Headlines
Mass exodus of Doctors hobbles operations at Igbobi Orthopaedic Hospital, patients stranded
By Obiagulu Agu
The National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi Lagos (NOHIL) is barely limping along, as it contends with the exodus of a large volume of its personnel for better working conditions outside Nigeria.In recent years, Nigeria’s health sector has suffered and continues to suffer, from huge depletion of critical manpower fleeing abroad for more attractive conditions of service. The trend has been labelled japa syndrome in local Nigerian parlance.
Checks revealed that NOHIL is particularly hit by japa syndrome; its operations are greatly hobbled by an acute shortage of personnel across many of the departments and units. At the premier orthopaedic institution, which serves as a centre of the World Health Organisation (WHO), patients, who do not make the cut for the day’s booking to be registered as fresh patients or for such procedures as X-ray or physiotherapy or be attended to by doctors, routinely resort to passing nights within complex at the mercy of the elements.
Patients and their relatives or other caregivers, according to findings, opt for such arduous nights in the open as an effective strategy for minimising logistical expenditures and other costs of booking the names of patients early enough for their various appointments.
It was learnt that the worst-hit by acute personnel shortages is the Radiology Unit, which, as early as 7:00 AM attains its daily count of 20 patients booking for X-ray, as any or all other persons reporting after that figure are firmly ordered to try out another day and subsequently dismissed.
It was observed, however, that staff of the hospital also indiscriminately smuggled in names of persons favoured based on familial or pecuniary relationships for X-ray services at the Radiology Unit.
There is also an X-ray centre operated beside that of the hospital’s by a private sector service provider, Crestview Radiology Limited, which was recently overwhelmed by huge demand when NOHIL’s X-ray machine broke down.
Notably, patients can only be attended to at the Crestview X-ray centre strictly based on request forms referrals endorsed by NOHIL doctors.
It was gathered that, in order to ensure that each of their patients get adequate care, physiotherapists at the Physiotherapy Unit have resorted to keeping the maximum number of patients they attend to daily at below 10.
Speaking under anonymity, a female outpatient, who is a resident of Ijoko in neighbouring Ogun State, lamented that she had suffered several misses while seeking to have her initial X-ray session. She confessed with a hint of a victorious smile that she was only able to have that initial x-ray, having risen and reported at the Radiology Unit at 4:30 AM after she joined many others who did same in passing the night along the hospital’s corridors.
She disclosed that she had adopted the same strategy of sleeping over at the hospital in order to successfully keep up with the appointments for other X-rays and her physiotherapy sessions.
Explaining that bills for the various hospital services were high and already draining her purse, she noted that her finances, in the prevailing harsh economic conditions in Nigeria, had been dealt additional blows because she, until she settled for sleepovers at the hospital, been expending so much on transportation to cover all what turned out to be fruitless trips between her Ijoko, Ogun State residence and NOHIL.
Affirming to have eased so much of the stress on her purse by passing nights at the hospital in order to meet appointments next mornings the woman said that she was actively passing on the very beneficial advise that someone offered her for others to follow to access services at the hospital more promptly while keeping their costs in check.
Several other outpatients, all under anonymity, had spoken in a similar vein of resorting to passing nights at NOHIL in order to cut costs in accessing services promptly.
Located along the arterial Ikorodu Road, NOHIL, which is projected to accommodate 450 patients, reportedly had started as a Military Rehabilitation Camp for prisoners of war returning from the Second World War.
Following the recognition by the Colonial Medical Services in 1945, the institution had become a medical establishment known as Igbobi Orthopaedic Hospital.
NOHIL had undergone a number of name changes, including from Igbobi Hospital to Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and onto its current name.
At various times between 1945 and 1977, the institution had come under the administration of the Federal Government and Lagos State Government. Since 1977 to date, however, the hospital has remained a Federal Government health institution.
In its “early days,” according to website of NOHIL, “the sphere of influence of the hospital extended to other parts of the West African sub-region, Central Africa and Angola.”
The hospital further stated that the facility was a repository of materials and resources for students during the same period.
In the present times, except the Federal Government takes urgent remediation steps to arrest the exodus of NOHIL’s personnel for greener pastures abroad, the hospital may very soon be rendered comatose.
Checks confirmed that the japa syndrome does not only cast a pallor on the bragging rights of NOHIL to the tag of “premier health institution”, but also poses an existential threat to the hospital.
Headlines
Stakeholders hail commitment of NIMASA to welfare of Nigerian seafarers as salaries jump by 150 percent
Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has won widespread acclaim from key maritime stakeholders for its sustained commitment to improving the welfare, remuneration and professional development of Nigerian seafarers, with reforms that have increased their earning capacity by over 150 per cent.
The commendations came on Thursday, June 25th, 2026 during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, where government officials, lawmakers and labour leaders unanimously applauded the agency’s efforts to reposition Nigerian seafarers for global competitiveness.
Leading the tributes were the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshilokin, Chairman of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Khadija Bubar Abba Ibrahim, represented by her Deputy, Uduak Alphonsus Odudou and President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi.
They praised NIMASA for implementing policies and programmes that have significantly improved the welfare, working conditions and international recognition of Nigerian seafarers.
Earlier, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted the agency’s strategic interventions, revealing that over 2,459 cadets have been trained or are currently undergoing training in reputable maritime institutions across the world under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).
Mobereola disclosed that Nigerian seafarers’ earning capacity has risen by more than 150 per cent following NIMASA’s successful enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and the integration of the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) agreement into the International Transport Workers’ Federation/International Labour Organization (ITF/ILO) wage framework.
The development, he explained, has effectively placed Nigerian seafarers on internationally recognised wage scales and improved their conditions of service.
“At NIMASA, the welfare, safety, security and professional advancement of seafarers remain central to our maritime governance agenda.
“We recognise that protecting and empowering seafarers is not merely a regulatory obligation but a moral imperative and a strategic necessity for sustaining the growth and resilience of the maritime industry.
“In line with this commitment, the Agency has continued to champion strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers,” Mobereola said.
He called for stronger collaboration among governments, maritime administrations, shipowners, employers, training institutions, labour unions and other industry stakeholders to build a maritime ecosystem that prioritises safety, dignity, inclusion, wellbeing and professional excellence of seafarers.
According to him, the complex risks faced by seafarers require a collective and sustained response from all stakeholders.
The NIMASA boss described the annual Day of the Seafarer celebration as more than a ceremonial event, saying it should serve as a renewed commitment to ensuring that every seafarer is respected, protected, fairly treated and empowered to realise his or her full potential.
He paid glowing tribute to seafarers for their invaluable contributions to global commerce despite the enormous challenges they confront at sea.
“Beyond transporting cargo, seafarers navigate unpredictable weather conditions, demanding working environments, evolving security threats and increasing geopolitical realities.
“They endure prolonged separation from their families and loved ones while coping with the physical and psychological demands inherent in life at sea.
“Yet they continue to demonstrate exceptional resilience, professionalism and unwavering commitment,” he said.
Addressing Nigerian seafarers and their counterparts across the world, Mobereola added:
“You are not only the backbone of global trade but also proud ambassadors of our maritime nation. Your contributions continue to strengthen the maritime sector, support economic growth and enhance Nigeria’s standing within the international maritime community.”
Headlines
FG to Shipping Firms: End abuse of Nigerian Seafarers now or face consequences
— as Oyetola vows zero tolerance for poor welfare of seafarers , unveils national carrier plan to boost jobs, sea-time training
Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to shipping companies, crewing agencies and shipowners against the maltreatment of Nigerian seafarers, declaring that any practice that undermines their welfare, safety and dignity will no longer be tolerated.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, delivered the warning at the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration held in Lagos on Thursday, June 25th,2026, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerian seafarers and improving their welfare.
The event, themed “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk,” drew key stakeholders from across the maritime industry, including heads of maritime agencies, members of the National Assembly, shipping companies, crewing agencies, ministry officials, maritime labour unions and seafarers.
Speaking through the Director of Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry, Mr. Makoji Musa, Oyetola said the era of neglecting Nigerian seafarers must come to an end.
“Let me send a clear message to all shipping companies, crewing agencies and employers of seafarers.
“Our seafarers must be treated with dignity, fairness and respect at all times.
“The era of neglecting the welfare of seafarers, denying them their legitimate entitlements, or subjecting them to unacceptable working conditions must come to an end.
“The well-being of our maritime workforce is non-negotiable,” the minister declared.
Oyetola described seafarers as the backbone of global commerce, noting that they facilitate over 85 per cent of world trade despite operating under difficult and often hazardous conditions.
“Behind every successful voyage lies a story of commitment, endurance and sacrifice,” he said.
“Seafarers spend long periods away from their families, work under demanding conditions and navigate increasingly complex operational and security challenges.
“Their profession requires not only technical competence but also courage, discipline and exceptional resilience.”
He stressed that celebrating seafarers should go beyond ceremonial speeches and translate into concrete actions that improve their working conditions, strengthen safety standards and safeguard their rights.
The Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing maritime safety, security and decent work through reforms targeted at improving maritime education and training, raising certification standards, expanding employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers and ensuring full compliance with international maritime conventions.
In a major policy announcement, Oyetola disclosed that the Ministry is in the final stages of establishing a national shipping carrier under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
According to him, the initiative is designed to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign shipping lines, curb capital flight, strengthen indigenous shipping capacity and, crucially, create more employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers.
He explained that the proposed national carrier would also address one of the biggest challenges confronting Nigerian cadets by providing adequate sea-time training required for international certification and employment.
“The Ministry is finalizing plans to establish a national shipping carrier through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
“This strategic initiative will help stem the enormous capital flight associated with the dominance of foreign shipping lines, enhance Nigeria’s participation in international maritime trade and strengthen our national shipping capacity.
“Importantly, the initiative will create new opportunities for Nigerian seafarers by expanding sea-time placements, increasing employment prospects, developing local maritime expertise and providing a sustainable platform for career advancement,” Oyetola said.
The Minister maintained that protecting the welfare and rights of seafarers remains central to the Federal Government’s vision of building a globally competitive maritime sector and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Headlines
PTML unveils $50m expansion plan as Oyetola reaffirms Nigeria’s maritime hub ambition
Funso OLOJO, Editor
Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) has unveiled a fresh $50 million investment plan to expand its terminal operations in Lagos, in a major private-sector vote of confidence in Nigeria’s drive to become the leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
The Managing Director of PTML, Mr. Ascanio Russo, disclosed the planned investment on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 during a visit to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in Abuja.
Russo said the proposed investment, to be executed by PTML– a member of the Grimaldi Group — will focus on expanding the terminal’s berthing capacity and acquiring additional modern port equipment at the Tin Can Island Port Complex in Lagos.
According to him, the expansion is aimed at strengthening port infrastructure, improving cargo-handling efficiency and positioning PTML to handle the next generation of Container/Roll-on Roll-off (Con-Ro) vessels, including some of the largest currently operating in global shipping.
“The Grimaldi Group remains deeply committed to Nigeria and firmly believes in the country’s potential as the leading maritime and logistics gateway in West and Central Africa,” Russo said.
He noted that the planned $50 million injection is designed to prepare PTML for the future by boosting operational efficiency, cargo throughput and service delivery.
Russo explained that the new berthing facilities would enable PTML to receive larger and more advanced Con-Ro vessels directly at the Lagos terminal, a development he said would keep Nigeria competitive in the rapidly changing global shipping environment.
“The maritime industry is evolving rapidly, with larger and more efficient vessels becoming the standard for international trade.
“Through this expansion, PTML will be fully equipped to accommodate these next-generation Con-Ro vessels, ensuring that Nigeria remains competitive and attractive to global shipping lines,” he said.
He described the project as a direct response to the Federal Government’s push for stronger private-sector participation and international partnerships in the modernisation of Nigeria’s port infrastructure.
Beyond its operational impact, Russo said the investment is expected to boost trade volumes, increase cargo throughput, create jobs during construction and operations, and generate more revenue for government through expanded port activities.
Responding, Oyetola welcomed the proposed investment, describing it as a strong endorsement of the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the maritime sector.
The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for private capital and transforming Nigerian ports into the preferred hub for shipping, logistics and maritime services in the sub-region.
“This investment is a clear demonstration that our reforms are yielding results and that international investors recognise the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s maritime sector,” Oyetola said.
He added that the Federal Government remains focused on building modern, efficient and globally competitive ports capable of driving trade, supporting economic growth and cementing Nigeria’s status as the maritime gateway to West and Central Africa.
Oyetola said current government efforts are targeted at improving port efficiency, eliminating operational bottlenecks, strengthening infrastructure, deepening digitalisation and enhancing ease of doing business across the nation’s ports.
He listed port modernisation initiatives, closer collaboration with terminal operators, and policies aimed at attracting higher cargo volumes among key measures being pursued to reposition the sector.
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