Maritimegistplus

...Reaffirms Commitment to Blue Economy Growth ‎ ‎ ‎ The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, yesterday Thursday 16 April 2026, commissioned the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) Multipurpose Building at the University of Lagos, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy through sustained investment in human capital and infrastructure. ‎ ‎The facility, donated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is equipped with modern lecture rooms, laboratories, and specialised facilities to support teaching, research, and innovation in the maritime sector. ‎ According to a press release signed by Dr. Bolaji Akintola, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Oyetola described the project as a milestone, saying the initiative reflects the government’s resolve to strengthen institutional capacity and position the blue economy as a key driver of national prosperity. ‎ “The future of the...

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has attributed the transformation of the nation’s maritime sector to the impact of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola and the federal government reforms. ‎ This was as Dantsoho assured investors that Nigeria has the capacity to dominate Africa’s blue economy, citing ongoing federal government reforms and increased private sector participation as critical drivers of transformation in the maritime sector. ‎ ‎Dantsoho gave the assurance while speaking at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, where he stressed that Nigeria’s port system would play a pivotal role in unlocking strategic investments and accelerating economic growth. ‎ ‎He noted that the country must urgently refocus its economic priorities toward fully harnessing its vast marine resources in line with global sustainability goals. ‎ ‎“The time has come for a paradigm shift...

OYO/OSUN CUSTOMS CONTROLLER VISITS INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC, ILESA ‎ ‎As part of sustained efforts to strengthen collaboration with excise factories and key stakeholders, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Moses Adewole, On Tuesday 14 April 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the International Breweries Plc plant in Ilesa, Osun State. ‎ ‎ ‎According to a press release issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, ASC1 Abdulmalik Akintola , during the visit, the Acting Area Controller emphasized the importance of compliance with extant excise laws and regulations, noting that adherence is critical to revenue generation and the national economic stability. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring strict enforcement of government fiscal policies. ‎ ‎ The visiting Area Controller commended International Breweries Plc for its contributions to the economy, parti...

‎L-R: Regional Bank Head, Southwest 1, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Folaranmi Jemirin; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Ogun State, Hon. Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo; Head, Women Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Harriba Harry-Pepple; Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) Board Chairman, Ogun State, Hon. Oluwaseyi Oyekan; and one of the beneficiaries at Fidelity Bank’s donation of vocational tools to women at the “Give Her Power” Initiative in Abeokuta, Ogun State, recently. ‎ In a bold demonstration of its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has extended its recently launched “Give Her Power” initiative to Ogun State, as it  empowered 100 women with vocational tools designed to strengthen their economic independence and boost household income. ‎ ‎The outreach is part of the Bank’s nationwide rollout of the initiative, which was unveiled earlier in March during the signing of strategic Me...

As part of efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in public financial management, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a capacity-building programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation. ‎ ‎The training, held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel on Monday, 13 April 2026, brought together senior Customs officers, technology experts and representatives of legislative oversight committees. ‎ ‎ The participation of lawmakers and Customs officials reflects growing collaboration between the Service and the National Assembly to strengthen accountability and adopt modern technological solutions in public administration. ‎ ‎Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the Service remains committed to improving transparency in public accounting by adopting innovative technologies. ‎ ‎“We are united in our resolve to ensure transparency in public accounting. T...

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) convened a crucial meeting with shipping companies, freight forwarders, importers, and exporters, emphasizing the need for comprehensive stakeholder engagement before the implementation of the proposed tariff increment by shipping companies. ‎ ‎Speaking at the one-day stakeholders’ forum on the proposed increment, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON said the earlier suspension of the tariff implementation in March 2026 was a deliberate move to allow for broader consultations across the maritime value chain. ‎ ‎ He stressed that implementation of the new tariff would only commence after shipping companies conclude engagements with importers, shippers, clearing agents, and other critical stakeholders. ‎ ‎Akutah assured that the approved 30% tariff increase would not destabilize the economy, explaining that it represents a ceiling rather than a fixed rate. ‎ ‎“Today’s engagement was productive. The suspension ...

The Port Manager of TinCan Island Port, Dr Abubarkar Sani Isah  has been honoured with the Best Port Administration Award at the recently concluded prestigious Maritime Industry Merit Awards (MIMA), in recognition of outstanding leadership, operational efficiency and transformative reforms in port management. ‎ ‎The award, presented at a well-attended ceremony held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, celebrates excellence across Nigeria’s maritime sector and recognizes individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the growth and modernization of the industry. ‎ ‎In announcing the award, the organizers of MIMA 2026 commended the TinCan Island Port Manager for driving notable improvements in cargo handling efficiency, stakeholder engagement and infrastructure optimization. ‎ ‎According to the award committee, the port has witnessed increased turnaround time for vessels, enhanced safety standards, and improved collaboration with governm...

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) have urged shipping companies and terminal operators to grant waivers to importers and clearing agents affected by delays linked to the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) at the nation’s seaports. ‎ ‎The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ engagement held recently at the NSC headquarters in Lagos, bringing together representatives of the Council, NRS, NSW Secretariat, terminal operators and shipping companies to review the progress and challenges of the newly introduced system. ‎ ‎Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, acknowledged that while the National Single Window initiative marks a major milestone for the maritime industry, its rollout has been accompanied by initial operational challenges impacting cargo clearance timelines. ‎ ‎He noted that the system, which went live on 27th Marc...

As the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitaliSation exercise came to an end March 31, 2026,  most banks operating in the country rose to the challenge and met the requirement ahead of time. ‎ ‎However, Fidelity Bank’s proactive approach paid off, and it continued to demonstrate its commitment to growth and innovation. In a remarkable display of investor confidence, Fidelity Bank opened and concluded a private placement in just one day on December 31, 2025. Leading institutions, including AFREXIM Bank and its subsidiaries, invested in the bank, showcasing their faith in Fidelity’s vision and leadership. ‎ ‎With the CBN’s verification process complete, Fidelity Bank’s capital base now exceeds the required N500 billion threshold. This milestone positions the bank to expand its footprint, drive growth, and deliver returns to investors. ‎ ‎Market analysts stated that  the successful completion of the private placement underscores strong investor confidence in the bank...

Polaris Bank has graduated 58 exceptional new hires from its flagship Polaris Graduate Intensive Training (PGIT) and Polaris Tech Ignite Programme (PTIP), reinforcing its commitment to building world-class talent in Nigeria. ‎ ‎The ceremony, he ld in Lagos last Thursday was attended by senior leadership and invited guests, celebrated a highly selective cohort drawn from over 10,000 applicants - placing them among the top 0.58% who successfully made the cut. The milestone underscores the bank’s rigorous standards in identifying and grooming future leaders. ‎ ‎Addressing the graduates, Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Mr. Kayode Lawal, delivered a compelling charge centered on continuous learning and adaptability in a fast-evolving industry. “Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching,” he said. “In today’s technology-driven world, staying relevant requires constantly upgrading your skills. The world has moved from a pre-digital era to one powered by AI - where ta...