Headlines

Truck operators clamour for return of Presidential Task Team on Apapa gridlock —-say ETO has failed them

Eyewitness reporter

Following the failure of the electronic call-up system of the Nigerian ports Authority (NPA) to address the malignant Apapa traffic gridlock, truck owners across various unions and associations have called on the Federal government to bring back the disbanded Presidential Task Team (PTT) on Apapa gridlock.

The distraught truck owners, who are currently reeling under the agony of resurgent traffic gridlock, lamented that the much-vaunted ETO platform introduced by the NPA has been compromised and riddled with corruption which has made it fail to address the vexed traffic logjam.

They, therefore, appealed to the Federal government to recall Kayode Opeifa- led task team to come to their rescue.

The operators, who spoke with our Correspondent over the resurgent traffic gridlock, claimed that the traffic was better managed by PTT than the so-called managers of ETO.

It would be recalled that the Presidential Task Team, chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and coordinated by Comrade Kayode Opeifa, was disbanded following series of allegations of corruption after over one year in operation.

The management of Apapa traffic was thereafter automated with the introduction of the ETO platform being driven by the NPA, Lagos State Government, and police.

However, the e- call-up system was effective within the first two weeks of operations before it completely collapsed, leading to the clamour for the return of the disbanded PTT.

The Coordinator, Committee of Maritime Truck Unions and Associations (COMTUA), Olaleye Thompson, bemoaned the harrowing experience of members of the union over the traffic in Apapa after the disbandment of PTT.

He added that as a result of the failure of the e- call-up system and lack of solution in sight, the group has issued a 21- day ultimatum to the government to either fix the problems or the members will embark on industrial action.

The ultimatum lapses on Thursday, 10th June 2021.

Olaleye said members of the group from different unions and associations that make up the body have started approaching the leadership of the union to prevail on the federal government to bring back the Opeifa- led task team.

According to him, the team was already getting it right before it was asked to quit even as he accused the government of not allowing the operators of ETO to learn from the team before it was disbanded.

“Opeifa had a passion for this job and I can say it anywhere. The man was not collecting money from anybody, that is why anytime I read it in the papers where people are accusing him of corruption, I felt it was not true because people can use your name to do anything but not Opeifa, not Odumosu, not even Suleiman”

“That is why most of the union members come to me and start agitating that we should tell the presidency to bring the President-General task team, that they support it.

“If Government wanted to succeed abinitio, they should have arranged a merger between TTP and outgoing presidential team and allow the presidential team to midwife the operation for like six months,stabilise the system and then withdraw them but there was no link between them.

“There was no synergy between them meanwhile Presidential Task Team had already understood the system, they should have allowed them to show them the way, nurture them and show them the way and all these things we are experiencing would have been a thing of the past because it was Opeifa that suggested that there should be TTP.”

It could also be recalled that the Acting Managing Director of NPA, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, had accused the managers of ETO of unbridled extortions, saying there are about 30 extortion toll collection points between Tin can and Apapa ports.

Meanwhile, Olaleye has also condemned the slow pace of work on the port access road, saying the project was taking too long to complete.

Headlines

Tompolo pays glowing tribute to Wike on his 58th birthday.

Funso OLOJO

High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has eulogised the uncommon courage, resilience and unwavering sense of duty of Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory(FCT), describing these attributes as those that align with the Tantita’s objectives and work ethic.

Tompolo, the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, make this observation in his message to Wike on his 58th birthday, where he paid a glowing tribute to the FCT Minister.

According to him, Wike’s public life is a reflection of courage, conviction and an unwavering sense of duty.

Tompolo said Wike’s journey through public service—marked by legal brilliance, political audacity and firm decision-making—has consistently demonstrated that true leadership is defined by impact, not rhetoric.

He noted that from Wike’s formative years in public administration through his tenure as Governor of Rivers State and now as FCT Minister, his performance has remained anchored on results, resilience and a relentless commitment to public good.

“In the Federal Capital Territory, your presence is already being massively felt.

” The renewed focus on infrastructure, order, and accountability speaks to a hands-on leadership style that understands Abuja’s symbolic and practical importance to Nigeria’s unity and governance,” Tompolo said.

The TSSNL founder commended Wike for recognising the intrinsic connection between security, development and national stability, stressing that the minister’s insistence on law, order and institutional discipline aligns strongly with Tantita’s mission of protecting critical assets and fostering a safe environment for sustainable growth.

He added that Wike’s reputation as “Mr. Project” was well-earned, given his consistent record of performance and the courage to take difficult decisions when duty demanded it.

“In moments that demand firmness, you have chosen responsibility over convenience, standing by your convictions even when the path was difficult,” he said.

Tompolo prayed for renewed strength, sharper vision and continued success for the minister as he marks another year, expressing confidence that Wike’s service would continue to leave a lasting imprint on national development.

“Please accept my sincere best wishes for good health, wisdom, and continued success. May the years ahead bring fulfilment and further contributions to the progress and unity of Nigeria,” he added.

Headlines

Nigeria denies ownership of detained vessel

VLCC SKIPPER

Funso OLOJO

The management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has clarified the status of a tanker vessel, MT SKIPPER, currently intercepted and detained by the United States Coast Guard(USCG) over alleged oil theft and other transnational crimes.

According to the statement from the Nigeria’s maritime industry apex regulatory agency, the vessel , Very Large Crude Carrier,is not a Nigerian – flagged vessel while its purported owners, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, are not registered with NIMASA as a shipping company.

“An analysis of the vessel’s movement, monitored through the Agency’s Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence (C4i) Centre, shows that the vessel was last sighted in Nigerian waters on 1st July 2024.

“After departing Nigerian waters, the vessel continued on its international voyage pattern and was tracked operating in the Arabian Sea (Asia) and later in the Caribbean region, where the U.S. interdiction eventually took place.

“Records indicate that SKIPPER which was formerly owned by Triton Navigation Corp, has undergone multiple name changes over time.

“The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders, including U.S. authorities, in the ongoing investigations. He emphasized that criminality will not be tolerated in Nigerian waters” NIMASA stated in a public statement.

Headlines

Adeniyi, Akutah, Fakolade, Warredi, Maiwada headline 10th anniversary of seminar for maritime journalists in Lagos

Funso OLOJO

First Mediacon media group, the convener of the annual seminar for maritime journalists, has lined up an array of industry’s stakeholders to sharpen the intellectual capacity of maritime journalists at this year’s workshop.

The annual event, which is the 10th edition this year, holds December 17th, 2025 in Lagos.

According to the organisers of the programme, the cream of the maritime industry have been lined up to engage the industry’s media in intellectual discussions that will deepen the knowledge of its practitioners in digital trade facilitation, regulatory efficiency and the economic reforms.

Key speakers at the event include the Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Barrister Akutah Ukeyima who is expected to deliver the keynote address, Mr Tola Fakolade, Director of the National Single Window, Mr Warredi Eniosuoh, who is expected to chair the event and Deputy Comptroller of Customs and the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada.

Maiwada is expected to deliver a practical training on “Data Analysis for Effective Maritime Reporting”

According to Mr. Sesan Onileimo, CEO of First Mediacon Network Limited and convener of the seminar, “the past decade has proven that accurate, data-driven journalism is vital to the growth of the maritime economy.

“This platform empowers journalists with the tools to properly analyse reforms, interrogate investments and provide the business community with credible information.”

Now in its tenth year, the seminar has become a major business intelligence platform, equipping maritime journalists with the technical insight required to analyse policy decisions, market trends and operational performance within the nation’s blue economy.

Over the years, it has helped strengthen the information value chain that supports investment decisions across ports, logistics, shipping, and inland trade corridors.

This year’s edition comes at a time when Nigeria’s maritime economy is undergoing significant transformation, driven by digitalisation, regulatory restructuring and demand for greater operational transparency.

Marking a decade of consistent impact, the organisers reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the professional capacity of the maritime media, while promoting a more transparent, efficient and investment-friendly maritime environment.