Headlines

APMT Examination bay or swimming pool?

AMPT examination bay as at early June, this year

—Apapa customs frustrated

—-NAGAFF threatens to shut down the facility

Exclusive by Eyewitness reporter

It is supposed to be an examination bay, but due to either negligence of duty or abdication of responsibility, the APMT Examination bay has become an examination “pool”

Especially during this period of the rainy session, the APMT Examination bay could conveniently pass for an Olympic-sized swimming pool as the place is perennially submerged in a pool of water.

The area, where containers are stepped down for the customs officers to carry out their physical examination exercise, has become marshy and muddy, thus making the process of examination messy, unfriendly and boring.

One wonders that despite the claims by the operators that they have invested a humongous amount of money into the infrastructural development of the terminal, the all-important examination bay (swimming pool) has consistently been neglected.

The Customs officers who have the onerous duties of carrying out the examination of containers on the mashy surface and the clearing agents have shouted themselves hoarse on the need for the Dutch management of the terminal to carry out remedial work on the surface but to no avail.

“They have always promised that they will do it but nothing has been done”

“We will do it, we will do it, that has always been their promise which they never kept” Comptroller Ibrahim Malanta Yusuf, the Area Controller of the Apapa Command of Customs, told our reporter.

Tanko Ibrahim, the Chairman of the 100 percent compliance team of NAGAFF, corroborated this claim.

“We had written several letters to them (APMT) on this matter but they kept promising us that they would do something about it”

Comptroller Yusuf continued.

He said the Customs knew what to do to force the APMT terminal operators to do the needful, probably by not allowing containers to be dropped until the place is done.

“But we can’t do that because that will be detrimental to the importers’ interests who will incur demurrage and the terminal operators will only be too glad to collect their money.

“It is a sensitive issue.

“It is not a court matter, but we believe that one day, the APMT will find it expedient to rehabilitate the place since they are still too busy doing other things,” Comptroller Yusuf said in a heavily sarcastic voice.

But Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim was not too diplomatic none tolerant as the Customs Chief.

”We are tired of complaining and receiving the same answer of ”we shall do it,” we shall do it.

”So we have decided to shut down the place to force the terminal operators to comply with our demand.

”That place, as it is, has been making examination of containers very difficult and tiring because of its marshy state.

“We have even written to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to intervene in the matter but they seem to have been compromised as they have refused to take action.

“We shall also pursue the agency out of the port because they seem not to know their job.

“I can’t imagine that NESREA, the agency which enforces environmental standards at the port, could condone such an act of rascality by the APMT operators by allowing that place to be like that.

“If by after Sallah break, nothing is done to salvage the examination bay, we shall mobilise our members to shut down the facility until the operators do the needful” the NAGAFF chieftain declared.

Headlines

NPA applauds MARAN for peaceful leadership transition, pledges support

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

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‎The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commended the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) for conducting a peaceful and successful leadership transition, describing the process as a reflection of the association’s strong institutional framework.

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‎The General Manager, Corporate Communication and Strategy of the NPA, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemachara, gave the commendation when the newly elected Executive Committee of MARAN paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos.

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‎Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Onyemachara noted that the seamless transition within the association demonstrated administrative maturity and a commitment to unity and stability.

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‎He observed that in some organisations, caretaker committees often seek tenure extensions,a situation that could trigger internal divisions and instability.

He, however, praised MARAN for avoiding such challenges by ensuring a transparent and rancour free electoral process.

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‎The NPA spokesperson also lauded the association for recognising and honouring its past leaders, describing the gesture as evidence of MARAN’s respect for continuity and institutional development.

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‎Mr. Onyemachara further urged the newly elected Executive Committee, led by MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, to remain focused and sustain constructive engagement with stakeholders to support the growth of the maritime sector.

He however pledged the support and collaboration of the agency with the association

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‎Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Onigbinde stated that the visit was aimed at appreciating the Nigerian Ports Authority for its longstanding support to MARAN and to seek continued collaboration for the association’s programmes and initiatives.

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‎It would be recalled that MARAN conducted its election on May 7, 2026, producing a seven-member Executive Committee.

Headlines

The rise and transition to glory of NPA’s Paul (Texas) Erakhifu

Tribute by Ikechukwu Onyemekara

GM Corporate Affairs, NPA

From humble beginnings at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) when he was employed on October 17th 1994 (same month of his birth) as a junior staff on Grade Level 3, Paul Ikherovba Erakhifu popularly known as “Texas” by dint of diligence, determination, discipline and desire, rose to the defining role of senior staff Grade Level 13 in a career marked by sterling contributions and indelible impact till his return to his maker on Friday 1st May, 2026.

Although we cannot determine our appointed date of birth and death, we definitely can determine how we want to be remembered.

Texas by his uncommon commitment to his craft (photography) and his contagious sense of humor which he generously doled out to all who came in contact with him, definitely and intentionally set out to be remembered for good.

Looking back, it is plausible that with his popular refrain “you have made my day” and “powerful” which were his default response to most of those who encountered him on and off duty, late Texas was informing us that he would make his days on earth powerful, which he did with grace and honor as can be gleaned from his professional and career trajectory.

Not one to squander opportunities for career growth and personal development, Texas proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature in the year 2005, Master Degree in International Relations in 2012 and a Master of Science (MSc.) in Mass Communication.

Poised to get ahead and be equal to the exigency of his chosen craft, Texas trained at the London Film Academy, London Academy of Media, Film & Television and the Texas School of Photography USA in fulfillment of his lifelong admiration for the American city of Texas for which he adopted the sobriquet “TEXAS”.

The life and times of Texas validated the Biblical truism that “that a man diligent in his business shall stand before kings and not mean men”.

Indeed, Texas was diligent in his business and stood before kings both in Nigeria and Internationally as he was widely travelled for high level official engagements in company of various chief executives of the Authority to Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, USA, Japan, Ghana, Togo, Congo, Guinea, South Africa, amongst others.

Although Texas will be sorely missed and has left a vacuum so wide and difficult to fill, we will take solace in the immortal words of James Wrubel that “no one truly dies who is remembered”.

We continue to remember and celebrate his good deeds, exceptional sense of humor and his contribution to the advancement of knowledge evidenced his authorship of two books with which he lighted paths and lightened burdens.

Headlines

Yinka Onigbinde election as MARAN president excites SIFAX Group

– pledges support for his administration

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

The SIFAX Group has congratulated Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde on his election as the new President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).

The Group described his emergence as a reflection of his professionalism and dedication to maritime journalism.

The congratulatory message was conveyed in a formal letter signed by Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, on behalf of the Board, Management, and Staff of the conglomerate.

In the letter, Dr. Afolabi described Mr. Onigbinde’s election as well-deserved, noting that his consistent contributions to maritime journalism and the broader maritime industry over the years had earned him the confidence of his colleagues.

“Your emergence as the President is proof of your professionalism, dedication, and consistent contributions to maritime journalism and the broader maritime industry over the years,” Afolabi stated.

Afolabi expressed confidence that the association would continue to advance the ideals of professionalism, ethical journalism, unity, and constructive engagement within the maritime sector under Onigbinde’s leadership.

He further noted that the new president’s tenure was expected to strengthen the media’s role as a vital partner in the growth and development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Afolabi, who serves as Patron of MARAN, assured Onigbinde of his goodwill and support as the new president works towards advancing the association, while wishing him wisdom, strength, and outstanding success in the discharge of his duties.