Flowerbud News

Author: Ejide Onibiyo

  • NPA records increased cargo, vessel traffic in Q1

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola and the Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho presentation the quarterly report of cargo throughout to the minister

     

    NPA records increased cargo, vessel traffic in Q1
    Lagos, May 10, 2026, The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, says the maritime sector recorded strong growth in the first quarter of 2026, driven by increased cargo throughput, larger vessel traffic and ongoing port reforms.
    Dantsoho disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos by the NPA General Manager, Corporate Communications and Strategy, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara.
    He said ocean-going vessel Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) rose by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million in first quarter 2026, reflecting improved cargo efficiency and growing confidence by international shipping lines in Nigerian ports.
    According to him, the increase was driven largely by the deployment of larger vessels linked to activities at Lekki Deep Sea Port and rising regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
    “Ports must evolve beyond old limits. Efficiency, speed and reliability will determine who leads African trade,” he said.
    Dantsoho said total cargo throughput rose by 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tonnes during the period.
    He added that outward cargo increased by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million tonnes, while outward laden containers rose by 67.6 per cent to 102,803 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).
    According to him, vehicle traffic also increased by 67 per cent to 58,870 units, while transshipment containers climbed by 83.1 per cent, indicating Nigeria’s growing role in regional trade.
    “The time has come to fully utilise our marine resources. Ports can drive major economic growth if properly harnessed,” he said.
    Dantsoho noted that reforms under the administration of Bola Tinubu were focused on infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation and restructuring aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa.
    He disclosed that the one billion dollar overhaul of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port was underway following approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
    Also speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said procurement processes were ongoing for upgrades at Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports to ensure balanced development.
    Oyetola added that the Port Community System and National Single Window project would help reduce delays, lower costs and improve transparency in port operations.
    He also noted that investments in rail, inland dry ports, barging and export corridors were aimed at easing congestion and improving cargo evacuation.
    According to the NPA, Nigeria has also sustained over four years without piracy incidents under the Deep Blue Programme.
    Dantsoho said Nigeria still handles only 25 per cent of West Africa’s cargo despite accounting for about 60 per cent of the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
    “With sustained commitment, Nigeria’s port system will emerge as Africa’s leading maritime logistics hub,” he said.

  • Nigeria-UK port upgrade to boost trade, efficiency, says Master Mariners

    Caption: The President, Nigeria Association of Master Mariners, Capt. Tajudeen Alao

    Nigeria-UK port upgrade to boost trade, efficiency, says Master Mariners

     

     

    Lagos, May 5, 2026, The President of the Nigeria Association of Master Mariners, Captain Tajudeen Alao, has commended the Federal Government’s partnership with the United Kingdom to rehabilitate the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports.

     

    Alao, spoke in an interview in Lagos, said the partnership would help toward modernising the maritime infrastructure.

     

    He said the collaboration reflected the growing investor confidence in the port sector.

     

    According to him, infrastructure upgrades are capital-intensive but essential for competitiveness.

     

    “Having foreign investors come into this sector shows the confidence they have in return on their investment and the importance of the project to the global economy,” he said.

     

    Alao explained that efficient port operations in Lagos are vital to the economy and the wider West African sub-region, adding that modernisation would improve turnaround time for vessels and attract more shipping traffic.

     

    “With modernisation, port efficiency will increase. Ship turnaround time will improve, making Nigerian ports more attractive to major shipping lines and boosting trade,” he said.

     

    Alao, however, cautioned that policy uncertainty and political activities in the coming months could affect project timelines, urging stakeholders to support the initiative to ensure continuity.

     

    He added that global trends were shifting toward smart ports driven by technology, which Nigeria must adopt to remain competitive.

     

    The Federal Government plans to commence rehabilitation works on the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports before the end of the second quarter of 2026, with completion expected within 48 months.

    Caption: The President, Nigeria Association of Master Mariners, Capt. Tajudeen Alao

    In March, Nigeria and the United Kingdom signed a 746 million pounds export finance agreement to support the redevelopment of the ports.

     

    Under the deal, UK Export Finance will guarantee loans for the project, while British Steel will supply 120,000 tonnes of steel under a 70 million pound contract.

     

    Also, General Manager, Corporate Communications and Strategy, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said the rehabilitation would be executed in phases to ensure uninterrupted port operations.

     

    “Rehabilitating our ports is a bold step by the Federal Government. We need to appreciate the Government and support the effort,” he said.

     

    Onyemekara explained that the phased approach would allow continuous cargo handling, as sections under reconstruction would be completed before work begins on others.

     

    “If Nigeria is to lead in maritime trade, it is critical that our ports are modernised and capable of receiving larger, modern vessels,” he said, adding that improved infrastructure would enhance efficiency and sustain revenue generation.

  • Customs FOU ‘A’ intercepts 473 smuggling attempts, recovers N5.5bn

    Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Gambo Aliyu with senior officers of the command addressing media of the command achievements

     

    Customs FOU ‘A’ intercepts 473 smuggling attempts, recovers N5.5bn
    Lagos, May 5, 2026 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, says it intercepted 473 smuggling attempts and recovered Not 5.5 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV) within eight weeks of intensified operations across the South-West.
    The Public Relations Officer of FOU Zone’A’ CSC, Hussain Abdullahi with Comptroller Gambo Aliyu during handing over of cocaine, cannabis and other to Commander Narcotics, Ibrahim Kabir
    The Comptroller of the unit, Gambo Aliyu, disclosed this on Tuesday at a news conference in Ikeja, attributing the feat to enhanced surveillance, intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration.
    Comptroller Gambo Aliyu showing the intercepted cannabis to the Commander of Narcotic, Ibrahim Kabir before hanging over in Lagos
    Aliyu said that key seizures recorded between Feb. 3 and April 28, included 8,794 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to about 15 trailer loads.
    He listed other seizures to include 3,340 parcels of Cannabis Indica, popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud”, weighing 1,540kg, as well as 6.4kg of cocaine and methamphetamine with an estimated street value of N2.35 billion.
     
    A picture of some of the intercepted cannabis parcels displayed for media during briefing in Lagos
    The hard drugs, he said, were intercepted in a Toyota Highlander at Elijah Bus Stop along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.
    Comptroller Gambo Aliyu displaying some of the intercepted assorted cars to media during a briefing in Lagos
    “Other items seized include 22 used (Tokunbo) vehicles, 1,188 kegs of vegetable oil, 31,705 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 328 bales of used clothing and 485 used tyres.
    Comptroller Gambo Aliyu showcasing intercepted second hand clothes in Lagos
    “Also seized were 1,863 used refrigerator compressors, 531 cartons of foreign poultry products, 69 cartons of foreign spaghetti and 24 bags of foreign sugar,” he said.
    Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ controller, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu showcasing seized rice within the period under review in Lagos
    The comptroller further disclosed that operatives intercepted four cylinders of high-grade mercury concealed in a Toyota Avensis at the Gbaji outpost.

  • NIWA priorities safety, plans transition to modern boats

    The Area Manager, Lagos of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Engr. Sarah Braimoh

     

     

    NIWA priorities safety, plans transition to modern boats

     

     

     

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has intensified efforts to promote safer water transportation and reduce boat mishaps across the country’s inland waterways as part of renewed safety campaign by the agency.

     

     

    The Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Engr. Sarat Braimah, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by members of the 2026 Dockworkers’ Day Committee of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) to her office in Lagos on Thursday.

     

     

    Braimah said the move aligns with the safety vision of the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Yusuf Girei, who has directed the authority to strengthen waterways safety campaigns nationwide.

     

     

    According to her, safety remains the top priority of the management, stressing that the agency is committed to ensuring that passengers and operators comply with established safety measures.

     

     

    “Safety is the keyword of the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Yusuf Girei. He wants all water users to be safe.

     

     

    We have been directed to campaign massively this month so that people will be aware that we must not record any boat mishap,” she said.

     

    She noted that sustained awareness campaigns by NIWA have contributed significantly to the improved level of sanity currently being witnessed on Lagos waterways.

     

    Braimah explained that passengers have become more safety-conscious, with many now insisting that fellow commuters wear life jackets before boats depart jetties.

     

     

    “People are now more aware. You even see passengers calling NIWA to report that someone sitting beside them is not wearing a life jacket.

     

     

    Our awareness campaigns and constant engagement have gone a long way,” she stated.

     

     

    The NIWA Area Manager noted that regular inspections of boats by the agency’s Marine Department have also contributed to improving safety standards on inland waterways.

     

     

    “Every quarter, the Marine Department inspects boats. So, you hardly see boats on the waterways that are not in good condition,” she added.

     

     

    Speaking on plans to eliminate wooden boats, Braimah disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is supporting efforts to replace them with safer alternatives.

     

    According to her, the transition would be gradual to avoid disrupting the livelihoods of operators who depend on wooden boats for transportation and commercial activities.

     

     

    “The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy wants us to phase out wooden boats.

     

    We are working on this, but it is not something that can happen overnight. We have to meet operators halfway while safer boats are being introduced gradually,” she explained.

     

     

    Braimah further revealed that the government plans to invest more in modern boats through the current budget, which would accelerate the transition process.

     

     

    On revenue generation, she said NIWA has consistently surpassed its targets, revealing that the authority has doubled the revenue it generated three years ago.

     

    “Three years ago, we doubled what we generated in that period.

     

    We are always meeting and surpassing our revenue targets,” she said.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Customs begins probe over viral extortion video

    A picture of officer suspected of misconduct
    Customs begins probe over viral extortion video
    Lagos, May 9, 2026, The Nigeria Customs Service has begun disciplinary proceedings after a viral video allegedly showed an officer extorting a motorist on Lagos-Benin Expressway.
    Federal Operations Unit spokesman, Chief Superintendent Hussaini Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos.
    Abdullahi said the secretly recorded footage prompted immediate action after widespread outrage across social media platforms.
    He said the video allegedly captured an officer demanding N200,000 from a motorist during a highway patrol.
    According to him, the officer appeared before senior officials in footage shared on the service’s X account.
    He said the officer was later handed to the Customs Police Unit for investigation.
    “Following the circulation of a viral video depicting unprofessional conduct, the service immediately activated disciplinary procedures,” Abdullahi said.
    Representing the Unit Controller, Gambo Aliyu, Abdullahi said the service would never tolerate conduct that damages its public image.
    “Officers found guilty of ethical breaches will face sanctions without compromise,” he said.

  • SCAN sympathises with NPA over death of photographer

    A picture of Mr Paul Erakhifu

    SCAN sympathises with NPA over death of photographer

     

     

     

    The Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) has expressed deep sadness over the death Mr Paul Erakhifu, a staff of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA).

     

     

    The SCAN President, Mr Moses Ebosele, said this in a statement jointly signed by himself and the association Secretary, Mrs Shulammite Olowofoyeku.

     

     

    Paul Erakhifu, who was popularly known as Texas, was an official photographer of the NPA, until his death worked in the Corporate and Strategic Communications Department of the Authority.

     

     

    SCAN extended its heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of the NPA, as well as the family of the deceased, describing his passing as a painful and significant loss to the maritime industry.

     

    Erakhifu reportedly slumped and died on Friday, May 1, after attending a departmental strategic meeting of the NPA and later participating in an excursion in Lagos.

     

     

    The association said it was shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of the veteran photographer.

     

    The association described Erakhifu as a friendly personality who related well not only with colleagues in NPA but also with members of the maritime media community.

     

    “We were deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Paul Erakhifu,

     

    He was an hard working person, talented, and highly professional photographer who vividly showcased the activities of the Nigerian Ports Authority through his professional cameras.

     

    The association noted that his dedication, energy, and unwavering commitment to duty were truly remarkable.

     

    Scan also that his death had created a significant gap within the NPA.

     

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the management, and staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority during this difficult time.

     

    “May God Almighty grant him eternal rest and comfort his family, loved ones, and all of us with the strength and fortitude to bear this painful and

    irreplaceable loss,” SCAN added.

     

     

  • NCS, NDLEA seize N18.9bn Cannabis at Tin-Can Port


    L-R The Commander of Narcotics, Tin-Can Island Port Command, Solomon Omotosho, receiving the N8.9 billion Intercepted shipment of cannabis from the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, held in Lagos on Thursday

     

    NCS, NDLEA seize N18.9bn Cannabis at Tin-Can Port
     By reporters
    Lagos, April 30, 2026  Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted illicit drugs valued at N18.9 billion in a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
    The seizure was announced on Thursday in Lagos by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, during a news conference.
    Onyeka said the operation reflected sustained inter-agency collaboration aimed at curbing the inflow of contraband through Nigeria’s seaports.
    He confirmed that the intercepted consignment had been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution.
    According to him, the operation followed intelligence-led tracking and a 100 per cent physical examination of a container marked HAMU429966/1, earlier flagged for inspection.
    He said the container, which originated from Canada, was falsely declared as used vehicles to evade detection.
    “Upon thorough inspection, operatives uncovered a large quantity of cannabis indica concealed within the shipment,” he said.
    Onyeka disclosed that the container contained 185 jumbo bags of cannabis, hidden alongside a used 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado.
    He said the total seizure comprised 9,458 packages weighing 4,729 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of N18.916 billion.
    He described the interception as a major disruption of drug trafficking networks and a warning to illicit traders exploiting port channels.
    The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, showcasing the intercepted cannabis to he Commander of Narcotics, Tin-Can Island Port Command, Solomon Omotosho, worth the N8.9 billion held in Lagos on Thursday
    The controller noted that the operation followed a recent cooperation agreement between the NCS and NDLEA, aimed at strengthening joint enforcement against drug-related crimes.
    He said the agreement provides for intelligence sharing, coordinated operations and periodic reviews to enhance effectiveness.
    Onyeka added that a standing inter-agency committee has been established in Abuja to oversee implementation of the framework.
    He commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, as well as port stakeholders and the media for their support.
    Receiving the seized items, the Commander of Narcotics, Tin Can Island Port Command, Solomon Omotosho, praised the Customs Service for its vigilance.
    Omotosho urged importers and shippers to embrace lawful trade practices and support government efforts to combat drug trafficking.
    He assured that investigations would continue to ensure all those involved are brought to justice.

  • WISTA Nigeria re-elects Ani for second term

    The WISTA Nigeria President, Dr Odunayo Ani

    WISTA Nigeria re-elects Ani for second term
     May 2, 2026, Women in Shipping and Trading Association, Nigeria (WISTA) has re elected Dr Odunayo Ani as president for a second term.
    L-R, A group picture of WISTA executive with Diamonds, A maritime Security Expert, Hajia Bilkis Lawal, Bilkis Lawal,  Hajia Aisha Cole, Assistant Treasurer of WISTA Nigeria, Mrs Adaora Nwonu, the Assistant Director, Trade Services, Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Mrs Rollens Macfoy, the Chief Executive Officer, Ocean Deep Services Ltd., Dr Odunayo Ani, the WISTA Nigeria President, re-elected for the second term,  Mrs Hanna Adaba  WISTA Nigeria Treasurer and Mrs Faith Hope a maritime Security Expert during the 2026 AGM of the association held at Shippers’ Council Headquarters in Lagos on Thursday

     

    Her re-election followed the association’s annual general meeting held on Thursday in Lagos.
    Ani spoke with journalists on Saturday, describing the renewed mandate as a call to greater service.
    “I stand before you with gratitude, humility, and renewed determination. To be re elected is not merely an honour, it is a responsibility,” Ani said.

     

    She thanked the association’s Diamonds, executive members, and supporters for their confidence in her leadership.
    “I appreciate your trust and your belief in our shared vision,” she said.
    Ani recalled that members first entrusted her with leadership two years ago.
    She said their decision to return her strengthened her commitment to the association’s mission.
    “Your confidence remains the wind in my sails. I do not take this renewed support lightly,” she said.
    Ani credited the administration’s achievements to committed Diamonds, members and dependable executive officers.
    She said members consistently gave their time, ideas, and resources to collective programmes.
    According to her, teamwork remained central to the association’s growth and influence.
    Ani highlighted policy advocacy as one of the administration’s major accomplishments.
    She also cited mentorship programmes for young women cadets across the maritime sector.
    Ani said the association amplified Nigeria’s voice within the international WISTA community.
    She said: “None of these achievements happened by chance. They happened because members showed up, spoke up, and stayed committed.”
    WISTA Nigeria Mrs Dolapo also Assistant Director with the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

     

    Ani said the maritime industry was changing rapidly across global markets.
    Assistant Director with the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Mrs Juliana Saka
    She identified digitalisation as a major transformation shaping the sector. She also pointed to decarbonisation and diversity as emerging priorities.
    According to her, these developments require strategic and inclusive leadership.
    Ani said her second term would focus on visibility, capacity, and impact.
    “We will ensure Nigerian women are visible across the maritime industry,” she said.
    She said women must be represented in boardrooms, ports, vessels, and policy discussions.
    The Assistant Director, Trade Service, Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Mrs Adaora Nwonu
    Ani promised expanded training and stronger institutional partnerships.
    She said the WISTA mentorship hub would support emerging female professionals.
    “Training will prepare more women for global competition,” she said, pledging stronger advocacy for gender inclusive maritime policies.
    She said younger women must find opportunities and confidence within the industry.
    “To every young lady, there is space for you here,” Ani said.
    She called on regulators, stakeholders, and male allies to sustain support.
    “Progress in maritime is not only a women’s agenda. It is Nigeria’s agenda, and we must move together,” she said.
    Ani said her administration achieved measurable growth during its first tenure.
    She disclosed that membership increased by 261 between March 2024 and March 2026.
    According to her, the growth reflected the association’s expanding relevance.
    Ani said WISTA Nigeria participated in major industry consultations and conferences.
    She mentioned engagements with the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.
    She also cited customs consultative roundtables and advocacy initiatives.
    Ani said the association marked Seafarers Day annually with Nigerian seafarers.
    She said members aligned with global themes promoting safety and welfare.
    Ani highlighted youth advocacy and educational outreach under corporate social responsibility programmes.
    She said members promoted ocean economy awareness and maritime technology education.
    The association also worked with regional women’s maritime organisations.
    Ani said WISTA Nigeria strengthened international visibility through global engagements.
    She cited participation in conferences in Cyprus, Barcelona, and Cape Town.
    According to her, the association also secured representation on international committees.
    She reports WISTA Nigeria is preparing to host the WISTA Africa Conference in Lagos. The conference is scheduled for June.
    Members observed a minute’s silence for departed leaders and relatives.
    Presiding over the swearing-in of the new executive, who were elected unopposed, WISTA Diamond Rollens Macfoy, popularly known as the Mother of Seafarers, advised the executive, headed by Dr Odunayo Ani, on strategies to make the association formidable regionally, locally, and internationally.
    CEC Ocean Deep Services Ltd., Mrs Rollens Macfoy
    Macfoy said other executives include Edidiong Akpanebe Sola-Abalo, Vice President; Lilian Mac-Jaja Nneji, General Secretary; Hanna Adaba, Treasurer; Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, Public Relations Officer; Oluwatoyin Oyeleke, Assistant Secretary; and Aisha Cole, Assistant Treasurer.
    The new executive officers were returned unopposed during the elections.
    The position of assistant public relations officer, however, remains vacant.

  • AMATO unveils rescue team to tackle port trucking challenges

    Second left, the new Chairman, Association Maritime Truck Owners AMATO, Alhaji Ahmed Saro, and the National President of AMATO, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, during inauguration of the newly executive of Lagos and Rescue Team on Wednesday in Lagos

     

    AMATO unveils rescue team to tackle port trucking challenges

     

    April 29, 2026(Lagos) The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has inaugurated a rescue team to tackle systemic leakages and exploitative practices affecting trucking operations.

     

    AMATO National President, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Lagos executives and rescue team on Wednesday in Lagos.

     

     

    Ogungbemi said the initiative formed part of efforts to address long-standing operational and safety challenges facing truckers servicing Lagos seaports.

     

     

    He described the move as a shift toward practical, solution-driven interventions in a sector plagued by inefficiencies, financial strain and regulatory gaps.

     

    Ogungbemi said the team would collaborate with traffic and enforcement agencies to clear obstructions, including broken-down trucks and fallen containers, to improve efficiency and safety.

     

     

    He added that the team would be equipped with communication gadgets and motorbikes, while partnering towing operators pending deployment of AMATO’s assets.

     

     

    “The initiative will complement efforts of agencies like the FRSC and LASTMA in maintaining order on Lagos roads,” Ogungbemi said.

     

     

    He noted that poor recognition of trucks’ role in port logistics contributed to persistent challenges within the sector.

     

     

    According to him, port privatisation removed designated truck parks, leading to indiscriminate parking along access roads.

     

     

    Ogungbemi said such parking worsened congestion and operational inefficiencies within the port environment.

     

     

    “Trucking is no longer as profitable as it used to be due to multiple layers of exploitation,” he said.

     

     

    He cited infrastructure gaps, adding that AMATO proposed a standard marshalling yard to accommodate about 3,500 trucks serving Apapa and Tin Can ports.

     

     

    Ogungbemi said the proposal had been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and referred to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

     

     

    FRSC Lagos Sector Commander, Ganiyu Hamzat, disclosed plans to enforce regulations on unlatched containers from May 2026.

     

    Hamzat said the enforcement would ensure all containers transported by trucks were properly secured before movement.

     

     

    He noted that the measure aimed to reduce road hazards and prevent accidents linked to unstable cargo.

     

     

    “We seek strategic partnership with AMATO for effective implementation of this exercise,” Hamzat said.

     

     

    He congratulated the newly inaugurated executives, urging commitment and efficiency in their leadership roles.

     

     

    Police Commissioner, Ports Authority Western Command, Toyin Agbaminoja, described the initiative as critical to strengthening safety and rapid response within ports.

     

     

    Represented by an Inspector of police, Olubukola Sanni, she said the framework would enhance coordination and address emerging operational challenges.

     

     

    Agbaminoja urged the new leadership to demonstrate integrity, responsibility and collaboration in discharging their duties.

     

    Apapa Local Government Chairman, Idowu Sobanjo, encouraged periodic training to ensure compliance with legal frameworks.

     

     

    Represented by Segun Moses, supervising counselor, she assured AMATO of the council’s support for improved traffic flow within the Apapa corridor.

     

     

    Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism about the new direction.

    The immediate past Lagos State Chairman of AMATO and Chairman of the Lagos State Cargo Operations Committee (LASTCOC), Alhaji Lukman Shittu,

    The immediate past Lagos State Chairman of AMATO and Chairman of the Lagos State Cargo Operations Committee (LASTCOC), Alhaji Lukman Shittu, endorsed the new leadership, citing Chairman Saro’s proven track record.

     

    Shittu also commended Ogungbemi’s relentless advocacy, famously describing him as “a one-man battalion.”

     

    Adding an industry-wide perspective, Chief Steven Okafor of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) underscored the sector’s economic weight, noting that transport remains Nigeria’s second-largest employer after government.

     

    With fresh leadership and a clear operational agenda, AMATO’s latest moves suggest a turning point—one where coordinated action, not congestion, defines the future of maritime trucking in Lagos.