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NPA decries failed state of Tin Can Port

Eyewitness reporter
The Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko led senior officials of the Authority on a spot assessment visit to the TinCan Island Port Complex with a view to resolving all impediments to the smooth flow of traffic and effective security, within and around the complex.

The Managing Director, who also visited the Sunrise Bus Stop area of the Apapa – Mile 2 highway which had become a failed passage, noted that the poor road situation within this corridor (the major artery in and out of the Tin Can Island Port) remains a huge concern to the Authority.

According to the NPA MD, the improved traffic situation along the Tin Can Port approach from what it used to be some months back is one of the positives from the synergy between the NPA and the Lagos State Government (LASG), which deployed the necessary security and equipment needed to check indiscriminate parking on the road as well as an end to the menace of touts and other criminals.

He observed that some of the internal roads within the Port Complex are in a state of disrepair, but assured that the Authority, in concert with other relevant agencies of Government and the National Assembly, would mobilise resources as soon as possible to fix such roads.

Describing the Tin Can Port Complex as too porous, the NPA MD noted that the wire gauze perimeter fence installed as a means of preventing unauthorized access in line with the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code recommendation have been pulled down, thus a much stronger wall of protection must be put in place to keep people who do not have any business having access to the complex.

He disclosed that upon a thorough security assessment, the management would be left with no alternative than to use prefab wall fencing since the wire gauze type could not stand the test of time in view of how it was easily damaged.

The MD further said that the visit has availed the management an opportunity to evaluate where the access control gate should be mounted out of the three entry gates into the complex, adding that the Authority, working with the relevant authorities,  would move to fast track the necessary public procurement processes.

Speaking on the objective of his visit, the NPA Boss said: “We are here because you recall that we met recently with the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the essence of the visit was to strengthen our partnership with the State Government towards reducing the heavy vehicular congestion, especially in Apapa.

“We also talked about the poor state of the road along the Tin Can Island Port corridor.

“We have pleaded with Hi-tech, the contractor handling the Apapa-Mile 2 highway, to ensure that the Sunrise Bus Stop end of the road is worked on speedily, even if it is palliatives to make it passable, that is why we are here.

“You can see that the Tin Can end of the road is now clear, that is the result of the collaboration between NPA and the Lagos State Government because we’re working together to ensure that trucks that are not meant to be here are not here”

“We want to consolidate on this and consistently ensure that trucks that do business at the ports, picking and dropping off containers, do so without encumbrances.

“We also came here to look at the Port environment, we noticed that the wire gauze fencing had been pulled down by people and we have done the risk assessment. The best thing for us is to consider prefab fences, which we believe will do the work on a sustainable basis”, he said.

Bello stated that there had been reports of pilfering, stealing, and vandalisation of containers, which must not be allowed to continue, insisting that the management is poised to put an end to such criminal acts by moving to upgrade the Authority’s security architecture.

On the internal roads within the Tin Can Island Port, “some of the roads within the Port have failed and it is the responsibility of NPA to fix them.”

“Therefore, we came to look at all these so that we work with the relevant government agencies. We will liaise with the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the National Assembly to mobilize the required resources.
“We will ensure that this is treated as an emergency and as quickly as the procurement process would allow us”, he said.

Bello-Koko decried a situation whereby it takes several hours for a truck to access the Ports because of the failed portions of the internal Port roads, citing several instances where container-laden trucks fell while trying to manoeuvre within the Port, a development that is clearly unacceptable, he said.

On the deployment of the electronic call-up system, code-named”Eto”, he noted that the system is yet to be effective in the Tin Can Port corridor, due to the poor state of the access road, as well as some failed roads within the Port, which reinforces the urgent need to fix these infrastructures as soon as possible.

He however noted that though he is not completely satisfied with the deployment of the “Eto” platform, he disclosed that the platform manager has been given up to the end of June to live up to his game in terms of deploying the necessary assets and human resources, to complement the reconstruction of the roads by government.

On Port automation, he stated that the Authority had directed all the terminal operators and shipping companies to embrace smart solutions to enhance service delivery, “while many of them are making the right investments, the level of compliance is not where it should be, he said.

He posited that there is the need for a Port Community System where every stakeholder including the NPA could interface with one another, adding that although it takes significant resources and time to automate, “it is my hope that all segments of the industry would automate their systems to make Port operations timely and less cumbersome”, Koko admonished.

On corruption and extortion on the Port access roads, he acknowledged that some of the deployed security operatives from the Nigerian Police, LASTMA, Nigerian Armed Forces and NPA Security personnel have been found culpable, while he said strong disciplinary measures in line with public service rules are being taken against these “bag eggs.

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Headlines

Aftermath of Adeyanju’s exit, crisis resurfaces in MWUN

Funso OLOJO 
The peace and harmony which the Nigerian ports enjoyed during the momentous eight -year reign of Comrade Adewale Adeyanju as the President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria(MWUN) may soon be ruptured as there is likely to be a resurgence of crisis within the labour union.
The smouldering crisis was sparked off by a power tussle that has erupted following the  contention for the leadership position at the forthcoming elections into the Dockworkers branch of the Union.
This crack in the otherwise closely – knitted confraternity in the union emerged barely a month after the emergence of Comrade Francis Bunu Abi as the President General of the group.
At the heart of the tension was  the upcoming election into the union’s dockworkers’ branch, a development that has exposed cracks within the union’s hierarchy and raised concerns over the potential derailment of the fragile peace the union enjoyed under Adeyanju’s leadership.
The crisis, which is reportedly rooted in a contentious zoning arrangement, has sparked protests and heightened factionalism among dockworkers.
 Multiple sources within the union confirmed that there was a gentleman’s agreement prior to Adeyanju’s departure that the next president of the dockworkers’ branch would emerge from the Tin Can Chapter.
The incumbent President, Comrade Tajudeen Ohize, is from the ENL Terminal Chapter and is currently completing his second term.
However, that arrangement now appears to be under threat following the sudden emergence of campaign posters for Mr. Bolaji Agboola, a member of the ENL Chapter.
 His entrance into the race has stirred outrage among those who believed the presidency should rotate to the Tin Can Chapter in the spirit of fairness and balance.
The appearance of the posters triggered spontaneous protests last week at several port locations, with union members voicing strong opposition to what they described as attempts to hijack the electoral process.
Protesters also called on former union President, Comrade Tony Nted, to stay away from the elections, alleging external interference.
Adding to the controversy was the alleged support Mr. Agboola enjoys from Princess Vicky Haastrup, Executive Vice Chairman of ENL Terminal, a powerful figure in the maritime sector.
Union insiders alleged that Haastrup is backing Agboola to protect strategic business interests, a claim that has further polarized opinions within the union.
Meanwhile, Comrade Oluwole Adetumi of the Tin Can Chapter, believed to be the candidate expected to benefit from the earlier zoning consensus, is reportedly under pressure to step down, a move that could spark deeper unrest.
Speaking on the situation, Comrade Tajudeen Ohize denied the existence of any crisis.
He stated that the election process remains open and democratic.
“There is no crisis in the industry. Let anyone who wants to contest go to the polls.
“We are not selecting anyone. There is no agreement that someone from any chapter must be chosen,” he said.
On claims that Comrade Tony Nted is trying to influence the election, Ohize dismissed the allegations.
 “Tony has no time for us. Whoever is trying to stir crisis will have himself to blame. We are mature enough to manage our affairs,” he added.
Despite Ohize’s reassurance, anxiety continues to grow within the rank and file of the union.
Many members have called for transparency and strict adherence to internal agreements, warning that any attempt to impose a candidate may destabilize the union.
In response to the escalating tension, President-General of the MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, issued a stern warning to all aspirants and their supporters.
 In a statement released last week, Abi prohibited the display of campaign materials—such as banners, flyers, and stickers—within port terminals, jetties, oil platforms, vessels, and union offices nationwide.
While affirming members’ rights to participate in the election, he cautioned against campaigns of bitterness and urged all parties to maintain discipline, peace, and decorum.
As the election draws nearer, observers said handling of this internal crisis will be a litmus test for the union’s new leadership and a critical moment in preserving stability across the nation’s seaports.
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NIMASA embarks on digital revolution to plug revenue leakages, enhance optimum operations 

— spurns smear campaign against the process 

Funso OLOJO 
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Agency (NIMASA), has introduced a Maritime Enhanced Monitoring System (MEMS), a digital reform that is set to revolutionise its operations, plug revenue leakages and enhance revenue for government.
According to the management of the agency, the digital system will further  enhance Regulatory Governance and Shipping Development.
But the agency expressed sadness at the efforts of some people whom it regarded as fifth columnists which it said are resistant to change and wanted to scuttle the process for personal gains.
The agency noted that the sponsors of the campaign of calumny against the digital reform are those that were hitherto benefitting from the manual and porous system.
NIMASA disclosed that there was no truth in the wrong narratives being bandied about that the agency has concessioned its operations.
“The management wishes to categorically state that there is no iota of truth in these claims.
” This is the hand-work of some external and internal elements who have conspired to benefit from the current porous system.

“To set the records straight, following a comprehensive internal review of operational systems, the current leadership of NIMASA resolved to embrace technology as a means of enhancing the Agency’s capacity to deliver on its regulatory mandate more effectively and to bring into the coffers of government additional revenue ensure funds due government does not end up in private hands.

“A pivotal innovation in this regard is the Maritime Enhanced Monitoring System (MEMS).

” This system brings digital traceability to the core of Nigeria’s maritime operations.
“MEMS provides real-time visibility into vessel movements, operational logs, and regulatory interactions.
“Through automated alerts, smart invoicing, and centralized data integration, NIMASA can now detect, document, and respond to maritime activities with greater precision and efficiency—eliminating unnecessary bottlenecks while strengthening compliance.

“The additional recipients targeted are, waste reception services, a routine operation for both domestic and international vessels have traditionally lacked proper tracking, resulting in unmonitored activities and significant revenue losses.

” With MEMS, each waste offload can be logged, time-stamped, and automatically billed, converting previously missed opportunities into a consistent revenue stream while ensuring environmental standards are met.

“Marine pollution control, another critical area of NIMASA’s mandate, has similarly been constrained by limited digital tools. In the absence of satellite tracking and automated reporting, pollution events often go unnoticed or are reported too late to mitigate their impact.

“With the integration of modern surveillance systems, digital logbooks, and real-time alerts, NIMASA can now respond swiftly to such incidents, recover environmental damages, and hold polluters accountable—both legally and financially.

“It is important to emphasize that past revenue shortfalls experienced by the Agency mainly stemmed from outdated manual processes, fragmented data systems, and insufficient digital enforcement mechanisms which allowed some external elements to capitalize on the loopholes for personal gains .

“The current reforms being implemented by NIMASA are focused squarely on overcoming these limitations.

” By investing in digital infrastructure and streamlining monitoring systems, the Agency is positioning itself to fulfill its statutory obligations with transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

“The public is therefore advised to disregard the misleading reports and instead support NIMASA’s transformation journey as it aligns with the broader national objectives of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

“The Agency remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime governance, ensuring environmental safety, and optimizing revenue for the nation.

“It is worthy of note that the Deep Blue Project of the Agency which now enjoys global recognition also witnessed such resistance at the initial stage” the agency noted.

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Oyetola expresses determination to stop granting waiver requests under Cabotage regime

–– vows to resuscitate abandoned National shipping carrier initiative 
Funso OLOJO 
In a determined effort to boost indigenous participation in shipping, the Minister of Marine and Blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has vowed not to entertain any request for waivers under the Cabotage regime.
The Coastal and Inland Shipping Act, also known as the Cabotage Act, restricts domestic coastal shipping to Nigerian-owned, Nigerian-crewed, and Nigerian-built or -flagged vessels.
 However, waivers have often been granted to foreign vessels when local capacity is deemed insufficient.
Over the years, these waivers, which are at the prerogative of the minister, have significantly limited the growth of Nigerian shipping companies, depriving them of critical opportunities in the domestic shipping space.
However, speaking recently while receiving a high-level delegation from NNPC Shipping, Stena Bulk, and Caverton Offshore Support Group at the Ministry in Abuja, Minister Oyetola stated his firm resolve to reverse this trend.
The visit comes on the heels of the formal unveiling of Unity Shipping World (USW), a newly formed joint venture by NNPC Shipping, global maritime giant Stena Bulk, and Nigerian offshore service leader Caverton Offshore Support Group.
The joint venture aims to establish a robust tanker operation capable of transporting crude oil, refined products, and LNG within Nigeria, West Africa, and globally.
“The era of indiscriminate waivers is coming to an end,” Oyetola declared.
“We cannot continue to undermine our local capacity under the guise of temporary foreign intervention.
“It is time to build Nigerian tonnage, support Nigerian jobs, and give indigenous operators a fair chance to thrive. That is the only sustainable path to maritime development.”
As part of this renewed focus on indigenous capacity, the Minister had earlier directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to immediately commence the process that will lead to the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).
The fund, which has accumulated over the years from Cabotage levies, is intended to assist Nigerian shipowners in acquiring vessels and enhancing their operational capacity.
“The disbursement of the CVFF is no longer optional — it is imperative,” Oyetola stated.
“Our indigenous operators must be empowered to acquire modern vessels and effectively render services that have, for too long, been dominated by foreign shipping concerns.
“As we work to bring the waiver regime to a close, this support becomes even more critical.”
In the meantime, the Minister also reiterated his commitment to resuscitate the moribund national shipping carrier initiative which was initiated and later abandoned during the last administration of President Mohammed Buhari
Also speaking during the visit, the CEO of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Bode Makanjuola, described the joint venture between his company, Stena Bulk and NNPC Shipping as a game-changer for Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He said the newly formed Unity Shipping World (USW) will deliver efficient, reliable, and sustainable maritime transport services.
 According to him, the company will focus on building a modern fleet, acquiring both new and existing vessels, and optimizing cost and operational efficiency.
He said USW’s fleet is expected to primarily support NNPC’s logistics requirements, while also catering to the broader energy sector, including other oil producers and traders.
He emphasized the company’s focus on sustainability, safety, and long-term value creation, highlighting the importance of building capacity for Nigerian seafarers.
“This partnership is the culmination of extensive planning and shared vision,” said Makanjuola.
 “It combines local expertise with international best practices to create a maritime powerhouse. Unity Shipping World will proudly fly the Nigerian flag and play a critical role in training and empowering Nigerian seafarers.”
Managing Director of NNPC Shipping, Panos Gliatis, said, “With this strategic alliance, we are enhancing domestic refining, imports, and exports — reinforcing Nigeria’s pivotal role in global energy logistics,” Gliatis said.
Stena Bulk’s President & CEO, Erik Hånell, echoed the sentiments, noting that the venture aligns with his company’s goals.
“We are committed to operational excellence and expanding into key energy markets,” Hånell stated.
 “This partnership supports our long-term strategy while advancing Nigeria’s energy and shipping landscape.”
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