Headlines

Oyebamiji, NIWA MD, talks tough as management retreat gets underway in Lokoja .

— threatens to wield big stick on under- performing Area Managers.

— charges on improved revenue, operational performances.

Funso OLOJO

The Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority(NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, has sent a strong warning to under- performing Area Managers of the Authority over their low revenue generation and below par operational performances.

He threatened to wield the big stick on any Manager whose performance falls below the expectations of the agency, saying such indolence would no longer be tolerated.

The apparently furious NIWA boss was addressing the management staff who gathered at the retreat in Lokoja to review the the 2024 performance of the agency and project into the year 2025.

Oyebamiji cited cases where annual revenue figures of some area offices of NIWA in the outgone year were as low as one or two million naira.

“This situation is simply unacceptable. Despite management’s provision of resources, incentives, and training opportunities, the expected results were not achieved.

“Moving forward, stricter measures will be enforced to ensure accountability and drive performance,” Oyebamiji stated.

He slammed other Area Managers who did not key into the debt recovery efforts of the agency through their uncooperative attitude with the consultant engaged by the Authority for the debt recovery exercise.

“In some instances, debtors were either untraceable or provided inconsistent financial records, making recovery efforts difficult.

“This negative attitude towards financial accountability will no longer be tolerated,” he warned.

The retreat, which brings together key stakeholders including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,the Chairman of the House committee on inland waterways, the NIWA board, management staff, and security personnel, aims at providing a comprehensive review of the authority’s 2024 performance and establish strategic targets for 2025.

With new government directives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the leadership of honourable minister Gboyega Oyetola, CON, NIWA has been tasked with additional responsibilities, including:

– Increased revenue remittances from the port development levy, in addition to the existing 50% revenue deduction at source.

– Improved service delivery to meet the expectations of the general public and stakeholders in the maritime sector.

– Enhanced collaboration with sister agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to improve efficiency.

Oyebamiji emphasized that beyond reviewing past performance, the retreat would also focus on capacity building and teamwork to ensure that every officer is well-equipped to meet the set goals.

“This retreat is not just about evaluating past performance; it is about strategizing for the future. I encourage all participants to engage actively, exchange ideas, and work collectively towards making NIWA a leading agency in the marine and blue economy sector,” he concluded.

The two-day retreat will feature panel discussions, training sessions, and interactive engagements aimed at strengthening NIWA’s operational framework and fostering a culture of efficiency, accountability, and innovation.

Headlines

NPA shops for investors to drive deep seaports project of federal government

– says Lekki ports responsible for rising GRT for ocean- going vessels at Nigerian ports.

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has come out to confess that the rising Gross Registered Tonnage(GRT) for the ocean – going vessels recently being witnessed at the Nigerian ports is being driven by the Lekki Deep seaport.

Making this disclosure was the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic communications, NPA, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemakara while playing host to the new leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) which was on a courtesy visit to his office on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026.

While reviewing the infrastructural upgrade and the modernisation project at the nation’s sea port, Onyemakara disclosed that the upsurge in cargo throughputs and increased vessels gross registered tonnage at the Nigerian ports are being driven by the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

He disclosed that the modern trend in shipping has shifted to large vessels which go to ports of deep draught, an attribute which he said the Lekki Deep Sea Port has.

” If we check our operational statistics, Lekki port is pulling weight more than the others.

“The Port is the one giving us the numbers as far as I’m concerned because of its deep draught” the NPA chief spokesman declared.

It could be recalled that the NPA recently released the Qi 2026 report in which it declared an upsurge in cargo throughputs and higher GRT for vessels that called at the Nigerian Ports during the period under review.

‎According to the report , Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded strong operational growth during the period with Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rising by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million.

The report noted that the development reflects a strategic shift toward larger and more efficient vessels, driven partly by the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and expanding trade demand.

Onyemakara said that was the reason the government is investing heavily in deep seaports project because that is the focus of international shipping which relies on jumbo vessels for carriage of goods.

“We are the biggest economy. The population is here. The market is here” the NPA image maker enthused.

” So when you have all these things and you have an effective and efficient port system, which will come from the modernization of our ports, we can be sure that it will not be difficult for the whole of our ports in Nigeria to do a transshipment.”

He explained that the current infrastructural upgrade and modernisation project of the NPA is meant to position Nigerian ports as the hub of maritime activities in the sub- regional African.

“Most vessels being built globally today are designed for large draft channels. If we fail to position ourselves appropriately, we will simply be wasting time.

“What we have seen in our first quarter operational statistics will become insignificant compared to what the industry can achieve after modernisation,” he explained.

Onyemekara added that Nigeria possesses the demographic and economic fundamentals needed to emerge as a major maritime hub in Africa, stressing that efficient and modern ports would naturally attract higher cargo volumes and transshipment business.

“The economy is here, the population is here, and the market is here. Once you combine these with an efficient port system, Nigerian ports can become major transshipment hubs within the region,” he said.

Drawing comparisons with developments in the aviation sector globally, he explained that countries seeking greater competitiveness were investing heavily in infrastructure expansion rather than merely cosmetic upgrades.

“We are concentrating on where it matters most, where the vessels come in. That is the essence of the port modernisation project,” he added.

Onyemakara further explained that the Federal government is very serious in development of its deep seaports in Nigeria.

According to him, the proposed deep seaports at Badagry in Lagos state, Bakassi deep seaport, Ibom deep seaports, Ibaka deep seaports and Olokola deep seaports have all been approved by the Federal government for development by private sector.

” In view of what is happening. We have created an environment where private investors will come and invest.

“At Lekki port, you know the people that brought money for it.

“Yes. So, every other deep sea ports, what we have done is to regulate all that is needed for those ports to be situated”

Onyemakara said with the government efforts at creating an enabling environment, what is required of the private sector is to move into these areas to develop them.

“Private sector, go and bring money.

” We are just waiting for investors. It’s there.

“At the end of the day, bring the money now ,that is the issue.

” And what government is looking for is private people coming to partner with government. So, anybody that is ready to

bring his funds privately” he noted.

The Nigerian government is heavily investing in deep sea port projects via Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to decongest existing Lagos ports and boost maritime trade.

The major projects include the operational Lekki Deep Sea Port, the upcoming $4.2b Ibom Deep Seaport, the $3.5B Bakassi Deep Seaport, and the Badagry Deep Sea Port, designed to handle large vessels.

The Lekki Deep Sea Port is fully operational since 2023 and serves as a major hub with a 16.5m depth, handling containers and bulk cargo to relieve Apapa and Tincan Island ports.

Ibom Deep Seaport ($4.2 Billion) is located in Akwa Ibom, this project features a natural 17.5m depth.

It aims to be the largest container terminal in sub-Saharan Africa, supporting 9 million TEUs annually.

Bakassi Deep Seaport ($2.27B – $3.5B) is located in Cross River State.

This project received federal certification in late 2025 and is aimed at improving access to Nigeria’s North-Central/East regions.

Badagry Deep Sea Port with $53B Projected Revenue is a Federal Executive Council-approved project designed to be a multi-purpose facility, including container, liquid, and dry bulk terminals.

Ondo Multipurpose Deep Seaport is a $1.3 Billion project aimed at handling various cargo types, supported by a 30,000-hectare industrial city.

Dangote Deep Sea Port Ogun State is a major private-sector initiative aimed at complementing the Dangote Refinery.

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Headlines

NPA applauds MARAN for peaceful leadership transition, pledges support

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

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‎The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commended the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) for conducting a peaceful and successful leadership transition, describing the process as a reflection of the association’s strong institutional framework.

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‎The General Manager, Corporate Communication and Strategy of the NPA, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemachara, gave the commendation when the newly elected Executive Committee of MARAN paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos.

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‎Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Onyemachara noted that the seamless transition within the association demonstrated administrative maturity and a commitment to unity and stability.

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‎He observed that in some organisations, caretaker committees often seek tenure extensions,a situation that could trigger internal divisions and instability.

He, however, praised MARAN for avoiding such challenges by ensuring a transparent and rancour free electoral process.

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‎The NPA spokesperson also lauded the association for recognising and honouring its past leaders, describing the gesture as evidence of MARAN’s respect for continuity and institutional development.

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‎Mr. Onyemachara further urged the newly elected Executive Committee, led by MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, to remain focused and sustain constructive engagement with stakeholders to support the growth of the maritime sector.

He however pledged the support and collaboration of the agency with the association

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‎Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Onigbinde stated that the visit was aimed at appreciating the Nigerian Ports Authority for its longstanding support to MARAN and to seek continued collaboration for the association’s programmes and initiatives.

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‎It would be recalled that MARAN conducted its election on May 7, 2026, producing a seven-member Executive Committee.

Headlines

The rise and transition to glory of NPA’s Paul (Texas) Erakhifu

Tribute by Ikechukwu Onyemekara

GM Corporate Affairs, NPA

From humble beginnings at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) when he was employed on October 17th 1994 (same month of his birth) as a junior staff on Grade Level 3, Paul Ikherovba Erakhifu popularly known as “Texas” by dint of diligence, determination, discipline and desire, rose to the defining role of senior staff Grade Level 13 in a career marked by sterling contributions and indelible impact till his return to his maker on Friday 1st May, 2026.

Although we cannot determine our appointed date of birth and death, we definitely can determine how we want to be remembered.

Texas by his uncommon commitment to his craft (photography) and his contagious sense of humor which he generously doled out to all who came in contact with him, definitely and intentionally set out to be remembered for good.

Looking back, it is plausible that with his popular refrain “you have made my day” and “powerful” which were his default response to most of those who encountered him on and off duty, late Texas was informing us that he would make his days on earth powerful, which he did with grace and honor as can be gleaned from his professional and career trajectory.

Not one to squander opportunities for career growth and personal development, Texas proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature in the year 2005, Master Degree in International Relations in 2012 and a Master of Science (MSc.) in Mass Communication.

Poised to get ahead and be equal to the exigency of his chosen craft, Texas trained at the London Film Academy, London Academy of Media, Film & Television and the Texas School of Photography USA in fulfillment of his lifelong admiration for the American city of Texas for which he adopted the sobriquet “TEXAS”.

The life and times of Texas validated the Biblical truism that “that a man diligent in his business shall stand before kings and not mean men”.

Indeed, Texas was diligent in his business and stood before kings both in Nigeria and Internationally as he was widely travelled for high level official engagements in company of various chief executives of the Authority to Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, USA, Japan, Ghana, Togo, Congo, Guinea, South Africa, amongst others.

Although Texas will be sorely missed and has left a vacuum so wide and difficult to fill, we will take solace in the immortal words of James Wrubel that “no one truly dies who is remembered”.

We continue to remember and celebrate his good deeds, exceptional sense of humor and his contribution to the advancement of knowledge evidenced his authorship of two books with which he lighted paths and lightened burdens.