In a decisive step toward reducing maritime trade costs, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has inaugurated an eight-member committee tasked with implementing resolutions from the 3rd Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL 2025). The committee’s primary focus is to secure the suspension of War Risk Insurance (WRI) premiums levied on vessels calling at Nigerian ports.
The committee, unveiled on August 27 at Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos, is chaired by maritime security expert Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, with Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde serving as secretary. Members include:
– Engr. Greg Ogbeifun – Veteran shipowner
– Capt. Temisan Omatseye – Former DG, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
– Mr. Godfrey Bivbere – President, MARAN
– Mr. Bolaji Akinola – Special Assistant to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy
– Ms. Ejide Shodipo – P&I Club Consultant
– Rear Admiral Gregory Oaemen – Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command
The committee will engage both local and international stakeholders to advocate for the removal of WRI premiums, which industry players argue are no longer justified given Nigeria’s improved maritime security landscape.
Stakeholders at the lecture highlighted that Nigerian shippers have paid over $5 billion in WRI surcharges over the past three years. Dr. Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), represented by Mrs. Margaret Ogbonna, emphasized that Nigeria has recorded four consecutive years without major piracy incidents. This achievement is credited to the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA, and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy through initiatives like the Deep Blue Project and enforcement of the SPOMO Act.
Engr. Ogbeifun urged stakeholders to ensure measurable progress before MAMAL 2026, while Capt. Omatseye criticized the London-based Joint War Risk Committee for its continued classification of Nigeria as a high-risk zone, calling it discriminatory. He noted that Nigeria faces war risk rates of up to 0.65%, compared to 0.25% for countries with weaker security profiles like Pakistan.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of NIMASA, represented by Mr. Victor Iloh, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining maritime security and supporting advocacy efforts to eliminate the surcharge.
MARAN confirmed that the committee will monitor progress, coordinate follow-up actions, and provide regular updates to stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to reposition Nigeria as a secure and cost-effective maritime hub by ending the war risk surcharge regime.