Headlines

NPA raises alarm over abandoned explosives at Ikorodu terminal

—-warns it is ticking time bomb.

Eyewitness reporter

For the second time within this week, the Nigerian Ports Authority( NPA) has slammed the Nigeria Customs Service over its negligence which the agency considers as an impediment to smooth port processes.

During the week, the Chairman of the governing board of NPA, Mr. Emmanuel Adesoye, raised the alarm that the consignments of chemicals and alcoholic drinks that were abandoned by the Customs as overtime cargo at the Ikorodu terminal are ticking time bomb that is waiting to explode.

Mr Adesoye, who led other members of the board to the Tin Can islands ports on a working visit during the week, expressed fears that if nothing is done to evacuate the explosive consignments, they may cause an explosion akin to what happened at Lebanon ports August 2020.

The NPA board Chairman revealed that some of these consignments have been abandoned at the terminal for close to 44 years.

He stressed the need for the Ministry of Transportation and management of NPA to engage the Finance Ministry or management of the Nigeria Customs Service as part of measures to evacuate such dangerous cargoes.

According to him, a BMW car that was imported in 1977 for the sole aim of Festac 77 was spotted at the facility, pointing out that the situation of overtime cargoes at Ikorodu Terminal calls for concerns by all parties involved in the cargo clearance processes and revenue generation for the federal government.

Ikorodu Terminal

He also stressed the need for the management of the service to evacuate the long-abandoned cargoes at the Ikorodu terminal, pointing out that such consignments are a looming danger to government assets.

“So since we were there three years ago up till now nothing has been done by the customs to evacuate those overtime cargoes?”

“There was a BMW car imported for Festac 77 celebration. Then, we all know what happened in Lebanon where items of this nature caused a serious problem for the government.

“If there are chemicals as overtime cargoes in that facility that have stayed for so long, it can lead to an explosion.

“Honestly, the Customs should do something urgently to dispose of all those overtime cargoes because the way it is, for now, we need to engage the Customs management on the need to evacuate most of the overtime cargoes.” The NPA Chairman declared.

Earlier, Port Manager, TCIPC, Engr. Ibrahim Anji highlighted challenges faced by the management of the port with the operational activities at the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal.

Anji expressed worries that the congestion at the lighter terminal at Ikorodu, stressing that the terminal is saddled with the responsibility of handling overtime cargoes at the port terminals.

It would be recalled that the Acting Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, had also complained to the House of Representatives Committee on Customs over the apparent negligence of the Customs to its statutory responsibilities in cargo clearance.

Koko had claimed that the failure of the Customs to evacuate over 5,000 overtime cargo long abandoned at the Ikorodu terminal and other terminals across the nation’s ports was the contributory factor to the rising congestion at the ports.

Headlines

NRC suspends Warri- Itakpe train service over operational concerns

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the temporary suspension of Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) due to what the management described as operational exigency and technical advice from the Corporation’s Engineers.

The temporary suspension, according to a public statement by the NRC, has become necessary to enable the Corporation carry out critical operational assessments aimed at ensuring continued safety, reliability, and improved service delivery on the corridor.

“The NRC regrets the inconvenience this development may cause passengers and other stakeholders, and assures the public that efforts are currently ongoing to resolve the issues within the shortest possible time.

“Passengers and intending travelers will be duly informed before the end of the week on the date for the resumption of normal train operations.

“The Corporation remains committed to safe, efficient, and customer-friendly rail services across the country and appreciates the understanding, patience, and continued support of the public during this period” the NRC declared.

Headlines

Sallah: FG slashes train fares by 50 percent on all routes

Gloria Odion, reporter

The Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation has announced a 50 percent fare reduction on all train services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as part of measures to ease transportation costs for Nigerians during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The discount takes effect from Tuesday, May 26, 2026 and will run through Monday, June 1, 2026.

Accordingly, ticket fares on all NRC passenger train services across the country have been reduced by 50 percent of the existing approved rates within the stated period.

Passengers who had earlier purchased tickets at the full fare before the announcement will be entitled to a 50 percent rebate, reusable for train rides on or before Monday, June 1st, 2026.

Train schedules and timetables remain as previously advertised.

The Federal Ministry of Transportation said it appreciated the continued support of Nigerians and wishes all passengers and the Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Headlines

Salah: NIWA MD threatens to wield big stick on violators of safety guidelines on waterways

— calls for calm over Supreme Court judgement

Funso OLOJO,Editor

The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Umar Yusuf Girei, has issued a stern warning to boat operators across the country to strictly adhere to waterways safety regulations during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Girei gave the warning during an exclusive interview with journalists at the NIWA headquarters in Lokoja, noting that festive periods often witness increased movement on the inland waterways, particularly within riverine communities.

According to him, compliance with safety measures during the Sallah season remains non-negotiable.

He stressed that overloading of boats would not be tolerated, while the use of life jackets by all passengers and operators remains compulsory.

Girei also warned against night travel, alcohol consumption by operators, and disregard for weather advisories.

“No overload, wearing of life jackets is mandatory, no night travel, no alcohol, and operators must ensure proper weather checks before embarking on any journey,” he stated.

The NIWA Acting MD further disclosed that enforcement teams, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, would be deployed across jetties nationwide to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations.

He warned that violators risk arrest, seizure of vessels, and prosecution.

Girei also urged passengers to avoid boarding overloaded boats, vessels without adequate life jackets, or boats attempting to operate at night.

While extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithfuls, he appealed to community and religious leaders to help amplify waterways safety awareness during sermons and public gatherings.

Meanwhile, the NIWA boss advised stakeholders and clients of the Authority not to panic over the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning aspects of the NIWA Act.

He explained that the apex court upheld the Authority’s statutory responsibilities relating to inland waterways navigation, safety regulation, channel management, river infrastructure development, and the promotion of inland waterways transportation as contained in Sections 10 and 11 of the NIWA Act.

According to him, Sections 12 and 13 of the Act, which deal with land matters unrelated to maritime activities, were voided by the Supreme Court only to the extent of their inconsistency with the Constitution.

Girei therefore urged all stakeholders to remain calm, law-abiding, and await an official statement from NIWA after the Authority obtains the Certified True Copy of the judgment from the Supreme Court.