A momentous event unfolded today as the Anambra State Police Command, under the astute leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Aderemi Adeoye, came together to honor and recognize the dedication of two hundred and eighty-eight Inspectors.
The officers, who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and expertise, were promoted to the prestigious rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP II).
The grand decoration ceremony, held under the auspices of Inspector-General of Police Acting IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, showcased the deep respect and admiration the command has for its diligent personnel.
The promotion of these officers was approved by the esteemed Police Service Commission, a testament to their unwavering dedication to maintaining law and order in the region. The recommendations from Inspector-General IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, a distinguished scholar and leader, further solidified the significance of this momentous occasion.
CP Aderemi Adeoye, who presided over the ceremony, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly promoted officers. In his address, he emphasized the importance of their continued commitment to duty and the integral role they play in safeguarding the community. He encouraged them to channel their newfound responsibilities into enhancing citizen protection and state security.
During the event, CP Adeoye expressed his gratitude to IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun for his unwavering dedication to enhancing the welfare of police personnel. He assured the citizens of Anambra that the command, under his guidance, remains steadfast in its mission to provide trustworthy and principled service.
An intriguing twist of fate unfolded as CP Adeoye marked his 33rd day in office as the 33rd Commissioner of Police for the Anambra State Command. This coincidence added a special layer of symbolism to the event, underlining the significance of his role in bestowing honors upon these 288 deserving officers.
As the sun set on this day of celebration and recognition, it was abundantly clear that the Anambra State Police Command, guided by the resolute leadership of CP Aderemi Adeoye and supported by the visionary IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, remains committed to upholding the ideals of integrity, service, and safety for all citizens.
In a remarkable display of diligent law enforcement, the Anambra State Police, Harbour Division, Ogbaru Local Government Area, has successfully recovered twelve stolen tricycles over the course of the last month.
The tricycles, believed to have been taken unlawfully, have now been restored to their rightful condition and await their owners for collection.
The committed efforts of the police force have led to the identification and retrieval of these tricycles, marked by their distinct registration numbers. The recovered vehicles include:
NKK 170 UR
KTU 315 QD
NSH 178 VC
UMI 281 QV
GAS 830 WU
ACA 344 QM
TTK 287 WZ
ABB 215 QA
AGU 105 UD
UKP 114 QR
UWN 544 QH
ATMC 420525
To ensure a seamless and rightful restoration of ownership, the Anambra State Police kindly request the esteemed residents of the state who are the true owners of these tricycles to come forward. We urge them to present valid proof of ownership, thereby facilitating the prompt return of their properties.
Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has expressed a firm commitment to safeguarding the interests of the community. He assures the public that the State Police Command is unwavering in its dedication to not only recovering stolen possessions but also facilitating their rightful return to their owners. This initiative aims to alleviate the sense of loss and deprivation that victims of such crimes often experience.
The Anambra State Police call upon the owners to come forward and claim their tricycles. This milestone in crime prevention and asset recovery exemplifies the force’s determination to uphold justice and ensure the peace and security of the state’s residents. The Anambra Police continue to demonstrate their dedication to serving and protecting the people they proudly serve.
The Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has initiated the revitalization of corporate social responsibility programs within the NCS.
The initiative aims to give back to the society that has supported the Service in fulfilling its primary objectives.
On Monday, the Acting CGC reached out to Dorian Home in Akure, Ondo State—a charitable orphanage dedicated to social development.
He emphasized that the service holds the responsibility to provide support and aid to the communities in which they operate and carry out their duties.
Recognizing Dorian Home’s strong foundation, dedication, and enthusiasm, he highlighted its potential to effectively pursue its goals.
“We’ve seen that this place has capacity for almost a thousand kids, so they need to feed them, they need to clothe them, and they need to provide them medicaments.
“So in any of these areas periodically, we would be looking at our stores, and we would be sending off those kind of items that can assist them to achieve the objectives for which this kind of homes are set up”, he added.
Continuing his official tour of zone ‘A’, the head of Customs proceeded to the Ondo/Ekiti Area Command where he was warmly welcomed by the Area Controller, Comptroller Beatrice Eboka.
One of the key activities during his visit was the inauguration and thorough examination of the recently refurbished housing facilities designated for the command’s officers and personnel.
During his speech to the dedicated officers and personnel of the Command, the Acting CGC urged them to maintain a high level of diligence in their operational activities and record-keeping while emphasizing on diligence which is vital to ensure that goods intended for export adhere to international quality standards.
“You have a role to ensure that the products shipped out of this place meet international standards”, he noted.
“You must not do anything to delay the processes, ensure that they do not stay too long in your hands, documentation must be done in good time so that the products do not get bad before they’re shipped out of the country”, he added.
The Ag. CGC also visited the palace of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Alade Toyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi CFR, The Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure, to pledge his loyalty and commitment to the service to continue to be a responsible Government Agency.
“Customs will continue to be a responsible government agency, respecting the laws of the land and maintaining a very good relationship where we operate.”
The king expressed gratitude to the Acting CG for his visit and extended congratulations on his appointment. Also, he offered heartfelt prayers for a prosperous and fruitful term ahead.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos, Mr. Idowu Owohunwa, has announced plans to provide training in Taekwondo for the purpose of self-defense during the course of duty for police personnel.
He made this known while addressing the audience at the decoration ceremony of 1,400 recently promoted officers, ranging from the rank of Inspector to Assistant Superintendent of Police.
The CP also lauded the achievement of police officers who secured victory in a competition held in Delta State, resulting in their laurel win.
He further urged himself to initiate strategies for the training of officers and personnel in the art of Taekwondo.
“Lagos is known for excellent.. You have shown resilience, commitment and courage by winning the medals and bronze. At Lagos State Command, I think we can leverage on the excellence with the deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations to discuss on the possibility of enhancing our operational capacity.
“The training of our men on Taekwondo, will add value to self defense capacity of Officers and men of the command, so in the coming days we would be engaging you towards possibility of having trainings that will expose officers and men of the command through technicality you have perfected so that an average policeman will be exposed to taekwondo and apply it for self defense which will help them in the line of their duty.”
The Commissioner, though, mentioned that if there’s one thing that truly uplifts a police officer’s spirits, it’s promotion. This is because it serves as a significant source of motivation for the officer in question.
“Aside this, the greatest honour I never expect as a leader in the command is to sur over the promotion of my officers who have demonstrated consistent professional excellent, good service record and moral strength to discharge their duty.
“This is the highest I will be decorating as the commissioner of Police in Lagos, today we Will be inducting one thousand four hundred policemen to the officer cadets of Nigeria police. It means a lot, there is a wide gap from being an Inspector to Assistant Superintendent of Police.
“You all are now officers of the police, no more diserted police, the new rank comes with other obligations in terms of professional outlook, ability to dissert complex security issues and take decision that will align with the law and now there is no more excuse in your duty.
“The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has said it over again since he assumed the office that promotion under his watch will now be based on merit and seniority. This set is the first that will benefit from the policy, I want you all to be proud that you earned it on merit.
“The IGP’s stand on professional ground and he want us all to do same, excellence should be our watch world at all time. I appeal to you to see the promotion as another steps in your career, I always believe certain values brought you here don’t want you to change the values and your character.”
In a resounding display of dedication and effectiveness, the Kebbi Customs Command has announced a remarkable revenue accomplishment for the month of July.
With an unwavering commitment to its revenue generation mandate, the Command surpassed expectations by amassing an impressive total of ₦99,282,547, a staggering 113% of its monthly revenue target.
This was disclosed by the Command’s Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo at a briefing earlier today.
Despite the challenges posed by recent events, including the border closure due to the situation in neighboring Niger Republic, the Command demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness and collaboration.
Through sustained cooperation with relevant units, security agencies at border stations, and proactive engagement with stakeholders and border communities, the Command’s revenue generation efforts yielded exceptional results.
In addition to this notable achievement, the Kebbi Customs Command continues to combat smuggling, a crucial aspect of enhancing revenue generation.
The Command’s vigilant officers and personnel effectively thwarted illegal activities, leading to the seizure of various items. These confiscations include 138 packs of tramadol (225mg), 81 tablets of Cannibis Sativa, a used Toyota Camry 2007 Model used for smuggling, 46 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) and 40 bags of rice (25 kg each), 88 bales of second-hand clothing, 4,200 liters of PMS, 525 liters of diesel, 37 kegs of vegetable oil, and more. The total Duty Paid Value of these seized items is valued at ₦51,499,314.
Particularly noteworthy among the seizures is the interception of cannabis sativa and hard drugs with a combined value of ₦22,132,077. This critical achievement reinforces the Command’s unwavering commitment to eliminating harmful substances from the community and protecting the well-being of its citizens.
Recognizing the broader context of regional developments, the Kebbi Customs Command responsibly adhered to ECOWAS sanctions on Niger Republic by closing the border for both import and export activities.
The Command also proactively engaged with neighboring communities through sensitization and orientation visits, fostering understanding and cooperation during this challenging time.
The Command’s recent visit to Kamba in Dandi Local Government Area, held on August 5th, 2023, further underscored its dedication to diplomatic engagement and peaceful resolution. This strategic visit aimed to ensure full compliance with border closure sanctions, while also extending empathy and support to the affected communities and stakeholders that rely on Kamba as a vital import/export hub.
The Kebbi Customs Command’s exceptional revenue achievement for July, coupled with its relentless efforts in combating smuggling and maintaining regional cooperation, exemplifies its unwavering commitment to fostering economic stability and security.
Through collaboration and proactive measures, the Command continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding national interests and upholding the welfare of its citizens.
According to him, “In the area of revenue generation, the Command has turned the wheel of focus towards it because it is one of the key pillars upon which Nigeria Customs Service is built.
The Command, in its effort to surpass its last month’s achievement which was affected by festive activities, has devised various means of revenue generation revival.
Though, the Coup d’état in our neighbouring Niger Republic and subsequent border closure of our border with the affected West African country has sharply affected our revenue generation drive, the Command still managed to rake in a whooping sum of ninety-nine million, two hundred and eighty-two thousand, five hundred and forty-seven naira (₦99,282,547) in the month of July alone, which is 113% of our monthly revenue target.
“This remarkable achievement is as a result of sustained synergy with relevant units and other security agencies at border stations as well as routine meetings with relevant stakeholders and border communities, encouraging and orientating them on smooth flow of customs procedures using conventional media and other social media platforms. We are poised to sustain such tempo.
“It is a well-known fact that higher revenue generation is achieved with increase in suppression of smuggling. The Command’s officers and men are on high alert and their morale is high, thus leading to the twenty-eight (28) seizures recorded within the period under review which are listed here under:
“138 packs of tramaking/tramadol (225mg); 81 tablet size of Cannibis Sativa; Used Toyota Camry 2007 Model as means of conveyance; 46 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each and 40 bags of rice of 25 kg each; 88 bales of second hands clothing; 4,200 liters of PMS and 525 liters of diesel; 37 kegs of vegetable oil, among others.
“The Duty Paid Value of the seized items is fifty-one million, four hundred and ninety-nine thousand, three hundred and fourteen naira (₦51,499,314).
“You may not fail to observe that notable among the seizures are cannabis sativa and hard drugs worth twenty-two million, one hundred and thirty-two thousand, seventy-seven naira (₦22, 132, 077) which will be handed over to NDLEA shortly after this briefing. The seizure of such drugs is in line with the vow we made during our previous press briefing that we are determined to rid Kebbi State of drug inflow and all items capable of causing harm to Nigerians.”
L-R: Nick Ankyoor, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Hyacinth Alia Support Foundation (HASUF); Victoria Abuka, Team Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Fidelity Bank Plc; Aondonaa Iorpuu James, Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA); Terwase Swande, Branch Leader, Fidelity Bank Plc, Makurdi; and Fidelis Msughter Unongo, Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Innovation Strategies, Special Duties, Development, Policy, and Planning; at the Fidelity Food Bank distribution at the Internally Displaced Persons Camp, Federal Housing Estate, North Bank, Benue State recently.
In its ongoing commitment to alleviate hunger among vulnerable individuals in society, Fidelity Plc, a prominent financial institution, has provided more than 1,200 food parcels to Internally Displaced Persons in Makurdi, located in Benue State.
This significant initiative took place on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at the IDP Camp within the Federal Housing Estate, North Bank, Benue State. The endeavor was accomplished through a collaborative effort involving the Hyacinth Alia Foundation and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BESEMA).
The Divisional Head of Brand and Communications at Fidelity Bank Plc, Meksley Nwagboh, noted during the event that the Fidelity Food Bank stands as a manifestation of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He added that the purpose behind this endeavor is to extend support to vulnerable individuals and mitigate the impact of hunger.
In his words, “The vision of the Bank is to reach out to the less privileged communities through our partner organisations who identify with these communities. In Benue State, we are partnering with the State Government through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
“So, as I speak with you over 24,000 Fidelity food packs have been distributed to communities across the country to help cushion the effect of hunger which has become a global issue” he stated.
Discussing the initiative, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Benue State on Innovation Strategies, Special Duties, Development, Policy, and Planning, Fidelis Unongo, lauded Fidelity Bank for their contribution.
He also urged internally displaced persons (IDPs) to remain patient, highlighting that the Governor is cognizant of their appeals and is actively working towards facilitating their return to their ancestral homes.
The Chairperson of the IDP Camp, Abraham Tar, expressed gratitude to Fidelity Bank for their generous donation. Speaking in the Tiv language, he pledged to oversee the equitable distribution of the donated items and appealed to donors to consider the health and well-being of the IDPs, particularly women and children.
Among the beneficiaries, namely Msurshima Kunde, Comfort Lorfa, and Terundu Shima, there was unanimous praise for Fidelity Bank’s thoughtful gesture. They also advocated for improved healthcare services within the camp, emphasizing the importance of enhanced access to quality medical care.
Officials from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have seized a total of 1,245 live rounds of ammunition, which were craftily concealed within 20 bags of foreign rice that had been intercepted.
The information was revealed during a press conference held earlier today by the Controller of the Commander Comptroller Bamidele Makinde, in Abeokuta.
The drivers, who were believed to have received advance information about the movements of our personnel, managed to flee through the nearby wooded area in an attempt to avoid being captured.
According to him, “On Friday, the 11th day of August, 2023, the Command received credible intelligence on a planned smuggling of prohibited items into the country from Republic of Benin, by unscrupulous elements. We swang into action by deploying our operatives on 24 hours surveillance to thwart their nefarious activities.
“At about 0024 hours on Friday, 12th August, 2023, the Roving B Team of the Command intercepted five old vehicles, (Toyota Camry with Chassis No. 4TIBG22KIWU312145, Toyota Camry with Chassis No. 4TIXK1263NU108237 and three Mazda 626 cars with Chassis Nos. JM2GD14H201568566, JMZGF14F201173029 and JMZGF14P20141862 respectively), loaded with 203 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each abandoned in a bush path at Tobolo Junction, close to an exit point to the Republic of Benin, and near Ijoun, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. The drivers who were suspected to have been hinted at the movement of our operatives, escaped through the bush of the said area, in order to evade arrest.
“During examination of the seized vehicles and the item, about 1,245 rounds of 70mm (2¾“) live ammunition of Lion, Trust, Supreme and Redstar branded cartridges were found to have been ingeniously concealed in 20 bags of the intercepted foreign rice. While considering the potential danger of ammunition of such magnitude if successfully smuggled in, we redouble our efforts to ensure they do not find their way into the country. It is a threat to safety of the border communities and national security. We are committed to ensuring maximum security of our border lines with all sense of patriotism.”
Makinde noted that the combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the confiscated ammunition and rice amounts to N17,638,145.00 adding that the items have been securely stored, awaiting subsequent actions as required.
He hinted that an investigation is ongoing to uncover the responsible cartel behind the attempted illegal transportation of these goods, with the intention of making arrests and pursuing legal prosecution.
(L to R) : Ayodeji Odesola, a representative of Activate Success International Tumi Onamade, Senior Manager, Participant Engagement & Programs, UN Global Compact Nigeria Network Shakiru Lawal, Country HR Manager, Nestlé Nigeria PLC Simbo Akinrosotu, Chief Youth Development Officer, Enterprise Development and Promotion Department, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Tayo Fadipe, Project Coordinator, White Field Foundation
A 34-year-old native of Oyo State in South-West Nigeria, Mustapha Fasasi, is brimming with enthusiasm about his recent accomplishment in mastering the art of solar panel installation for residences and small enterprises.
With a longstanding interest in solar and renewable energy, Mustapha wasted no time in enrolling for vocational skills training organized by the Alliance for Youth Nigeria as soon as he caught wind of it through a radio broadcast.
“The training proved to be an immensely rewarding journey for me. I’ve gained practical skills and knowledge that have equipped me to dive straight into solar panel installations and begin generating income to support both myself and my family. I’m eagerly looking ahead to continue developing personally until I reach expert status in this field,” he remarked.
Mustapha stands among the cohort of over 500 young individuals who have benefited from the vocational skills training held in Ibadan and Kano. Despite the immense potential that young people hold for fostering sustainable development, Nigeria contends with a disconcerting youth unemployment rate of 53.7%, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics. This underscores the urgency for innovative and hands-on interventions, including entrepreneurial education, to reverse this trajectory. The Alliance for Youth Nigeria has stepped up to address this pressing need, culminating in the recent completion of a vocational skills training initiative conducted in partnership with the Whitefield Foundation.
This comprehensive training, designed to furnish young people with the knowledge, skills, and self-assurance needed for self-sufficiency, spanned four distinct skill areas: solar panel installation, graphic design and social media management, beauty care encompassing makeup, aromatherapy, and massage, as well as web development and digital marketing. These skill sets were thoughtfully selected for their rapid entry into the market and their potential to make a substantial impact on the economy by swiftly opening avenues for decent income and improved livelihoods.
Launched in August 2021, the Alliance represents a collective endeavor of business-oriented organizations committed to collaborating in aiding young people across Nigeria in acquiring the essential proficiencies to excel in the world of work or to establish their own enterprises. High-flyers of the vocational skills training with the start-up packs provided by the Alliance to enable them commence their businesses (Picture from the Ibadan event)
Among the Alliance for Youth Nigeria’s members are prominent entities like Nestlé Nigeria, Jobberman Nigeria, Big Bottling Company, the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, and U-Connect HR Limited. They partner with key organizations such as the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, and Activate Success International.
These member and partner organizations have taken up the mantle of equipping young Nigerians with both employability skills and the entrepreneurial mindset, enabling them to secure meaningful employment or launch their entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, they have positioned themselves to invest in joint and individual projects that provide young Nigerians with valuable work experience, internships, readiness-for-work training, and mentorship opportunities. Their collective efforts are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 17, which respectively aim to foster sustainable economic growth, productive employment, and strong partnerships for global progress.
Over the past couple of years, the Alliance has empowered more than 16,000 young individuals through a combination of employability and entrepreneurial training, internships, and mentorship opportunities, all aimed at preparing them for the dynamic world of work and business.
In commemoration of the 2023 International Youth Day and the Alliance’s second anniversary, standout achievers from the vocational skills training programs in Ibadan and Kano were presented with startup kits to hasten the launch of their enterprises. Participants who excelled in graphics design and digital marketing received laptops, those from the beauty, massage, and aromatherapy training were equipped with makeup tools and massage beds, while top performers in solar panel installation training were awarded comprehensive toolkits for their chosen vocation.
According to Ahmed Alaga, President of the Alliance and Program Manager Partnerships, Jobberman Nigeria, “Young people are the engine for growth and development, a huge resource and great asset for national advancement. The Alliance for Youth Nigeria is committed to supporting young Nigerians with the skills, trainings and knowledge that will increase their chances of getting gainful employment opportunities or becoming entrepreneurs, unleashing their true potential.”
In his comments, Vice President of the Alliance and Country HR Manager, Nestlé Nigeria PLC, Shakiru Lawal, said, “Young people are central in building the nation we all desire. At Nestlé, we believe that communities cannot thrive if we fail to offer a future to them. This is why we are committed to working with stakeholders and like-minded organizations to help young people develop their skills so they can find jobs or create their own businesses. I am delighted that the trainees have acquired capacities and capabilities to make a difference, enhance opportunities for self-employment and economic productivity. To the exceptional trainees being provided with start-up kits today, I urge you to positively use these skills to make a living and serve your communities.”
Reacting, the Secretary of the Alliance and Senior Manager, Participant Engagement & Programmes, UN Global Compact Nigeria Network, Tumi Onamade, said, “Today we stand united in celebration of two impactful years of collaborative youth empowerment. At the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, we recognize that scaling up action and investing in the youth not only creates economic opportunities but also helps businesses grow and stay sustainable, echoing SDG 8: Decent work and Economic Growth. To the beneficiaries of the start-up kits, you are now empowered with skills and equipped with tools, embrace this opportunity to turn your dreams into thriving realities. Your journey starts now! As we commemorate the International Youth Day, we reaffirm our commitment to the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, fostering SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Our journey as an Alliance remains unwavering, bound by purpose and guided by the firm belief that by investing in youth today, we build a stronger tomorrow.”
In a statement, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Abubakar Ismail noted, “With the huge number of youth entering the labour market annually in Nigeria, and limited job opportunities in the formal sector, skills based entrepreneurship remains a viable option for economic empowerment, job creation especially in the small and medium enterprise sector, and improvement of the general standard of living. Globally, entrepreneurs have advanced development through innovations in all sectors. The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development is committed to the development of appropriate Policy Frameworks, such as the National Youth Policy which has employment and entrepreneurship as strategic thrusts and the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan, with priority focus on employability, entrepreneurship, employment creation equality and rights. We are delighted to be part of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria and will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to create opportunities for youth development.”
Expressing his delight on behalf of his colleagues, Mustapha Fasisi said, “Thanks to the facilitators, the training is of huge benefit to us as it was very easy to understand and implement. We are deeply grateful to the Alliance for investing in upskilling young people and further awarding those of us who excelled at the training with start-up kits.
We promise to maximally deploy the skills and tools to commence our businesses”.
Mariya Ahmad Jibrin, who took part in the Kano training under the graphics design category, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Alliance. She credited the transformative training for endowing her with the skills to craft impactful designs. She also highlighted the laptop provided as part of her start-up kit, emphasizing its immeasurable value as a crucial pillar of support for her business venture.
The commitment of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria lies in the continual investment in enhancing the capabilities of young individuals. The goal is to equip them with appropriate skills and valuable experiences within our rapidly evolving world, paving the way for a more promising future.
Nigeria boasts one of the world’s most substantial youth populations, with 70% of its citizens under the age of 30. (L to R) : Ayodeji Odesola, a representative of Activate Success International Tumi Onamade, Senior Manager, Participant Engagement & Programs, UN Global Compact Nigeria Network Shakiru Lawal, Country HR Manager, Nestlé Nigeria PLC Simbo Akinrosotu, Chief Youth Development Officer, Enterprise Development and Promotion Department, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Tayo Fadipe, Project Coordinator, White Field Foundation
This demographic presents a remarkable opportunity for both development and growth on a national scale.
Each year, on August 12th, the International Youth Day serves as a platform for governments, international and national entities, as well as other stakeholders, to bring attention to global youth-related matters.
The focus extends to areas such as health, education, and employment, all while celebrating the immense potential of young individuals as invaluable partners in today’s interconnected global community. High-flyers of the vocational skills training with the start-up packs provided by the Alliance to enable them commence their businesses (Picture from the Ibadan event)
The central theme for this year’s commemoration is “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.”
In a remarkable three-year span from 2020 to 2023, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has propelled the nation’s maritime sector into global prominence through the ratification of six crucial international conventions.
Spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Dr. Bashir Yusuf Jamoh, NIMASA has not only accelerated Nigeria’s journey toward a robust blue economy but has also set a high standard for maritime potential utilization to ensure economic sustainability and growth.
Under Jamoh’s strategic guidance, Nigeria has earned widespread recognition for its proactive efforts in the maritime domain. It’s imperative to underline that these accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without the steadfast legal foundations provided by both domestic legislation and international conventions, to which Nigeria has committed itself. The country has conscientiously ratified six pivotal international maritime conventions, encompassing various facets such as training standards, certification protocols, pollution control, and passenger luggage carriage by sea.
The conventions ratified include the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships 2009, International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch-keeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F) 1995, Protocol Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties (Intervention Protocol) 1973, Protocol on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC) 1996, Protocol to the 1974 Athens Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea 2002, and Protocol of 2005 to the 1988 Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms located on the Continental Shelf (SUA PROT 2005).
During this transformative triennial period, NIMASA has also successfully concluded the review of 49 regulations established under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2007. These regulations are tailored to safeguard the interests of indigenous maritime professionals and investors, offering them priority in various opportunities within the sector.
In tandem with its commitment to bridging operational gaps between maritime and other sectors, NIMASA has facilitated unprecedented interagency collaboration with federal government-owned bodies. The agency has inked Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with key entities such as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), signifying its dedication to holistic development.
Furthermore, NIMASA’s drive for global maritime excellence has led to groundbreaking MoUs with 16 countries, focusing on the recognition of Certificate of Competency (CoC) and the training of seafarers. This initiative aims to foster international employment opportunities for Nigerian CoC holders while contributing to the global challenge of seafarer shortage.
In the realm of certification, NIMASA’s innovative approach has automated the registration process for Shipping Company/Agents, ensuring greater integrity through QR code-embedded certificates, effectively eliminating the specter of counterfeit documentation.
NIMASA’s commitment to education extends to the legal sphere as well, with the agency successfully hosting the Annual Nigerian Admiralty Law Colloquium in collaboration with the Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for consecutive years. This initiative aims to enhance judicial officers’ capacity to handle admiralty cases effectively.
One of NIMASA’s most notable achievements is the instrumental role it played in the implementation of the Suppression of Piracy and Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, 2019. This landmark legislation has significantly bolstered security in trading routes across the Gulf of Guinea, leading to the successful prosecution of several piracy-related cases. The SPOMO Act has garnered global attention for its comprehensive legal framework and successful outcomes, inspiring maritime administrations worldwide to consider its model for tackling piracy.
Renowned figures in the global maritime community, including Kitack Lim, Secretary of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and Dr. Paul Adalikwu, Secretary General of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), have applauded Nigeria’s SPOMO Act, recommending its adoption to other African nations.
In sum, NIMASA’s dynamic leadership, steered by Dr. Jamoh and his adept team, has transformed the agency into a beacon of progress, leveraging the power of the law to augment Nigeria’s maritime industry and contribute substantially to the nation’s economic prosperity.
Nigeria Limited, a company registered in Nigeria, has taken on the responsibility of relocating the Modular Floating Dock belonging to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The dock is being moved from the Naval Dockyard to the Dolphine Jetty at the NPA Dockyard, which was previously known as the Continental Shipyard.
In discussions held this week, Mr. Danny Fuchs engaged with NIMASA’s management to delve into the intricacies of the relocation process.
The Modular Floating Dock will find its new home at the Dolphine Jetty, a site leased to the Agency by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Emphasizing their dedication, Danny conveyed the commitment of Melsmore Marine Nigeria Limited to successfully execute the project of relocating the Modular Floating Dock.
“Our job is to move the Modular Floating Dock from the present location to the waterfront of the Dolphine Jetty at Apapa. THSD SEA LION which occupied the leased area at the water front have vacated the jetty now. We have a commercial understanding with NIMASA on how to execute this project. We have submitted a feasibility study taking note of the Mooring system required to anchor the Modular Floating Dock at the Dolphine Jetty. The Mooring System supplied by the Manufacturers of the Modular Floating Dock is made up of two steel piles of 36 meters Length, 2 meters in Diameter and a weight of roughly 48 Tonnes each. These massive piles need to be driven about 20 meters into the Seabed. We will bring our expertise to bear in carrying out this project. We also hope to invite the manufacturers, Damen Shipyard to join forces in achieving this relocation project. We will work with Damen Shipyard to ensure the Modular Floating Dock is Seaworthy before the relocation. This is to Commission the Modular Floating Dock before relocation”. He said.
When speaking to Melsmore officials, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, highlighted the importance of reevaluating the action plan based on current circumstances.
He stressed the inclusion of specific achievable goals, as well as clearly defined timelines and key performance indicators.
“Nigerians eagerly await the deployment of the Modular Floating Dock. This is a national asset, which has potentials to boost maritime trade, create jobs, develop skills, by providing training avenues to various maritime training institutions in Nigeria, while also attracting foreign investment and preventing capital flight, thereby generating revenue. We hope to have students from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria and the Maritime University Okerenkoko amongst other maritime institutions come for practical time”, the DG said.
