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NPA laments pressure of making remittances  to federation account as limiting factor to fund port infrastructure

Bello-Koko, NPA MD
—–pledges to drive  Nigeria’s quest for Africa’s maritime hub.
Eyewitness reporter
The Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) has lamented the huge burden to meet remittances into the federation account as a factor that has limited its ability and capability to fund the reconstruction of some of the decaying port Infrastructure.
Making this observation at the just concluded retreat for the reconstituted Board of Directors of the NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Acting Managing Director of the agency, said the NPA has to think outside the box to source for alternative funding to meet some of the exigencies of port operations.
He said the agency is faced with monumental decaying port Infrastructure that needed to be fixed but limited with the paucity of funds.
“We are facing decaying port infrastructure, for example, sections of the quay aprons or walls at Tin Can Island Port, Onne, Delta and Calabar ports are collapsing and require huge funds to repair them.
” With the increasing pressure to remit more revenue to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the Federation, it has become very difficult to have sufficient funds to attend to these decaying facilities, hence the need to explore alternative funding sources outside the traditional port service offerings” he stated.
According to him, “unlike the practice in our sister francophone countries where government funds dredging of ports, we are responsible for funding ours which put a lot of strain on our resources and capacity to invest in critical port infrastructure”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has reiterated its determination to leverage Nigeria’s status as Africa’s biggest economy to actualize the country’s maritime hub status in the region.
The Acting Managing Director said this feat would be achieved through investments in modern deep seaports that would attract very large merchant vessels with the attendant multiple socio-economic benefits, as well as boost port revenue performance.

Speaking on the new direction and measures being put in place to actualize the Authority’s aspirations, Bello- Koko explained that a lot has been done, especially in the last few months, to resolve most of the identified constraints to the efficient movement of cargoes to and from port locations.

“Nigeria accounts for about 70 percent of cargoes imported into West and Central Africa and the country controls an impressive stretch of the Atlantic Ocean.

” Nigeria’s rich aquatic endowments and her border with landlocked nations make the development of deep seaports a huge potential revenue earner for the nation.

“The move towards earning the status of the

Emmanuel Adisoye

hub in the region is in line with our new vision statement which was adopted at the recent NPA Management retreat, “To Be The Maritime Logistics Hub For Sustainable Port System In Africa”, he said.

While describing the board retreat as very timely, he stated that it signposts a unity of purpose and shared vision, where the executive management working closely with every section, unit, department, division and directorate, embrace an all-inclusive strategic outcomes for the Authority with the requisite buy-in of the Board.

“In appreciation of this, I will like to crave the understanding of the Board with regards to executive management’s limitations in actualizing some of our goals and objectives, which I am sure distinguished board members must have noticed in the course of the tour of ports that preceded this retreat” he added.

The acting NPA Boss informed the Board that recent interventions made by the Authority has led to significant improvement in terms of ship and cargo dwell time at the port.

He however, explained that “some of the benchmarks we are yet to achieve are dependent on externalities and variables that require concerted inter-agency actions, which the Authority, despite dogged efforts, is yet to optimally achieve owing  to systemic administrative constraints and red tapism.
This he said,  include conflicting directives from the agencies operating within the port value chain and reporting to different supervising Ministries with jurisdictional overlaps and duplication of functions.

He further informed the board that concerted efforts are being made to expand the revenue streams of the Authority, in addition to revenue from traditional port operations.

The NPA acting Managing Director disclosed that the Authority’s Management has began to explore smart ways to boost the revenue performance of the organization.

He explained that the Authority is blessed with prime real estate which could serve as alternative funding sources outside the regular budget.

“NPA has a lot of high value landed properties in Onne, Snake Island, and Takwa Bay that are designated free trade zones and mostly allocated but with poor arterial road network and other infrastructure to make them attractive for private investments which would bring good revenue to the Authority and Federal Government.

“Management will need the support of the Board to drive the process of alternative revenue sources to actualize the lofty aspirations of the Authority” he posited.

He further said that the management has opened correspondences with some multilateral financial institutions like the French Development Agency (AFD), African Development Bank (AfDB), European Investment Bank (EIB) and Sanlam Infraworks (a Central Bank of Nigeria approved fund manager for InfraCorp), all part of plans to access long term low interest credit, for port infrastructure upgrades and expansion.

Bello-Koko also touched on efforts by the management to make Nigerian seaports more business friendly.

 In his words, “ we have been able to deploy technology to address the perennial traffic gridlock that has been frustrating the conduct of business around the Lagos ports corridor.
” A software application code named “eto” is gradually restoring sanity to trucking business despite the initial teething problems and resistance by vested interests hitherto profiting from the chaos”

“The Authority has accredited 33 private truck terminals within the Lagos area, in addition to the Lilypond Truck Transit Park and Tin Can Island Port Truck Transit Park, to ensure trucks do not park indiscriminately on the access roads and would only be allowed to transit to the port after obtaining electronic tickets via the “eto” call-up platform”

He discosed that the authority was collaborating with the Lagos State Government to ensure enforcement and compliance with the e-call up system.

According to him, other solutions being implemented is the push to link all seaports to the national rail network as well to optimize the use of the inland waterways through the transfer of cargo or containers via barges.

Currently, the Authority is streamlining barge operations to ensure efficiency, safety and cost effective cargo delivery for increased port revenue.

The acting Managing Director in his remarks equally acknowledged recent steps taken by the Ministry of Transportation and the Authority towards the timely execution of the new green-field deep seaport to be domiciled in Bonny, Rivers State.

The Bonny seaport project, boosted by two major railway projects, would massively transform the economic landscape of the country, particularly the South South and South Eastern regions.

Meanwhile, on the South Western axis is the Lekki Deep Seaport which should be operational next year.

The two port projects will usher a new vista of economic prosperity and further consolidate the country’s status as gateway to the African economy, he noted.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Board, Mr.Emmanuel Adesoye, described the retreat as an opportunity for the Board and Management “not just to rethink our strategies, structures and systems for effective service delivery, but also to unwind, reconnect and strengthen our bonds as team players committed to upholding excellence”, he remarked.

The Chairman called for clear and deliberate efforts by the NPA towards efficient operations, competitive and diversified export driven economy; a strong and incentive based system aligned with win-win relationships to enhance profitability and productivity for the concessionaires, NPA, and the Nigerian State; increase in alternative revenue streams; and effective collaboration based on transparency and constant communication with all relevant stakeholders across the port value chain.

The three day event, attended by all board members, attracted seasoned experts in port administration, strategic and creative thinking, stress management, among other relevant subjects.

Two former NPA’s Chief Executives namely Chief Adebayo Sarumi and Mr. Felix Ovbude, gave presentations on their experiences and ideas as port administrators.
Former General Manager Operations, Mr. Joshua Asanga gave a presentation on “Ways To Improve Port Operations Towards A World Class Port Administration”.

The retreat, which was held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, had as it theme “Expanding the Frontiers of Service Excellence”

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Customs

Customs PR officers dominate NCCSC graduation, clinch overall best honours

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 

The Public Relations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a rare academic feat as two of its officers emerged the top graduating students at the Nigeria Customs Service Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada.

At the graduation ceremony for Senior Course 14 held on Friday,June 26th, 2026,  Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Ridwan Yusuf was named the Overall Best Graduating Student, capping an outstanding performance by winning three additional awards.

His colleague, CSC Nuruddeen Sa’idu, was named the Second Best Graduating Student, completing a remarkable sweep by officers from the Service’s Public Relations Unit.

The double honour highlights the intellectual depth, leadership capacity and professionalism within the Customs Public Relations Unit, demonstrating that its officers excel not only in strategic communication but also in administration, operational management and policy leadership.

Beyond the accolades, the achievement is expected to open another chapter in their careers, as both officers may be retained by the College as Directing Staff, in keeping with the institution’s tradition of engaging its highest-performing graduates to mentor future participants.

If confirmed, the appointments would recognise their exceptional academic and professional abilities while entrusting them with the responsibility of shaping the next generation of Customs leaders, although their absence would be keenly felt within the Public Relations Unit.

The Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit congratulated both officers on their outstanding accomplishments and wished them continued success as they assume greater responsibilities in service to the nation.

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Headlines

Stakeholders hail commitment of NIMASA to welfare of Nigerian seafarers as salaries jump by 150 percent 

 Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has won widespread acclaim from key maritime stakeholders for its sustained commitment to improving the welfare, remuneration and professional development of Nigerian seafarers, with reforms that have increased their earning capacity by over 150 per cent.

The commendations came on Thursday, June 25th, 2026 during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, where government officials, lawmakers and labour leaders unanimously applauded the agency’s efforts to reposition Nigerian seafarers for global competitiveness.

Leading the tributes were the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshilokin,  Chairman of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Khadija Bubar Abba Ibrahim, represented by her Deputy, Uduak Alphonsus Odudou and President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi.

They praised NIMASA for implementing policies and programmes that have significantly improved the welfare, working conditions and international recognition of Nigerian seafarers.

Earlier, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted the agency’s strategic interventions, revealing that over 2,459 cadets have been trained or are currently undergoing training in reputable maritime institutions across the world under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).

Mobereola disclosed that Nigerian seafarers’ earning capacity has risen by more than 150 per cent following NIMASA’s successful enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and the integration of the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) agreement into the International Transport Workers’ Federation/International Labour Organization (ITF/ILO) wage framework.

The development, he explained, has effectively placed Nigerian seafarers on internationally recognised wage scales and improved their conditions of service.

“At NIMASA, the welfare, safety, security and professional advancement of seafarers remain central to our maritime governance agenda.

“We recognise that protecting and empowering seafarers is not merely a regulatory obligation but a moral imperative and a strategic necessity for sustaining the growth and resilience of the maritime industry.

“In line with this commitment, the Agency has continued to champion strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers,” Mobereola said.

He called for stronger collaboration among governments, maritime administrations, shipowners, employers, training institutions, labour unions and other industry stakeholders to build a maritime ecosystem that prioritises safety, dignity, inclusion, wellbeing and professional excellence of seafarers.

According to him, the complex risks faced by seafarers require a collective and sustained response from all stakeholders.

The NIMASA boss described the annual Day of the Seafarer celebration as more than a ceremonial event, saying it should serve as a renewed commitment to ensuring that every seafarer is respected, protected, fairly treated and empowered to realise his or her full potential.

He paid glowing tribute to seafarers for their invaluable contributions to global commerce despite the enormous challenges they confront at sea.

“Beyond transporting cargo, seafarers navigate unpredictable weather conditions, demanding working environments, evolving security threats and increasing geopolitical realities.

“They endure prolonged separation from their families and loved ones while coping with the physical and psychological demands inherent in life at sea.

“Yet they continue to demonstrate exceptional resilience, professionalism and unwavering commitment,” he said.

Addressing Nigerian seafarers and their counterparts across the world, Mobereola added:

“You are not only the backbone of global trade but also proud ambassadors of our maritime nation. Your contributions continue to strengthen the maritime sector, support economic growth and enhance Nigeria’s standing within the international maritime community.”

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Headlines

FG to Shipping Firms: End abuse of Nigerian Seafarers now or face consequences

— as Oyetola vows zero tolerance for poor welfare of seafarers , unveils national carrier plan to boost jobs, sea-time training

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to shipping companies, crewing agencies and shipowners against the maltreatment of Nigerian seafarers, declaring that any practice that undermines their welfare, safety and dignity will no longer be tolerated.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, delivered the warning at the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration held in Lagos on Thursday, June 25th,2026, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerian seafarers and improving their welfare.

The event, themed “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk,” drew key stakeholders from across the maritime industry, including heads of maritime agencies, members of the National Assembly, shipping companies, crewing agencies, ministry officials, maritime labour unions and seafarers.

Speaking through the Director of Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry, Mr. Makoji Musa, Oyetola said the era of neglecting Nigerian seafarers must come to an end.

“Let me send a clear message to all shipping companies, crewing agencies and employers of seafarers.

“Our seafarers must be treated with dignity, fairness and respect at all times.

“The era of neglecting the welfare of seafarers, denying them their legitimate entitlements, or subjecting them to unacceptable working conditions must come to an end.

“The well-being of our maritime workforce is non-negotiable,” the minister declared.

Oyetola described seafarers as the backbone of global commerce, noting that they facilitate over 85 per cent of world trade despite operating under difficult and often hazardous conditions.

“Behind every successful voyage lies a story of commitment, endurance and sacrifice,” he said.

“Seafarers spend long periods away from their families, work under demanding conditions and navigate increasingly complex operational and security challenges.

“Their profession requires not only technical competence but also courage, discipline and exceptional resilience.”

He stressed that celebrating seafarers should go beyond ceremonial speeches and translate into concrete actions that improve their working conditions, strengthen safety standards and safeguard their rights.

The Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing maritime safety, security and decent work through reforms targeted at improving maritime education and training, raising certification standards, expanding employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers and ensuring full compliance with international maritime conventions.

In a major policy announcement, Oyetola disclosed that the Ministry is in the final stages of establishing a national shipping carrier under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

According to him, the initiative is designed to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign shipping lines, curb capital flight, strengthen indigenous shipping capacity and, crucially, create more employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers.

He explained that the proposed national carrier would also address one of the biggest challenges confronting Nigerian cadets by providing adequate sea-time training required for international certification and employment.

“The Ministry is finalizing plans to establish a national shipping carrier through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

“This strategic initiative will help stem the enormous capital flight associated with the dominance of foreign shipping lines, enhance Nigeria’s participation in international maritime trade and strengthen our national shipping capacity.

“Importantly, the initiative will create new opportunities for Nigerian seafarers by expanding sea-time placements, increasing employment prospects, developing local maritime expertise and providing a sustainable platform for career advancement,” Oyetola said.

The Minister maintained that protecting the welfare and rights of seafarers remains central to the Federal Government’s vision of building a globally competitive maritime sector and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.

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