The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to green shipping and maritime decarbonisation as Nigeria seeks to align with global efforts to reduce emissions from the shipping industry.

The commitment was made during a strategic meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Natural Eco Capital Limited, Dr Eugene Itua, where both parties discussed initiatives designed to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable maritime sector.

Why it matters

Shipping is responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, and regulators worldwide are introducing stricter environmental standards to reduce the industry’s climate impact.

For Nigeria, adopting greener shipping practices could improve environmental protection, attract climate finance, strengthen the country’s competitiveness in international trade and support the long-term growth of its blue economy.

R-L : Executive Director, Operations, Engr. Fatai Adeyemi , Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, CEO, Natural Eco Capital Limited, Dr. Eugene Itua.

NIMASA: Collaboration is key

During the meeting, Dr Itua presented the Nigerian Green Shipping Excellence Programme (NGSEP) and the Green Maritime Recognition Scheme (GMRS), saying the initiatives could accelerate maritime decarbonisation, encourage the adoption of cleaner technologies, attract climate investments and position Nigeria as a regional leader in sustainable shipping.

Responding, Dr Mobereola welcomed the proposal and stressed the importance of partnerships.

He said, “Partnerships with the private sector and other stakeholders are essential to achieving Nigeria’s environmental sustainability objectives.”

The NIMASA Director-General added that “practical, innovative and collaborative approaches are critical to addressing climate change, safeguarding the marine environment, and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.”

The proposed NGSEP and GMRS are expected to encourage voluntary compliance while recognising organisations making measurable progress in reducing their environmental footprint.

L- R : CEO, Natural Eco Capital Limited, Dr. Eugene Itua, Director, Planning Research and Data Mgt. Services Dept., Mrs Aishatu Jidda, DG, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director, Marine Environment Mgt Dept., Dr. Oma Ofodile, and Executive Director, Operations, Engr. Fatai Adeyemi, all of NIMASA.

What happens next?

NIMASA and Natural Eco Capital Limited are expected to continue discussions on implementing the proposed initiatives.

If adopted, the programmes could support Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon maritime sector while contributing to sustainable growth across the country’s marine and blue economy.

Residents of Snake Island in Lagos have welcomed a public awareness campaign by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) aimed at discouraging people from attempting to stow away on ships.

The campaign forms part of the agency’s efforts to reduce stowaway incidents, which remain a concern for the global shipping industry because they endanger lives, disrupt vessel operations and can lead to diplomatic and security challenges for coastal nations.

Why it matters

Nigeria is one of Africa’s busiest maritime hubs, with thousands of vessels calling at its ports each year. Maritime experts say preventing stowaways is essential for improving port security, protecting lives and strengthening confidence among international shipping companies doing business in the country.

During the community engagement at Snake Island, NIMASA officials met with traditional leaders, youths and residents to explain the risks associated with illegally boarding vessels.

Residents praised the awareness exercise, describing it as both timely and impactful, and encouraged the agency to sustain similar campaigns in other coastal communities.

NIMASA: Prevention is better than enforcement

Leading the agency’s delegation, the Head of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Unit, Mr Mudi Isa, said community participation remains one of the most effective ways of preventing stowaway incidents.

He said, “Stowaway incidents damage Nigeria’s reputation in the global maritime community.”

Mr Isa added that NIMASA remains committed to preventing such incidents through sustained public enlightenment and engagement with communities located around ports and waterways.

Expert perspective

Maritime security analysts say awareness campaigns complement physical security measures at ports by addressing one of the root causes of stowaway incidents—limited public understanding of the legal and personal consequences.

They note that successful maritime security depends not only on technology and law enforcement but also on cooperation from communities located near ports, jetties and waterfronts.

Industry and public perspective

Shipping operators have repeatedly stressed that stowaway incidents can increase operational costs through delays, investigations and additional security procedures.

Community engagement initiatives such as NIMASA’s campaign could also help reduce risks for young people who may underestimate the dangers of hiding aboard ships, including injury, starvation, dehydration and prosecution.

What happens next?

NIMASA says it will continue taking its anti-stowaway awareness campaign to grassroots communities across Nigeria as part of wider efforts to strengthen maritime security and support the Federal Government’s Blue Economy agenda.

The agency hopes that sustained public education will reduce incidents while improving Nigeria’s standing within the international maritime community.

The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP) has honoured the Public Relations Officer of the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Oscar Enya Ivara, with its Customs Commands’ Best Public Relations Officer Award.

The recognition was presented during CONMMEP’s Annual Lecture and Fifth Anniversary celebration held on June 25 and 26 in Ikeja, Lagos, where individuals and organisations were recognised for contributions to Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Why It Matters

Public communication has become increasingly important in Nigeria’s maritime sector, where timely information can improve compliance, reduce misinformation and strengthen trust between government agencies, businesses and the public.

CONMMEP said Ivara’s work over more than 13 years has helped improve communication between the Nigeria Customs Service and maritime journalists while promoting transparency in Customs operations.

The association described him as one of the country’s most responsive and professional Customs spokespersons, citing his record in strategic communication, stakeholder engagement and media relations.

It also praised his digital advocacy for the B’Odogwu Customs clearance platform at the Tin Can Island Port Command, saying the initiative has supported improved compliance, operational efficiency and revenue transparency.

Among the milestones highlighted were the Command’s public announcement of its ₦347.93 billion first-quarter 2025 revenue and its disclosure of a record ₦16.41 billion single-day revenue collection on August 19, 2025.

Ivara: ‘The Reward for Hard Work Is More Work’

Receiving the award, Ivara thanked CONMMEP for the recognition and pledged to continue strengthening engagement with the maritime media.

“The reward for hard work is more work. I sincerely thank CONMMEP for finding me worthy of this honour. I am deeply humbled and will not take this recognition for granted.”

He also congratulated the association on its fifth anniversary.

“On behalf of the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and the entire officers and men of the Command, I congratulate CONMMEP on its fifth anniversary. We remain committed to sustaining our collaboration with CONMMEP and the maritime media in promoting the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

CONMMEP Reaffirms Commitment to Excellence

CONMMEP President, Comrade Udo Onyeka, said the association would continue recognising individuals whose professionalism and integrity contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

He said the organisation remains committed to identifying, celebrating and encouraging public officers and maritime practitioners whose dedication strengthens the sector.

Founded in 2021, CONMMEP marked its fifth anniversary with an annual lecture that brought together maritime stakeholders, government agencies and journalists to discuss issues affecting the industry.

What This Means for Businesses and the Public

For freight forwarders, shipping companies and importers, clearer communication from Customs can provide quicker access to policy updates and operational changes.

For the public, regular disclosure of revenue figures and Customs activities strengthens accountability and offers greater insight into the performance of one of Nigeria’s major revenue-generating agencies.

What’s Next

CONMMEP says it will continue using its annual awards to recognise excellence across Nigeria’s maritime sector while encouraging stronger collaboration between industry stakeholders, regulators and the media.

The Nigeria Customs Service is also expected to sustain its digital communication efforts as it continues implementing reforms aimed at improving trade facilitation and revenue collection.