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Anambra State flags off construction of MTN-funded Nigeria’s pioneer smart road project

Charles Soludo, Anambra state governor
Funso Olojo 

A conclave of security and safety agencies in Anambra State including the Police, Navy, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) took place at the Conference Room of Police Headquarters Awka Saturday, June 8th,2024, where they brainstormed on how to superintend the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway currently under reconstruction.
This initiative is geared towards fulfilling the dream of a smart road that would serve the people and economy of the area.
The high-profile meeting which was at the behest of Crown Crest Global Engineers (CCGE) Ltd, the
Consultants to MTN Communication Nigeria Plc. on Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Community Liaison, was attended by the top brass of the various security and traffic management agencies in Anambra State.
Welcoming participants, the Anambra State Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fidelis Ogarabe who represented the Anambra State Police Commissioner, Obono Nnaghe Itam, expressed immense gratitude to MTN Nigeria for funding the road project which he saw as a crucial factor, since not everybody could afford to travel by air.
 He pledged the support of the Police in Anambra State towards the actualization of the objectives of the summit.
The Coordinator of the MTN/CCGE/Community Liaison Initiative (CLI), Dr. Reginald Facah, in his keynote address, enunciated the focus of the meeting which is bringing all stakeholders up to speed on the concept of a smart road and the expected roles of the various agencies in delivering a safe secure, standard and user-friendly road complete with all the modern technological accessories in keeping global standards.
 According to him: ” the smart road concept is the current trend in road traffic management and the Enugu – Onitsha road project being funded by MTN Communications Plc. promises to be Nigeria’s premier smart road where technological innovations would drive road and traffic management on the highway
 Speaking further he said that: “in line with global best practices, the safety and wellbeing of road-users, adjoining communities and the entire citizenry capture the main focus in the design, construction and operation of the new Enugu-Onitsha Highway.
“MTN Nigeria as the funder has continued to demonstrate absolute commitment to delivering a world-class project for the good of the people of Southeast and the Nigerian economy.
Key important elements that participants of this meeting must come to terms with include:‌user-friendly road, ‌absence of obstructions,‌smart thoroughfare imbued with a security system that is compliant with the road-users desires, ‌deployment of technology and eco-friendly systems to enhance security as well as the ‌relevance of mobile patrols as against fixed security checkpoints. ‌
The foregoing paved the way for the lead paper titled: titled “Concept of Smart Road and Smart Policing on a Modern Highway” delivered by a top brass from the FRSC, Deputy Corps Commander Regina Agbor Awasaam.
According to her, a smart road differs from every other highway in that it incorporates electronic technologies like autonomous vehicles, street lights, traffic lights, speed limit trackers, security camera systems, drones and ambulance services.
She noted that building and operating a truly smart road requires a lot of investment on the part of the government and the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders.
The lead paper was followed by a robust discussion segment during which Navy Captain MD Jarma, Commander Navy Base Onitsha; Deputy Corps Commander Okora  Awassan of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC); Chief Superintendent of Corps Aguoji Ifeanyi of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps; DC Okeke Obinna, Director of Training and Emergency Response of the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA); CSP Odumu Williams, Operations Officer of the Nigerian Police Force, Anambra State Command and DCP Fidelis Ogarabe, Nigerian Police force, Anambra State Command.
Also in attendance was Dr. Reginald Facah MTN/CCGE/CLI Coordinator;    Chinenye Okwuosa, MTN/CCGE/CLI Enugu State and Chimezie Ibedu, MTN/CCGE/CLI Anambra State.
Issues bordering on the type and frequency of security checkpoints, traffic management, prevailing security situation and the need to put the well-being of road users uppermost in operations were discussed during the parley.
The meeting arrived at the consensus for all the relevant agencies to work in tandem to make the road corridor safe, secure, efficient and convenient for usage by commuters and adjoining communities.
 The security agencies were of the opinion that for now and due to the security concerns in the southeast, static road checkpoints would remain in place; but would be systematically replaced by the mobile patrol road security as the road project is completed in phases.
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Tantita intercepts stolen crude on escort of  Delta Marine Police, arrests four suspects 

Funso OLOJO 
Tantita Security Services Limited, a pipeline surveillance operations company, has intercepted a tanker vessel, MT Thor, laden with suspected stolen crude oil.
The interception, which occurred on December 15th, 2025, around the Koko–Excravos axis of Delta State, happened while the vessel was allegedly being escorted by personnel of the Police Marine Unit, Delta State, who reportedly claimed they were acting on directives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja.
Four suspects have been apprehended in connection with the incident and are currently facing investigation for possible prosecution.
The arrest was announced during the handover of the suspects at Koko Port in Delta State by Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL), a firm engaged in pipeline surveillance operations.
Speaking at the handover of the vessel and the suspects at Koko Port, Delta state, the Executive Director of Operations at Tantita, Captain Warredi Enisouh, said the suspects were apprehended with an unspecified quantity of suspected illegally sourced petroleum products aboard the vessel.
According to a situation report made available by the Special Prosecution Team (SPT) of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Product Theft, Tantita alerted the Head of Investigation of the SPT after intercepting MT Thor, which was allegedly laden with crude oil obtained through illicit means.
Preliminary investigations by law enforcement agencies revealed that the vessel, now classified as an exhibit in an ongoing criminal investigation, is linked to a jetty operated by Ebenco Global Services Limited.
Investigation officers disclosed that documents and correspondence connected to the jetty were obtained and are currently under review.
“The owner of the jetty, Mr. Ebenezer, was contacted by investigators and reportedly provided additional documents, including court orders, which are also being analysed as part of the investigation.
“On December 16, a joint investigation team led by the Head of Investigation of the SPT conducted a Joint Inspection Visit in Koko.
The team first met at Tantita’s corporate headquarters in Warri for a briefing, which was also attended by the jetty owner.
“During the inspection, investigators attempted to obtain samples from MT Thor but were unable to do so immediately as the vessel had not yet arrived at the jetty, having been towed from an earlier location by security operatives.
“While awaiting the vessel’s arrival, the team inspected other containers suspected to be carrying crude oil within the premises of Ebenco Global Links Limited, where samples were taken from a storage barge.
“MT Thor eventually berthed at about 8:30 p.m. on 16 December, prompting the joint team to adjourn sampling and other procedures until the following day.
 As of 17 December 2025, investigators were reported to be en route to Koko to continue sample collection and complete investigation formalities,” the report read.
Receiving the suspects, the Head of the Special Prosecution Team of the Inter-Agency Task Force, Omar Sini, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to dismantle crude oil theft networks in the Niger Delta, assuring that all findings would be thoroughly examined and prosecuted in line with the law.
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Mobereola, NIMASA DG, reflects on year 2025 with satisfaction, says 2026 holds promising opportunities for maritime industry 

Funso OLOJO
The Director -General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has expressed his satisfaction over the achievements recorded in the maritime industry in the outgoing year of 2025, while looking forward to a promising 2026 with hope.
In his Christmas message to the stakeholders in the maritime industry, Dr Mobereola noted that the 2026 ended well with the election of Nigeria into the category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) after 14 years of failed attempts as well as zero occurrence of piracy attacks on Nigeria’ waters.
“The year 2025 has been a good one for our industry as once again, we have not recorded a single piracy attack in our waters in a whole calendar year, Nigeria was also able to deposit three Instruments of Accession to IMO Conventions that were signed by President Bola Tinubu ,we have been able to maintain industrial harmony in the sector all of which culminated to Nigeria’s election into the category C Council of the International Maritime Organization.
“We couldn’t have done this without our stakeholders who have contributed in various ways in the course of their operations during the year. We see you, we thank you and we felicitate with your during this yuletide season”Mobereola observed.
He however assured that the Agency will re-double efforts in ensuring that 2026 is even better for every stakeholder.
While calling on industry operators to brace up for the new year with hope of better times, Dr. Mobereola noted that “at NIMASA, we appreciate the weight of our renewed responsibility by virtue of Nigeria’s membership of the IMO Council because to whom much is given, much is definitely expected.

” You can therefore be sure of an increased momentum in our resolve to sustain maritime safety, security, environmental protection and adherence to relevant conventions and protocols with renewed vigour.”

The DG concluded by acknowledging the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, industry stakeholders, management and staff of NIMASA as well as all Nigerians and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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FG trains 75 boat operators on safe inland waterway navigation

Funso OLOJO
The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has concluded a three-day Boat Navigation and Safety Training for 75 boat drivers and skippers, as part of efforts to improve safety and professionalism on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The training, which ran from Monday, 22, December, 2025 to Wednesday, 24 December, 2025 focused on equipping participants with the practical knowledge and operational competence required for the issuance of the Certificate in Safe Boating and Navigation.
Participants were drawn from major boating associations, including the Maritime Workers Union, the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATAN), and the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN).
 Boat operators from Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states took part in the programme.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Timothy Clement of the NIWA Lagos Area Office described the training as a significant intervention aimed at reducing accidents on inland waterways.
 He noted that many previous boat mishaps were caused by limited technical knowledge and insufficient experience among operators, adding that sustained capacity-building would help address the challenge.
Clement also highlighted ongoing safety measures being implemented by NIWA, including the removal of wrecks to improve navigation and continuous sensitisation of boat operators along major routes such as CMS, Ikorodu, Badore, Badagry and Port Novo.
According to him, NIWA has intensified awareness campaigns, moving from jetty to jetty to educate operators on safe practices, while encouraging boat owners to release more skippers and captains for structured training programmes.
“So far, so good. We thank God for the success of this three-day training for boat skippers.
“Participants came from Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, and over the past three days, they have learned a great deal,” Clement said.
“This year alone, NIWA conducted sensitisation exercises two to three times across different jetties.
“We are encouraging operators to make more of their captains and skippers available for this kind of training.
” I believe that by this time next year, we will have even more reasons to celebrate improved safety on our waterways,” he added.
Also speaking, the Lead Trainer and Consultant, Dr. Sileola Akinbowale, described the programme as a life-saving initiative designed to strengthen manpower capacity and reduce waterway accidents.
She explained that the training was structured to ensure boat operators are properly equipped with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills required to operate safely and efficiently.
 Akinbowale commended the Federal Government, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the former Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, for prioritising safety and capacity development in the sector.
Assessing the programme, she rated it about 90 per cent successful, noting that it combined classroom sessions with practical exercises on the water.
“We did not limit the training to classroom lectures. Participants were taken out for practical sessions at the jetty, which made the programme very effective. It was an all-inclusive training, not just theory,” she said.
She assured that the initiative would be sustained, stressing that continuous capacity enhancement remains critical to saving lives and improving professionalism on inland waterways.
Participants expressed satisfaction with the training, describing it as timely and impactful.
A Lagos-based boat operator, Wasiu Olalekan, said the programme had strengthened participants’ ability to respond to emergencies and distress situations.
“With this training, we now know how to handle distress situations on the waterways because of the knowledge given to us. On behalf of the Lagos State participants, we appreciate the Minister and NIWA management for this opportunity,” he said.
Another participant from Ondo State, Biobaku John, said the training exposed him to critical safety and emergency response skills that would enhance his professionalism.
“I gained important safety and firefighting skills during these three days. As a boat driver, I learned a lot and I am proud to have participated,” he said.
Similarly, the leader of the Ogun State delegation, Pami Ronald, said participants were trained in boat handling, safety procedures, first aid, emergency response, engine maintenance and effective waterway transport management.
“For the past three days, we learned extensively about safety, first aid, how to raise alarms, call for rescue teams and even engine maintenance. The training was very educative,” he said.
The programme forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIWA, in line with recommendations from investigation reports under the tenure of former NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, to improve safety standards, professionalism and confidence among inland waterway operators nationwide.
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