Flowerbud News

Author: Ejide Onibiyo

  • KLT Customs generates ₦13.7bn in 10 months, Edelduok bows out as new ACG

    Pic 1–
    From L-R, Deputy Comptroller, Rachael Mamuda, Deputy Comptroller Funmilayo Adedoyin in charge of vehicle seat, Face 2,
    The Newly Promoted Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Eghosa Edelduok, and the Deputy Comptroller Godwin Ogwa, during the send-off ceremony with The Newly Promoted Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Esohe Edelduok at Kirikiri Lighter Terminal in Lagos on Monday
    KLT Customs Generates ₦13.7bn in 10 Months, Edelduok Bows Out as New ACG
    Lagos, December, 1, 2025, The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded remarkable growth after generating ₦13.7 billion in revenue between January and October 2025.
    The outgoing Controller of the Command, now Assistant Comptroller General (ACG), Eghosa Edelduok, disclosed this on Monday during her official send-off ceremony in Lagos.
    She explained that the figure represented a 47 per cent increase compared to the ₦9.4 billion revenue generated within the same period in 2024.
    Edelduok, visibly elated, described the growth as the outcome of deliberate reforms, increased stakeholder engagement and improved trade facilitation within the terminal.
    She expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and the management of the service for entrusting her with leadership responsibilities and elevating her to management rank.
    The Newly Promoted Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Esohe Edelduok and the former Comptroller Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Customs Command, Comptroller Eghosa Edelduok
    According to her, turning the KLT command around required dedication, collaboration and an open-door policy that encouraged constant communication between Customs and stakeholders.
    “When I assumed duty, several terminals under KLT were moribund,” she recalled, noting that proactive engagement revived operations and increased throughput across facilities.
    She said terminals such as ESS Libra now handled an average of 50–60 containers monthly while others have regained full operational life through improved access and reduced delays.
    The new ACG described KLT as a dry port with strong potential to rival major terminals if sustained incentives and rapid cargo processing are maintained.
    Edelduok disclosed that clearance turnaround was reduced significantly, with many consignments processed and released within 48 hours once documentation was compliant.
    She emphasised that compliance-driven trade became the backbone of the revenue leap, as traders and agents increasingly chose KLT for faster clearance and friendlier operations.
    Stakeholder cooperation, she added, also helped change perceptions, attracting more importers who had previously avoided the terminal due to fears of delays and bottlenecks.
    Edelduok celebrated the unity among officers, sister agencies and terminal operators as one of her proudest accomplishments during her 18-month leadership.
    She also highlighted a major Corporate Social Responsibility project, a completed block of classrooms and fully-equipped library for inmates at Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre, describing it as a defining legacy.
    Looking ahead, she assured that KLT would continue to support only legitimate trade, warning that illicit shipments such as fake drugs, cannabis and contraband goods would not be tolerated.
    Edelduok concluded her farewell message with optimism, saying her new office comes with greater responsibility, but she leaves KLT prepared, fulfilled and hopeful for even greater growth at the command.
    Stakeholders at the Terminal (KLT) customs command also commended Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Edelduok, for her exemplary leadership, professionalism, and contributions to national development.
    The Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC), Funmilayo Adedokun, in charge of Vehicle Seat, welcomed Edelduok and praised her rare leadership capacity, noting that her service had positively impacted both the Customs Service and national development.
    Adedokun said ACG Edelduok not only delivered on assigned duties but also inspired excellence in others.
    “Edelduok is a leader who lifts people, empowers teams and consistently ensures that the service delivers on its mandate with integrity,” she said.
    She congratulated Edelduok on her recent promotion and encouraged her to embrace the responsibilities of her new role.
    The Secretary of the KLT chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr Adebola Adesanya, described Edelduok’s tenure as a master class in transformative leadership.
    Adesanya noted that the ACG maintained an open-door policy, listened to concerns, and worked with agents to find practical solutions while balancing regulatory compliance with the facilitation of legitimate trade.
    During her tenure, Edelduok implemented impactful social initiatives, including the construction of four well-furnished and fully equipped classrooms at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
    The initiative was described as unprecedented in the history of the Nigerian Customs Service.
    The Assistant Comptroller Customer (AC) Team Manager, Olayinka Suleiman, appreciated Edelduok’s motherly approach, saying it fostered unity and a sense of family among officers.
    Speaking on behalf of the officers, the Assistant Comptroller Bond and Licence, Michael Gotep, described ACG Edelduok as an exemplary leader and prayed for God’s guidance and peace in all her endeavors.
    The sister government agencies at KLT commended Edelduok for being well-articulated, professional, and trustworthy.
    From L-R, Deputy Comptroller Funmilayo Adedoyin in charge of vehicle seat, Face 2,
    The Newly Promoted Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Eghosa Edelduok and the former Comptroller Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Customs Command, Comptroller Esohe Edelduok, the Deputy Comptroller Godwin Ogwa, and Deputy Comptroller, Uwumarogie Obanor, in charge of Bestaf Terminal, during the send-off ceremony
    Stakeholders recalled that the command faced significant challenges when she assumed duty, describing it as “dead,” but highlighted her ability to resolve agents’ problems effectively.
    Agents also noted that there had been no demonstrations or unrest during her tenure, reflecting her effective leadership style.
    According to them, Edelduok’s leadership at KLT is now regarded as a benchmark, combining operational efficiency, staff empowerment, and community engagement initiatives

  • Stakeholders urge policy to tackle truck operation challenges

    From From L-R, The Moderator, Mrs Jenifer Bekedemor-Imarhia, the Vice President Port Consultative Council, (PCC) Chief, Jean Chiazor Anishere, (SAN) The Former Port Manager, Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Mrs Bolanle Olotu and the Managing Director, Trucks Transit Parks (TTP), Mr Jama Onwubuariri, during a panel discussion with a topic: Driving Regulatory Synergy from Efficient Port Logistics and Foreign Movement in Nigeria still ongoing at L’EOLA Hotel organised by the management of Trucks Transit Parks

     

    Stakeholders urge policy to tackle truck operation challenges

     

     

    Lagos, November 27, 2025, Maritime experts have urged Trucks Transit Parks (TTP) to develop a formal policy addressing truck movement challenges nationwide.

     

     

    They made the call during a TTP roundtable panel discussion on regulatory synergy and port logistics held on Thursday in Lagos.

     

    The Vice Chairman, Ports Consultative Council (PCC) Chief Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN) urged TTP to present a structured policy to the National Assembly for proper legislative backing.

     

     

    She said long-term goals must be included to guarantee sustainable reform across the maritime logistics chain.

     

     

    “There are many discussions on maritime issues, but without reaching the National Assembly, they will fade away,” she said.

     

     

     

    She cited past achievements in stevedores’ regulation as evidence of the value of formal legislation.

     

     

    Anishere called for deeper collaboration and urged full digitalisation of port processes using a single-window platform.

     

     

    She said such reforms would improve cargo clearance times and reduce overlapping government functions.

     

     

    She pledged support to help truckers refine policy proposals that could enhance operations nationally.

     

    From From L-R, the Vice President, Port Consultative Council ,(PCC) Chief, Jean Chiazor Anishere, (SAN), the Managing Director, Trucks Transit Parks (TTP), Mr Jama Onwubuariri, and the Former Port Manager, Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Mrs Bolanle Olotu during a panel discussion with a topic: Driving Regulatory Synergy from Efficient Port Logistics and Foreign Movement in Nigeria still ongoing at L’EOLA Hotel organised by the management of Trucks Transit Parks

    TTP Managing Director, Mr Jama Onwubuariri, showcased the firm’s dashboard system tracking turnaround times at Apapa and Tincan ports.

     

     

    He said quicker cargo movement improves operational efficiency and boosts profitability for the logistics sector.

     

     

    Onwubuariri added that congestion, irregular pricing, and human interference once defined Lagos port access.

     

     

    He introduced “Eto,” which he described as a disciplined ecosystem restoring order and structure to truck operations.

     

     

    Onwubuariri also disclosed that arrangements were ongoing to extend the ETO scheme to five additional states, including Cross River, Abia, Kaduna, Bauchi and Yobe.

     

    The TTP boss said that the company had concluded plans to introduce additional technology-driven tools to support faster cargo evacuation from the ports in 2026.

     

    According to him, the new solutions are expected to reduce human interference in operations and accelerate turnaround time for truckers and port users.

     

    He listed the proposed tools to include the Electronic Tagging System, e-Column Interchange Transaction Log, and the YAD traffic management solution.

     

    Onwubuariri explained that the Electronic Tagging System will enable unique identification of trucks and allow a seamless passage through port gates.

     

    According to him, the tag will be readable through cameras and e-tag readers installed at entry points, ensuring that each truck’s identity is traceable throughout its operations.

     

    Former Port Manager, Mrs Funmi Olotu, urged government to equip truck parks with better facilities to improve efficiency.

     

     

    She stressed accountability, collaboration, and transparency to position Nigeria as a preferred African cargo hub.

     

     

    The roundtable, moderated by TTP Director, Mrs Jenifer Bekedemor-Imarhia, ended with a call for regulatory reforms and digital transformation.

     

  • TTP says over 900,000 trucks moved into Nigerian ports in 11 months

    The Managing Director, Trucks Transit Parks, Mr Jama Onwubuariri, and his management team during an interactive roundtable with members of the on Friday in Lagos
    TTP says over 900,000 trucks moved into Nigerian ports in 11 months
    Lagos, Nov. 28, 2025: The Managing Director, Trucks Transit Parks (TTP), Mr Jama Onwubuariri, says the company facilitated the movement of over 900,000 trucks into Nigerian ports between January and Nov. 28, 2025.
    Onwubuariri disclosed this at an interactive roundtable with members of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) on Friday in Lagos.
    He said that the figure reflects an improved efficiency around port access, following ongoing deployment of technology-led traffic and cargo management systems.
    From L-R the President, Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) Mr Moses Ebosele , the Managing Director, Trucks Transit Parks, Mr Jama Onwubuariri, during an interactive roundtable with members of the on Friday in Lagos
    The TTP boss said that the company had concluded plans to introduce additional technology-driven tools to support faster cargo evacuation from the ports in 2026.
    According to him, the new solutions are expected to reduce human interference in operations and accelerate turnaround time for truckers and port users.
    He listed the proposed tools to include the Electronic Tagging System, e-Column Interchange Transaction Log, and the YAD traffic management solution.
    Onwubuariri explained that the Electronic Tagging System will enable unique identification of trucks and allow a seamless passage through port gates.
    According to him, the tag will be readable through cameras and e-tag readers installed at entry points, ensuring that each truck’s identity is traceable throughout its operations.
    He also disclosed that arrangements were ongoing to extend the ETO scheme to five additional states, including Cross River, Abia, Kaduna, Bauchi and Yobe.
    He expressed confidence that the company’s licence will be renewed by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), since performance indicators had been met.
    From 4th the President, Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) Mr Moses Ebosele , the Managing Director, Trucks Transit Parks, Mr Jama Onwubuariri, the Public Relations of TTP Madam Nancy, among others during an interactive roundtable with members of the on Friday in Lagos
    Earlier, President of SCAN, Mr Moses Ebosele, had welcomed the TTP team adding that the association’s press centre remained open to stakeholders across the maritime and transport sectors.

     

  • TTP moves to end number plate fraud in ports, seeks regulation

    From L-R, The Former Port Manager, Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Mrs Bolanle Olotu,
    Managing Director, Trucks Transit Parks (TTP), Mr Jama Onwubuariri, the Director Transport Operations, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olasunkanmi Ojowuro and the Vice President Port Consultative Council of Nigeria,(PCCN) Chief, SAN, Jean Chiazor Anishere the Thought Stakeholders Leadership Roundtable, organised by the Management of Trucks Transit Park

     

    TTP moves to end number plate fraud in ports, seeks regulation
    Lagos, November. 27, 2025, The Trucks Transit Parks (TTP), on Thursday, appealed for stronger regulation and deployment of digital identity technology for trucks, so as to eliminate number plate duplication in Nigerian ports.
    Managing Director of TTP, Mr Jama Onwubuariri, made the appeal at a Thought Stakeholders Leadership Roundtable held at the L’Eola Hotel in Lagos.
    It had the theme: “From Gridlock to Growth: Re-Imagining Port Logistics in Nigeria”.
    He said that number plate duplication is one of the most recurring challenges in port logistics, and attributed same to the absence of a unified issuing authority.
    According to him, the lack of strict control had enabled drivers to clone plate numbers, borrow identity plates from other vehicles, or use fabricated numbers to access the Eto system.
    Onwubuariri said that the company has developed an Electronic Truck Tagging System (E-TAC) designed to attach a permanent, tamper-proof digital identity to every truck using the platform.
    He explained that once the tag is altered, the truck automatically, becomes invalid on Eto, preventing access fraud and identity swapping.
    The MD stated that TTP is awaiting regulatory approval for a full deployment of E-TAC, while expressing confidence that its activation will erode false number plate operations.
    Meanwhile, he also unveiled the ATO Interchange Transaction Number (AITN), a control mechanism created to stop illegal cargo transfers between trucks inside terminals.
    He urged LASTMA, the police and security of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to intensify monitoring to ease movement of vehicles with valid access orders.
    In a goodwill message, the Lagos Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, commended the engagement of the TTP, for assisting to reduce gridlock arround Lagos Metropolis.
    Osiyemi, represented by his Director of Transport Operations, Mr Olasunkanmi Ojowuro, expressed confidence that partnership, and unified planning will transform Nigeria’s port operations, into globally competitive logistics hubs.
    the Director Transport Operations, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olasunkanmi Ojowuro, and the Managing Director, Trucks Transit Parks (TTP), Mr Jama Onwubuariri, The Vice President Port Consultative Council of Nigeria,(PCCN) Chief, SAN, Jean Chiazor Anishere , during the Thought Stakeholders Leadership Roundtable, organised by the Management of Trucks Transit Park held in Lagos on Thursday
    On his part, the Chairman, Ports Consultative Council of Nigeria (PCCN) Mr Bolaji Sunmola, who was represented by Vice Chairman of PCCN, Chief Jean Chiazor Anishere, (SAN) called for urgent regulatory coordination to improve port logistics.
    Speaking on the theme, “Driving Regulatory Synergy for Efficient Port Logistics and Freight Movement in Nigeria,” he highlighted some of the challenges in the nation’s ports.
    He said they included overlapping regulations, manual processes, high cargo dwell time, and fragmented inter-agency operations, adding that they increase cost and delay cargo movement.
    Sunmola called for stronger inter-agency collaboration, as well as the adoption of a functional Port Community System (PCS).
    He conveyed felicitations from the chairman, and reaffirmed his support for the objectives of the dialogue.
    Meanwhile, the MD of TTP, received commendation from port officials and maritime stakeholders for a successful implementation of the Electronic Tracking and Operations (ETO) system.
    “Regulatory synergy is not merely administrative reform—it is the key to building a port system that supports national growth, creates jobs, and lowers business costs,”She said.
    “We are urging stakeholders to commit to coordinated reforms, because Nigeria has the potential to move from congestion to efficiency and from untapped potential to tangible growth, positioning the country as a maritime hub in West Africa,”Sunmola said.
    Speaking on behalf of the Lagos Port Complex, Port Manager, Mr Adebowale Lawal, who was represented by the Port Security Officer, Mr Buka Kaomi, lauded TTP’s management for establishing the ETO system.
    He emphasised that the NPA had committed to maintaining professionalism in line with international standards, adding that the port will welcome any technological innovations that will enhance efficiency.
    A group picture of Stakeholders, dignitaries and management of the Truck Transit Parks during  roundtable meeting held on Thursday, in Lagos
    Moreso, President of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Chief Remi Ogungbemi, who also spoke on the initiative, expressed satisfaction with the ETO system.
    He described it as a vital transition from analog to digital operations, adding that only those opposed to economic growth will resist such transformation.
    In her remarks, a former Manager of the Apapa port, Mrs Bolanle Olotu, urged TTP to integrate data analytics into its operations.
    Olotu said that leveraging data will enable the management to improve operational efficiency and decision-making.
    She called on all stakeholders to collaborate effectively and maintain accountability in their respective roles.

  • MMAC surpasses 2025 revenue target, strengthens Nigeria’s air-cargo security

    MMAC surpasses 2025 revenue target, strengthens Nigeria’s air-cargo security

     

    MMAC surpasses 2025 revenue target, strengthens Nigeria’s air-cargo security
    Lagos, November. 26, 2025, The Customs Area Controller, Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC), Comptroller Michael Awe, says that the command surpassed its 2025 revenue target of N179 billion.
    Awe, who disclosed this during a news conference in Lagos on Wednesday, said that it generated N179.91 billion representing 100.1 per cent of the revenue target.
    He noted that the command was given a revenue target of N179 billion for 2025 while it generated N179.91 billion between Jan. 2 and Nov. 26, 2025.
    The controller added that the achievement underscored rising influence within the Nigeria Customs Service.
    He said: “Our MMAC generated an impressive ₦179.91 billion, surpassing the annual revenue target and outperforming the 2024 figures by more than nine percent.
    “The numbers are not mere statistics but proof of a deliberate culture of integrity, accuracy, and vigilance.
    “The command’s ability to monitor import transactions in real time has also  improved trader compliance and swiftly plugged leakages, which have played a defining role in the historic milestone.
    The MMAC boss said that it intensified its enforcement operations, deploying intelligence and strategic collaboration to intercept contraband that threatened national security, public health, and global biodiversity.
    Picture of the intercepted contraband goods valued at ₦7.2 billion.
     “The intercepted contraband range from colorado, cannabis sativa, unregistered pharmaceuticals, signed blank foreign cheques, to pangolin scales and elephant tusks.
    “It also includes immigration uniforms, tactical communication equipment, and even 523 signed Deutsch Bank and AIB foreign banks cheques collectively valued at ₦7.2 billion.
    “The seizures demonstrate how critical the command has been in protecting Nigeria’s borders, especially in the aviation corridor where smuggling attempts are more discreet and often more dangerous.
    “Beyond enforcement, the command also devoted significant attention to its evolving relationship with stakeholders.
    “We encouraged continuous  communication, patience, and shared responsibility among clearing agents, partner agencies, airlines, operators, and traders,” Awe said.
    He noted that the environment, once strained by procedural tensions, had gradually shifted toward resolving issues through dialogue,while procedures were harmonised, and trust was steadily rebuilt.
    This spirit of cooperation, he said, was essential to ensuring that MMAC could balance facilitation with firm compliance.
    Awe acknowledged the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, describing his leadership as a compass that guided all customs commands’ decisions through the year.
    Awe sincerely appreciated the professional dedication of the officers and men of MMAC, whose long hours, quiet sacrifices, and consistency powered every accomplishment recorded.
     He urged them to continue upholding the service’s values of integrity, discipline, and excellence, reminding them that the command’s gains should be sustained through collective responsibility.
    He said that the command was committed to zero-tolerance stance on smuggling, and would continue enforcing all applicable trade laws with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

  • Apapa Customs trains personnel to enhance emergency response capacity

    Officers and trainers demonstrating practical exercise during the first aid training held in Apapa on Monday in Lagos
    Apapa Customs trains personnel to enhance emergency response capacity
    Lagos, November 24, 2025: The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday organised a first aid training programme for its personnel , aimed at enhancing their emergency response capacity.
    The training, conducted by the Service’s medical team at the Apapa Command, is designed to equip personnel with essential life-saving skills applicable in various emergency situations.
    The Customs Area Controller, Apapa Customs Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, while declaring the training open in Lagos, said that the training was timely and necessary to ensure the safety of officers at all times.
    He said the training was necessary, particularly for officers who often operate in demanding and high-risk environments.
    Oshoba expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, for prioritising the welfare and safety of officers through continuous capacity-building initiatives.
    He noted that first aid competence could determine the outcome of medical emergencies, stressing that early intervention often makes the difference between life and death.
    Oshoba added that the training programme would be held in all customs command in the country .
    According to him, officers will be trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), choking relief, bleeding control, burn, stroke recognition and other basic emergency procedures.
    Oshoba said the nature of paramilitary duties sometimes places officers in locations where medical professionals may not be readily available, making first responders critical in stabilising casualties.
    He explained that first aid could help to reduce injury severity, control bleeding, relieve pain and revive individuals who may be at the point of losing consciousness.
    Oshoba urged participants to take the training seriously, describing it as both a refresher for experienced officers and a valuable introduction for first-time trainees.
    He encouraged attendees to make full use of the practical demonstrations, noting that first aid skills were best developed through hands-on learning.
    Zonal Medical Officer, Zone ‘B’, Comptroller Amwe Aku, who is also the head of the medical team, while highlighting the objectives of the programme, said the NCS had recorded fatalities that could have been prevented with timely first aid.
    He said the training would provide officers with simple but effective life-saving techniques to be used while awaiting professional medical assistance.
    “At the last training held in Abuja the CGC Adeniyi, received records of 62 officers who lost their lives between January and October 2025 as a result of lack of First Aid training
    “The CGC who never neglect the welfare of his officers mandated us engage in the first aid training to officers immediately after the training held in Abuja on Thursday.
    “The Comptroller-General of customs Bashir Adeniyi, also equiped us to distribute first aid equipment to all departments in the customs officers across the country.
    “The first aid knowledge is useful beyond the workplace, as officers may encounter emergencies while commuting, at social events, or at home,”Aku said.
    The Zonal Head of Medical, Zone ‘B’,Comptroller Amwe Aku, Customs Area Comptroller, Apapa Customs Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, during the First Aid training to officers held in Apapa Customs Command on Monday in Lagos
    He noted that early application of first aid increases survival chances in nine out of ten emergency cases, making trained officers valuable first responders.
    From L-R the Deputy Comptroller in Charge of Admin, Apapa Customs Command, Henry Erimobor, Deputy Comptroller, Head of Customs Laboratory, Cynthia Pratt, Comptroller Amwe Aku, Customs Area Comptroller, Apapa Customs Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba and Comptroller Vicky Bishen, and Deputy Comptroller, Enforcement Apapa Customs Command, Muhammed during the First Aid training to officers held in Apapa Customs Command on Monday in Lagos
    Oshoba said the skills acquired would enhance the safety of officers, their families, colleagues and members of the public they may come across during emergencies.
    Our correspondent gathered that some of the officers expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General and the customs Area Controller Apapa Customs Command for training them on first aid.
    The officers expressed confidence that the training would enhance their emergency response capacity.
    Officers during the first aid training held in Apapa on Monday in Lagos
    Officers were trained on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and undergone practicals on choking relief, burns, heart attack , external and massive bleeding.control, gun shot, fainting spinal injury stroke recognition and other basic emergency procedures among other.

  • Oyetola, Ebuebu laud marine-themed creativity at AMAE 2025

    L-R: The Convener, African Maritime Arts Exhibition (AMAE), Ezinne Azunna; a former General Manager, Special Duties, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief (Mrs.) Carol Ufere; Technical Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Prof. Busayo Fakinlade; Director General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Charles Ebuebu; President of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria, Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro; and other guests during the opening of 2025 African Maritime Arts Exhibition held in Lagos on Tuesday

     

    Representing the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mrs Elsie Egwuatu, stressed that maritime art should be explored to convey the message of safety on the inland waterways.
    According to her, art can aid the regulator’s agenda in driving safe and sustainable practices to curb boat accidents and recurring loss of lives.
    In her welcome address, the Convener of AMAE, Ezinne Azunna, said that AMAE had grown into more than an exhibition to become a forum bringing together artists, policymakers, students, maritime stakeholders, academics, and the public to reflect, learn, and take action.
    “We have woven into our programme several topical conversations and art sections, such as “Blue Economy in Art for Schools & Children.
    “This year, we are proud to introduce “Blue Art by Women,” inspired by our dear sister, friend, colleague-poet, writer, and artist – Evelyn Osagie, who served on the AMAE team until her passing in August this year.
    “AMAE aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water, which calls for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
    “Our work also supports regional priorities articulated by the African Union and ECOWAS, promoting sustainable blue economies, maritime security, and community engagement across West Africa,” Azunna said.
    She noted that through art, they could translate the global and regional goals into local, tangible stories that inspired understanding, empathy, and responsible stewardship of the oceans using the Edutainment Imperative.
    The convener profusely thanked the array of sponsors and partners, even as she singled out the Nigeria Maritime Conference and Exhibition (NIMAREX) for collaborating and listing AMAE 2025 as a side event.
    The event was organised by Media Traction Ltd., owners of Maritime TV Africa, Hazi Arts and The Maritime Writes Project.
    The exhibition continues to position art as a compelling tool for advocacy, education, and continental collaboration in Africa’s growing blue economy landscape.
    One of the major highlights of the event was a captivating cultural dance performance by children from Enayon Makoko Children Foundation School and Orphanage Home, a waterfront community in Lagos.
    Their display drew wide applause and further emphasised the strong cultural connection between coastal communities and the maritime environment.
    A group photograph of students and dignitaries during the 4th African Maritime Arts Exhibition (AMAE) in Lagos on Tuesday

     

  • Nigeria adopts National Land Transport Policy after decades of delay

    Nigeria adopts National Land Transport Policy after decades of delay

    November 20, 2025: Nigeria has taken a historic leap in its transport evolution with the Federal Government’s approval of the long-delayed National Land Transport Policy.

     

    Some experts in the transport sector said the approval was a milestone and would also fundamentally reshaped mobility, professionalise operations, and boost economic performance nationwide.

     

     

    The National Publicity Secretary, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA), Dr Chizoba Anyika, disclosure this in a statement after a virtual press briefing that the National Executive Council (NEC) approved the policy on July 31, 2025.

     

    Anyinka said that the stalled drafts and fragmented initiatives had hindered coherent transport reform.

     

    She said that CIOTA described the approval as a “bright torch of hope” sparked by resolutions from the Institute’s 7th National Conference held in Abuja.

     

    Anyika noted that years of advocacy, technical work, and collaboration among transport professionals and development partners had finally crystallised into a national asset.

     

     

    “Let the media tell it to the world that Nigeria now has a Transportation Policy.

     

    “The mandate to convey the announcement came directly from the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Sa’id Alkali, during the conference.

     

    The 7th CIOTA Conference, which brought together over 450 delegates at the NICON Luxury Hotel, featured inputs from former and serving leaders of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

     

     

    Other participants were the Police, Vehicle Inspection Offices, military and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, and transport industry professionals. Conversations reinforced the urgent need for an integrated, multimodal, and globally aligned transport management system.

     

    CIOTA President, Dr Segun Obayendo, applauded the media for its consistent coverage of CIOTA’s reform efforts, stressing that professionalisation remains the foundation for building a modern, efficient, and economically viable transport sector.

     

    Obayendo said that a fully professionalised ecosystem would significantly expand employment opportunities and enhance revenue generation.

     

    He highlighted CIOTA’s growing partnership with ALGON, the umbrella body for Nigeria’s 774 local government councils.

     

    ” Through this collaboration, each council was expected to appoint a Supervisory Councillor for Transport. a move aimed at decentralising transport governance and ensuring that even remote communities benefit from a structured, standardised system.

     

    He, however, noted that deepening professionalism across all tiers of the sector would make the administration’s ₦1 trillion economic target far more achievable.

  • Training: NSC decries police interference with cargoes at seaports

    A group picture of management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, executives of Ports Police, Senior Customs Officers from Apapa command during a one-day training programme, by the NSC in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, Maritime Police Command, on Wednesday in Lagos

     

    Training: NSC decries police interference with cargoes at seaports
    November 19, 2025:The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has decried several interferences with cargoes by police at the seaports, saying it has disrupted cargo dwell time, increased demurrage and storage charges payable by consignees.
    The Executive Secretary of the NSC, Dr Pius Akutah, made this known on Wednesday in Lagos at a one-day training programme for officers of the Maritime Police and other security stakeholders.
    The training which had the theme: “Facilitating Port Efficiency: The Strategic Role of the Police,”was organised by the NSC in collaboration with the Maritime Police Command of the Nigeria Police Force.
    Akutah, who was represented by the council’s Director, Regulatory Services Department, Mrs Margaret Ogbonnah, said that police interference with cargoes had also led to increase in the cost of doing business in Nigerian ports.
    He noted that several reports brought to the attention of the NSC by stakeholders pointed to incessant interference in the cargo clearance processes, placement of detention orders on duly cleared cargoes, thereby barring its exit from the port terminals.
    Akutah said that port operators, especially personnel of shipping line agencies and terminals, also complained of intimidation by the police officers, who, in turn, claim that they are acting on intelligence reports.
    The NSC boss explained that the council had on several occasions carried out investigations on the matter to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of the claims.
    He said that intimidation of ports operators had in most cases been confirmed, adding that these practices were carried out by various police formations without the knowledge of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).
    “This development, therefore, led to robust engagement by the council with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to put a stop to these practices and to ensure adherence to process in matters of container detention and other port related issues.
    “As a result, the AIG, Maritime Police Command notified key stakeholders vide a letter dated Dec. 11, 2018 about its decision to collectively streamline the plethora of letters being issued by various un-authorised persons on behalf of the Police.
    “The IGP also directed all key stakeholders to disregard any correspondence without the signature of the AIG or officers nominated by him.
    “Together, we have achieved quite a lot, although we cannot rest on the past achievements because some of these infractions still occur either deliberately or due to ignorance on the part of the officers involved. Our main focus has to be firmly on attaining international best practices.
    “In essence, at the meeting between the NSC and the Inspector General of Police; the issue of capacity building for officers of the maritime police was discussed in order to enlighten and educate them on the nitty-gritty of port operations and the role of the police,” Akutah said.
    Also in her presentation, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Chinedu Oko, represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police Administration, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, Olufikayo Fawole, explained that the Maritime Police, was a specialised arm of the Nigeria Police Force.
    Oko said that the maritime police played a critical role in securing maritime assets, mitigating threats, combating cargo-related crimes, preventing pilferage and vandalism, and ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate trade.
    “Our mandate is not just to enforce the law but also to protect the economic lifeblood of our nation.
    “Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global maritime economy is influenced greatly by the level of safety, predictability, and confidence that stakeholders experience at our ports.
    “This is why continuous training is essential. The operational landscape is evolving, new technologies, changing criminal patterns, multimodal logistics, and international compliance requirements all demand that our officers become smarter, more proactive, better informed, and better equipped.
    “Through this programme, participants will gain valuable insights into modern port operations, cargo handling procedures, supply-chain vulnerabilities, and best practices for promoting trade facilitation while maintaining robust security,” she said.
    The AIG pledged the police’ continuous commitment in ensuring secure port system, adding that the force would contribute more to national prosperity, economic stability, and Nigeria’s overall competitiveness in global trade.
    The Director, Regulatory Services Department, Mrs Margaret Ogbonnah, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Administration, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, Olufikayo Fawole, during a one-day training programme, in collaboration between NSC and Nigeria Police, Maritime Police Command, on Wednesday in Lagos