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Story by Dili Utomi.
The Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria held its 2025 conference on Friday at the main hall of Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja with a theme: Maritime Development: Training, Ports Efficiency and Shipping Imperatives.
Various government agencies were on hand to present papers that define their roles and suggest the way forward for better efficiency within the Maritime sector of the Nigerian economy.
<img src=”https://greatalternativenetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG-20250630-WA00253-241×300.jpg” alt=”” width=”241″ height=”300″ class=”size-medium wp-image-5756″ /> Ad
Mr. Mutiu Olayiwola represented the managing director of the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed and also served as the chairman of the ocassion. In his paper presentation on behalf of the MD, Mr. Olayiwola noted that capacity development is key to navigating Industry fragments. He also underscored the urgent need for maritime training and capacity development to keep pace with rapidly evolving global regulations that are reshaping the maritime industry.
His keynote address was titled The Evolving Global Maritime Regulatory Environment – The Role of Maritime Training and Capacity Development,” the NSML man painted a broad picture of a sector in transition. He stated that global shipping is not just the lifeblood of trade but a dynamic ecosystem now confronting unprecedented regulatory shifts designed to address climate change, automation, and the rights of seafarers.
<img src=”https://greatalternativenetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot_2025-07-09-16-19-41-94_c37d74246d9c81aa0bb824b57eaf70622-207×300.jpg” alt=”” width=”207″ height=”300″ class=”size-medium wp-image-5850″ /> Ad
Cruciallly, the NSML MD argued that changes demand a workforce that is agile, educated, and globally competitive. He noted that without robust training and continuous capacity development, compliance, safety, and operational efficiency could be compromised, putting both lives and assets at risk.
The representative of the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council was Mr. Ibrahim Kermashe, he looked at why a standard regulatory framework is essential for Nigeria’s Maritime sector growth while presenting his paper titled ‘Ensuring Standard Regulatory Framework: What Strategies and Options?’
He stressed the importance of working port system by referencing the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2022 that, “A standard regulatory framework is not just a technical necessity—it is an economic imperative. Where regulation is smart and efficient, trade flows. Where it is not, trade chokes”. He said.
His words “Currently, over eight federal agencies, including the NSC, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), perform overlapping regulatory functions at ports. This fragmentation has created significant compliance challenges, with 49% of port delays reportedly caused by multiple inspections and lack of agency coordination”.
Mr. Kermashe added that “With the right strategies, harmonised policies, digitisation, stakeholder inclusiveness, and performance-driven regulation, the NSC can lead the transformation of Nigeria’s maritime regulatory architecture,” the Council affirmed.
The managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho was represented by Mrs. Hadiza Usman-Shuaibu who itemised some of the most recent efforts at bringing better efficiency to ports operations in Nigeria.
The principal manager, corporate and strategic communications of NPA noted that “It is no longer story that Nigerian Ports Authority plays a pivotal role in facilitating Maritime Trade in Nigeria by aligning with the international best practices. In ensuring our mandate, the management led by Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has since Commenced the finalisation of documentation and commencement of actual works on the $1billion worth construction of the aged Tincan Island Port Complext and the comprehensive rehabilitation of Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri and Calabar Port Complexes to assure their infrastructural integrity”
“So also, the Authority has taken steps towards the Port capacity expansion through the operationalisation of new Ports and advancement of green port development. This include the development of the snake island Port in addition to the Badagry DEEP SEAport, Ondo Deep Seaport and Burutu Ports which are at various stages of progress under the technical guidance of the Nigerian Ports Authority. Also, is the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window are been aggressively implemented”.
Mrs. Usman-Shuaibu added that one of the most notable achievements of the Authority in 2024 was the substantial increase in cargo Throughput. Cargo traffic surged by 45.1%, rising from 71,213,197 metric tons in 2023 to 103,336,863 metric tons in 2024. This increase she said reflects heightened trade activities and improved operations efficiencies.
<img src=”https://greatalternativenetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG-20250719-WA0017-300×225.jpg” alt=”” width=”300″ height=”225″ class=”size-medium wp-image-5948″ /> A cross section of participants after they have been given awards at the event.
On her part, the public relations officer of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Domo Umoekpa who represented the acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonma noted in her paper presentation noted that “Because human capacity is the bedrock of maritime development, our quality policy statement is tailored towards ensuring a steady supply of competent, globally competitive maritime professionals for Nigeria and beyond”.
She enunciated the various ways of ensuring the development of efficient human capacity such as Modern Maritime Training, World-Class Training Facilities, Industry Collaborations and Partnerships, Enabling Learning Environment, Capacity Building for other MTIs and Competent Instructors as being crucial for the overall capacity building.
The various participants did agree that while a lot is being done to improve on efficiency in order to make optimal use of all resources, they were also of the opinion that a lot more needs to be done to fully tap into the potentials within the sector.
For advertisement and more information, please contact us 08027590195, 08035721540 or email us at greatalternativenigltd@gmail.com, diliutomi1@gmail.com. or send us messages on x @dn_utomi or on Instagram @utomidili
Story by Dili Utomi.
The Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria held its 2025 conference on Friday at the main hall of Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja with a theme: Maritime Development: Training, Ports Efficiency and Shipping Imperatives.
Various government agencies were on hand to present papers that define their roles and suggest the way forward for better efficiency within the Maritime sector of the Nigerian economy.
<img src=”https://greatalternativenetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG-20250630-WA00253-241×300.jpg” alt=”” width=”241″ height=”300″ class=”size-medium wp-image-5756″ /> Ad
Mr. Mutiu Olayiwola represented the managing director of the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed and also served as the chairman of the ocassion. In his paper presentation on behalf of the MD, Mr. Olayiwola noted that capacity development is key to navigating Industry fragments. He also underscored the urgent need for maritime training and capacity development to keep pace with rapidly evolving global regulations that are reshaping the maritime industry.
His keynote address was titled The Evolving Global Maritime Regulatory Environment – The Role of Maritime Training and Capacity Development,” the NSML man painted a broad picture of a sector in transition. He stated that global shipping is not just the lifeblood of trade but a dynamic ecosystem now confronting unprecedented regulatory shifts designed to address climate change, automation, and the rights of seafarers.
<img src=”https://greatalternativenetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot_2025-07-09-16-19-41-94_c37d74246d9c81aa0bb824b57eaf70622-207×300.jpg” alt=”” width=”207″ height=”300″ class=”size-medium wp-image-5850″ /> Ad
Cruciallly, the NSML MD argued that changes demand a workforce that is agile, educated, and globally competitive. He noted that without robust training and continuous capacity development, compliance, safety, and operational efficiency could be compromised, putting both lives and assets at risk.
The representative of the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council was Mr. Ibrahim Kermashe, he looked at why a standard regulatory framework is essential for Nigeria’s Maritime sector growth while presenting his paper titled ‘Ensuring Standard Regulatory Framework: What Strategies and Options?’
He stressed the importance of working port system by referencing the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2022 that, “A standard regulatory framework is not just a technical necessity—it is an economic imperative. Where regulation is smart and efficient, trade flows. Where it is not, trade chokes”. He said.
His words “Currently, over eight federal agencies, including the NSC, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), perform overlapping regulatory functions at ports. This fragmentation has created significant compliance challenges, with 49% of port delays reportedly caused by multiple inspections and lack of agency coordination”.
Mr. Kermashe added that “With the right strategies, harmonised policies, digitisation, stakeholder inclusiveness, and performance-driven regulation, the NSC can lead the transformation of Nigeria’s maritime regulatory architecture,” the Council affirmed.
The managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho was represented by Mrs. Hadiza Usman-Shuaibu who itemised some of the most recent efforts at bringing better efficiency to ports operations in Nigeria.
The principal manager, corporate and strategic communications of NPA noted that “It is no longer story that Nigerian Ports Authority plays a pivotal role in facilitating Maritime Trade in Nigeria by aligning with the international best practices. In ensuring our mandate, the management led by Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has since Commenced the finalisation of documentation and commencement of actual works on the $1billion worth construction of the aged Tincan Island Port Complext and the comprehensive rehabilitation of Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri and Calabar Port Complexes to assure their infrastructural integrity”
“So also, the Authority has taken steps towards the Port capacity expansion through the operationalisation of new Ports and advancement of green port development. This include the development of the snake island Port in addition to the Badagry DEEP SEAport, Ondo Deep Seaport and Burutu Ports which are at various stages of progress under the technical guidance of the Nigerian Ports Authority. Also, is the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window are been aggressively implemented”.
Mrs. Usman-Shuaibu added that one of the most notable achievements of the Authority in 2024 was the substantial increase in cargo Throughput. Cargo traffic surged by 45.1%, rising from 71,213,197 metric tons in 2023 to 103,336,863 metric tons in 2024. This increase she said reflects heightened trade activities and improved operations efficiencies.
<img src=”https://greatalternativenetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG-20250719-WA0017-300×225.jpg” alt=”” width=”300″ height=”225″ class=”size-medium wp-image-5948″ /> A cross section of participants after they have been given awards at the event.
On her part, the public relations officer of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Domo Umoekpa who represented the acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonma noted in her paper presentation noted that “Because human capacity is the bedrock of maritime development, our quality policy statement is tailored towards ensuring a steady supply of competent, globally competitive maritime professionals for Nigeria and beyond”.
She enunciated the various ways of ensuring the development of efficient human capacity such as Modern Maritime Training, World-Class Training Facilities, Industry Collaborations and Partnerships, Enabling Learning Environment, Capacity Building for other MTIs and Competent Instructors as being crucial for the overall capacity building.
The various participants did agree that while a lot is being done to improve on efficiency in order to make optimal use of all resources, they were also of the opinion that a lot more needs to be done to fully tap into the potentials within the sector.
For advertisement and more information, please contact us 08027590195, 08035721540 or email us at greatalternativenigltd@gmail.com, diliutomi1@gmail.com. or send us messages on x @dn_utomi or on Instagram @utomidili
