Top 20 Popular Maritime Stories in 2023 – Ships & Ports

As we come to the conclusion of the year 2023, we are taking a retrospective look at the top 20 most read maritime stories curated by SHIPS & PORTS’ Online Editor. Let us delve into some of the most notable events that have captivated the interest of our readers.

Tinubu’s Reshuffle
President Bola Tinubu caused a stir with the dismissal of the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Emmanuel Jime, and the subsequent appointments of new Chief Executive Officers for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

Vehicle Importation Appeal
The appeal by the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service to the Federal Government to permit vehicle importation through the land border garnered considerable attention amidst the ongoing issue of smuggling through the borders despite the ban on vehicle importation.

NPA & NIMASA Leadership Changes
The reinstatement of the tenure policy in the public service led to leadership changes at NPA and NIMASA, generating significant discourse. The retirement of long-serving officials and the serious illness of the NIMASA Executive Director captured the interest of our readers.

Customs Inspection Condemnation
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola’s critique of the high frequency of physical examination of cargoes at the port by the Nigeria Customs Service sparked discussions surrounding modernizing cargo inspection practices.

Resignation and Controversies
The resignation of Ubong Essien, Special Assistant to the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the controversies surrounding the port industry, such as the Egina oil spill, also piqued the interest of our readers.

Presidential Appointments
Readers were intrigued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of new officials, including the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs and the Special Adviser, Policy Coordination, signifying significant changes in the maritime sector.

Book Review
Our readers were engrossed by the review of Hadiza Bala Usman’s book, titled “STEPPING ON TOES: My Odyssey at the Nigerian Ports Authority”, which garnered attention as it highlighted numerous errors in the publication.

Parliamentary Queries
A report on the sales of Federal Government property and the contentious disposal of vessels and assets by the Nigerian Ports Authority raised concerns, sparking significant discussion.

Maritime Charges
Former Acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Dr. Kayode Farinto’s comments on the justification for raising terminal operators’ charges also garnered attention.

Executive Orders
The signing of four Executive Orders by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the suspension of Import Tax Adjustment levy on certain vehicles, was a notable development that resonated with our readers.

Customs Dismissals
The dismissal of officers found to be with arms and ammunitions inside the nation’s seaports by the Nigeria Customs Service prompted conversations about discipline and professionalism within the agency.

NPA’s Maritime Victory
The success of the Nigerian Ports Authority in winning the prestigious Maritime Cup for the third time resonated with our readers, highlighting the cultural significance of sports in the maritime landscape.

Legislative Changes
Our special compilation of the new chairmen of maritime-related committees of the 10th House of Representatives provided readers with valuable insights into the evolving landscape of maritime governance.

Notable Losses
The passing of prominent figures within the maritime industry, such as former NIFTOA Chairman Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi and former NIMASA Director Aisha Jumai Musa, brought a somber tone to the year’s events.

Grand Reception
The grand reception for Grimaldi’s MV GREAT LAGOS, attended by dignitaries including State and National leaders, marked a momentous occasion in the maritime sector, drawing widespread attention.

As we reflect on the most popular maritime stories of 2023, it is evident that the maritime industry continues to be a focal point of interest and significance. The events and developments that have unfolded this year have deftly captured the attention and curiosity of our readers, shaping the discourse around the maritime landscape. (Source: Ships & Ports)