ZAINAB JUNAID
Stakeholders in the maritime industry have emphasised the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability as key driver of sustainable growth and development in the sector.
Speaking at the maiden edition of A-Day seminar organised by Hynek Media in conjunction with Media Anti-Corruption initiatives on the Tuesday, 4 November 2025, at Rockview Hotel in Lagos, they noted that prioritising these core values will foster a more collaborative environment and enhance long-term sustainability of the industry.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, Former President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu, represented by Mr Babatunde Mukaila commended the organisers of the event for choosing a timely and relevant topic that emphasised transparency and accountability in the industry.
Mr Mukaila, who spoke passionately about the theme “The Impact of the B’Odogwu Digital Platform on Trade Facilitation &Women Contributions to the Maritime Sector: Challenges in the new Marine and Blue Economy”, emphasised that the values of transparency and accountability cannot be over-stated in maritime journalism, noting that journalism profession serves as the conscience of the nation and the practice, and how people interact with one another. “If Journalists are not transparent, and accountable the country will be worst for it,” he stressed.
While speaking on the impact of B’Odogwu amidst various challenges encountered in the country, Mr Mukaila, commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) under the leadership of Comptroller General of Customs (CGC)Adeniyi Adewale MFR, for introducing various reforms that are transforming trade practices in the industry.
He said the NCS has set standards for accountability and transparency, targeted at reducing the element of contact that breeds corruption and it is left for the practitioners to take note of this and comply.
Discussing women’s contributions to maritime sector, Mr Mukaila commended their impact in the industry highlighting the key roles they played in all forms of trade.
He said, “We need to celebrate our women and I’m so glad that they are calling to the space very strongly. The gender equality and diversity is what we need to be practicing in all spheres of our endeavour.
“Even World Customs Organisation (WCO), which is the core platform most of the freight forwarders and customs brokers believe in, has a special programme for women as early as 2020. Where they have a women platform to interact and with the new management, that has really come of age. Women are getting involved. They are now Controllers of Commands, holding very big Command. An instance of this is the Lekki Port which is headed by a woman. Given the mandate of a Command, the most digitalised Port in Nigeria to a woman, shows that the CGC, Adeniyi Adewale MFR, really appreciate roles of women in the Service”.
In his goodwill message, National Publicity Secretary of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Ogesisi Nwegbuna, representing Dr Aniebonam Boniface, urged stakeholders yet to migrate to B’Odogwu to upgrade and adapt to the system. He also encouraged women in the industry to empower others in computer skills, emphasizing the need for everyone to contribute to the country’s progress and technological advancement. He said, “B’Odogwu has come to stay and whoever is finding it difficult should do some upgrading to key into the system”.
Earlier, the project coordinator, Mr Lod Onyeji warmly welcomed participants to the seminar, highlighting how his team leveraged the power of media to drive change and promote transparency in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He expressed delight in spotlighting the impact of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) codenamed B’Odogwu, noting that its innovative approach to trade facilitation and transparency aligns with the team’s principles.
Mr Onyeji also called on stakeholders to forge strategic alliance with his team to create more accountable, efficient, and equitable maritime ecosystem, as women are celebrated for their impact in the industry.
“Together, let’s navigate the future of maritime trade, driven by innovation, transparency, and collective progress,” he concluded.
The seminar, which was graced by personalities including: Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, founder of NAGAFF &NNPP represented by Ogesisi Nwegbuna, National Publicity Secretary of NAGAFF; NAGAFF President Chief Tochuckwu Esizi;Maritime expert Dr. Segun Musa; President Bomara Group, Hadjia Bola Muse; Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, President of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA); Princess Chi Eze, Vice President, Seaports NAGAFF; Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, 100% Compliance, NAGAFF; further featured presentation of awards to relevant personalities for their contributions.
