Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The 2025 edition of the MARAN Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL) has received a major boost as the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Western Marine Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, has declared his support and confirmed attendance at the highly anticipated event.
The flagship maritime industry gathering, organized by the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN), is set to hold on August 27, 2025, at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
During a courtesy visit to his office on Monday, August 4, by members of the MARAN Executive Council, Comptroller Ntadi expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming lecture, which he described as “very germane and critical” to tackling the rising cost of goods in Nigeria.
“Of course, I will be willing to attend the event,” he said. “The topic speaks to a pressing national issue, and such engagements are vital to the reforms we are driving.”
Following the interactive session, Comptroller Ntadi led the MARAN delegation on a tour of the Western Marine Command, where he showcased a series of transformational projects initiated under his leadership barely two months after assuming office.
The once-neglected command is now undergoing a facelift. A fresh coat of paint now adorns the buildings and perimeter fence, while a new signpost is under construction to give the command a more befitting identity.
More notably, the previously dilapidated surroundings cluttered with shanties and vulnerable to security breaches have been cleared out, restoring order and professionalism to the outpost.
“We issued a one-month notice to the occupants of the shanties and then cleared them. The activities of those lurking around posed a serious security threat to the command,” Ntadi explained.
Further renovations are ongoing at the jetties, while construction of a befitting office complex is being supported by the Customs Headquarters under the leadership of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi. Comptroller Ntadi expressed optimism that the project would be completed before year-end.
The Comptroller also highlighted the command’s renewed efforts to combat smuggling along the waterways. He revealed that just days ago, officers seized 503 bags of smuggled rice and six boats used in transporting them along the Badagry axis.
Speaking earlier, MARAN President Mr. Godfrey Bivbere applauded the CAC for his proactiveness and reforms, assuring him of the association’s support.
“MARAN is committed to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with the Western Marine Command. We are willing and open to work with the command to ensure it delivers on its mandate,” Bivbere said.
With top industry stakeholders confirming participation and support, MAMAL 2025 is gathering significant momentum poised to shape crucial policy conversations around maritime security, trade costs, and blue economy development.