Speaks on CGC, Academy and NMU

Mr. Charles Okorefe is the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Kamany Marine Services Limited  and Twindeck Maritime Services. He is a consummate Shipping/Transport professional who is always willing to deploy his wealth of experience and knowledge of the dynamics of Nigeria’s transport sector towards the growth, efficiency and expansion of maritime development in Nigeria. He is a teacher, trainer and resource person who speaks at relevant forums and events organized by organizations and individuals.

When Maritime Nigeria (One Question Crew, led by Kelvin Kagbare) met him by chance in Lagos, we asked him what he expects from the incoming Transport Minister and he said:

“I am one of the advocates of the collapse of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, FMOT and the excision or creation of a new Ministry of Maritime Affairs from it because, if you look at the FMOT as it is, it is formless”.

“In the eight years of Rotimi Amaechi, the maritime sector was abandoned and left desolate because no attention was given to it as the man pretended to be developing railways; which as you and I can see is neither here nor there, notwithstanding the huge sums borrowed but if we have our separate ministry, we will be able to hold somebody accountable when things are going wrong as stakeholders will be on their toes and more focused.

“So for me, I am not looking forward to a new minister of Transport but a ministry of maritime affairs. The ministry of transportation as known in the past has not impacted the sector in any meaningful way”.

Acting CGC

“For instance, the appointment of the acting CGC in the person of Wale Adeniyi is a welcomed development which stakeholders have been clamoring for-putting square pegs in square holes and putting round pegs in round holes”.

“The eight years of Hameed Ali as CGC of Customs were years of the locusts in the industry. He came with no agenda and he was not ready to develop any agenda whatsoever because he was alien to the industry and the Customs which he was thrust into by the former head of state Mohammadu Buhari who brought him there because they were and remain friends”.

“Now we have someone who has grown through the system. He has hit the ground running by meeting with stakeholders, disbanding the so-called CGC Strike Force which was a tool for extorting hapless importers and traders in the ports, the disbandment of the CGC strike force is a right step in the right direction and you can see that everyone is happy; the Customs hierarchy, the rank-and-file of the Service, clearing agents, freight forwarders, importers, Customs licensed agents and all other stakeholders are excited by the appointment of the Acting CGC to lead the Nigeria Customs.

“Stakeholders know that the acting CGC understands the rudiments of Customs service and delivery; as National Public Relations of the Service for many years, he handled several issues professionally. Few days ago the press hosted him in Lagos because he is a darling of the media! It goes without saying that we are in for a good time with the appointment of Adeniyi as CGC.

Capacity Building

“In the area of training I can tell you for free that the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN has redeemed itself with the appointment of Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua (rtd) as Rector of the Academy. In the past, a lot of persons fed fat from the school while undermining its development and burying its greatness but Effedua came and put a stop to all that rot”.

“Two years ago, precisely on August  2001, I took my students from the Maritime University of Nigeria, MUN, Okerenkoko to the academy. It was an eye-opening experience to the Academy because the training equipment and facilities which they have put in place for training and man power development are awe inspiring and the discipline among staff and Cadets is top-notch. I was not surprised therefore when the Federal Government renewed his appointment to continue as Rector and consolidate the repositioning and restructuring of the Academy and the results are there for all to see”.

“The immediate environment of the Academy, the management team, staff and students are well focused and there is no cause for worry because I figure Effedua has a knack for thoroughness. I think he has given a code of conduct and outline work ethics to his staff which they abide by in their work”.

“Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the Nigerian Maritime University, NMU, because there is despondency among staff and students. I work there and I know what I am saying. Apart from the unfriendly environment where we work, the salary is not  a commensurate remuneration and there is nothing to write home about at the NMU. if not for my passion to teach and my personal business which helps to sustain me and my family, what would I be doing at NMU?

“The enabling environment for teaching and learning is not there, the training equipment and facilities are not in place and if something is not done very urgently, the maritime University of Nigeria will go down because there are many schools that are teaching transport studies and other maritime courses even in Delta state. So, a lot needs to be done to keep the Maritime University of Nigeria going”.

“Only a Ministry of Maritime Affairs can stay focused and ensure the growth of the industry by putting the necessary structure and training equipment in place for the good of the sector”. Charle Okorefe said.