Author: Saint Augustine

Following approval granted it by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), a new financial institution, the Maritime Microfinance Bank would formally commence operation on Monday 1st December 2014. The Maritime MFB is the first financial institution fully dedicated to servicing the maritime industry in Nigeria. A Director and Promoter of the new bank, Mr. Bolaji Akinola said the Maritime Microfinance Bank has been set up to fill a yawning gap within the financial services industry by offering small loans, or micro-loans, to maritime industry operators and workers who are unable to access conventional loan services. “This is the starting point…

By Chigozie Chikere The National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) launched by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in 2009 with a view to bridging the projected employment gap in the seafaring profession is so far adjudged by its sponsors, promoters and beneficiaries as Nigeria’s most successful outing in her long and chequered history of Seafarer education. According to one report, over 2500 out of the projected 5000 Seafarers have so far been trained at both degree levels and high professional standards in various countries like Romania, The Philippines, United Kingdom, United States of America, India, Egypt, and other…

…Says agencies not allowed to execute their mandate The Maritime Advocacy and Action Group (MAAG) has accused politicians as well as some perceived powerful stakeholders in the Maritime sector of thwarting the efforts of some government agencies operating in the sector in carrying out the mandates given to them by the Acts establishing them. Speaking in a telephone interview with Primetime Reporters, the National Coordinator of MAAG, Alhassan Dantata stated that with what was happening in the case between some freight forwarding associations in the maritime industry and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and the legal action instituted by…

A group, Maritime Advocacy and Action Group (MAAG) has said that it was not aware of the alleged withdrawal of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) as announced in a section of the media. The National Coordinator of MAAG, Alhassan Dantata said in a telephone interview with Primetime Reporters that the body was yet to receive a letter from ANLCA informing them of its withdrawal adding that he had heard the information from the grapevine. Dantata disclosed that at the inception of the group which he said was aimed at collective bargaining with the Federal government and its…

…steps up patrol for Yuletide The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has said that it collected a total of N973,540,612.78 in the month of October 2014. The amount according to the a statement signed by the Command’s Spokesman, Earnest Olottah was the highest monthly revenue collected so far in the year 2014. The command also made 24 seizures with duty paid value of N32,019,613 comprising of rice, frozen poultry products and other general goods. Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Comptroller Willy Egbudin described the revenue collection feat as a product of increased compliance by stakeholders…

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has set up a Five-Man Fact Finding Committee to look into the activities of two of its Chapters. The affected Chapters are Tincan Island and PTML. Inaugurating the Five-Man Fact Finding Committee at the NAGAFF Headquarters, the National President, Dr. Eugene Nweke said the move by the Headquarters was another effort of the management to reposition the association for optimal performances and to be strategically alive to cope with the dynamics of the maritime industry. Emphatically Dr. Nweke noted that the move was not to witch-hunt anybody but an administrative effort…

…Sets agenda for him As the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi prepares to commence his second tenure in office, the Merchant Navy Officers and Senior Staff of Water Transport has lauded his re-appointment describing it as a well deserved appointment. The National President of the Association, Engr. Matthew Alalade who made this known in a chat with Primetime Reporters in Lagos recently said his scorecard in the last four years as the helmsman of the agency has earned him that recognition. Alalade disclosed that during his first tenure in office…

Barely 24 hours after the Management of the Lagos Ports Complex of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) re-opened the Apapa Port for business, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has said that the strike embarked upon by its members in conjunction with other freight forwarding associations in Apapa would continue. Freight Forwarders operating in Apapa Port had on Monday, the 10th day of November, 2014 withdrew their services from the AP Moller Terminal (APMT) and ENL Shipping Agency citing high handedness on the part of the operators as the one of the reasons for their action. Recall that…

The former Chairman of the Nigerian Ship owners Association (NISA), Chief Isaac Jolapamo has called on the warring factions in the just concluded election of the association to sheathe their sword and embrace peace in the overall interest of the association. Jolapamo who was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected executive of the association in Lagos reminded members of NISA that there was need for the infighting currently going on amongst members of the association. According to him,” we should all join hands together to win our common war. There is no point for us in fighting…

The last may not be heard of the legal battles engaged by the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) on one side and the Association of Shipping Line Agencies (ASLA) on the other hand against the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) which doubles as the economic regulator of the Nigerian ports as STOAN has filed a fresh suit against the Council. Recall that Primetime Reporters reported last weeks that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) was to open its defense against the duo last Monday in case filed separately by STOAN and ASLA against NSC. It would also be recalled that…