Headlines

NPA pledges support to establish arbitration centre in Lagos

Bello-Koko, Ag. NPA MD

—–as Bello-Koko reiterates NPA’s resolve to reopen training school to enhance manpower development

Eyewitness reporter

The Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has urged arbitrators to ensure quick and speedy resolution of disputes in the maritime industry even as he disclosed that the management of the agency has resolved to reopen the NPA training school to enhance manpower development.

He noted that failure to promptly address perceived grievances will be inimical to the growth and development of the sector.

He said to forestall situations that result in prolonged litigations among players in the industry, the NPA will support the Maritime Arbitrators of Nigeria (MAN) in its efforts to establish an Arbitration Centre in Lagos.

The centre, he assured, will help to fast track conflict resolution within Sub Saharan Africa, saying that disagreements are bound to happen amongst players in the Industry and urged stakeholders to approach the centre rather than take the path of litigations which are oftentimes not necessary, time-consuming and costly.

The NPA boss spoke in Lagos when he received the newly elected executives of the Maritime Arbitrators of Nigeria who visited him in his office.

Mr Koko expressed delight over the decades-long synergy between both agencies in the area of support, consultancy and exchange of ideas that has been beneficial to them and the industry at large.

The NPA boss lauded the impacts of maritime arbitrators in solving legal issues in the past, saying the NPA is poised to give all the necessary support to the body to achieve a conducive business environment.

Bello- Koko urged the group to further seek support from the authorities at the Ministry of Transport and Justice respectively which he explained would effectively enhance their operations at enforcement of disputes at the nation’s seaports.

The leader of the team, Mr Bodunrin Adewole said they were at the NPA to intimate the management of their recent election into the office and to solicit for the agency’s support.

He called for the establishment of a Complaint Desk at the Ports across the country just as it operates at other government agencies, stating that they will help fast track dispute resolution which the MAN authorities are willing to key into.

He reiterated that MAN is of the view that swift resolution of disputes at the ports would automatically enhance efficiency and also assist the NPA to realize its mission statement.

Meanwhile, manpower development in the Nigerian maritime industry is set to be enhanced with the planned reopening of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)’s training school following the renovation of the facility after years of being abandoned.

Acting Managing Director of the NPA, Mr. Mohammed Bello Koko affirmed that when training commences at the institution, it will alleviate the difficulties hitherto faced by stakeholders in locating training facilities for manpower development and capacity building and also save cost to the Authority.

Mr Bello-Koko spoke when he received the outgoing management team of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (NIS) led by its Vice President, Chief Segun Olufioye Johnson who paid him a courtesy visit at the NPA’s Corporate Headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

He assured industry players of the agency’s willingness to partner with them in order to boost the manpower and capacity building in the sector, even as “we are ready to reach out to other various training institutes for the development of appropriate training curriculum”.

“We would also engage our retired staff who have vast knowledge to share in our dream of becoming the centre of skills and academic excellence.

According to him, the renovation of the NPA’s training facility is a testament to his administration’s commitment to ensure that adequate and recurrent training is undertaken as and when due by relevant workers in the maritime industry.

The NPA boss disclosed that the newly renovated NPA resource centre has the capacity to accommodate over 250 participants.

He said, “Management is proud of our workforce which can stand out anywhere in the world in the area of efficient delivery of Port services.”

He commended the outgoing NIS management for their immense contribution towards the development of the country’s maritime sector, pointing out that the synergy developed amongst relevant shipping agencies during their tenure in office was worthwhile, saying “your tenure has been rancour-free”.

Koko however assured them that his administration is open to ideas that will bring about positive development in the sector, especially in the drive towards achieving a hub status across the sub-region.

Earlier, the leader of the NIS delegation thanked the Koko- led management for the positive contributions it had recorded since the assumption of office which was undoubtedly phenomenal to the sub-sector.

He applauded the existing collaborations with the NPA that span over 25 years especially in the area of capacity development.

Chief Segun Olufioye Johnson explained that the NIS is seeking stronger ties with the NPA in the area of Research, Development and Consultancy.

He informed the Acting MD that as a result of the efforts made by the NIS in the past, the University of Lagos has established a centre for Multi modalism studies with emphasis on Rail, Road and Sea.

The NIS team later presented a pre-fellowship award to the NPA helmsman in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of the sector.

Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

Headlines

One infant, three adults die, several others sustain injuries in fatal train derailment along Warri- Itakpe route

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of four passengers in a train derailment along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State on Monday, June 8th, 2026.

Several others suffered various degrees of injuries.

In a statement by the Ministry of Transportation and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the victims included two female adults, one male adult and one infant.

The accident involved four coaches which reportedly capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives.

The statement confirmed that a total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.

The NRC had activated immediate rescue and evacuation operations with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m on Monday .

The Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.

Other notable individuals on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.

As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.

One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured.

“The Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts” the statement declared.

The ministry said full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities while efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.

The Ministry in conjunction with the NRC have commenced a full investigation into the cause of the accident while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected.

Commentaries

Why Nigeria must prioritize competency development and standards to harness gains of blue economy

Funso OLOJO, Editor

Nigeria is endowed with vast maritime resources which offer enormous opportunities for economic growth, employment generation, food security, and environmental sustainability.

With its fabled over 850 kilometers of coastline, extensive inland waterways, and strategic access to the Gulf of Guinea, the country is naturally blessed to emerge as a hub for maritime activities in Africa.

However , taking advantage of these huge massive maritime opportunities should be the priority of Nigerian government which must be intentional on developing competency level of its Maritime professionals and raise their

adherence to international standards.

The blue economy encompasses diverse sectors including shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, offshore energy, maritime logistics, shipbuilding, and marine environmental management.

These sectors are highly knowledge-driven and require a workforce equipped with specialized skills and globally recognized certifications.

Without competent professionals, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities to countries with better-trained maritime personnel and stronger institutional frameworks.

Competency development is essential for enhancing productivity, safety, and operational efficiency across the maritime sector.

Skilled seafarers, marine engineers, port operators, logistics professionals, and environmental experts are critical to ensuring that maritime activities meet international best practices.

As global shipping and offshore industries become increasingly technology-driven, continuous training and capacity building are necessary to keep Nigerian professionals competitive in the international labour market.

Skilled maritime professionals such as seafarers, marine engineers and allied personnel in the sector could be sources of foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria as they could be exported to the international community.

Philippines and India are the world’s top exporters of skilled maritime personnel such as seafarers where they get the chunk of their foreign exchange.

If Nigeria could develop such capacity in skilled labourers in the sector and export their expertise, the country could harvest bountifully from such venture.

Equally important is the adoption and enforcement of internationally recognized standards.

Standards provide the framework for quality assurance, safety management, environmental protection, and operational excellence.

Compliance with global maritime standards established by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization(IMO) and the Nautical Institute enhances Nigeria’s credibility as a maritime nation and attracts foreign investment.

Investors and international partners are more likely to engage with institutions and businesses that demonstrate compliance with recognized benchmarks.

That is why the recent certification of the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited by the UK Nautical Institute is germaine to Nigeria’s quest to develop training capacity and build compliance with standard procedures

This feat also underscores the importance of world-class training institutions in building local capacity.

That is why the government should give necessary assistance to training institutions in Nigeria such as Maritime Academy of Nigeria(MAN), Oron and the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited.

Such government patronage and assistance will not only improve the quality of maritime training in Nigeria but also position the country as a regional centre for maritime education and professional development.

Prioritizing competency development and standards will also contribute significantly to maritime safety and environmental sustainability.

Well-trained personnel are better equipped to prevent accidents, manage maritime risks, and respond effectively to emergencies.

Furthermore, adherence to environmental standards helps reduce marine pollution, protect biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable utilization of ocean resources, which are fundamental pillars of the blue economy.

From an economic perspective, a competent workforce and strong standards framework can increase Nigeria’s participation in global maritime trade, create high-value jobs, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and improve the country’s competitiveness.

It also supports local content development by enabling Nigerian professionals and companies to meet the requirements of international contracts and projects.

In conclusion, competency development and standards are not optional components of Nigeria’s blue economy strategy; they are foundational requirements for its success.

By investing in human capital, strengthening training institutions, and enforcing internationally accepted standards, Nigeria can fully harness the immense potential of its maritime resources and transform the blue economy into a major driver of national development, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.