Headlines

NPA condemns Customs’ physical examination of cargo at ports

— seeks approval for concession renewal of five terminal operators

The Eyewitness reporter

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, has condemned the use of manual inspection of cargo at the Ports through the infamous 100 percent physical examination of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Bello-Koko bemoaned the method which he said impedes the fast and efficient cargo delivery system at the ports.

The NPA helmsman make this observation at the weekend during his presentation to the Minister of Transportation, Engr Muazu Sambo who undertook a tour of the agency.

Bello-Koko further disclosed that the use of scanners, which the customs have consistently ignored, is a modern and internationally acceptable method of cargo inspection that will not only engender efficient port services but also boost maximum revenue collection for the government.

While describing the use of the manual inspection method as cumbersome and inefficient, Bello-Koko revealed that the terminal operators have expressed a desire to purchase and maintain scanners at the Nigerian seaports while Customs will operate them.

He expressed optimism that if scanners are provided, Nigerian seaports will be more competitive and preferred destinations for cargoes in West and Central Africa.

“Manual examination of cargoes in our ports due to absence of scanners is inefficient, not sustainable, cumbersome and can’t make our port competitive.

” Terminal operators have, however, expressed readiness to purchase and maintain the scanners but the equipment will be maintained by the service.

“This will make our port more efficient, competitive and efficient in the sub-region,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Bello-Koko has declared that the NPA has now finalised the renewal processes of the concession agreement of the five terminal operators whose lease agreement had expired in 2021.

He disclosed that what remained to give bite to the agreement was the government approval which he said the NPA has applied for.

Consequently, Bello-Koko informed that the draft reworked agreement would be submitted to the ministry of Transportation today, October 3rd, 2022.

However, the NPA helmsman lamented that discussions among some terminal operators are inconclusive while some terminal operators are yet to give necessary feedback to the authority.

In his submission to the minister, Bello-Koko said the nation’s seaports need to explore alternative sources of power generation to the seaport because of the rising cost of power generation to the seaport.

He called for the reconstruction of the collapsed quay apron at the Tin-Can Island port and collapsed jetty at Continental Shipyard.

According to him, “Matters requiring urgent attention include the reconstruction of the quay apron at Tin Can Island Port complex and collapsed jetty at Continental Shipyard Ltd. Reconstruction of a collapsed berth at Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT) and fencing of common user port facility inline with the specification of International Ships and Ports Facility (ISPS), code.

“Also, reconstruction of the collapsed breakwater at Delta Port and the rising cost of power generation (electricity) in the port and the need to commence procurement of alternative source of power.

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Analyses

Beyond The Lagos Communique: Can West Africa’s $27 Billion Port Rhetoric Outrun Gridlock?

Ibrahim Nasiru

The Monday Discourse with NASIRU focuses on the take away from the just concluded PMAWCA board meeting in Lagos.

Last week, maritime leaders gathered in Lagos for the PMAWCA conference, celebrating a staggering $27 billion infrastructure boom and drawing up plans to replicate the seamless digital models of Rotterdam and Singapore.

But for the average importer, agent, or truck driver trapped in the chaos of Apapa or Tin Can, the disconnect is jarring.

West African Ports are masterful at planning, but historically abysmal at executing.

A multi-billion-dollar Deep Sea Port is just an expensive parking lot for containers if the surrounding rail and road infrastructure remains broken.

True competitiveness will not be won by the nation that signs the largest contract; it will be won by the nation that actually clears a container without corruption, extortion, or manual delays.

It is time to move past courtroom style policy curation and deploy an execution squad.

Read full details tomorrow on why West Africa’s maritime sector needs dockyard discipline over boardroom eloquence.

Headlines

Sallah celebration: Osun govt offers free train ride to indigenes as NRC increases Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips for Sallah

Gloria Odion, maritime reporter

The Osun State government has made full payment to the Nigerian Railway Corporation( NRC) for the use of its narrow gauge rail services to transport the indigenes of the state free of charge for the Sallah celebration.

The annual gesture was confirmed by the management of the Corporation while announcing a temporary increase in train services on the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS) corridor for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, ahead of the Sallah celebration.

The NRC revealed that the Osun government free train ride will be on its narrow gauge corridor.

The special train will depart from Iddo Station, Lagos, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, while the return trip from Osogbo to Lagos will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

The service, which is usually operated during festive periods, is being sponsored by the Osun State Government through a paid arrangement with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to convey Osun indigenes free of charge for the Sallah celebration.

Meanwhile, the Corporation has announced an adjustment to its schedule on its Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS) corridor for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, ahead of the Sallah

The temporary adjustment is aimed at accommodating the expected increase in passenger movement as many Nigerians travel to celebrate the festive season with their families and loved ones.

Under the special arrangement, the Corporation will operate six train trips on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, instead of the usual four trips currently operated on the corridor.

For the day, train departures from the Lagos end will be at 7:45am, 1:40pm and 4:00pm, while departures from the Ibadan end will be at 8:00am, 10:50am and 4:30pm.

The Management clarified that this arrangement is strictly temporary and applies only to the Sallah travel period.

Immediately after the celebration, the normal Tuesday timetable of four trips will resume.

Similarly, the recently introduced Thursday six-trip operations will be temporarily adjusted next week, as only four trips will operate on Thursday May, 28th during the period under review.

The regular six-trip Thursday schedule will however resume the following week.

The NRC reassured passengers of its commitment to providing safe, efficient and reliable rail transportation services across the country and wishes all Nigerians a peaceful and memorable Sallah celebration.

Headlines

NRC expresses fresh concerns over consistent railway vandalism in the North

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised serious concern over renewed and coordinated attacks on railway infrastructure in parts of the country.

This followed fresh incidents of vandalism recorded in Plateau and Bauchi States.

The Corporation described the disturbing development as a direct attack on critical national infrastructure and an affront on public safety, economic growth and national security.

In one of the latest incidents recorded on May 21, 2026, a truck reportedly loaded with vandalized railway materials became stuck between Kuru and Science School, Kuru in Plateau State, exposing the dangerous activities of criminal elements involved in the destruction and illegal movement of railway materials.

Similarly, along Zango, in Bauchi State, between Kilometer 878 and 889, railway slippers were completely removed on both sides of a level crossing, leaving behind few disjointed rail pieces.

The Corporation warned that such acts could result in catastrophic train accidents, disruption of rail services, loss of lives and destruction of government investments worth billions of naira.

The NRC emphasized that railway tracks, slippers, clips, fastenings and signaling materials are critical national assets built with taxpayers’ money to facilitate transportation, trade, economic activities and national development, and should never be treated as scraps for illegal business.

The Managing Director/CEO of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, strongly condemned the persistent attacks on railway facilities, describing the trend as sabotage against national progress and a serious threat to the safety of passengers and railway personnel.

According to him, the increasing incidents of vandalism in the North Central and North East corridors indicate a dangerous pattern that requires urgent collective action from security agencies, state governments, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents living along railway lines.

Dr. Opeifa appealed to Nigerians to see railway infrastructure as a national symbol and strategic economic asset that must be protected at all times.

He warned vandals, scrap dealers and individuals involved in the illegal purchase, movement or destruction of railway materials to desist immediately, stressing that anyone caught would face the full weight of the law.

The Corporation also called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations around railway corridors nationwide, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around railway facilities.