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World Maritime Day Parallel Event ends in South Africa

 

— as Jamoh pledges Nigeria’s commitment to greener shipping
—Iran hosts 2023 edition of WMDPE
The Eyewitness reporter

The World Maritime Day Parallel Event (WMDPE), which was held in Durban, South Africa from the 12th to the 14th, of October 2022, has ended.

In his opening speech at the event, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said:
“After a two-year pause in parallel events due to the pandemic, it is an enormous pleasure to be able to welcome you all here to Durban for the 2022 World Maritime Day Parallel Event.
“The Parallel Event was instituted to provide an opportunity to take the World Maritime theme “on the road” and it is undoubtedly one of the most important maritime events, worldwide.”

Secretary-General Lim highlighted the need for ‘innovation’ and ‘inclusivity’ as shipping voyages to a decarbonized future, in which digitalization and automation will play a key role.

“Innovation is fundamental to the maritime industry’s successful energy transition.

“It requires new technologies, renewable alternative fuels and infrastructure to support low- and zero-carbon shipping, along with new financial solutions to support all those practical aspects,” he said.

“We also need innovative teams working together, created through research and development partnerships. These should involve both the public and private sectors because we need all hands on deck to ensure these initiatives succeed.

” This needs to be done in the most inclusive way possible as we address capacity-building, technology and infrastructure to bring on board developing countries, in particular, least developed countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the energy transition.
” No one should be left behind. Digitalization and automation can be counted amongst the technologies that will help us on the voyage towards cleaner, greener and more efficient shipping but this does not mean that we ignore the human element,” Mr. Lim said.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, who also graced the event,  called for maritime nations to actualize the adoption of modern technology as a means of attaining cleaner and greener shipping in line with this year’s World Maritime Day commemoration theme.

Dr Jamoh, who stated this while speaking on the sidelines of the World Maritime Day Parallel Event (WMDPE) also stated that Nigeria would seek to contribute to the global push towards reducing emissions from shipping activities.

According to him, “The theme of this year’s event “New technologies for greener shipping” as declared by the IMO calls for the global family of nations to take action on decarbonisation of shipping and ports through the use of zero or low carbon technologies, fuels and infrastructure. The ultimate goal for Nigeria is to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across the globe for sustainable development of our local sector”.

As one of the most important maritime events on a global scale, the WMDPE is a definitive stage for the international community to make concrete contributions and progress on collaboration geared at innovative solutions to address mitigation strategies to reduce the maritime transport carbon footprint

Welcoming high-level delegates from across the globe, the Honourable Fikile Mbalula, Transport Minister, South Africa, said:
“The theme for this year’s World Maritime Day Parallel Event, “New technologies for greener shipping”, calls for the global family of nations to take action on decarbonisation of shipping and ports through the use of zero or low carbon technologies, fuels and infrastructure.
“The ultimate goal is to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across the globe for sustainable development. The big question we must answer is: “How do we get to a future that is sustainable, and facilitates global seaborne trade from all corners of the globe?”

He highlighted his “appreciation and applaud stakeholders, including the oil and bunker industry, manufacturers, academia, and shipping industry in general, for all your efforts and initiatives aimed at using research and innovation for the development of greener technologies as the pathway to the decarbonisation of this important industry.”

Noting the potential for countries to be part of the transition to cleaner fuels, he said, “We believe that the abundance of renewable energy potential can accelerate the development of greener technologies and alternative fuels in order to meet the demand of supplying bunker to ships at our ports.”

IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim is greeted by the Honourable Fikile Mbalula, Transport Minister, South Africa.
The panel session covered the World perspective on greener shipping – decarbonization; Collaboration and capacity building; Digitalisation for safer and efficient shipping; and Oceans and the blue economy.

IMO Secretary-General Lim hosted a ministerial round table on the sidelines of the event.

During the closing ceremony on Friday, 14 October, the World Maritime Day flag was handed over to the World Maritime Day Parallel Event host for 2023, the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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Headlines

IWD: 60 percent of my aides, technical assistants are women – Danthoso, NPA MD, declares as he celebrates women.

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Danthoso, has said that he was intentional in his prioritizing  gender equality in key appointments at the NPA.

While eulogizing the role of women in the maritime industry as part of his message to women during the International Women’s Day celebration, Dr Danthoso, declared that 60 percent of his aides and technical assistants are women.

“Women hold 60 percent of these roles(personal aides and technical assistants) with men making up the remaining 40 percent.

“This intentional step underscores NPA’s commitment to advancing women’s participation and success across the maritime industry.” he stated.

Danthoso said he recognizes the remarkable contributions of to the progress and success of NPA “who continue to drive progress, break barriers, and shape a more equitable future for the sector.”

” The Nigerian Ports Authority proudly celebrates the resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions of women in the maritime sector—including firefighting, security, piloting, engineering, hydrography, administrative and vessel-support services such as aids to navigation.

” These remarkable women are excelling even in roles that traditionally demand male-kind of strength”

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Headlines

NRC plans electric rail operations across the country- Opeifa

Geraldine Samuel, Reporter 
All things being equal, the Nigerian Railway Corporation(NRC) may soon commence electric rail operations for smoother and faster rail services across the country.
Making this disclosure in a recent interview on a national television, Dr Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of NRC, said the corporation is planning  to electrify major rail corridors within the next five years.
He further disclosed that Warri and Lagos will be used a pilot scheme of the ambitious project.
However, Opeifa said this is largely dependent on the availability of gas to support power generation for electric rail operations.
Meanwhile, the NRC boss has called for stronger collaboration between state governments and the Railway Police to enhance the protection of rail infrastructure across the country.
 Opeifa noted that the Railway Police currently operates across 26 states, stressing that state governments should see the unit as part of their security architecture and support it accordingly.
According to him, the security of railway infrastructure is closely tied to the security of mobility corridors across the country, describing the railway as a critical national asset that passes through many states and plays an important role in national development.
Drawing from his experience as a former Commissioner in Lagos State, Opeifa recalled how the Railway Police supported the Lagos State Government during the cleanup of the Oshodi area, demonstrating the importance of inter-agency cooperation in protecting public assets.
“The history of the Nigerian Railway Corporation is the history of Nigeria itself,” he said, adding that the issues confronting the railway system are reflective of broader national challenges.
The NRC Managing Director also traced the evolution of Nigeria’s modern rail development, noting that the real overhaul of the system began in 2015 with the introduction of the standard gauge rail lines.
He credited the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari with commissioning key projects such as the Abuja–Kaduna Railway, Warri–Itakpe Railway, Abuja Rail Mass Transit, and the Lagos–Ibadan Railway, while also initiating the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail corridor.
 Opeifa further highlighted the constitutional amendment that moved railway from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List, explaining that the development has opened the door for state governments such as Lagos, Kano, Ogun and Plateau to participate more actively in railway development.
He stated that his priority as Managing Director is to ensure that the NRC functions as a key driver of national integration and economic development, while operating in line with international best practices.
According to him, many developed countries treat railway infrastructure primarily as social infrastructure, noting that Nigeria’s rail system currently plays a similar role by enabling mobility and economic activities across regions.
“Railway is an enabler of growth,” he said, adding that the Federal Government’s investment in rail projects across states such as Lagos, Kano and Kaduna is largely due to their strategic economic importance.
 Opeifa also revealed that the NRC has developed a national rail map that clearly shows how state rail systems can connect to the national rail network to enhance connectivity.
Highlighting developments along the Eastern corridor, he described the Enugu main railway station as a massive and well-designed facility with underground structures, recalling that the corridor once contributed significantly to national revenue.
On concerns about ticket racketeering, Opeifa acknowledged that the problem exists largely due to high passenger demand, but explained that the corporation has introduced additional verification procedures to curb the practice.
Passengers, he said, are now subjected to double checks—first at the waiting area and again during boarding, a system that has significantly reduced illegal ticket sales.
He also reassured passengers of the high level of security along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, noting that train movements and station activities are monitored from a central control room.
 According to him, the corporation plans to replicate similar security and monitoring arrangements on other rail lines across the country.
Opeifa announced that the number of daily trips on the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service has now been increased to three, in response to growing passenger demand.
He added that the NRC is also working to promote the tourism and entertainment potentials of railway services, promising that the corporation will continue to expand its services and improve operations until it achieves its development targets.
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Customs

Dera Nnadi bows out of Customs in a blaze of glory 

Geraldine Samuel, Reporter 
Dera Nnadi, a Deputy Comptroller- General of Customs(rtd), has dropped anchor of service in the Nigeria Customs and graceful bowed out of the agency in a blaze of glory.
In a commemorative retirement ceremony conducted by his appreciative colleagues at the Customs’ Headquarters, Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Nnadi was pulled out of the Service he has diligently served amidst glowing tributes.
Incidentally, his pull- out ceremony coincided with his 60th birthday.
Leading the management staff, men and officers of the service in paying moving tributes to the retiring Nnadi was the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who described DCG(rtd) Nnadi as an exemplary officer whose professionalism, discipline, and commitment to duty significantly strengthened the values and operational effectiveness of the NCS.
According to the CGC, the retirement ceremony provided an opportunity not only to celebrate a successful career but also to appreciate the sacrifices and dedication of officers who devote their lives to safeguarding the nation’s economic and border security interests.
 He noted that Nnadi’s career reflects the core ideals of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in leadership, revenue generation and trade facilitation.
“Today is a moment of celebration and reflection. It is also an opportunity for us to thank Almighty God for the grace that has sustained our colleague throughout his years of service,” the CGC said.
The CGC also highlighted the personal and professional bond he shares with the retiree, noting that their relationship extends beyond official duties to family ties.
 He expressed confidence that DCG Nnadi still possesses the energy and experience to continue contributing meaningfully to national development through academic and other professional engagements.
Members of the Service’s management team also paid glowing tributes to the retired DCG, commending his leadership qualities, integrity and mentorship.
 Officers who served under him described him as a dependable leader who provided guidance and encouragement to younger personnel while strengthening the Service’s institutional capacity.
Responding to the honour, DCG Dera Nnadi (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, the management team, officers and Men of the Service for their support and cooperation throughout his career.
He described his years in the NCS as a fulfilling journey of growth, learning and service to the nation.
The ceremony featured the presentation of awards, gift items and commemorative photographs in honour of the distinguished officer.
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