Headlines

MARAN rallies stakeholders to save NPA’s e-call-up system from total collapse

The Eyewitness Reporter

Worried by the dysfunctional nature of the electronic call-up system of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria(MARAN) has concluded plan to rally stakeholders’ support to restore the sanctity of the system

To this end, the group, in continuation of its mandate of acting as a watchdog to society, is set to provide a platform for the stakeholders through its breakfast meeting where they are expected to brainstorm and proffer solutions to the challenges that have made the ETO call up system a butt of criticism.

According to the President of the Association, Godfrey Bivbere, the event, which is slated for Rockview Hotels, Apapa on Thursday, March 7th, 2024, is expected to attract the cream of industry players.

The group, in the press statement, lamented that despite the good intentions of the e-call-up system, it has faced severe criticism, with allegations of corruption and other underhand dealings that are said to have derailed the noble objectives of the system.

“To this effect, the association is focused on playing its constitutional role of being a watchdog and an agenda-setting body for the government and other stakeholders effectively and will organize a Breakfast meeting to address these concerns.

“Topical issues that will be discussed at the meeting include the efforts that the government through agencies like the Nigerian Ports Authority, has taken to combat these challenges, as well as the role that can be played by stakeholders.

Stakeholders expected at the meeting include the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); The Nigerian Shippers’ Council; Nigeria Customs Service (NCS); Shipping Companies and Terminal Operators.

Others are the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Truck Transit Parks, PSTT, respective truckers’ associations like Lagos State Truck and Cargo Operators Committee (LASTCOC), Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Nexus Association of Maritime Transport Operators, NAMTOP, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), among others.

Headlines

NRC suspends Warri- Itakpe train service over operational concerns

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the temporary suspension of Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) due to what the management described as operational exigency and technical advice from the Corporation’s Engineers.

The temporary suspension, according to a public statement by the NRC, has become necessary to enable the Corporation carry out critical operational assessments aimed at ensuring continued safety, reliability, and improved service delivery on the corridor.

“The NRC regrets the inconvenience this development may cause passengers and other stakeholders, and assures the public that efforts are currently ongoing to resolve the issues within the shortest possible time.

“Passengers and intending travelers will be duly informed before the end of the week on the date for the resumption of normal train operations.

“The Corporation remains committed to safe, efficient, and customer-friendly rail services across the country and appreciates the understanding, patience, and continued support of the public during this period” the NRC declared.

Headlines

Sallah: FG slashes train fares by 50 percent on all routes

Gloria Odion, reporter

The Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation has announced a 50 percent fare reduction on all train services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as part of measures to ease transportation costs for Nigerians during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The discount takes effect from Tuesday, May 26, 2026 and will run through Monday, June 1, 2026.

Accordingly, ticket fares on all NRC passenger train services across the country have been reduced by 50 percent of the existing approved rates within the stated period.

Passengers who had earlier purchased tickets at the full fare before the announcement will be entitled to a 50 percent rebate, reusable for train rides on or before Monday, June 1st, 2026.

Train schedules and timetables remain as previously advertised.

The Federal Ministry of Transportation said it appreciated the continued support of Nigerians and wishes all passengers and the Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Headlines

Salah: NIWA MD threatens to wield big stick on violators of safety guidelines on waterways

— calls for calm over Supreme Court judgement

Funso OLOJO,Editor

The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Umar Yusuf Girei, has issued a stern warning to boat operators across the country to strictly adhere to waterways safety regulations during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Girei gave the warning during an exclusive interview with journalists at the NIWA headquarters in Lokoja, noting that festive periods often witness increased movement on the inland waterways, particularly within riverine communities.

According to him, compliance with safety measures during the Sallah season remains non-negotiable.

He stressed that overloading of boats would not be tolerated, while the use of life jackets by all passengers and operators remains compulsory.

Girei also warned against night travel, alcohol consumption by operators, and disregard for weather advisories.

“No overload, wearing of life jackets is mandatory, no night travel, no alcohol, and operators must ensure proper weather checks before embarking on any journey,” he stated.

The NIWA Acting MD further disclosed that enforcement teams, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, would be deployed across jetties nationwide to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations.

He warned that violators risk arrest, seizure of vessels, and prosecution.

Girei also urged passengers to avoid boarding overloaded boats, vessels without adequate life jackets, or boats attempting to operate at night.

While extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithfuls, he appealed to community and religious leaders to help amplify waterways safety awareness during sermons and public gatherings.

Meanwhile, the NIWA boss advised stakeholders and clients of the Authority not to panic over the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning aspects of the NIWA Act.

He explained that the apex court upheld the Authority’s statutory responsibilities relating to inland waterways navigation, safety regulation, channel management, river infrastructure development, and the promotion of inland waterways transportation as contained in Sections 10 and 11 of the NIWA Act.

According to him, Sections 12 and 13 of the Act, which deal with land matters unrelated to maritime activities, were voided by the Supreme Court only to the extent of their inconsistency with the Constitution.

Girei therefore urged all stakeholders to remain calm, law-abiding, and await an official statement from NIWA after the Authority obtains the Certified True Copy of the judgment from the Supreme Court.