MARITIME - NOGSpeed - Energy-Affair

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has stated that his ministry is fostering collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and is fully committed to promoting partnerships with industry players, driving innovation, and championing sustainability.
Oyetola made this statement during his opening address at the Stakeholders Sensitization Workshop on Deep Seabed Activities in Nigeria, held on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, “Government-private sector partnerships are vital to unlocking the maritime sector’s full potential,” emphasizing that effectively harnessing the vast potential of the nation’s marine resources is a crucial step in diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
He stated that the transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a mineral-based one presents opportunities for Nigeria to leverage its marine resources, particularly wave and tidal energy, to generate clean energy. Henoted that this shift could significantly contribute to the nation’s energy needs.
“Nigeria’s establishment of a full-fledged Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 demonstrates our commitment to diversifying our economy and capitalizing on the global surge in deep-sea exploration. As a major oil-producing country with an extensive coastline and inland waterways, we cannot afford to lag in this new frontier,” said Oyetola.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, explained that the workshop aimed to raise awareness among key stakeholders in the sector about the significance of deep seabed exploration and exploitation.
On his part, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the Agency in collaboration with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and relevant MDAs, will ensure Nigeria’s compliance with global standards.
Speaking on the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, Dr. Mobereola noted that the need to amend the Act to reflect relevant provisions of the ISA’s model of legislation on exploration and exploitation could not be overemphasized. He acknowledged the commitment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA to ensuring the full implementation of relevant legislative frameworks for the sustainable use of the marine environment and safety standards.
“We remain committed to ensuring that relevant legislative frameworks on the sustainable use of the Marine Environment and Safety standards are fully implemented,” he said.
Representatives of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), National Border Commission (NBC), International Seabed Authority, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, among others attended the workshop.

The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has reaffirmed his commitment to staff development, to boost productivity and revenue generation.
Dr. Dantsoho gave this assurance when he received the leaders of the Senior Staff Association of Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) and hte Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, (MWUN), led by the President General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju.
The MD who expressed appreciation for the visit, emphasized the need ot position the NPA ot perform its role ni trade facilitation efficiently, saying that with the right communication and dialogue, ‘we wil get there soon’.
He assured them of his determination to further strengthen the organisational culture of the NPA for the good of all.
He called for continued collaboration and harmony from the two house unions.
nI his remarks at the occasion, the President General, Comrade Adeyanju congratulated Dr. Dantsoho on his appointment while calling on the MD ot look into the issues of staff welfare and remuneration.
He expressed confidence ni the abilities of Dr. Dantsoho to bring about the desired improvements in the authority and the maritime sector.
Earlier, the president of the SSASCGOC Comrade Akinola Bodunde while congratulating the MD on his appointment pledged ot support management ot achieve the growth and improved welfare of the workforce.
nI the same vein, Comrade Ifeanyi Mazeli, the president of the MWUN, NPA Branch expressed the union’s commitment towards promoting dialogue and enhancing growth in the Nigerian Port Sector.
The meeting had ni attendance the Executive Director Finance and Administration Mrs Vivian Richard-Edet, Executive Director Marine and Operations, Engr. Olalekan Badmus and other Management staff of NPA.

The Managing Director, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, Mr. John Jenkins, has raised concerns over the delay of port concession renewal in Nigeria.
Port & Cargo terminal is one of the port operators waiting on the government for the renewal of their port concession which expired a few years ago.
According to him, the delay has destabilised Ports and Cargo’s operations, caused uncertainty among customers, and hindered potential new business opportunities.
Jenkins said this during a courtesy visit by Bashir Ambi Mohammed, Head, Complaints Unit, Nigerian Shippers’ Council to the company in Lagos. He lamented that the renewal process of the concession has been stalled since the contract expired in 2021, despite meeting all the necessary terms for a new contract renewal.
He said: “Ports & Cargo remains one of the leading terminal operators in Nigeria with our record of exceptional service delivery, trade facilitation, many jobs created, and diverse social responsibility footprints across the country. This delay in our concession renewal has tremendously affected our terminal, as our customers are worried about the future of their operations here. Without a new concession in place, they are hesitant to enter into long-term agreements, which is not good for our business.”
Mohammed, who said the objective of the visit was to familiarise with the operators in the sector and explore ways of cooperation, lauded the terminal for its impact and contributions to the growth of the industry in particular and the nation at large.
He emphasized that one of the key objectives of the Council was to ensure that service providers, consumers, and other stakeholders in the shipping sector experience prompt and fair resolution of complaints.
“We are committed to adding value to the nation’s economy through effective regulation and collaboration with service providers,” he said.
He noted the complaint about the concession renewal, adding that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as the industry economic regulator, will use its influence to expedite the approval process.