By Dianabasi Effiong

Stakeholders in the oil and gas and blue economy sectors have called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to take deliberate steps to develop a pool of professionally trained commercial divers and strengthen indigenous marine companies to maximise the state’s enormous opportunities in the oil, gas, and blue economy sectors.

The call was made on Wednesday during a facilities visit to Azi Marine and General Services Limited, Ibeno, by stakeholders and members of the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch.

The stakeholders also interacted with the company’s management staff who took them round the company’s marine engineering, fabrication, and diving support facilities.

The Managing Director, Azi Marine and General Services Limited, Engr. Michael Abakam, used the occasion to acknowledge the enormous offshore resources in Akwa Ibom.

According to him, the state has yet to fully benefit from the economic opportunities available due to inadequate investment in local capacity development and insufficient participation of indigenous
companies.

Abakam said the company had built the technical capacity to undertake marine engineering, fabrication, and commercial diving operations, including strict partnerships with international firms on technology transfer and continuous knowledge sharing.

He said that the company had trained more than 1,000 young people in various marine and offshore skills over the years.

He said that such training included commercial diving, welding, and other technical disciplines relevant to the oil and gas industry.

Abakam said that commercial diving was one of the highest-paying professions in the offshore industry, adding that the cost of training a commercial diver in the industry ranged between ₦15 million and ₦20 million.

He, however, stressed that it was difficult for individuals to fund such specialised training without institutional support.

He said that the Akwa Ibom State Government could establish dedicated programmes for the training of commercial divers, similar to its investment in aviation manpower development, which had produced pilots and aviation professionals serving in leading organisations.

He said that since Akwa Ibom had abundant and significant concentrations of offshore oil and gas activities, the state should deliberately invest in producing highly skilled indigenous professionals capable of taking advantage of available employment opportunities.

The marine expert further called for policies that would ensure that oil companies operating within its domain patronise qualified indigenous firms and provide structured opportunities for local professionals through effective implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act.

According to him, local content should go beyond national participation to reflect the interests of host states and communities where the operations occur.

He said that indigenous companies in Akwa Ibom possessed the competence, equipment, and manpower to execute complex offshore projects but were frequently overlooked in spite of operating to international standards.

Abakam also appealed to the government to involve industry practitioners in policy formulation, adding that effective regulations must be accompanied by practical implementation and continuous stakeholder engagement.

According to him, the company is developing plans for a modern offshore and onshore marine base in Ibeno to position Akwa Ibom as a major maritime logistics hub for Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea, while creating employment opportunities for host communities.

Earlier, the State Chairman of the EMR, Mr. Harrison Ndifreke, said the association embarked on the visit to strengthen collaboration between the media and key stakeholders in the maritime, energy, and blue economy sectors.

He commended Azi Marine and General Services Limited for demonstrating the capacity of indigenous companies to compete internationally through investments in modern facilities, local manpower development, and marine services.

Ndifreke reassured on EMR’s commitment to promote responsible journalism that would highlight opportunities within the blue economy, support local content development, and encourage policies capable of attracting investment and creating sustainable employment.

The group further urged the Akwa Ibom state government, international oil companies (IOCs), the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and other relevant stakeholders to collaborate in establishing a Commercial Diving and Marine Skills Development Programme in the state.

EMR also noted that such an initiative would equip young people with globally recognised offshore skills, reduce unemployment, expand indigenous participation in the maritime sector, and position Akwa Ibom as Nigeria’s leading centre for marine and offshore manpower development.

By Dianabasi Effiong

The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR) in Akwa Ibom State has urged the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to urgently review existing policies driving the operations of indigenous marine and offshore service companies, stressing that many local operators still struggled to survive
in spite of the country’s local content framework.

The call followed a courtesy visit by the Executive Committee of EMR, Akwa Ibom State Branch, to the management of BOBELS International & Associates Company Limited, an indigenous marine services company operating in Nigeria’s offshore support sector.

Speaking during the engagement, the Executive Director (Projects) of BOBELS International & Associates Company Limited, Mr. Eyo Ikot, said that existing policies had, sadly, failed to provide the expected protection for indigenous companies.

According to him, the failure makes it increasingly difficult for affected indigenous firms to compete with foreign operators.

He also said that in spite of several years of investment in the marine and blue economy sectors, indigenous companies continually faced enormous regulatory and financial burdens while multinational companies dominated offshore contracts.

He said that the affected companies in the sector had been compelled to renew multiple operational licences annually at costs exceeding ₦20 million, in addition to taxes and other statutory payments, without corresponding access to business opportunities.

Ikot noted that the earlier policy which allowed indigenous firms to partner technically with foreign companies had become ineffective, leaving many local operators without meaningful participation in offshore operations.

He appealed to government to introduce practical intervention measures, including compensation and support mechanisms, that would encourage indigenous marine companies to remain in business and contribute to national development.

He decried the increasing capital flight resulting from the continued dominance of foreign firms in Nigeria’s offshore industry.

He added that indigenous companies create local employment, retain investments within the country and contribute directly to community development.

Ikot said that BOBELS had maintained its presence in the marine industry for more than 14 years in spite of numerous operational challenges and established international partnerships, including relationships with American marine firms interested in investing in Nigeria’s shipbuilding industry.

He recalled that previous efforts to attract foreign investors to establish vessel-building facilities in Nigeria were unsuccessful due to bureaucratic bottlenecks and lack of government support.

The company executive expressed optimism that the emergence of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy would present a fresh opportunity for government to address longstanding challenges confronting indigenous operators.

Earlier, the Chairman of EMR, Akwa Ibom State Branch, Mr. Harrison Ndifreke, said the visit formed part of the association’s engagement with critical stakeholders in the energy, maritime, oil and gas, and blue economy sectors.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting responsible journalism, supporting local content development, encouraging investment, and amplifying issues affecting the growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Ndifreke noted that with emerging opportunities in the blue economy and major offshore projects expected in the State, indigenous companies deserved stronger institutional support to enhance capacity, create employment and contribute meaningfully to national development.

He assured industry stakeholders that EMR would continue to provide a credible platform for constructive dialogue between government, regulators, investors and indigenous operators in pursuit of a sustainable and inclusive maritime economy.

By Dianabasi Effiong

The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, has congratulated the Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom for participating in the 2nd Quarter 2026 Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Lagos on Thursday.

The governor was represented by the Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi at the event, themed “From Policy to Action: Mobilising Sub-National Governments for Effective Implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.”

The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for harnessing Nigeria’s vast marine resources for sustainable economic growth.

The association also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for establishing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing the ministry as a strategic intervention with the capacity to transform Nigeria’s economy and unlock the enormous potential of the nation’s maritime sector.

EMR also appealed to Gov. Eno to take a bold step by establishing a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Akwa Ibom State to drive investments, coordinate policies, and maximise the state’s vast coastal and maritime resources.

The association noted that the recommendations presented during the engagement provide a clear roadmap for states, including the need to institutionalise blue economy governance through dedicated ministries or agencies with adequate political and financial authority, enact state blue economy laws aligned with the National Policy while reflecting local realities, and properly secure and map maritime domains for sustainable development.

EMR further applauded the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen collaboration with sub-national governments in implementing the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.

EMR said Akwa Ibom, with its extensive coastline, strategic maritime assets and the Ibom Deep Seaport project, stands to become a leading blue economy hub if the state establishes the appropriate institutional framework to drive the sector.

In a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman of the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Mr. Harrison Ndifreke, and the State Secretary, Mrs. Mabel Ekanem, the association congratulated Governor Umo Eno for aligning Akwa Ibom with the Federal Government’s marine and blue economy agenda.

The statement reaffirmed EMR’s commitment to advocating policies and initiatives that will accelerate the growth of the marine and blue economy in Akwa Ibom State, while urging the governor to establish a State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a strategic step towards economic diversification, job creation, investment attraction, and the sustainable development of the state’s vast maritime resources.

By Dianabasi Effiong

The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, has called for continuous strengthening of security on Nigeria’s maritime domain.

The group made the call in a communique at the end of a one-day training Workshop in Uyo, organised to strengthen the capacity of journalists reporting activities in the energy and maritime sectors of the state.

The workshop, with the theme: “Understanding The Operations Of International Oil Companies (IOCs) And Their Marine Logistics Service Companies In Akwa Ibom State Waterways” was organised by the state’s branch of the EMR.

The communique also stated that International Oil Companies (IOCs) remain critical contributors to Nigeria’s economic growth through investment, employment generation, and revenue.

According to the communique, marine logistics also constitutes the backbone of offshore oil and gas operations by facilitating the movement of personnel, equipment, and essential supplies.

It stated that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act had significantly enhanced indigenous participation and created opportunities for local businesses and skilled professionals.

It also stated, “Akwa Ibom State possesses enormous comparative advantages, including its strategic coastline and offshore assets, positioning it to become a leading marine logistics and energy services hub in Nigeria and West Africa.

“The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act has significantly enhanced indigenous participation and created opportunities for local businesses and skilled professionals.

“Security remains indispensable to sustainable offshore operations, as piracy, crude oil theft, kidnapping, pipeline vandalism, smuggling, and other maritime crimes continue to pose threats to national assets.”

It stated that accurate, balanced, and ethical journalism was essential for promoting transparency, accountability, investor confidence, and public understanding of developments within the energy and maritime sectors.

It also added: “Journalists covering energy and maritime activities operate in high-risk environments and must prioritise personal safety, obtain necessary authorisations, and strictly comply with safety and security protocols.”

The communique stated that environmental sustainability, pollution prevention, oil spill response, and community engagement were fundamental responsibilities of operators within the oil and gas industry.

“Journalists covering the energy and maritime sectors should continually build their professional knowledge to improve the quality, accuracy, and depth of reportage. EMR should sustain regular capacity-building programmes to keep members abreast of emerging developments in the energy and maritime industries.

“The government should continue strengthening maritime security through improved collaboration among the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Police Force, NIMASA, NSCDC, DSS, NPA, and other relevant agencies.

“International Oil Companies and marine logistics service providers should deepen engagement with host communities while promoting environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

“Government at all levels should invest in marine infrastructure and policies that encourage indigenous participation, employment generation, and private sector investment.
Journalists should maintain professional relationships with relevant security agencies without compromising editorial independence.

“Media practitioners should refrain from publishing sensitive operational information capable of endangering national security or ongoing security operations,” the communique stated.

It urged all journalists covering offshore operations to conduct risk assessments, use appropriate personal protective equipment, verify access permissions, and observe all maritime safety procedures during assignments.

The workshop commended the Executive members of EMR, Akwa Ibom State Branch, under the leadership of Comrade Harrison Ndifreke, for organising the timely and impactful training.

Participants also expressed their appreciation to the resource persons for their practical presentations and valuable contributions toward enhancing professional competence among energy and maritime reporters.

The workshop ended with a renewed commitment by participants to uphold professionalism, ethical journalism, safety consciousness, and responsible reporting in support of the sustainable development, security, and economic prosperity of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.

The EMR workshop, held at Plot 51 G-Line, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, brought together select media practitioners, security experts, and industry stakeholders to deepen understanding of the operations of IOCs, marine logistics services, and maritime security within Akwa Ibom State.

Participants received insightful lectures from Mr. Sunny Udom, a maritime expert and EMR stakeholder, on the operations of International Oil Companies and marine logistics services, and from DCP Joseph A. Udoh, PSC (Rtd), on Marine Logistics Operations, Security on the Akwa Ibom waterways, and safety measures for journalists covering the sector.

The communique was signed by Comrade Solomon Okpo, Chairman, Communiqué Drafting Committee;
Comrade Iniabasi Umo, Secretary; Comrade Uyime Ekwere, member; Comrade Harrison Ndifreke, Chairman, EMR Akwa Ibom State Branch; and Comrade Mabel Ekanem, Secretary, EMR Akwa Ibom State Branch.

By Dianabasi Effiong

Maritime development experts and stakeholders have called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to establish a Ministry of Blue Economy as a strategic step towards unlocking the vast economic potential of the state’s maritime resources and accelerating sustainable development.

The call was contained in a policy advocacy paper, “Proposed Akwa Ibom State Blue Economy Ministry: Maritime Transport and Shipping. A New Frontier for Akwa Ibom’s Economic Prosperity,” authored by Dr. Saviour Ekpe and veteran journalist, Solomon Okpo.

The authors commended Gov. Umo Eno for his commitment to the welfare of the people of Akwa Ibom through the implementation of the ARISE Agenda, adding that his administration had continually impacted positively on citizens through empowerment programmes, infrastructure development, support for entrepreneurs and farmers, educational interventions, healthcare improvements, and rural development initiatives.

They stated that in spite of the gains so far recorded, Akwa Ibom must now focus on diversifying its economy by harnessing the enormous opportunities within its maritime and aquatic resources through the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Blue Economy.

According to them, Akwa Ibom possesses more than 129 kilometres of Atlantic coastline and occupies a strategic position within the Gulf of Guinea, giving the state a competitive advantage in maritime trade, shipping, logistics, fisheries, tourism, and marine-related investments.

The paper highlighted maritime transport and shipping as one of the key sectors that could benefit significantly from the proposed ministry.

The authors noted that maritime transportation accounted for more than 80 per cent of global trade, adding that Akwa Ibom had been well-positioned to emerge as a major logistics and shipping hub in Nigeria’s South-South region.

They stated that a Ministry of Blue Economy would help formulate policies that encourage private sector participation in maritime logistics, promote the establishment of logistics parks and warehousing facilities, and facilitate efficient cargo movement systems capable of attracting investors and generating substantial revenue.

They also pointed to the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport as a game-changing project capable of transforming the state’s economy through increased local and international shipping activities.

According to the paper, a dedicated ministry will provide focused attention on ports, harbours, jetties, waterfront development, and marine services while working closely with Federal agencies and private investors to attract investments into port-related infrastructure and ancillary industries.

They also emphasised the importance of developing freight and cargo services, noting that modern cargo handling facilities, container terminals, storage infrastructure, and freight management systems would boost import and export activities, strengthen internally generated revenue, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

The authors identified ship brokerage, maritime consultancy, marine insurance, freight forwarding, and logistics services as additional opportunities capable of creating high-value employment and positioning Akwa Ibom as a maritime services hub in West Africa.

The paper also underscored the need to develop inland water transportation across riverine and coastal communities in the state.

It noted that investments in modern jetties, passenger terminals, ferry services, navigational aids, and safety facilities would improve connectivity, reduce pressure on road infrastructure, lower transportation costs, and promote tourism and commerce.

The authors maintained that the establishment of a Ministry of Blue Economy should be viewed not merely as an administrative expansion but as a strategic economic necessity capable of unlocking the state’s vast maritime potential.

They urged Gov. Eno’s administration to embrace the blue economy as a major pillar of future economic transformation, stressing that a dedicated ministry would attract investments, stimulate industrialisation, create employment opportunities, increase government revenue, and drive long-term prosperity for the people of the state.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has stressed the need for the integration of intermodal transportation to unlock the potential of the country’s maritime sector.

Oyetola said this at the maiden edition of Nigeria Transport Summit organised by the Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN), on Thursday, in Lagos.

The summit had the theme: “Internodal Transport: Prospects and Challenges.”

Oyetola was represented at the event by Mr Yusuf Muhammad, the Director of General Service, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

He said that streamlining transport modes was key to optimising movement of goods and services.

According to him, linking of the ports with roads, rails, and inland waterways was key to optimising the movement of goods and enhancing trade.

“By streamlining these transport modes, we can reduce delays, cut down logistics costs, and make our ports more competitive in the global market.

“Our vision is to develop a seamless transport system where goods can flow smoothly between ships, trucks, and trains, boosting trade and economic growth.

“ Intermodal transportation also aligns with our broader objective of reducing congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and enhancing the overall efficiency of our logistics chain,” he said.

Oyetola added that the ministry had embarked on several initiatives aimed at unlocking the vast potential of the nation’s marine resources.

“We have developed a comprehensive policy framework to enhance maritime safety, boost investment in port infrastructure, and promote sustainable fishing practice.

“The ministry has also established the National Strategy on Blue Economy which is aimed at regulating and promoting sustainable use of our marine resources,” he said.

He noted that the strategy was validated with the support and collaboration of the InterAfrican Bureau For Animal Resources and the Kingdom of Norway.

According to Oyetola, the strategy document sets the groundwork for effective governance, ensuring that our blue economy oceans remain a source of wealth for future generations.

“We are actively engaging with international partners to enhance our maritime capabilities.

“Collaborative efforts with countries that excel in marine technology will allow us to adopt best practices and leverage cutting-edge technologies for resource management.

“As we pursue these ambitious goals, the role of the media cannot be overstated. Transportation correspondents, you serve as vital conduits of information, helping to shape public perception and understanding of marine issues.

“ Your reporting raises awareness about the importance of sustainable practices and the need for robust investment in our maritime infrastructure,” he said.

He called on stakeholders, government, private sector, and civil society, to join hands in realising the vision for a thriving blue economy.

“Let us work collaboratively to build resilient coastal communities, invest in research and innovation, and promote sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet,” he said.

He emphasised that the country’s oceans are not just a resource but a heritage for economic growth and development.

Oyetola called for collaborative responsibility to protect and nurture the country’s ocean for future generation.

Earlier, Mr Yinka Aderibigbe, chairman, TCAN, said that if the country do not open the transport space, the economy would not grow.

Aderibigbe noted that the summit was to deepen the conversation of transportation in Nigeria, and proffer solutions that would ensure the growth of the sector.

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has assured Nigerians of his ministry’s unwavering commitment to collaborative engagements with stakeholders in the international trade community.

Oyetola gave the assurance at the 2024 International Customs Day organised by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) with the theme: “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” on Friday in Lagos.

He said the support was aimed at achieving a more sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources for economic growth and development.

Oyetola noted that the Nigeria Customs Act 2023 would create a favourable environment for trade, opportunities and partnership between the public and private sectors.

“In this era of increased interdependence, customs and its stakeholders must work hand in hand to ensure the overall success of initiatives that will help unlock the immense potential of collaboration and increase revenue generation.

“At this juncture, let me commend the leadership of customs for agreeing to abandon the physical examination of cargoes at our ports and priotising the use of scanners.

“This development will not only increase revenue, it will ensure ports efficiency and competitiveness. And it will reduce drastically the cargo turnaround time,” he said.

Earlier, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the theme for the year’s celebration aligned with its core objectives and three-point agenda namely consolidation, innovation and collaboration.

Adeniyi added that the agenda had been the agency’s guiding principles over the last seven months of his administration.

He said the declaration documents reached at the recent Comptroller General of Customs conference in December 2023, after an exhaustive consultation with stakeholders, was presently undergoing implementations.

Adeniyi said the implementation of the documents would address multiple alerts, reduction of customs checkpoints and improvement in officers conduct.

“As customs do their part, we call on all stakeholders to reflect on the documents and do their part, as customs commitment to implementing this resolutions remain very firm.

He said customs would continue to support initiatives and strengthen relationship with stakeholders towards improving efficiency at the port.

The customs boss disclosed that a Time Release Study (TRS), a significant initiative that underscores their efficiency and transparency to trade facilitation, would be launched in February.

Adeniyi described the TRS as comprehensive exercise aimed at optimising processes and reducing the time it takes for goods to be released from the ports and border stations.

Also, Mr Ian Saunders, the Secretary-General, World Customs Organisation, noted that this year, customs would embark on a path that challenges them to both reaffirm their long-standing partnerships, and to boldly forge new alliance.

“The world has changed dramatically over the decade with unprecedented challenges, including rapid technological advances, environmental and health crises, and complex geopolitical and economic dynamics,” Saunders said.

He said the global customs community needs a forward-thing approach supported by stakeholders to tackle these unprecedented challenges.

“The theme for 2024 is a strategic call for action, everyone should broaden their perspectives, think creatively, and embrace innovative approaches,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), said they were already recording gains from the renewed collaboration with customs.

Bello-Koko said the collaboration had led to noticeable reduced cargo dwell time and ship waiting time and ports decongestion.

“This collaboration also gives life to their commitment to the deployment of the Port Community System (PCS) which the NPA has propelled to the final phase of consultancy under the technical guidance of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

“The PCS is germane to promoting efficiency and making our ports competitive as it lays the groudwork for the National Single Window.

“Our commitment to positioning the Lekki Deep Seaport as transhippment hub to service the maritime needs of our landlocked neighbours will also benefit greatly from this collaboration

“This alignment of vision between NPA and Nigeria Customs Service portends great fortune for trade facilitation and national prosperity, and maximising the opportunities inherent in our littoral assets as a maritime nation rests heavily on this collaboration,” he said.

Highlights of the occasion was the Stakeholders Award given to NPA, NSC, National Association of Nigeria Licensed Agents, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, the Nigerian Union of Journalists and the Nigerian Guild of Editors, among others.

Dr Emeka Akabogu, Principal Partner, Akabogu Law, has introduced a Maritime Writing Challenge to promote learning for young Nigerians.

Mrs Ezinne Azunna, Convener/Project Coordinator, The Maritime Writes Project (MWP), said this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

Azunna noted that this was part of activities to mark Akabogu’s 50th birthday.

“The writing contest will be the inaugural edition of Dr Emeka Akabogu Maritime Writing Challenge (DEAM WRICH) and it is being organised by the Maritime Writes Project, in collaboration with the organising committee for the 50th birthday anniversary of Akabogu.

“Promoters of the competition with the theme: “Resurrecting the Dry Bones of the Law”, posit that participants are expected to recreate reported Nigerian maritime cases in the form of compelling stories of 6,000 words maximum.

“The report will follow the style of acclaimed Nigerian historian and lawyer, Onigegewura,” she said.

DEAM WRICH, according to the Azunna, is aimed at promoting learning and creativity in young persons through research and writing.

She pointed out that the criteria for entry include; young persons between 18 and 30 years of age, and all undergraduate students in Universities in Nigeria especially Law students are encouraged to participate.

She added that all entries are expected to be submitted by Jan. 1, 2024.

Announcing the prizes, she stated that the first prize winner of the competition would be rewarded with N250,000; 2nd Place – N150,000; and 3rd Place – N100,000.

“The announcement of winners will be announced at the 50th Birthday Lecture and Books Presentation on Jan. 26 2024.

“Akabogu is the first Nigerian and African PhD awardee in the circa 30-year history of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) International Maritime Law Institute, Malta.

“He is also the Vice Chairman, OTL Africa Downstream Week; Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria International Maritime Summit (NIMS); Senior Partner, Akabogu & Associates; among others,” she said.

She added that the veteran maritime lawyer had published several books with the most recent in 2022, “Ship Arrest in Nigeria”, and it was showcased at the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in August 2022.

The eight-chapter and 466-page book is an expansive voyage through the Nigerian law, practice and procedure on ship arrest, designed to assist judges, lawyers, and all those with ship and cargo interests.

“The submission format should have a cover page contain the following details: title, author’s name and age. The word count should be at maximum 6,000 words in 12 point font size and Times New Roman font type.

“Single-line spacing is also specified while sources should be quoted. Entries must include the law report citation the story is sourced from and the final work submitted in PDF format,” she said.

A former President, Afrian Shipowners Association of Nigeria (ASAN), Mr Temisan Omatseye, says the Deep Blue Project should be the security structure for anchorage areas in the Nigerian maritime domain.

Omatseye said this at the maiden Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) annual lecture on in Lagos.

Anchorage is an area off the coast which is suitable for a ship to anchor.

The lecture had the theme: ‘Maritime Security: Emerging Threats and Actionable Steps.’

He said this would reduce the cost of shipping of goods into the country.

According to him, every foreign shipping company pays $50,000 per vessel for security patrol boats at the anchorage, thereby increasing the cost of good imported into the country.

He explained that the Deep Blue Project could do the service free or at a much subsidised rate, since the former operator Ocean Marine Solutions Ltd. (OMSL) was accused of extorting shipping companies.

“We should stop playing politics with the shipping industry. There was a lacuna because of insecurity, hence the coming in of the OMSL to create a car park on the waterways, the Secured Anchorage Area (SAA).

“A joint venture was signed with the Navy for security and the Nigerian Ports Authority for space, so if government wants to stop the SAA, it should be replaced,” he said.

Omatseye also called for the establishment of a Response Zone Transit Corridor, to create a partial transit corridor in key high risk areas.

This, he said, would enable the country to be aware of vessels that were within the Nigerian maritime environment.

He listed some of the benefits of a secured anchorage as increased trade to Nigerian ports, revenue generation and to compliment the Deep Blue project.

Also speaking, Mr Emmanuel Maiguwa, President, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria, stressed the need for a competent agency to man the anchorage.

Maiguwa also called for proper framework that would help the country deal with maritime security threats.

The president, however, kicked against coast guard which he described as a nomenclature.

Maiguwa added that he does not like the idea of coast guard which he described as a nomenclature.

“If you look at it more specifically, we actually need to do a risk assessment because I have been involved in a lot of risk assessments.

“One needs to look at the parameters surrounding the routes and the water, the region of the area that has personal traffic. So, it doesn’t start and end with that portion being secured,” he said.

Maiguwa said that Nigeria needs to adopt the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code.

“I have always said that the ISPS provide only minimal requirements. It then means there are a lot of issues. In fact, the ISPS on its own is not applicable to all facilities.

“The ISPS is not an instrument conceived by the framework to deal with maritime security threats. It is not an instrument holistically to deal with terrorism.

“The framework is concerned that shipping will be used to launch terrorism attacks on the homeland and therefore it concentrated on the areas where foreign ships visit,” he said.

He, however, asked what happened to an adjacent facility that does not receive foreign vessels? What happens to our vessels that are actually outside the convention?

“Those were the risks to the environment. And I have said it and I will always emphasise that it is very important that we have a competent agency to man the anchorage,” he said.

The Deep Blue Project knows as the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, is being championed by the Nigerian Maritime Administrative and Security Agency.

A maritime expert, Mrs Violet Williams, on Monday unveiled a book titled: ‘Some Career Opportunities in the Marine and Blue Economy Workplace,’ to ensure pupils to explore the huge job potential in the sector.

Williams unveiled the book during the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF) fifth Educators and Maritime Stakeholders Lecture and Award and fourth nationwide virtual Maritime Quiz Competition in Lagos.

Williams said she initially had a book that had a compendium, a compilation of lecture series for the past six years, but discovered that an 18-year old girl did not know the colour of water not to talk of careers therein.

“To this extent, what we are trying to do in essence is to make sure that an elementary school boy or girl will fashion out their career in the marine and blue economy in the early stages.

“So, I had to simplify it and try to get the ABC of it so that with the new ministry of marine and blue economy, it will be easier even at the top to understand because the ministry is new,” she said.

Williams, also former board member, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, noted that most people that got into the maritime industry, as we all heard them today, got in accidentally.

“But we want a sustainable industry so that it will not be an accidental entry, it will be a purposeful entry with sustainability.

“We only have the platform now, the framework, but the impetus to continue is sustainable and must start from the cradle, and that is what informed me,” she said.

On plans to inculcate this into the school framework, Williams noted that in 2022, she wrote to the Ministry of Education and fortunately got a reply from their agency that deal with curriculum and that was where we are now.

“But with the Ministry of Marine and Blue economy, they should take it up because we were advocating for a blue economy industry and now that we have it, they should take it up.

“We have done our beat, they should now invite us to ask where we have stopped, because we have stopped when it comes to curriculum,” she said.

Earlier, while reviewing the book, Mrs Carolyn Ufere, the Independent Maritime Practitioner and former General Manager, Nigerian Ports Authority, described Williams a lone fighter trying to push the industry forward.

Ufere noted that Williams focus on educating the girl-child and getting the best out of them, motivated her into writing the book.

“The book contains several elements that will compel the younger ones into the field, the title is clear and the forward highlights the significance of the ocean as a source of work for mankind.

“The book present the maritime sector as an arena where issues are addressed and she charges the young ones to sell the blue economy to the world, selling its gains,” she said.

Ufere noted that information was power, adding that the book contained tools that would be used to empower the young girl and likewise the boys.

“I recommend the book to every institution, organisation where great minds are natured as it will be a book that will turnaround our nation,” she said