FG BEGINS ONLINE VERIFICATION OF ACADEMIC CERTIFICATE, ENDS PHYSICAL VISITS TO EDUCATION MINISTRY

FG BEGINS ONLINE VERIFICATION OF ACADEMIC CERTIFICATE, ENDS PHYSICAL VISITS TO EDUCATION MINISTRY 

DR MARUF ALAUSA, HON. MINISTER OF EDUCATION 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Federal Ministry of Education has  ended the physical automation of academic credentials and started online evaluation and authentication of the same, eliminating the need for applicants to visit the Ministry physically.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, said the initiative is a major step in the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Under the new system, applicants can complete the entire credential evaluation and authentication process online through the Ministry’s dedicated platform. The reform is designed to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, accelerate processing, improve transparency and provide more convenient services to Nigerians and applicants within and outside the country.

According to the press statement made available to the public by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, Dr. Alausa explained that the initiative will strengthen the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s academic certification system while enabling institutions, employers and other stakeholders to verify qualifications through a more structured and reliable process.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to using technology to modernise education governance, improve institutional efficiency and deliver citizen-centred services.

Applicants are advised to use the official credential evaluation and authentication platform at essverify.education.gov.ng and direct enquiries to ess1@education.gov.ng.

SIFAX Shipping Unveils New Office Complex to Boost Service Delivery

SIFAX Shipping Unveils New Office Complex to Boost Service Delivery

LR: Deputy Comptroller, Customs, A A Omini;  Managing Director, SIFAX Shipping, Okota Terminal, Mr Kayode Kolade; Group Coordinating Director, SIFAX Group, Mrs Wunmi Eniola-Jegede; and the Deputy Director, Strategy and Operations, SIFAX Group, Mr Oliver Omajuwa, during the commissioning of SIFAX Shipping Okota Terminal 1's Office Complex in Lagos yesterday.

Bisi Akingbade 

SIFAX Shipping Bonded Terminal has commissioned a new office complex at its operational base on Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos, in a move aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving service delivery.

The newly commissioned facility will accommodate staff and officials of government agencies operating at the terminal, including the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others.

The commissioning ceremony, which was held at the terminal premises, brought together senior executives of SIFAX Group, maritime industry stakeholders, and representatives of various regulatory agencies. The facility was officially commissioned by Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, Group Coordinating Director, on behalf of the Executive Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi.

In his address, Afolabi commended the project team, contractors, consultants, and management for delivering the edifice within a remarkable timeframe, adding that the ultimate objective of the project was to improve service delivery.

"As we celebrate this achievement, the true value of this building will not be measured by its appearance, but by what we accomplish within its walls. I charge everyone who will work here to make this facility a centre of excellence, one characterized by professionalism, innovation, teamwork, accountability, and exceptional customer service, which is what SIFAX Group is known for."

In his welcome address, the Terminal’s Managing Director, Mr. Kayode Kolade, attributed the successful completion of the project to careful planning, strategic investments by the board, and the joint dedication of all relevant stakeholders.

"As we commission this building today, our focus goes beyond this beautiful facility we see. we are looking forward to what this new environment will enable us to achieve - better service delivery, greater productivity, stronger collaboration and new opportunities for growth."

Several stakeholders that attended the event include Deputy Controller O.A. Omini, who lead the Nigerian Customs Service delegation, and Mr. Wale Cole, Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), clearing agents and management staff of SIFAX Group across different subsidiaries.

Afolabi: Transform Nigeria’s Indigenous Knowledge into Global Creative Power, Economic Values

Afolabi: Transform Nigeria’s Indigenous Knowledge into Global Creative Power, Economic Values

Bisi Akingbade 

Dr. Taiwo Afolabi has called for increased investment, collaboration and professionalisation of Nigeria’s creative industry, stressing the need to transform Africa’s indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage into sustainable sources of innovation, economic value and opportunities for future generations.

Afolabi made the call at the 39th International Conference and 40th Annual General Meeting of the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA), held at Lead City University, Ibadan, where he served as Chairman of the Occasion.

The conference was themed, “African Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Performance, Film and Sustainable Futures.”

Dr. Afolabi TAIWO, who was represented by the Group Head, Corporate Communications,Olumuyiwa Akande, described Nigeria’s indigenous knowledge, preserved over generations through storytelling, music, dance, drama, festivals, proverbs and other cultural expressions, as a significant but largely underutilised national asset.

According to him, theatre and film play a critical role in preserving and repositioning this heritage for contemporary audiences. 

“The real opportunity before us is to transform indigenous knowledge into contemporary cultural and economic value.” 

He challenged creative professionals, scholars, government, businesses and cultural institutions to explore how indigenous stories can inspire globally competitive theatre productions and films. At the same time, technology can document knowledge that has traditionally existed largely through oral transmission. 

Afolabi noted that Nigeria’s creative industry has significant potential to drive economic development, employment, tourism, cultural diplomacy and the country’s global reputation, citing the international success of African music as evidence of what can be achieved when local creativity is professionally packaged for global audiences. 

He stressed, however, that achieving similar global influence in theatre, film and indigenous cultural expressions would require sustained investment, professionalisation, collaboration and a deliberate commitment to quality. 

He also called for stronger partnerships among government, the private sector, academia, creative professionals and cultural institutions, noting that businesses could contribute beyond sponsorship through investment, technology, capacity building and platforms that enable creative entrepreneurs to thrive. 

He urged participants to ensure the conference produces practical ideas, partnerships, and recommendations that can influence policy and strengthen Nigeria’s creative ecosystem. 

“Let this conference be a bridge between our rich cultural past and the sustainable future we desire,” he said, adding that indigenous knowledge should be viewed not merely as a memory of Africa’s past, but as a resource for determining its future. 

Afolabi further emphasised the importance of authenticity and responsible storytelling, urging African creatives to tell their stories in their own voices while avoiding stereotypes and presenting the continent’s diversity, ingenuity and cultural richness to global audiences. 

The highlight of the event was the Grand Excellence in Leadership Award in honour of  Dr. Afolabi Taiwo for recognition of his leadership and contributions to developing the creative industry.

APM Terminals Backs Badagry Deep-Seaport, Signs MoU for Nigeria’s New Maritime Gateway

APM Terminals Backs Badagry Deep-Seaport, Signs MoU for Nigeria’s New Maritime Gateway

*CAPTION*

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola (right) with Denmark’s Minister for Business and Competitiveness, Martin Lidegaard, during a bilateral meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Monday.

Bisi Akingbade 

The Group Chief Executive Officer of A.P. Moller-Maersk, (APM Terminals),  Vincent Clerc and Managing Director of Badagry Port Development Limited and Quinn McGrath Marine and Environmental Services Limited, Didi Ndiomu has jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU,

to explore the development of the proposed Badagry Deep-Seaport, in a major boost to Nigeria’s efforts to expand its maritime infrastructure and attract long-term private-sector investment. 

The agreement was signed during a Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to Denmark to deepen maritime cooperation and promote investment opportunities in Nigeria’s port sector.

According to the press release issued by the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister,  Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, highlighted that the MoU which was signed in Copenhagen on Monday, September 7, 2026, represents a significant step towards advancing the greenfield Badagry Port project. The proposed deep-seaport is expected to increase Nigeria’s deepwater capacity, accommodate larger container vessels and create new transshipment opportunities, further strengthening the country’s position as a major trade and logistics hub in West Africa.

The agreement commits the parties to exclusive negotiations to explore the development of Badagry Port, with APM Terminals expressing its commitment to carrying forward the project. 

The development formed part of broader engagements during Oyetola’s visit to Denmark, where the minister and his delegation held discussions with senior representatives of the Danish government and the wider Danish maritime sector. 

Oyetola said the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for long-term private-sector investment in the sector. 

"Our engagement in Denmark underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlocking the full potential of our blue economy. Partnering with global terminal operators like APM Terminals to explore strategic greenfield developments such as the Badagry Port is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s premier trade and logistics hub,” Oyetola said. 

As part of the engagement with APM Terminals, the parties also discussed the extension of the company’s port concessions at the Lagos Port Complex Apapa and the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Onne.  

The proposed Badagry project is expected to complement existing port infrastructure by providing a new deepwater gateway capable of handling larger vessels and supporting increased cargo volumes. 

APM Terminals said the development could be transformational for Nigeria’s role in West African trade, particularly by creating significant new opportunities for transshipment. 

“APM Terminals is keen to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and position as a trade hub in West Africa. We believe further investing long-term in our concessions in Apapa and Onne helps doing that, and we were pleased to have a constructive dialogue about this today. Additionally, developing Badagry as a greenfield project will further ease congestions in city ports and further open new opportunities,” Managing Director, Africa & Europe, APM Terminals, part of the A.P. Moller–Maersk Group, Igor van den Essen, said. 

APM Terminals also welcomed the Nigerian government’s ambition to expand trade, attract investment and strengthen the country’s position as a leading maritime gateway in West Africa.

He said, “APM Terminals is encouraged by the Nigerian government's ambition to expand trade, attract investment, and strengthen the country's position as a leading maritime gateway in West Africa, and we are proud to play a part in that ambition. We strongly believe that public-private partnerships help us deliver results that support growth because they drive long-term investment, a better business environment and, thereby, competitiveness in a rapidly developing market,” Igor van den Essen said. 

Managing Director of Badagry Port Development Limited, Didi Ndiomu, described the proposed investment as the beginning of a new phase in Nigeria’s maritime development. 

“Investing in maritime infrastructure and especially in Badagry as a greenfield port project together with APM Terminals is the beginning of Nigeria becoming the true maritime capital of sub-Saharan Africa in full alignment with the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambitious maritime growth strategy,” Ndiomu said.  

The proposed Badagry Deep-Seaport is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s port network by enabling larger container vessels to call at the country, while supporting greater supply-chain resilience and opening new trade opportunities. 

The project will also enhance Nigeria’s capacity to serve as a regional transshipment hub, allowing cargo destined for other West and Central African markets to be handled through a strategically located deepwater facility. 

Oyetola Separates Port Regulation from Operations, Transfers Inland Dry Ports to NPA

Bisi Akingbade 

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has directed the transfer of the inland dry port (IDP) functions of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in a move aimed at creating a clear separation between port economic regulation, development and operations. 

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the Minister also directed the immediate constitution of a ministerial committee to oversee the transition of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council into the newly established Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the NPERA Act, 2026. 

Lagos APC Women Leaders Strategise for 2027 Campaign, Mobilise Support for Tinubu, Hamzat

Bisi Akingbade 

Lagos State APC women leaders and chieftains have commenced strategic preparations and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with a renewed commitment to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party’s candidates.

The strategic campaign meeting, held at the PBAT/KOH Campaign Office on Sobo Arobiodu Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, brought together prominent APC women leaders and chieftains, including Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, Senator Akinbuli, Mrs. Orelope, Mrs. Akerele, Amd. Dr. Adegbenro Salewa Abisoye, Director General, TAG ALLIANCE and other party stakeholders.

The meeting focused on developing effective campaign strategies, strengthening grassroots structures and ensuring greater coordination and mobilisation across Lagos State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Participants emphasised the importance of unity, teamwork and a well-organised grassroots network in advancing the party’s political agenda and securing electoral support for President Tinubu and KOH.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for the women leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the success of the APC and to strengthening the party’s presence at the grassroots.

The participants expressed optimism about the 2027 campaign, pledging to remain united, strategic and committed to achieving the party’s objectives in Lagos State.

Oyetola Presents Three-Year Scorecard, Says Blue Economy Undergoing Far-Reaching Transformation

MINISTER OF MARINE AND BLUE ECONOMY, DR. ADEGBOYEGA OYETOLA

Biai Akingbade

... Sector revenues surge 160% to ₦1.83 trillion as Nigeria adopts first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, says Nigeria’s maritime sector has undergone a far-reaching transformation in the three years since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu established the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in August 2023.

Oyetola said the Ministry had moved swiftly to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways, positioning the marine and blue economy as a major driver of revenue, trade, security and job creation.

In the press release issued by the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Bolaji Akinola,  indicated that the Minister while presenting the Ministry’s three-year scorecard, said the reform programme had delivered measurable gains across revenue generation, port infrastructure, maritime security, regulation, indigenous shipping, human-capital development, fisheries and inland-waterway safety.

“At the heart of our mandate is a simple but powerful objective: to turn Nigeria’s vast marine resources into sustainable economic value for Nigerians,” Oyetola said.

According to the Minister, one of the clearest indicators of the progress recorded is the unprecedented growth in revenues generated by agencies under the Ministry.

The agencies generated ₦1.83 trillion in 2025, representing a 160 per cent increase over the ₦700.79 billion recorded in 2023.

Oyetola attributed the growth to regulatory reforms, stronger revenue assurance, digitisation and the systematic closure of financial leakages.

He said the improvement in revenue performance was part of a broader effort to build a more transparent, efficient and investment-friendly maritime economy.

A New Policy Framework for the Blue Economy

A major milestone in the reform programme was the approval, in May 2025, of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy. 

Oyetola said the policy marked an important departure from the fragmented approach that had characterised the management of Nigeria’s maritime resources over the years by establishing a unified framework for shipping, fisheries, offshore energy, marine biotechnology and other emerging opportunities.

“This policy gives us a clear roadmap. It provides the predictability and transparency investors need while ensuring that our marine resources are developed sustainably,” he said.

The Minister said the policy was designed to guide government intervention and provide greater certainty for private-sector investment across the marine and blue economy value chain. 

Modernising Nigeria’s Ports

The Minister said port modernisation has remained at the centre of the Ministry’s transformation agenda.

According to him, the Federal Government had embarked on a comprehensive programme to upgrade Nigeria’s major seaports, covering Apapa, Tin Can Island, Onne, Rivers, Calabar and Warri.

The programme includes channel improvements, modern cargo-handling infrastructure and increased digitisation of terminal operations, with the objective of improving efficiency and positioning Nigerian ports to handle larger volumes of international trade.

The reforms have also attracted international recognition.

The World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence ranked Tin Can Island Port 10th and the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, 12th among the world’s 20 most improved container ports between 2020 and 2025.

Oyetola said the Government had also made significant progress in addressing the long-standing congestion around the Apapa port environment through the electronic truck call-up system, dedicated holding bays and expanded inland barging.

The acquisition of modern tugboats, pilot cutters and dredging equipment by the Nigerian Ports Authority, he added, had further strengthened port operations.

“We have moved from managing congestion to building a port system that can compete globally,” Oyetola said.

He said the Federal Government is also pursuing a broader expansion of port capacity through deep-seaport projects in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Ondo, Lagos and Rivers states.

The Minister also said that the operationalisation of Inland Dry Ports, including the Funtua Inland Dry Port in Katsina State, is similarly intended to bring cargo-handling and clearance services closer to businesses in the hinterland and reduce the pressure on coastal gateways. 

Strengthening Regulation and Protecting Port Users 

Oyetola said regulatory reforms had also produced tangible benefits for businesses operating within the maritime sector.

The new Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Authority (NPERA) framework, he said, will strengthen economic regulation of the port sector, while interventions through the Ministry and its agencies had saved port users more than ₦86 billion in unjustified demurrage.

He also said that nearly 300 commercial disputes have also been resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution. 

Oyetola said the Ministry has further introduced measures aimed at eliminating unauthorised shipping charges and strengthening freight and foreign-exchange verification in an effort to reduce leakages and curb capital flight.

He said the reforms were intended to create a maritime business environment in which legitimate operators could compete on a level playing field while protecting Nigerian businesses from avoidable costs.

Maritime Security Gains

The improvement in port efficiency has been accompanied by progress in maritime security.

Nigeria, according to Oyetola, has maintained zero piracy in its territorial waters for four consecutive years, supported by maritime security assets procured and deployed under the Deep Blue Project.

He said the achievement had helped eliminate costly piracy-related surcharges on vessels calling at Nigerian ports while reinforcing the country’s reputation as a safer maritime corridor.

The Minister said the security gains had also strengthened Nigeria’s standing within the international maritime community.

In November 2025, Nigeria regained its seat on the International Maritime Organization’s Category C Council after a 14-year absence.

Through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria also secured the lifting of the 12-year United States Coast Guard Condition of Entry restrictions affecting vessels arriving from Nigerian ports.

“These achievements demonstrate that Nigeria is not only reforming its maritime sector at home; we are reclaiming our rightful voice and influence internationally,” Oyetola said. 

Expanding Indigenous Participation

Oyetola also said that the Ministry remains committed to prioritising the development of indigenous shipping capacity.

He said plans are at an advanced stage to revive a national shipping carrier through a public-private partnership, while the long-awaited process for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) has commenced to enable Nigerian shipowners to acquire modern vessels.

“We cannot build a truly blue economy if Nigerians remain spectators in their own maritime industry,” he said.

He said human capital development has similarly received increased attention.

The Minister said seafarer training and sea-time placements have expanded opportunities for Nigerians seeking careers in the maritime industry. 

Oyetola said the interventions had contributed to an increase of more than 80 per cent in average seafarer earnings. 

He said the Ministry, through the Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency, also facilitated a ₦200,000 monthly minimum wage for maritime and shipping workers. 

Taking the Blue Economy Beyond the Ports

The Ministry’s agenda extends beyond shipping and port operations to fisheries, inland waterways, marine safety and environmental sustainability.

Oyetola said the Ministry supported the Federal Government’s Naira-for-Crude policy by streamlining marine logistics for domestic refineries.

On inland waterways, safety interventions have included the distribution of thousands of lifejackets and plans to replace unsafe wooden boats with modern fibreglass vessels.

The fisheries sector has also recorded growth, with fish production reaching 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025, according to the Minister.

Nigeria also achieved 100 per cent compliance with Turtle Excluder Device requirements among inspected commercial shrimp trawlers, helping to safeguard marine biodiversity and protect access to international markets.

The measures, Oyetola said, reflect the Ministry’s broader approach of treating economic development and environmental sustainability as complementary objectives. 

Digitising the Sector and Unlocking New Institutions

Institutional reform has also formed part of the Ministry’s three-year programme.

The Ministry has digitised its internal operations through an Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) as part of efforts to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability, according to the Minister. 

Oyetola also said the Ministry helped resolve a 16-year impasse that paved the way for the operationalisation of the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB) in Nigeria.

The development, he said, would strengthen access to financing for projects and businesses across the maritime value chain.

Foundation for the Next Phase

For Oyetola, the achievements recorded over the past three years represent the foundation for a much larger economic opportunity.

The objective, he said, is to build a maritime ecosystem in which efficient ports support trade, stronger security attracts shipping, Nigerian businesses capture a greater share of the maritime value chain, coastal and inland communities benefit from new economic opportunities, and marine resources are developed sustainably.

He said the combination of rising revenues, a new national policy framework, port modernisation, stronger maritime security, improved regulation, investments in human capital and renewed international engagement had placed Nigeria’s marine and blue economy on a stronger trajectory.

“The blue economy is no longer an untapped frontier. It is becoming a major engine of national prosperity, regional competitiveness and sustainable growth,” Oyetola said.

Oyetola Moves to Boost Nigeria’s Fish Production, Inaugurates Technical Committee

*CAPTION* 

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola (middle) with members of the Technical Committee on Accelerating Fish Production in Nigeria during the inauguration of the committer in Abuja on Thursday.

... Says recommendations must be realistic, evidence-based and financially responsible, while delivering tangible gains in fish production, job creation and food security.

Bisi Akingbade 

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has moved to translate recommendations on boosting fish production in Nigeria into concrete action, with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, inaugurating a technical committee to drive implementation.

Oyetola, who inaugurated the "Technical Committee on Accelerating Fish Production in Nigeria" in Abuja on Thursday, said the initiative was aimed at moving beyond policy recommendations to coordinated action capable of delivering measurable improvements in the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

He said fish remained a critical source of animal protein for millions of Nigerians, while the fisheries and aquaculture value chain provided livelihoods through production, processing, marketing, transportation and other related services.

"Fish is an important source of animal protein for millions of Nigerians. The fisheries and aquaculture sector sustains livelihoods across production, processing, marketing, transportation and related services. However, domestic production remains substantially below national demand, with consequences for food security, household incomes and foreign-exchange resources," he said. 

Oyetola identified high production costs, particularly the cost of feed, inadequate access to quality fish seed and broodstock, weak fish-health and biosecurity systems, post-harvest losses and insufficient cold-chain and storage infrastructure among the major challenges confronting the sector.

He also cited limited access to affordable finance, gaps in research and innovation, weak data systems, as well as inadequate standards, traceability and market development as constraints that must be urgently addressed.

According to the Minister, "The transfer of fisheries and aquaculture functions to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has provided a stronger institutional platform for addressing these challenges as part of Nigeria’s broader blue-economy development." 

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to increasing sustainable domestic fish production, strengthening the fisheries value chain and progressively reducing Nigeria’s dependence on fish imports.

The Minister recalled that the ministry, in collaboration with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), convened a strategic roundtable on October 29, 2025 on accelerating fish production in Nigeria, which produced recommendations aimed at addressing production and value-chain constraints. 

He said the newly inaugurated committee had been constituted to rigorously assess those recommendations and turn validated proposals into a practical, prioritised implementation roadmap.

“Your assignment is not to develop another policy or establish a parallel programme,” Oyetola told members of the committee, stressing that the report of the roundtable must be assessed against the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, relevant laws, existing government programmes and the statutory mandates of relevant institutions.

He charged the committee to scrutinise every recommendation and determine whether it should be adopted, refined, integrated into existing frameworks, subjected to further study or set aside as unviable.

The committee is also expected to map existing initiatives across the public, private and development sectors to strengthen proven strategies and prevent duplication in the deployment of scarce resources. 

"Your final output should include a clear implementation roadmap and matrix setting out the priority interventions, responsible institutions, timelines, indicative costs, funding options, performance indicators and required approvals. It should also identify credible opportunities for private-sector investment, public-private partnerships, development finance and other sustainable funding arrangements," he said. 

The minister urged members of the technical committee, drawn from government, academia, professional bodies, research institutions and industry, to approach the assignment with urgency, objectivity and a strong focus on results.

He said their recommendations must be realistic, evidence-based and financially responsible, while delivering tangible gains in fish production, job creation and food security.

Oyetola assured the committee of the ministry’s institutional support and expressed confidence that its work would provide a practical pathway for accelerating growth in Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. 

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and Chairman of the committee, Mrs Fatima Sugra Mahmood, assured that the committee would approach its mandate with a strong sense of responsibility, ensuring that the recommendations of the roundtable would be thoroughly reviewed and translated into practical interventions capable of delivering measurable results.

She said the committee would work closely with relevant government institutions, researchers, industry stakeholders and development partners to identify priority actions, address existing gaps and develop a realistic implementation roadmap to accelerate sustainable fish production, strengthen the fisheries value chain and contribute to Nigeria’s food security and economic development.

A member of the committee, Prof Akintola Shehu Latunji, Professor of Fisheries at Lagos State University, who spoke on behalf of other members, thanked the Minister for inaugurating the committee. He said the committee would work with relevant stakeholders to deliver its mandate and catalyse fish production across the country. 

Members of the committee include the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Sugra Mahmood, who serves as Chairman; Mr. Omoragbon Wellington, Director, Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Abuja; Mr. Garba Usman, Director, Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Lagos Office; Prof Ayo Omotayo, Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies; Prof Sule Abiodun, Executive Director, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research; Prof Akintola Shehu Latunji of Lagos State University; and Prof Sadiku Suleiman Omeiza of the Federal University of Technology, Minna.

Others are Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy; Dr. Charles Okaga, Technical Assistant to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Dr. Ebinimi Ansa, President, Fisheries Society of Nigeria; Mr. Onoja Sunday, President, Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria; Mr. Mashi Gabriel Sani, President, Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria; Mr. Remi Ahmed, President, Tilapia Development Association of Nigeria; and Dr. Charles Iyangbe, Country Representative, WorldFish Nigeria.

The committee has eight weeks to submit its report. 

NIMASA STRENGTHENS ENFORCEMENT OF CABOTAGE COMPLIANCE

Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA,  has announced enhanced enforcement of the statutory requirements for indigenous participation in Nigeria’s Cabotage trade and maritime activities.

This disclosure was contained in a marine notice issued pursuant to the Agency’s statutory mandate of implementing applicable laws including the NIMASA Act 2007 and the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, in addition to the Cabotage regulations and implementing guidelines.

Under the enhanced enforcement regime, all persons and entities requiring vessels for Cabotage operations are required to use vessels that meet applicable Nigerian ownership, registration, manning and construction requirements and are duly registered in the Special Register for Vessels and Ship Owning Companies Engaged in Cabotage.

The Agency further requires all vessels, owners, operators, charterers, managers and other stakeholders engaged in Cabotage activities to maintain valid statutory certificates, licenses, registrations and other required documentation.

According to the press release issued by the Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, Osagie Edward, FNIPR, indicated that Cabotage vessels must, as applicable, be wholly owned by Nigerian citizens, duly registered in the relevant Special Register, manned by Nigerian citizens and built in Nigeria. Deployment of vessels that do not meet these requirements may only be considered where the requisite Nigerian capacity is unavailable and the statutory conditions have been established and verified by NIMASA.

The Agency will continue to monitor compliance with the Cabotage Act, its regulations and applicable guidelines, in a bid to entrench maritime governance and ensure that jobs meant for Nigerians are not outsourced.

The Marine Notice, which takes immediate effect further reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to promoting indigenous participation in local and international shipping trade, developing local maritime capacity and ensuring that Cabotage operations contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s maritime and economic development.

Customs Partners WCO, UK International Development on Corruption Risk Mapping, SOPs

Customs Partners WCO, UK International Development on Corruption Risk Mapping, SOPs

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the United Kingdom International Development, is strengthening its internal anti-corruption framework through a workshop focused on corruption risk analysis, risk mapping, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

During the closing ceremony on Friday 21 August 2026 at NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, said the mission under the WCO is an important step in strengthening institutional growth, integrity, and corruption risk management. He further stated that the exercise has nothing to do with fault-finding or apportioning blame; rather, it allowed the system to look at itself, identify weaknesses, and develop sustainable solutions. 

According to the CGC, the assessment was designed to cover key Customs processes, including regulatory and administrative procedures, clearance processes, inspection and examination, enforcement and compliance, procurement and human resource management. "The purpose of what we have therefore been doing with our partners was to identify such areas of vulnerabilities, assess the associated risk and develop practical measures to mitigate them," he stated.

The CGC affirmed that the Service will continue to support measures that strengthen transparency, accountability, internal controls, process simplification, and the use of technology to reduce unnecessary discretion. "A customs administration that is transparent, that is predictable and accountable, is better positioned to facilitate legitimate trade, improve compliance, and enhance public confidence," he noted.

The World Customs Organisation Lead Technical Expert, Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, Arman Zhalitov, while commending the CGC for its continued support, urged the working group to champion endorsement of the workshop outcomes, which include a comprehensive action plan outlining clear steps to advance trade facilitation and strengthen the anti-corruption agenda.

Also speaking, David Tanenbaum, the WCO Programme Manager for the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, outlined achievements in AEO, post-clearance audit, and the time-release study, noting that integrity does not exist in a vacuum. 

He said the achievements demonstrate that the partnership is delivering tangible institutional and operational results. "Our work continues to bring us closer to a systematic, preventive approach to identifying and managing corruption risks within customs operations," he said.