I want to start by expressing my deep appreciation to Alhaji Munir Jafaru, mni, I(Yarima Zazzau) who gave me the opportunity to take my first steps in to the maritime sector over two decades ago, without whom this book would not have been.

To my Honourable Minister for Transportation, HE Rotimi Amaechi, under whose ministerial oversight my career has thrived these past two years, I say thank you for your continuing support and encouragement throughout the period of writing this book.

And to my boss and dear brother, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, the Director-General of NIMASA, for your friendship and leadership; your support and input into this work have been incalculable. I recall how you encouraged me to stick with the book’s title when I was on the verge of changing it; alongside members of the executive management of the agency, Mallam Gambo Ahmad and Engr Rotimi Fasakin.

Writing an industry-themed book can be very challenging without sufficient sectorial information and data. The following industry players came to my rescue by availing me their precious time for interviews. On this note, I wish to also thank: Hadiza Bala Usman, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority; Hassan Bello, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council; Ferdinand Agu (Former DG, NIMASA); Rear Admiral F.O.C. Bobai; Rear Admiral A. A.

Osinowo, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, Captain T. F. Akinpelumi and Emmanuel Maiguwa. My friends, Dr. Sola Omoju and Dr. Terfa Abraham of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), National Assembly, Abuja for providing me with essential data from the CBN.

Coping with the hectic schedule of my work would have been impossible without my Special Assistant, Mr. Abdulmumuni Dirisu, my PA, Hamidu Abubakar, Noble Soul and other members of my immediate staff and support group including Chief Babatunde Oyafemi who tirelessly edited the manuscript. I cannot leave out my teachers, supervisors and colleagues at the Centre for Logistics and Transport Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Graduate Studies, University of Port Harcourt where I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Maritime Security – Prof. Osi Akpaghome, Prof. C.C. Ibe, Dr. (Mrs).Gladys Emenike, Honourable Chinda Ogbuji amongst many.

I am also grateful to Dr Jeff Ukachukwu, CEO Rhder Informatics Development Ltd for the proof reading, production support and printing of this work alongside Dr. Sarah Tuck (University of Plymouth) our external consultant. Thanks also to Shola Daniel for the cover design and Rasaq Ishola for the page planning.

I would like to sincerely acknowledge the support, contributions and guidance of my brother, friend and a teacher, Mr. Ubong Essien, the Dean of the School of Eloquence who inspired me to write this book, made useful professional input and kept me motivated and focused despite the many ups and downs for 18 months; and his wife, Patience Essien, Registrar of the School whose tireless hospitality and administrative skills constantly provided us the enabling environment for our regular brainstorming sessions. In saving the best for last, I must always go back home where I belong. On the home front, I owe a continuing debt of gratitude to my lovely wife, Zulaihat Bashir Jamoh, for believing in me and urging me to go ahead while also holding the family together, helping to make up for my occasional absence due to work demand; and our wonderful children for always loving and tolerating my endless littering of the house with the manuscripts while this book work lasted. I love you all.

And for anyone whose help I may have failed to mention, kindly forgive me and know that you are highly appreciated.