Headlines
NRC accuses terminal operators of frustrating use of rail by charging special rates on cargo at ports.
He expressed hope that the partnership would identify solutions to these challenges and enhance the delivery of cargo to the hinterland, contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy.
“Working together with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, we believe that the best way to go in terms of cargo movement across the nation is to encourage rail transportation and other modes of transportation.
” But we have seen that rail transportation is the best in terms of safety of the cargo, costs and efficiency.
“So we are here to demonstrate that and have this partnership to see how we can develop structures and policies to returning to the use of rail system to move cargo into the hinterlands, ” he said.
Akutah said the government aims to prioritise export activities to improve Nigeria’s trade balance, which has suffered due to insufficient export growth.
He said by enhancing inland transportation infrastructure and promoting rail for cargo movement, the NSC and NRC aim to strengthen Nigeria’s competitive edge in the African market, ensuring that Nigerian goods can be efficiently transported and exported across the continent.
“This government is focusing on export to see how we can take advantage of the opportunities that are open to shippers in Nigeria under AfCFTA.
“We must act proactively to ensure that Nigeria not only participates in but also benefits from the vast opportunities presented by the AfCFTA,” Akutah said.
Meanwhile, the NRC stressed the importance of streamlining procedures and fostering collaboration with various stakeholders to maximise the potential of rail transport in Nigeria.
He identified key challenges affecting rail transport, including insufficient volumes of goods for transport, noting that the NRC often struggles to assemble large enough shipments to justify rail movement, citing the lengthy process it took to gather 17 containers from the hinterlands and move them from Kano to Apapa port.
Okhiria said this is despite the NRC’s efforts to encourage the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), importers, exporters, and other industry bodies to consolidate shipments and facilitate bulk transportation, these delays persist.
He emphasised the need for efficiency in terminal operations, stating that the NRC aims to ensure wagons are loaded within one hour and ready to depart within 10 minutes of loading.
Regarding the NRC’s operational capabilities, Okhiria noted the potential of the standard gauge rail system to move 35 containers at a time, with the possibility of increasing this to 70 containers using a double-headed train. He added that the narrow gauge system can carry 20 containers at once.
The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Lelook Nigeria Limited, Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa, expressed delight at the partnership between the Shippers’ Council and the NRC, urging both parties to work towards executing the MoU signed to improve rail transportation of cargoes.
Ezenwa, whose company manufactures bags emphasized that the successful execution of the MoU would bring down the cost of manufacturing and boost business operations, especially for
for exporters.
Speaking on the challenge of insufficient volumes of goods for transport identified by the NRC Managing Director, Ezenwa attributed it to a lack of communication.
According to her, manufacturers have cargo to move but are unaware of the services offered by the NRC.
She suggested that the NRC should advertise its services more effectively, engaging the media to raise awareness about its offerings.
She also recommended sensitization programs and meetings with manufacturers to explore ways to utilize the rail services.
“The rail people are not really advertising their services. I came here now to see that they have a lot to offer but who are they offering it to?
” The media should be engaged to let us know what is happening in the rail sector. So the issue of cargo to move is not a challenge, we have cargo but we don’t know what they can do with those cargoes.
“So they should do sensitization and call the manufacturers together and we will perform, ” she said.
Headlines
NANTA Exco embarks on seven-day Ghana retreat, fam trip to deepen regional tourism partnership
Gloria Odion, Reporter
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has commenced a seven-day executive retreat and familiarisation (fam) trip to Ghana, hosted by Safari World, as part of efforts to strengthen regional tourism partnerships and expand cross-border travel opportunities.
The NANTA delegation was received at Safari World Homes in Accra by the Chairman of the Safari World Group, Mr. Ernest Gyekye, who expressed delight at hosting the Nigerian travel trade leaders.
He assured the delegation of a memorable experience throughout their week-long stay.
Speaking on the significance of the visit, NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, described the retreat and familiarisation tour as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering stronger business relationships and promoting collaborative tourism development across Africa.
“This mission is not a leisure trip,” Folami said. “It is a deliberate step to implement and expand our association’s marketing advocacy for Nigerian brands across borders.”
He noted that Nigeria and Ghana share deep historical, cultural and commercial ties that should be leveraged to drive tourism growth on the continent.
“Nigeria and Ghana share history, culture, trade and people. The future of our tourism cannot be built in silos,” he said.
“This retreat is about moving from policy to practice—creating real products, real partnerships and real movement of travellers between Accra and Lagos.”
As part of the programme, the NANTA executives will engage in strategic business-to-business (B2B) meetings with their Ghanaian counterparts, tour key tourism destinations under the Safari World brand, and participate in cultural exchange activities designed to promote stronger bilateral tourism cooperation.
The itinerary spans Safari World’s three flagship destinations, including Safari Homes in Accra, the Aqua Safari riverfront experience, Safari Island Cruise, Safari Nautica, and Safari Recreation and Sports facilities in Ada, as well as the Safari Valley Eco Resort and Safari Eco Park in Dawu.
Operating under the brand promise, “One World, Three Destinations, Over 20 Unique Experiences,” Safari World is leveraging the visit to strengthen its footprint in the Nigerian travel market while positioning Ghana as a premier destination for leisure tourism, conferences, group travel, family holidays and premium tourism experiences.
A major highlight of the visit will be the Executive Dinner scheduled for July 21 at the Safari Valley Eco Resort, where key stakeholders from Nigeria and Ghana’s tourism industries will deliberate on strategies for deepening travel trade and advancing regional tourism development.
The familiarisation tour is expected to provide NANTA’s leadership with first-hand knowledge of Safari World’s tourism offerings, paving the way for the development of attractive travel packages and stronger business partnerships that will benefit Nigerian travellers and the wider West African tourism industry.
Customs
Ogun Customs spurns claims of Smugglers’ takeover of Idiroko–Sango Ota trading Route
Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed as false reports alleging that smugglers had taken over the Idiroko–Sango Ota trading route in Ogun State, describing the claims as a deliberate misrepresentation of a traffic incident.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs (SC) Chado, the Command clarified that the traffic gridlock on the route resulted from the breakdown of an articulated commercial trailer after it fell into a badly deteriorated section of Atan Road, temporarily obstructing the free flow of traffic.
According to the Command, the vehicles caught in the ensuing congestion were legitimate commercial trucks transporting red palm oil to various local markets and had no connection whatsoever with smuggling activities.
It explained that the large number of heavy-duty trucks trapped in the gridlock may have led some members of the public to wrongly conclude that smugglers had taken over the road.
“The reports that smugglers blocked the road are inaccurate. The disruption resulted from a road accident and poor road conditions. The vehicles involved were lawful commercial vehicles transporting red palm oil for legitimate trade,” Chado stated.
The Command urged journalists, social media users and the general public to verify information before disseminating reports capable of creating unnecessary panic or undermining public confidence in security agencies.
Observers within the border trade sector noted that the allegation does not reflect the prevailing security situation within the Ogun I Area Command, where anti-smuggling operations have been intensified under the leadership of the Acting Customs Area Controller, Comptroller O.O. Afeni.
Since assuming office, Comptroller Afeni has strengthened intelligence-driven surveillance, enhanced collaboration with other security agencies and host communities, and sustained pressure on economic saboteurs operating along the Ogun border corridors.
These measures, according to stakeholders, have resulted in significant seizures of prohibited goods and reinforced the Command’s resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s economy and territorial integrity.
Maritime and border trade stakeholders also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of undermining the efforts of security personnel or creating a false impression of lawlessness in border communities.
They stressed that while combating smuggling remains an ongoing responsibility, responsible and accurate reporting is equally critical to ensuring that operational achievements are not overshadowed by misinformation.
The Ogun I Area Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining its anti-smuggling campaign while facilitating legitimate cross-border trade in line with the statutory mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Headlines
Taiwo Afolabi maritime conference marks 10 years, holds July 20–21
Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter
The Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference (TAAM) will celebrate its 10th anniversary on July 20–21, 2026, with organisers set to host what has grown into West Africa’s largest student-led maritime conference at the University of Lagos.
Organised by the Maritime Forum, University of Lagos, in partnership with SIFAX Group, the conference is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants drawn from government, academia, the maritime industry, corporate organisations and the media.
Over the past decade, SIFAX Group has remained the conference’s foremost supporter, helping to transform TAAM into a leading platform for youth engagement, maritime policy dialogue, industry collaboration and capacity development.
The milestone edition will be held under the theme, “Ten Tides of Impact: Raising a Generation to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Blue Giant,” reflecting the conference’s commitment to nurturing future maritime leaders and advancing Nigeria’s blue economy aspirations.
This year’s programme will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions and policy dialogues involving prominent stakeholders, including maritime lawyer Dr. Emeka Akabogu; the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola; Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi; President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (Nigeria), Dr. Odunayo Ani; as well as representatives of the Danish Consulate and other leading maritime organisations.
President of the Maritime Forum, Dare Tunde Damilola, described the 10th anniversary edition as more than a commemorative event, saying it represents a legacy platform aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and industry while preparing the next generation of maritime professionals and policymakers.
According to him, the conference seeks to stimulate meaningful conversations on the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry, bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice, encourage innovation and leadership among young people, deepen stakeholder engagement across the maritime ecosystem, and create opportunities for networking, mentorship and career development.
Also speaking, Olumuyiwa Akande, Group Head, Corporate Communications at SIFAX Group, said the company’s sustained support for the conference underscores its commitment to developing human capital for the maritime sector.
He noted that TAAM has become a strategic platform for connecting academic knowledge with practical industry experience while inspiring university students to pursue careers in the maritime industry.
A major highlight of this year’s event will be the anniversary edition of the Blueprint Debate Competition, one of the conference’s flagship intellectual programmes.
Since its inception alongside the conference in 2016, the competition has evolved into a nationally recognised platform where university students engage in rigorous debates on maritime, economic, governance and public policy issues, further reinforcing TAAM’s role in shaping informed future leaders for Nigeria’s maritime secto
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