Headlines

Truck owners, drivers urge NPA to sack TTP, say ETO has failed

Traffic gridlock at port

The Eyewitness Reporter

The coalition of truck owners and their drivers has called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to sack Trucks and Transit Parks Limited(TTP), the operators of NPA’s electronic call-up system (ETO).

The coalition, under the aegis of the Council for Maritime Truck Unions and Associations(COMTUA), believed that the ETO had been bastardised and riddled with unprecedented corruption which has made the system collapse.

Ventilating the position of truck owners on the issue, the National President of COMTUA, Mr. Adeyinka Aroyewun, said the only solution is to sack the TTP, the operators of ETO, due to its gross incompetence and insatiable appetite to make money at the expense of truck owners and drivers.

In a letter to the management of the NPA, Aroyewun observed that the gradual return of traffic gridlock on the port access roads was a clear manifestation of the failure of ETO and the need to rejig the system.

He faulted the decision of the NPA to sanction the trucks that accessed the port without the necessary documents on December 23rd, 2023, saying such action is not a solution to the traffic gridlock that is now building up along the port corridor.

In the letter dated December 29th, 2023,and addressed to the NPA MD, Mohammed Bello-Koko, the association said it was opposed to the penalty.

“We are writing to you today to express our strong opposition to the Nigerian Ports Authority’s intention through TTP/ETO to penalize trucks that access the port without the necessary call-up documents on the 22nd of December, 2023.

“We understand that the need to suspend the barrier occurred as a result of uncontrollable gridlock at the port corridor.

“However, we strongly believe that penalizing trucks that access the port without the necessary documents is not the solution to the problem.

“We are aware that the Electronic Call Up System has been a complete failure, and the recent traffic gridlock at the port corridor is further evidence of this failure.

” It is not the fault of drivers and truck owners that the call-up system is not working.

“Therefore, it is unjustifiable to penalize our members for the inadequacies of the call-up system.

“We are disappointed that the Nigerian Ports Authority and its handlers are more concerned about illicit revenue generation than solving the problem of the traffic gridlock.

” Penalizing truck drivers and owners who are already struggling to make ends meet will only exacerbate our problems.

“The intention is nothing but to forcefully collect money for services you have not rendered.

“We never thought of this level of desperation to extort truckers from any government agency.

“A responsible management of an organisation would have tendered an apology to drivers and truck owners in this instance.

“We call on you to suspend the intention to impose penalties or collect payments from truckers on this ground and work towards finding a lasting solution to the traffic gridlock at the port corridor.

“We urge you to prioritize the free entry and exit in and around the Port and the welfare of truck drivers and owners, who are essential to the smooth running of the port and the economy at large.

” We strongly believe that penalizing them is not the solution to the problem, and we call on you to do the right thing” the COMTUA president declared.

Aroyewun however advocated that in the place of the highly compromised TTP, the NPA should create a tripartite collaboration with terminal operators, Truckers and Customs brokers for a legitimate traffic management system.

He also sought transparent policy formulation and implementation with sincerity of purpose backed by strong political will to address issues.

The COMTUA National President however lamented that the NPA’s strong appetite for extortions through its ally, TTP, has been the bane of ETO as the agency has repeatedly ignored the words of wise counsels from concerned stakeholders.

It could be recalled that there has been an outcry against the activities of touts and compromised operators of ETO which have led to the high level of corruption and extortions in the system.

Among several ills of the ETO system are the activities of a syndicate whose members had cashed in on the loose control of the system to impose illegal fees of N150,000 on each ETO ticket.

Also, another syndicate, whose rank was recently bursted by the NPA, engaged in large-scale counterfeiting of ETO tickets which they sell to unsuspecting truck drivers.

This large-scale fraud and corruption in the system made the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to order for a complete overhaul of the NPA’s electronic call-up system with a view to cleansing the rot in the system.

Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

Headlines

One infant, three adults die, several others sustain injuries in fatal train derailment along Warri- Itakpe route

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of four passengers in a train derailment along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State on Monday, June 8th, 2026.

Several others suffered various degrees of injuries.

In a statement by the Ministry of Transportation and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the victims included two female adults, one male adult and one infant.

The accident involved four coaches which reportedly capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives.

The statement confirmed that a total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.

The NRC had activated immediate rescue and evacuation operations with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m on Monday .

The Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.

Other notable individuals on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.

As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.

One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured.

“The Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts” the statement declared.

The ministry said full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities while efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.

The Ministry in conjunction with the NRC have commenced a full investigation into the cause of the accident while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected.

Commentaries

Why Nigeria must prioritize competency development and standards to harness gains of blue economy

Funso OLOJO, Editor

Nigeria is endowed with vast maritime resources which offer enormous opportunities for economic growth, employment generation, food security, and environmental sustainability.

With its fabled over 850 kilometers of coastline, extensive inland waterways, and strategic access to the Gulf of Guinea, the country is naturally blessed to emerge as a hub for maritime activities in Africa.

However , taking advantage of these huge massive maritime opportunities should be the priority of Nigerian government which must be intentional on developing competency level of its Maritime professionals and raise their

adherence to international standards.

The blue economy encompasses diverse sectors including shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, offshore energy, maritime logistics, shipbuilding, and marine environmental management.

These sectors are highly knowledge-driven and require a workforce equipped with specialized skills and globally recognized certifications.

Without competent professionals, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities to countries with better-trained maritime personnel and stronger institutional frameworks.

Competency development is essential for enhancing productivity, safety, and operational efficiency across the maritime sector.

Skilled seafarers, marine engineers, port operators, logistics professionals, and environmental experts are critical to ensuring that maritime activities meet international best practices.

As global shipping and offshore industries become increasingly technology-driven, continuous training and capacity building are necessary to keep Nigerian professionals competitive in the international labour market.

Skilled maritime professionals such as seafarers, marine engineers and allied personnel in the sector could be sources of foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria as they could be exported to the international community.

Philippines and India are the world’s top exporters of skilled maritime personnel such as seafarers where they get the chunk of their foreign exchange.

If Nigeria could develop such capacity in skilled labourers in the sector and export their expertise, the country could harvest bountifully from such venture.

Equally important is the adoption and enforcement of internationally recognized standards.

Standards provide the framework for quality assurance, safety management, environmental protection, and operational excellence.

Compliance with global maritime standards established by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization(IMO) and the Nautical Institute enhances Nigeria’s credibility as a maritime nation and attracts foreign investment.

Investors and international partners are more likely to engage with institutions and businesses that demonstrate compliance with recognized benchmarks.

That is why the recent certification of the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited by the UK Nautical Institute is germaine to Nigeria’s quest to develop training capacity and build compliance with standard procedures

This feat also underscores the importance of world-class training institutions in building local capacity.

That is why the government should give necessary assistance to training institutions in Nigeria such as Maritime Academy of Nigeria(MAN), Oron and the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited.

Such government patronage and assistance will not only improve the quality of maritime training in Nigeria but also position the country as a regional centre for maritime education and professional development.

Prioritizing competency development and standards will also contribute significantly to maritime safety and environmental sustainability.

Well-trained personnel are better equipped to prevent accidents, manage maritime risks, and respond effectively to emergencies.

Furthermore, adherence to environmental standards helps reduce marine pollution, protect biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable utilization of ocean resources, which are fundamental pillars of the blue economy.

From an economic perspective, a competent workforce and strong standards framework can increase Nigeria’s participation in global maritime trade, create high-value jobs, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and improve the country’s competitiveness.

It also supports local content development by enabling Nigerian professionals and companies to meet the requirements of international contracts and projects.

In conclusion, competency development and standards are not optional components of Nigeria’s blue economy strategy; they are foundational requirements for its success.

By investing in human capital, strengthening training institutions, and enforcing internationally accepted standards, Nigeria can fully harness the immense potential of its maritime resources and transform the blue economy into a major driver of national development, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.