Bivbere, CG Customs, Tantita, Shittu Others Emerge Winners at NMMA

By Joy Enamuna

The 2026 edition of the Nigerian Maritime Merit Awards (NMMA) has celebrated outstanding achievements across Nigeria’s maritime sector, with journalists, corporate organisations, government officials and industry leaders emerging winners in various categories.

In the media category, Godfrey Bivbere was named Best Maritime Reporter of the Year after polling 42 per cent of the 2,403 votes cast. He defeated Oluwakemi Dauda, who secured 31.1 per cent, and Shulammite Olowofoyeku, who garnered 26.9 per cent.

Tantita Security Services clinched the award for Corporate Social Responsibility, polling 45.7 per cent of the votes. SIFAX Group came second with 33.3 per cent, while the Niger Delta Development Commission received 21 per cent.

The Lifetime Maritime Achievement Award was won by the Chairman of Skelas Group, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, who scored 41.2 per cent of the votes. He was followed by the Chairman of SIFAX Group, Taiwo Afolabi, with 26.7 per cent, while the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, polled 32.2 per cent.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, emerged Maritime Man of the Year with 47.7 per cent of the votes. He defeated Taiwo Afolabi, who scored 21.6 per cent, and the Board of Trustees Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria and Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Adewale Adeyanju, who garnered 30.7 per cent.

In the female category, Faith Zibs Godwin won the Maritime Woman of the Year award after securing 36 per cent of the votes. She edged out Bola Muse, who polled 34.4 per cent, and Mfon Usoro, who recorded 29.7 per cent.

In the financial services category, Access Bank emerged Best Duty Collecting Bank with 38.7 per cent of the votes. United Bank for Africa followed closely with 31.2 per cent, while Fidelity Bank secured 30.2 per cent.

Organisers said the NMMA has continued to recognise excellence and professionalism within the maritime industry, celebrating individuals and institutions whose contributions are shaping the growth and sustainability of the sector.