety, while the illegal importation of used clothes poses health risks and hinders the growth of the local textile industry.

In his address, the Acting CAC issued a stern warning to smugglers and their collaborators, urging them to halt illegal activities or face the full force of the law. He assured the law-abiding public and legitimate traders that the Command’s operations were focused solely on offenders, with the goal of supporting legal trade and fostering economic growth.

In his concluding remarks, DC Salisu expressed his gratitude to the CGC and the management team for the opportunity to serve as an Area Controller. He commended the officers and men of the Ogun I Command for their dedication and resilience, urging them to stay vigilant and disciplined. The Acting CAC also called on the press to continue educating the public on the dangers of smuggling and economic sabotage, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to safeguarding the economy, protecting communities, and upholding the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and year-end activities, the Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy has provided free medical services to residents of Marine Bridge in Apapa, Lagos. The initiative, tagged Medical Rhapsody, aimed to offer vital healthcare services to indigent citizens and foster stronger civil-military relations in the host community.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory Oamen, represented by the Deputy Command Administrative Officer, Captain F.I. Uchime, emphasized the importance of the outreach. He stated, “It is high time we give back to the Apapa community that has hosted us for years. This program is not only about providing medical care but also uplifting the morale and confidence of the community, especially during challenging times.”

Residents benefitted from various healthcare services, including blood pressure checks, malaria and dental treatments, distribution of treated mosquito nets, eye examinations with free medicated eyeglasses, and access to essential pharmaceuticals. The program also featured an enlightening health talk by Captain O.O. Omole, who underscored the importance of routine health checks for longevity.

Captain Uchime noted that the program reinforces the Navy’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations, dispelling perceptions of hostility, and fostering trust between the Navy and its host communities. “We are not enemies; we are here to protect and take care of you. This initiative is a testament to our shared responsibility and commitment to community well-being,” he added.

In a similar outreach, the Logistics Command of the Nigerian Navy extended free medical services to residents of Osubi Community in Delta State. Rear Admiral C. Onyemaobi, represented by the Command Administrative Officer, Commodore M.M. Epelle, highlighted that the initiative aligns with the Navy’s tradition of supporting host communities.

Residents of Osubi Community received comprehensive healthcare services, including malaria testing, dental care, distribution of treated mosquito nets, and health counseling. Commodore Epelle urged beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity for better health outcomes.

“These initiatives demonstrate the Navy’s dual role as a defender of the nation’s maritime resources and a community partner committed to the well-being of its host communities,” said Rear Admiral Oamen.

The Medical Rhapsody program is one of several activities planned by the Nigerian Navy to mark its 2024 end-of-year celebrations. It not only promotes health awareness but also deepens the bond between the Navy and the communities it serves.

Residents expressed gratitude for the services, describing the initiative as a much-needed intervention in times of economic hardship. By delivering these essential services, the Nigerian Navy continues to show its commitment to both maritime security and the welfare of the nation’s citizens.

Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has called for increased collaboration between the federal agency and state governments to enhance the safety and security of inland waterways transportation.

Bola Oyebamiji, FCIB, MD/CEO, National Inland Waterways Authority, speaking at a one-day consultative forum on safety and insecurities on inland waterways, organized by the Nigeria Transportation Commissioners’ Forum in Ilorin, Oyebamiji emphasized the critical role that safety and security play in fostering a thriving water transportation system. The forum, themed “Prevalent Safety, Security Hazards and Practices in Inland Waterways: Passenger Transport Safety in Ilorin, Kwara State,” sought to address the pressing issues facing the inland waterways sector.

Mr. Oyebamiji acknowledged the ongoing efforts by NIWA to improve safety, such as the recent unveiling of the transportation code for public use, the inauguration of several operational assets including survey boats, gunboats, water ambulances, and a passenger ferry. He also noted that safety campaigns have been launched across all operational bases, targeting local communities in their native languages.

The NIWA CEO highlighted the support from the National Assembly, including the ongoing discussions on establishing coastal guards and the attention safety and security on inland waterways have received from the House Committee on Inland Waterways.

In his closing remarks, Oyebamiji appealed to the Honourable Commissioners for Transportation across relevant states to collaborate with NIWA in areas such as training, safety campaigns, infrastructure development, and financial empowerment. He stressed that while the challenges are significant, they are surmountable through collective action.

He expressed optimism for actionable and implementable outcomes from the forum, which he believes will contribute significantly to ensuring safer and more secure inland waterways.

The Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded its highest monthly revenue collection of ₦44.9 billion in November 2024, attributed to the successful implementation of the new customs trading platform, B’Odogwu.

Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday, highlighting that the platform, currently in its pilot stage at PTML, has significantly improved revenue generation and operational efficiency.

Daniyan addressed concerns about the platform’s rollout, refuting claims that four vessels had been left unattended at the PTML berth due to system failures. He assured stakeholders that challenges raised by agents had been addressed in meetings earlier in the week, with further support available through the implementation team.

To mitigate teething issues, the command has employed manual processes for cargo clearance while collaborating with the terminal operator to facilitate trade for port users already engaging with the platform.

The CAC urged agents to register on B’Odogwu to fully integrate into the system, noting that some complaints stem from agents yet to complete their registrations. “B’Odogwu is a Nigerian baby that should be fed by Nigerians. We are weaning our baby from a foreign mother and urge all Nigerians to support it. We are not going back to NICIS II,” Daniyan emphasized.

He also highlighted progress in onboarding financial institutions to the platform, with over five banks already connected and arrangements underway for 17 additional banks on the interswitch payment platform to join. These interactions, facilitated by the NCS ICT/Modernisation Department, are expected to be resolved by Thursday.

Daniyan reassured stakeholders of the command’s commitment to resolving challenges. “As the problems come up, we are solving them. The management has dispatched an implementation team here to ensure stakeholders don’t suffer,” he stated.

He also underscored that B’Odogwu’s implementation at PTML is a critical step toward modernizing customs operations across Nigeria. “We are committed to getting it right here before moving to Tin Can and other ports. Our turnaround time for properly declared RoRo cargo remains two hours, dependent on declarant compliance. However, we will not compromise national security and revenue for trade facilitation,” he added.

Daniyan revealed that 292 bills of lading were successfully captured on the platform in November, while 375 remain pending. Additionally, over 98 importers had paid duties under the B’Odogwu platform by Wednesday.

The PTML Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Muhammad Yakubu, further reiterated the NCS’s dedication to addressing stakeholder concerns and ensuring the platform’s smooth implementation.

The introduction of B’Odogwu represents a significant stride toward achieving the NCS’s modernization goals, setting the stage for enhanced efficiency and increased revenue collection in Nigeria’s ports.

The World Customs Organisation (WCO), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), organised a five-day workshop starting from Thursday, 28 November 2024, aimed at building the capacity of Customs operatives across African countries in the area of rules of origin.

Speaking to journalists shortly after declaring the workshop open, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, DCG Caroline Niagwan, noted that the two international organisations had formed an alliance to provide technical assistance. This includes training initiatives to support Customs officers across the African region.

DCG Niagwan stated: “The European Union and the World Customs Organisation signed a partnership agreement for a comprehensive programme that would foster the full implementation and application of the rules of origin in Africa.

“This programme, known as the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme, enhances the capacity of Africa and supports the implementation and application of rules of origin to boost intra-African trade. That is the whole rationale.”

Faith Mathenge, a Rules of Origin expert and facilitator for the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme, reiterated that the programme was designed to build capacity for African countries in rules of origin, which she described as crucial for facilitating trade.

She affirmed the WCO’s commitment to providing continuous support to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) through training initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency of its officers.

Mathenge revealed that nearly 26 countries sent representatives to participate in the workshop and encouraged attendees to pay close attention to the modern technicalities associated with rules of origin.

She commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his unwavering support for capacity building. “I must commend the CGC for prioritising capacity building, which is the bedrock that will enable his officers to implement procedures that facilitate trade and enhance compliance,” she said.

The workshop underscored the importance of collaboration in fostering intra-African trade and strengthening the role of Customs officers in implementing rules of origin effectively.