Maritimegistplus

The Central Naval Command on TUESDAY 2 December 2025 flagged off Exercise EBI‑TORU, (Sea Protection) in Ijaw  a large‑scale inter‑agency maritime security exercise aimed at sharpening Nigeria’s response to piracy, crude oil theft, smuggling, and other threats within the nation’s maritime domain. ‎ ‎ In his address at the flag‑off ceremony, the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim underscored the economic imperative of securing Nigeria’s waters, noting that the maritime sector handles the bulk of the country’s trillion Naira international trade. ‎ ‎“The maritime domain remains the lifeblood of our economy,” he stated. “Yet, we face evolving threats including illegal fishing, armed trafficking, drug smuggling, and sea robbery. Exercises like EBI‑TORU allow us to identify gaps, close vulnerabilities, and validate our operational readiness.” ‎ ‎ The drill  involved ships, Helicopter, Gunbooats and personnel from the Nigerian Navy alongsi...

The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP) has congratulated the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, on Nigeria’s historic election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium. ‎ ‎This remarkable victory, recorded on Friday, 28th November 2025, marks Nigeria’s triumphant return to the IMO Council after 14 years, signaling a renewed global confidence in the nation’s maritime sector and a resounding affirmation of its strategic re-emergence under the Tinubu administration. ‎ ‎CONMMEP commended Dr. Oyetola for his visionary leadership, diplomatic dexterity and unwavering commitment, which steered Nigeria’s robust campaign across continents. His over twelve months of sustained engagements, targeted diplomacy and consistent advocacy were pivotal to this achievement that now restores Nigeria to its rightful place among leading maritime nations ‎ ‎Dr Oy...

The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Monday, 1st December 2025, held a colourful and well-attended send forth ceremony in honour of Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, E J Edelduok, following her recent appointment into the management team of the Service. ‎ ‎The event, according to a Press Release issued by the command's Public Relations Officer,  Chief Superintendent of Customs     CSC VU Ogagbo r, took place at the Command Headquarters in Kirikiri drew dignitaries including senior Customs officers, representatives of sister agencies, key stakeholders in the maritime industry, as well as friends and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate a transformational leader. ‎ ‎In her welcome remarks, Deputy Comptroller Adedokun described the celebrant as a disciplined administrator, a thorough professional and a leader who leaves behind a legacy of improved operational efficiency and strengthened stakeholder collaboration wit...

The Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Borno State. ‎ ‎The victims, aged between 15 and 20, were kidnapped on 23 November while harvesting crops on their family farmlands and were freed on Saturday, 29 November, following a swift, intelligence-led operation by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the southern Borno axis. ‎ ‎The rescued girls have been evacuated to a secure military facility where they are receiving comprehensive medical care, psychological support and debriefing. Upon completion of these processes, they will be formally reunited with their families. Their recovery has brought immense relief to the community, which had been gripped by fear following the abduction. ‎ ‎ The rescued victims include Fatima Shaibu (17), Fatima Umaru (15), Hauwa Abubakar (18), Saliha Muhammed (15), Sadiya Umaru (17), Amira Babel (15), Zara Adamu (17), Nana Shaibu (15), Zai...

The Army Council on Thursday, 27th November 2025 approved the promotion of senior officers of the Nigerian Army to the next ranks of Major General and Brigadier General. ‎ ‎According to the approval, a total of 28 Brigadier Generals were elevated to the rank of Major General, while 77 Colonels have were also promoted  to the rank of Brigadier General. ‎ ‎Those promoted to the rank of Major General, according to a press release issued by the Acting Director Army Public Relations , Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele. includes, Brig Gen O Adegbe of the Defence Intelligence Agency, Brig Gen SM Uba, the Director, Defence Information, Brig Gen RE Hedima, the Acting Chief of Military  Intelligence Army and Brig Gen RT Utsaha, the Deputy Director, Defence Operations. Also promoted to the rank of Major General are Brig Gen AM Umar, Commandant, Warrant Officer Academy, Brig Gen S Sulaiman, the Deputy Military Secretary (Army),  Brig Gen IO Bassey, Director, Nigerian Army Op...

Comptroller Godwin Otunla has taken over the mantle of leadership of Murtala Muhammed Airport Command (MMAC) as  the Customs Area Controller  promising to uphold the highest professional standards at the command ‎ ‎Comptroller Otunla took over on Thursday, 27 November 2025 from Comptroller Michael Awe, who retired after meritorious service to the Nigeria Customs Service and his father land ‎ ‎ Otunla in his inaugural address,  described the retired Compt. Awe as an excellent officer with high standards of discipline, who according to him has left a significant legacy at the command in ‎ ‎He pledged to continue on the legacy left behind by focusing on trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling. In his words, "I am committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service delivery he left behind. Together, we shall raise the bar of performance and institutional integrity". ‎ ‎In his valedictory remarks, Comptroller...

‎ ‎From left: Executive Secretary/CEO, NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, MON, receiving a plaque from the chairman, NBA Badagry Branch, Lawal Rashidi during the event in Lagos. ‎ ‎ The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, has been honoured by the Badagry branch (Heritage Bar). Of the Nigerian Bar Association. ‎ ‎The recognition was conferred on him during the 10th Law Week and public presentation of the Heritage Bar Journal, held in Lagos. ‎ ‎The event, with the theme: “Judicial Reputation: Challenges and Solutions,” focused on addressing key issues affecting the credibility and effectiveness of Nigeria’s judicial system. ‎ ‎In his remarks, Dr. Akutah expressed deep gratitude for the honour, he noted  that the recognition, though unexpected, reflects the value of dedication to duty. He acknowledged the privilege as an act of God and emphasized that he does not take it for granted. ‎ ‎He urged members of the public, especially those ...

‎ The European Union-International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (EU-IIDEA), together with key stakeholders, has urged an urgent review of Nigeria’s Social Development Act (SDA), warning that the country cannot achieve inclusive growth or adequately protect vulnerable groups under the current fragmented framework. ‎ ‎The call took place during the National SDA Summit, organised by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA) and funded by the European Union under its CSOs-Bridge Strengthening Project in Abuja. ‎ ‎Originally conceptualised in the 1970s and enacted in 2004, the Social Development Act serves as Nigeria’s central framework for coordinated and inclusive social development. However, stakeholders argue that it no longer accurately reflects the nation’s realities. ‎ ‎Delivering the keynote address, Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender and Social Development, Hon. Valentina Enih, said, “The Act is older than ma...

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has been honoured with the Corporate Leadership Award as the “Most Outstanding Maritime Agency in Efficiency and Transparency in Nigerian Ports”. ‎ ‎This award, which validates the Council's resolve to promote efficiency, transparency and inclusiveness within the nation’s port ecosystem was bestowed on the agency at the Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame Induction and the 2nd International Women’s Leadership Summit, held recently in Abuja. The event was themed “Fostering Sustainability, Women and Leadership with Technologies.” ‎ ‎ ‎ The Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah MON, who was represented by Mr. Moses Abere, the Director, Special Duties  led a high‑level delegation from the Nigeria Shippers Council to the event. ‎ ‎ Delivering a paper titled “Technology, Women and Shipping Regulation in a Smart Port Regime,” Mr. Abere conveyed the Executive Secretary’s message that Nigeria is at a pivotal moment in its maritime develop...