All posts by 08037461954

Appointment

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Lagos, July 29, 2022 (NAN) The Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has approved the appointment of three new Directors.

The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, made this known in a statement in Lagos on Friday.

The new directors are Mr Otonye Obom, Captain Sunday Umoren and Mr Kazir Musa.

Jamoh said the directors were promoted along with 18 Deputy Directors and 20 Assistant Directors.

He added that 431 other staff were elevated to their next grade levels.

Jamoh stated that their promotions were ratified at a meeting of the Governing Board of the Agency held at the NIMASA headquarters in Lagos.

Jamoh also congratulated the promoted members of staff and charged them to remain committed to the Agency’s vision of making Nigeria great through sustainable harnessing of its huge maritime potential.

“Congratulations to the 472 staff of the Agency whose promotions have been ratified by the NIMASA Governing Board.

“It is my expectation that this development will serve as a morale booster as you collectively rededicate yourselves to the delivery of our core mandates”.

“We remain dedicated to ensuring staff welfare is at the forefront in order to encourage the hard work and dedication that our staff are known for is maintained and built upon going forward.

“Suffice to say that the promotional exercise was rigorous to ensure our high standards are maintained,” he said.

Jamoh said that the management would continue to ensure that staff promotions were conducted as duly as part of its commitment to human capacity development in the Agency.

He said that such promotions would also ensure positive contributions to the nation’s economic diversification drive.

“The Governing Board enjoined the newly promoted staff to be more dedicated to their duties, as promotions come with added responsibilities,” he said.

The promotion is the third under the Jamoh-led management since he assumed office in March 2020. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Buhari approves Lekki Deep Seaport for commercial operations

Port

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Lagos, July 29, 2022 (NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the designation of Lekki Deep Seaport as a Customs Port and Approved Wharf.

This is contained in the official Twitter handle of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Friday.

It stated that the Managing Director, Mr Mohammed Bello-Kokoin, in a letter through the Ministry of Transportation, secured the approval for the port to be gazetted in line with extant laws.

With the approval and level of preparedness, the port is set for berthing commercial vessels before year-end. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Nick Nicholas/Ejike Obeta

Fake drugs: Customs destroy 8 containers, 40 more to go

Customs

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Lagos, July 28, 2022 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Thursday, destroyed eight containers of fake pharmaceutical drugs imported into the country through the nation’s seaports.

The Assistant Comptroller General, Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, Usman Dankingari, said the eight are part of the 48 meant for destruction over the next few days.

He made this known at the waste destruction site of the State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), in Epe, Lagos State.

Dankingari led the customs delegation in company with Comptroller Malanta Yusuf, Apapa Area Controller and the national spokesman of the service, DC Timi Bomodi.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) were also represented during the destruction of the items

According to Dankingari, the unregulated drugs like the ones being destroyed were fueling banditry, kidnapping and insecurity in the country.

“These type of drugs fuel banditry, armed robbery, terrorism and insecurity in the country, and the reason the Federal Government, through the Customs and NAFDAC, regularly mop up these drugs from circulation.

“It is on the basis of this that the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), mandated us to come and destroy these illicit drugs in collaboration with other government agencies.

“For today, we are destroying eight containers of these drugs. In total, we have 48 containers of drugs that will be destroyed in the coming days.

“These drugs came into the country as import units but were seized after examination revealed that they are substandard and fake, don’t have expiry or manufacturing date, didn’t pass though NAFDAC regulation and have everything written on them in foreign languages that Nigerians won’t be able to read,”” he said.

He said that among the drugs destroyed are Tramadol in various brands, Diclofenac, Codeine and all sorts of analgesic drugs that were not certified for consumption by NAFDAC.

Also speaking, an assistant director, Enforcement and Investigation Directorate, NAFDAC, Mr Kunle Ojo, explained that all the drugs earmarked for destruction did not pass through NAFDAC regulatory process.

“All these drugs have not passed through NAFDAC regulatory processes and thus are fake drugs.

“Therefore, since we cannot certify that they were properly registered by NAFDAC, we cannot guaranty their genuineness.

“We want to thank the Customs for not letting these substandard drugs to get into the market because they can cause a lot of health hazards to the unsuspecting public.

“It can cause health hazards like Cancer, liver problem, kidney problem and so many more,” he said.

Also, Yusuf said that the drugs flout section 46 and 47 of the Customs Excise Management Act (CEMA), and therefore are liable to seizure.

“To ensure they don’t get into the society, we are destroying them all, 48 containers in number.

“Before the end of the week, we should be done with the destruction process,” Yusuf said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

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Ships

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Lagos, July 27, 2022 (NAN) The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Wednesday said seven ships that had arrived the ports were waiting to berth with petroleum products and others.

NPA, in its ”Daily Shipping Position”, listed the products waiting to berth as: bulk gypsum, bulk fertilizer, petrol and container.

It said that another 17 ships at the ports were discharging bulk wheat, frozen fish, general cargo, steel products, container, bulk sugar, base oil, petrol and bulk urea.

Meanwhile, 23 other ships also laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods were expected from July 27 to Aug. 5.

The authority said that the ships were expected to arrive at the Lagos Port Complex.

It indicated that the ships contain general cargo, bulk salt, bulk gypsum, bulk sugar, bulk urea, container, frozen fish, bulk wheat, bulk steam coal, petrol and automobile gasoline. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Operations

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Lagos, July 27, 2022 (NAN) The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has urged the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) to consider the Nigerian Flag as first option for its vessels.

The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, made the appeal in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Jamoh said this during a courtesy visit by the management of the NLNG led by the Managing Director, Dr Philip Mshelbila, to NIMASA.

He added that both organisations agreed to set up a working committee meeting regularly to ensure improved relationship.

According to him, a better working relationship between NIMASA and the NLNG will greatly enhance operations in the maritime sector of the country.

He assured the NLNG management that NIMASA would extend the already existing working relationship the Agency had with the NLNG Ship Management Ltd. (NSML) to the parent body.

“This is a new beginning; our focus should be what is best for Nigeria and not just for the NLNG or NIMASA,” he said.

While commending the NLNG for providing platforms for Sea time to train Nigerian seafarers, Jamoh noted that the Agency was committed to attaining best global practice to ensure global recognition of certificates issued by Nigeria.

“We are working to ensure that the Certificates of Competency issued by the Nigerian Maritime Administration are of international standard, and this will make it easy for the NLNG and other international organisations to accept them,” Jamoh said.

He said that the Agency needed the NLNG to boost the nations tonnage.

“NIMASA needs the NLNG, we desire to have vessels of the NLNG fly the Nigerian flag, just imagine that vessels of the NLNG are on the Nigerian Registry, our tonnage will increase exponentially, the Nigerian flag will earn much more respect globally and we will get better recognition,” he said.

Responding, Mshelbila said that the management of the NLNG was committed to the deliberate indigenisation of the human component of its operation.

He added that they were ready to partner NIMASA to enhance safety and security of lives and assets in the Nigerian maritime domain.

He noted that they were on the same page with NIMASA in terms of capacity development and the quest to ensure Nigeria attains internationally acceptable standards in the maritime sector.

“We at NLNG have realised that for us to fulfill one of our key vision elements, which is helping to build a better Nigeria, it is important for us to work with all our stakeholders including NIMASA.

“We are aware that NIMASA and our subsidiary, NMSL are working hand in hand for the progress of this country and we desire that same spirit of partnership and collaboration should be extended to the NLNG.

“I believe that for the NLNG to fulfill its mission as a business it needs to partner with NIMASA,” he said.

Mshelbila said that they had various training programmes, and working closely with NIMASA, being explored by the NMSL to provide sea time training for seafarers had enabled the seafarer to fulfill their qualifications and get certifications.

He expressed appreciation to NIMASA for the active management of the activities in the Gulf of Guinea through the Deep Blue Project which was instrumental in attaining the success. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Students
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, July 27, 2022 (NAN) Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group, has urged graduating students of Babcock University in Ogun to adopt solution-oriented mindset to help them attain success.

Afolabi gave the advice in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday.

He also identified courage, self-belief and determination as some of the factors necessary in achieving success.

Afolabi said this at an interactive session with the 2022 graduating students of the Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State.

The chairman who was represented by Mr Bode Ojeniyi, Group Executive Director, SIFAX Group, advised the students not to be deterred or intimidated by challenges that life would throw their way.

“Challenges are part of life and it is practically impossible to avoid them. You can’t avoid challenges if your ultimate goal is to succeed, either in career, marriage or business.

“You need to believe in yourself because you are endowed with all you require to excel. You must also take self-development seriously.

“Don’t be comfortable with the level of knowledge you have; Keep seeking for more. The more you know, the more likely you are to succeed,” he said.

Afolabi said that having a solution-oriented mindset was also critical.

According to him, when you encounter a difficulty or problem, ability to generate solutions, rather than lamentations, set people apart.

“When you are reputed for this kind of thinking, achieving success will be easier, as colleagues, bosses and clients would trust you more and avail you greater responsibilities that will account for your rise,” he said.

Afolabi commended the university authorities for organising the event where the graduating students interacted with successful professionals and captains of industries.

Other speakers at the event include, Mr Kunle Elebute, Chairman, KPMG Africa; Dr Babatunde Ipaye, former Consultant, World Bank; Dr (Mrs) Abimbola Abolarinwa of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital; Prof. Pat Utomi and Mr Ademola Adebise, Managing Director, Wema Bank, amongst others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

Security

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Lagos, July 26, 2022 (NAN) The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has inaugurated the Expert Level Planning Team (ELPT) to draft the National Maritime Security Strategy (NMSS) to sustain the Agency’s successes in the fight against piracy.

The Director-General, NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Jamoh also commended the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for its technical support to Nigeria by assigning facilitators to assist the country.

According to him, maritime security will always be of priority concern to the Agency.

He noted that it was the bedrock and guarantee of every meaningful shipping enterprise.

Jamoh said the strategy would become the culmination of all the various efforts, initiatives, partnerships the Agency started out under its “Triple S” of Maritime Security, Safety and Shipping Development.

“There can be no doubt, to the fact, that maritime security is the bedrock and guarantee of every meaningful shipping enterprise.

“From the crew, to cargo, to carrier, to the coast and quayside, there must be security all the way for confidence to drive shipping economics.

“Maritime security has always been and will continue to remain a priority. You are all aware of the current successes achieved in ensuring maritime security within the nation’s maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), as a whole.

“Specifically, the GoG region is experiencing an unprecedented decline in piracy incidents over the past three decades,” he said.

He noted that the International Maritime Bureau recently confirmed that piracy in the Gulf of Guinea had declined for real.

“This is a fact that we can all be proud of. Also, this is the product of concerted efforts of the Agency in collaboration with other relevant government bodies.

“The government bodies are the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army, the Department of State Security (DSS), and several other state and non-state actors and stakeholders having security responsibilities,” he said.

Jamoh said that NIMASA was mindful of the dynamic nature of maritime security threats; hence the need to take deliberate steps to ensure sustainability of its achievements

This, he said, would be through the establishment of a coordinated, whole-of-government approach in dealing with issues of maritime security.

“I am, therefore, hopeful that by the end of this programme, not only will you be trained as Maritime Security Professionals (MSPs), you will also be equipped with the requisite skills to offer similar training on behalf of the Agency to individuals who intend to carry out specific maritime security functions.

“The ELPT is to develop a blueprint of the National Maritime Security Strategy (NMSS). This will serve as the basis for your determination of the members of the cross government Working Group (WG) that will execute subsequent steps of this drafting process,” he said.

Jamoh thanked the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the technical assistance through Mr Philip Heyl and Retired Rear Admiral O.C Medani of the Nigerian Navy facilitating the sessions.

He added that the IMO’s unflinching assistance had enabled the Agency to develop a workable, multi-phase plan, which it was currently executing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Angela Okisor/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Award

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Lagos, July 26, 2022 (NAN) The Maritime and Offshore Award (The OMIS) is set to honour organisations and professionals who have distinguished themselves in the maritime sector.

The Chief Executive Officer of the OMIS, Mr Femi Da-silva, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Da-silva said that the organisations were nominated by industry players due to their exemplary commitment to the progress of the sector.

“The commitment is via staff/manpower investment, community service, technology innovation, and other notable investments while impacting the environment positively.

“They all deserve to be honoured to serve as an impetus for others to make sacrificial investments and impact in the maritime sector,” he said.

He said that organisations shortlisted in different categories for the Maritime and Offshore Award (The OMIS) 2022 were Samsung Heavy Industries (SHIN), Starzs Investment, SIFAX Group and NLNG Ship Management Ltd (NLSM).

Da-silva said that others were Integrated Oil and Gas, Brisktrade, Comet Shipping, APM Terminals, OnePort365, Trucks Transit Parks Ltd., Lloyd’s Register and Nigerian Navy.

“Organisations in the various corporate categories of the award are Niger Dock, Shipside Dry Ltd., Bureau Veritas, American Bureau of Shipping, BW Offshore, Diolits Marine Services, MEDLOG Transport & Logistics, Ocean Deep Services Ltd, LTT Coastal & Marine Services Ltd.

“Also among are ENL Consortium, Niger Benue Transport Company Ltd, ECM Terminals, Charkin Maritime Academy, KOBO360, Peak Shipping Agency, Bricks Limited, Lead Way Assurance, AIICO General Insurance, NEM Insurance, Allianz Nigeria Insurance,” he said.

Da-silva noted that individuals nominated for the award are eminent maritime executives and professionals including Former Managing Director, Nigerian Port Authority, Adebayo Sarumi; Former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho; Chairman, Starzs Investment, Greg Ogbeifun.

Others he listed as President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, Mrs Olufunke Agbor, SAN; Chief Executive Officer, LADOL, Dr Amy Jadesimi; National President, Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG) Nigeria, Dr Oladunni Owo.

A former Director-General of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Mrs Ify Akerele, also a member of the Panel of Judges for the Award, expressed excitement over the growing visibility of the impact made in the maritime sector.

“The award is part of all our collective achievement in the sector as it inspires more commitment to best practice, so I encourage all to support the initiative,” she said.

The OMIS Award aims to serve as a catalyst for the continued development of the sector through the appreciation of the most silent but incredible work that is being done by stakeholders.

It aims to highlight innovations and achievements in the field as well as raise awareness and beam the searchlight on important issues that do not always get the attention they deserve, and subsequently promote further improvement.

The award will hold on Sept. 24 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

24 ships with petrol, other items expected at Lagos port

Port

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Lagos, July 26, 2022 (NAN) The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Tuesday said that 24 ships with petrol and other items were expected at Lagos port complex over the next one week.

It said that the other items include  bulk wheat, general cargo, bulk sugar, container, bulk steam coal, frozen fish, bulk gypsum, bulk salt, bulk urea, steel products and bulk fertilizer.

The NPA, in its daily Shipping Position, said that the ships were expected to arrive at the Lagos Port Complex from July 26 to Aug. 3.

It said that another four ships waiting to berth contained bulk gypsum and petrol.

The publication indicated that 17 other ships were discharging bulk wheat, frozen fish, bulk sugar, container, petrol, general cargo, base oil and bulk urea. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle