Headlines

The Fear of Malta

Pius Mordi

In the heat of the allegation by Aliko Dangote that international oil companies and NNPCL were denying his refinery access to Nigerian crude oil to buy, some commentators wondered why Dangote did not do his homework and secure a guaranteed regular supply of crude oil from NNPCL and the IOCs before investing almost $20 billion into building what is reputed as the biggest refinery in the world.

It’s an unusual assumption to make for a project the Nigerian government had repeatedly touted as the final solution to the spectre of importation of refined products that orchestrated the bleeding of the economy through a nebulous oil subsidy regime.

Apart from banking on it, the federal government had also invested public funds into the project.

Initially put at 20 percent of the stakeholding, Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had claimed on May 22, 2023, when then President Muhammadu Buhari initially commissioned the refinery before its completion that the Dangote Group had paid back 70 percent of the loans it took to construct an oil refinery.

But earlier this July, Dangote himself announced that NNPCL’s shareholding has been whittled down over failure to pay the balance of the value of its stake in June.

“Now, they only own a 7.2% stake in the refinery,” he declared.

On July 29, 2024, Dangote Refinery’s nightmare was summarily resolved.

President Tinubu unilaterally ordered NNPCL to sell crude oil and in naira to the refinery.

In addition to committing to supply four of the 15 cargoes of crude oil required yearly at a cost of $13.5 billion, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved that the 450,000 barrels allocated for domestic consumption be offered in Naira to Nigerian refineries, using the Dangote refinery as a pivot.

The reprieve for Dangote came after curious but intriguing layers of false claims were put up by oil industry chiefs from NNPCL to undermine and justify their refusal sell crude oil to the refinery.

After the claim that Dangote’s products were inferior to imported ones fell like a pack of cards with the revelation that the refinery’s laboratory had certified that its own products have superior quality to the ones NNPCL imports, a false narrative was invented.

According to the story promoted by the state oil company, due to operational and technical problems, the refinery was reselling crude oil from the United States and Nigeria.

Stating that it is not authorised for it to resell crude acquired in Nigeria, Anthony Chiejine, Dangote Industries Limited spokesman, urged the public to disregard what he termed as false narratives intended to discredit the refinery.

Not one to shy away from this sort of war being waged against his conglomerate, Aliko Dangote himself fought back.

He pointedly accused those running Nigeria’s oil industry of mischief for personal interests.

He alleged some personnel of NNPCL, oil traders and terminals have opened a blending plant in Malta, affirming that the areas of the blending plants are known.

Pointedly, he said “Some of the terminals, some of the NNPC people and some traders have opened a blending plant somewhere off Malta,” he said.

“We all know these areas. We know what they are doing.”

More than the support Nigerians gave to Dangote in the face of the illogical attempts by NNPCL bigwigs to cripple the refinery, his allegation ruffled feathers.

Although no names were mentioned, top state operatives queued to exonerate themselves.

Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of NNPCL, went a step further to dare Dangote to name the culprits.

The billionaire didn’t have to go that far for the impact was instantaneous.

Even Oando plc which Dangote never mentioned got involved.

In a tweet amplified by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s spokesman amplified, he said Oando, “Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil firm” debunked rumours that its directors are the owners of an oil blending plant in Malta.

The oil business is denominated in dollars with the chain so complex that Nigeria could have earned incomes across various frontiers.

The National Shipping Policy enunciated by Ibrahim Babangida’s administration had stipulated that Nigerian-owned ships should be involved in the affreightment of crude oil export.

The policy stipulated that they should be allowed to lift at least 50 percent of crude oil exports.

Indigenous shipping companies have noted that more than $600 million is spent annually for the transportation of crude oil across the oceans.

Enabling them to be part of it could potentially plough $300 million of that back into the economy.

And given that oil is lifted under Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) terms, more income could have been earned by Nigeria if local insurance companies were involved in the provision of marine insurance cover.

NNPCL rebuffed every move to involve Nigerian companies in the lucrative, but oily business.

Tinubu’s intervention is timely and appropriate. The only issue is why it took this long for him to call NNPCL top guns to order.

But having started, he should go the whole hog.

Officials in the behemoth’s reputation for their infamous inclination to shield their operations from critical prying eyes of the public, including lawmakers is legendary.

They definitely misfired in their latest venture to cripple an organisation Nigerians had pinned their hope on getting refined products at a cheaper rate.

The cartel is powerful, very powerful. They are richer than Nigeria and the government and can go all the way to maintain the status quo.

President Tinubu should sustain the tempo of his intervention and complete the job.

He should get rid of the present crop of managers of the subsidiaries of NNPCL as well as the behemoth itself and open up the company to public scrutiny.

Will he, can he?

Mr Pius Mordi is a maritime journalist and an Aide to the Delta State governor

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.