Headlines
NPA gifts LASTMA 24 motorbikes to enhance traffic management at port access roads

According to the press statement issued and signed by Ibrahim Nasiru, the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the NPA, the gesture was in line with the resolve of Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Managing Director of NPA, to eradicate traffic gridlocks around all port locations in the country and to ease the frustration and delays experienced by firms and persons doing business at the ports
Bello Koko, represented by the Authority’s Executive Director Marine & Operations, Hon. Onari Brown, made these remarks at the unveiling of twenty-four new motorbikes to strengthen traffic monitoring and enforcement along the access roads to the Lagos Ports Complex and Tin-Can Island Port.
The Authority last year introduced an electronic truck booking system that imposes scheduling restrictions on trucks doing business at the port, and in partnership with the Lagos State Government began an enforcement campaign against indiscriminate parking of trucks along the port access roads.
As the landlord and technical regulator of the port, the NPA Managing Director at the event again assured port operators and users that the Authority will continue to deploy innovative measures towards the elimination of all encumbrances preventing free movement of trade along the access roads to the port.
He commended the Lagos State Government and its agencies for the support provided to restore sanity on the roads in Apapa and its environs, just as he expressed his delight with the progress achieved since the introduction of the electronic call-up system for cargo trucks.
The Authority, he affirmed, has seen an improvement in the evacuation of cargo from the terminals to the hinterlands, while travel time to and from the port has equally improved.
Earlier in his address, NPA’s General Manager Security, Mohammed Khalil, stated that the concept of the “Eto” call-up system, introduced by the Authority in 2021 has revolutionized cargo delivery and evacuation at the nation’s seaports.
Khalil enthused that the launch of the motorbikes would complement the gains achieved following the introduction of the e-call up system for trucks which has proven to be a solution to the perennial gridlock from Ikorodu road into Apapa.
He explained that arrangements have been made with respect to rules of engagement or standard operating procedures (SOP) for riders of the motorbikes, along with the necessary logistics and technical support, towards successful traffic monitoring and enforcement.
Port Manager, Lagos Ports Complex, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olotu in her welcome address appreciated the Bello Koko led Management for its efforts aimed at putting an end to the traffic gridlock impacting on port operations, especially at the Lagos Ports Complex and Tin-Can Island Port.
She said the launch of the motorbikes would improve traffic monitoring from Ijora, through Sifax Inland Container Terminal up to Mr. Biggs, linking Apapa to Tin-Can Island Port corridor. According to her, the introduction of motorbike patrols would further enhance safety and security at the nation’s two busiest seaports.
Hon. Sola Giwa, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Central Business Districts (CBDs) and Vice Chairman on Apapa Traffic stated that the Lagos State Government would continue to collaborate with the NPA towards improved travel time within the Apapa corridor.
Giwa said that as Landlord to the Nigerian Ports Authority, Lagos State is willing and would continue to partner with NPA to eliminate traffic congestion and travel delays being experienced by residents and business owners in Apapa.
“This is our first collaboration with the NPA and it has been successful. I can assure you that the Lagos State Government would do more to support your initiatives. However to whom much is given, much is expected”, he added.
The event was witnessed by senior officials of NPA, Commissioner Port Police Command Jonathan Towuru, Federal Road Safety Commission Sector Head of Operations Cyril Zango Matthew, among other dignitaries.
Headlines
NIMASA set to open Lokoja office to harness waterways resources

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has disclosed that the Agency is set to reopen the Lokoja office, as part of efforts towards harnessing the Blue Economy, enhancing collaboration, while also promoting Research and Development.
The DG, who made this known when he played host to the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), Mal. Usman Hayatu Mazadu at the head office of the Agency in Lagos, noted that investment in research would play a major role in ensuring the harnessing of Nigeria’s maritime potentials.
“The key cardinal principle of opening the NIMASA Lokoja office is to improve on Research and Development.
He said, “Now, the Blue Economy has come to stay and very soon you will see the impact of what we have; in terms of the gains and benefits to grow our Gross Domestic Product while improving the well-being of our own Economy”.
Earlier in his remarks, Mallam Usman of KADSEMA lauded the Agency for the feat achieved so far, which cuts across the entire Nigeria.
Freight Monitor
Prince Nwokeabia rallies support for Comptroller Ukpanah, CAC Enugu/Anambra/Ebonyi\command, as she assumes office

She took over from Comptroller AM Adegbite who was re-deployed to Edo/Delta Area Command.
Customs
Customs, UN agency collaborate to fight smuggling

“On behalf of the entire Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service, I wish to inform you that we will partner with you in this campaign, and we will grant you all forms of support you may need to carry out this campaign — and I want to assign one of our amiable DCGs, Abba Kura, to work with you closely.”
He appreciated how they traveled from afar to inform the Nigeria Customs Service of their campaign against smuggling, which, according to him, the Nigeria Customs Service has already started yielding positive results in suppressing the menace of smuggling.
The CGC also welcomed Dr Raymond’s offer to engage officers and men of the Service in capacity—building to enhance their understanding of digital literacy skills, adding that the Service has already started embracing technology to advance its work by introducing related courses to officers.
The CGC appreciated the collaborative effort between the Nigeria Customs Service and UN—Habitat and believes that the collaboration signifies a commitment to tackling smuggling and enhancing trade facilitation in the nation, setting the stage for a more prosperous future.
He also appreciated their pledge to train officers and men of the Service in digital literacy skills, assuring that the Service will continue to prioritize proficiency in the fight against smuggling through a technological approach.
He underscored the importance of digital skills, promising that the relevant Service department will enhance trade facilitation.
On his part, the Director of UN—Habitat, Dr. Raymond Edoh, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reposing the responsibility of heading the Nigeria Customs Service on the Acting Comptroller-General, describing him as “a competent Customs officer who knows the terrain and masters the job.”
According to him, they decided to visit the Ag. CGC at the Customs Headquarters to express their interest in partnering with the Service.
He appreciated the Service for being a “gatekeeper of the country” that protects citizens against border threats, stressing that his organization will collaborate with NCS to mitigate the smuggling of illicit goods and train officers and men of Customs on digital literacy skills and certification.
UN-Habitat is the United Nations entity responsible for developing urban policies and translating them into action to create sustainable cities and promote viable urban development and adequate shelter for all.
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