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BOAN lauds Tinubu on creation of Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, congratulates Oyetola 

The Eyewitness Reporter
The Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, saying this clearly displays the capacity and ability of President Tinubu to transform the nation’s maritime sector and by extension the economy.
Also, BOA  congratulated the new Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and described the appointment as a dint of hard work and commitment.
The BOAN President, Honourable Olubunmi Olumekun, gave the commendation in a statement issued by the association in Lagos today and signed by himself.
According to the BOAN President, “I, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Executive and members of the Barge Operators’ Association of Nigeria, express warm regards and congratulations on your (Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola) appointment as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is an honor well deserved and is a testament to your hard work, commitment, dedication and positive contribution to nation-building. Congratulations once again!
“The Barge Operators’ Association of Nigeria (BOAN) was formed with the core mandate to promote coastal and inland shipping of cargo (bulk, liquid, containerized etc) in Nigeria using barges, either self-propelled or with the assistance of a tugboat.
“Data has shown that in the past half a decade, an estimated three million (3,000,000) TEUs of import and export containers have been shipped through the inland waterways from the Nigerian Ports and jetties using barges, with a volume of trade translating to billions of Naira.
“This data which covers containerized cargo only goes to show the influence of BOAN and barge operations in boosting trade as well as the nation’s marine and blue economy.
“The wisdom of Mr. President, Your Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in establishing a new ministry for the maritime sector clearly displays his capacity and ability to transform the nation’s maritime sector and by extension the economy.
“The development and sustainability of the Marine & Blue economy is of critical importance, particularly for a maritime nation like ours. It is our utmost belief that your charismatic leadership in coordinating the affairs of the ministry while instilling the spirit of cooperation and synergy amongst all industry stakeholders will set the tone for an improved maritime sector.
“A critical facet of the Marine and blue economy in Nigeria is the Inland and coastal Shipping industry with its primary legislation, the Coastal & Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act, 2003. It is no coincidence that this novel ministry under your astute leadership was created, exactly two decades after the enactment of the Cabotage Act.
“Nigeria being a signatory to the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) further underscores the potential of the coastal and inland shipping sector in developing trade, boosting export, creating employment, strengthening the Naira, and improving the economy amongst others. Taking advantage of this opportunity will further show Nigeria as a maritime powerhouse and a deserving member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
“The pertinence of a synergistic relationship between the Ministry and the Barge Operators’ Association of Nigeria (BOAN) cannot be overemphasized, thus the clarion call for cooperation. It is our honest belief that ‘our’ ministry will transform the nation and place it in an enviable position amongst the committee of nations.
“We anticipate further engagement with your good offices and potentially a courtesy visit subject to your overriding convenience. Please accept the assurances of our highest and esteemed regards. We assure you of our unwavering support and wish you well in all your endeavors.”
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Headlines

May Day: Mobereola salutes maritime workers for passion, dedication to building virile industry 

Gloria Odion,  Maritime reporter 

The Director – General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has saluted the courage , passion and dedication of maritime workers to building strong and virile industry.
In his message at the Workers’ day on May 1st, 2026, the NIMASA DG extolled the virtues of workers and acknowledged the distinguished service of various stakeholders whose efforts he noted continue to significantly contribute to the development of the Nigerian maritime industry.
Dr. Mobereola, while wishing stakeholders a Happy Workers’ Day said “to all the amazing officers and stakeholders in the maritime sector who bring their passion and expertise to work daily.

“Thank you for your dedication and invaluable contributions”.

He emphasized that as a regulator, the Agency remains committed to its oversight function of regulating maritime labour activities in the industry in line with extant instruments and the expectations of the theme of the 2026 Workers’ Day, which focuses on safety, dignity and productivity.

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Customs

Kaila, Seme Customs CAC, seeks collaboration with stakeholders to achieve seemless trade along border corridor 

Funso OLOJO, Editor
The new Area Controller of the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has  reached out to traditional rulers and  sister agencies at the border communities to ensure the achievement of his mandate of detection, determent of smuggling, revenue generation and trade facilitation along the border corridor.
To achieve these objectives, Comptroller Kaila went on tour of the communities within the border corridor where he met and sought for the support and cooperation of major critical stakeholders, including the traditional rulers and sister agencies.
According to him, his objective was to eradicate trade hindrances affecting free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan business corridor.
Speaking at the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I who was a well recognized traditional ruler across the border communities.
“”The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service.
“Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling.
“And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we can not have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said
 The King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, who described Kaila as the son of the soil, added that “We have listened to your request.
” Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.
Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya, signifies his commitment to fostering the service relationship with residents living within the border  communities
“I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required.
” In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he mentioned
While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom, the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.
“I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need.
“Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your presence here, things will change for the better, ” he said
In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, Kaila also visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry.
The  Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy  Medugu,expressed the  readiness of the formation to always support the command in achieving its mandate.
“Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility.
” Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said
The Area Controller then ended his familirisation tour with seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office, showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.
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Headlines

Opeifa decries encroachment on NRC properties across the country 

— praises collaboration with Abia, Enugu govts.
Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has reiterated his displeasure over the widespread practice of encroachment on the properties of the Nigerian Railways Corporation across the country, warning that such action would not be tolerated by his administration.
Opeifa was speaking during the separate meetings he recently had with the governments of both Abia and Enugu states.
Represented by the Railway District Manager, Eastern District, Mr. Agwonye Francis Ejike, the NRC boss quickly condemned the occupation of the Corporation’s right- of – way by squatters in Umuahia, while correcting the wrongly- held belief that the Railway is defunct.
Opeifa however applauded the cordial and collaborative relationship between the Corporation and the governments of both Abia and Enugu.
According to him, such productive harmony can only yield even greater positive results for the benefit of the people.
During the Umuahia meeting, Dr. Opeifa strongly praised the Abia State Government for its crucial assistance in clearing the NRC’s right-of-way within Umuahia.
 He reiterated unequivocally that no one is permitted to build any structure on railway property without obtaining express approval from his office.
Appealing directly to the public, he urged for greater patience, stressing that the plans for the critical track extension from Aba, through Umuahia to Enugu and beyond, remain very much on course.
Responding on behalf of the Abia State Government, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh stated that the State Government is actively engaging all stakeholders by providing alternative, seamless locations for those currently conducting business on the railway right-of-way.
 He further revealed that the state government has already finalized plans to plant trees along the route, creating a leisurely and aesthetically conducive environment for relaxation, replacing previous commercial activities.
The high-powered team then embarked on an extensive inspection of the alternative relocation site for displaced persons; the demolition site where iron barrier installation is progressing; the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal; the site for the new Umuahia Railway Station; and the route for the proposed link road passing through the existing railway station.
The meeting also explored the provision of a temporary location for the Railway Police and the PTO, pending the construction of the new Umuahia Station, which is designed to include a police station and other NRC offices.
The same impactful message was delivered to Enugu State, where the Commissioner of Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozoh (representing the State Government), equally assured the NRC MD of the Enugu State Government’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the Corporation to achieve its aims and objectives.
Describing Dr. Opeifa as a personal friend from their private sector days, Dr. Ozoh lauded him as a leader who “knows perfectly well what he is doing.”
He further assured the NRC that the Enugu State Government will actively assist in demolishing any obstruction on the Corporation’s right-of-way, stressing that the state eagerly awaits the flag-off to recommence construction of the rail line from Aba to Enugu and beyond.
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