CG Customs, Taiwo Afolabi, Godfrey Bivbere others Sweep Awards at NMMA

The 2026 edition of the Nigerian Maritime Merit Awards (NMMA) has once again spotlighted excellence in the maritime sector, with industry leaders, institutions, and professionals clinching top honours across diverse categories.

In the highly competitive media category, Godfrey Bivbere emerged as the Best Maritime Reporter of the Year, securing 42 per cent of the 2,403 responses. He was closely followed by Oluwakemi Dauda with 31.1 per cent, while Shulammite Olowofoyeku garnered 26.9 per cent.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, was voted Maritime Man of the Year, with an overwhelming 47.7 per cent of the votes. He beat Taiwo Afolabi who pulled 21.6 per cent of votes as against Adewale Adeyanju, BOT Chairman of MWUN/Vice President of NLC that got 30.7 per cent of the votes.

The award for Maritime Woman of the Year went to Faith Zibs Godwin, who received 36 per cent of the votes. She edged out Bola Muse (34.4%) and Mfon Usoro (29.7%).

In the financial category, Access Bank was named Best Duty Collecting Bank, winning with 38.7 per cent. Fidelity Bank followed with 30.2 per cent, while United Bank for Africa, UBA secured 31.2 per cent of the votes.

The NMMA continues to serve as a beacon of recognition for outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s maritime industry. From journalists shaping narratives to companies driving corporate responsibility, and from government leaders to financial institutions, the awards highlight the diverse pillars sustaining the sector.