Headlines

NRC partners SEDC to develop railway infrastructure in South -East region

Funso OLOJO

The Nigerian Railway Corporation(NRC) has expressed a strong commitment towards development of rail infrastructure in the South -East region of the country.

Dr Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of NRC, made the commitment when the Commission, led by its Managing Director, Mr Mark Okoye paid a courtesy visit on Dr Opeifa at the NRC Headquarters, Lagos.

Mr Okoye has told his host of the Commission’s commitment to prioritizing rail development in the South-East region.

Dr Opeifa however assured the commission of NRC full support

“To further demonstrate our progress on “Rail in the State” initiatives, we took the SEDC leadership to the LAMATA Oyingbo train station to showcase the strong, cordial relationship we have established with Lagos state” Opeifa declared.

The NRC and SEDC collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in the region’s master planning, which includes multi-modal transportation systems, industrial clusters, and agro-processing zones.

“This marks our first formal engagement with any of the regional commissions established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to drive even development across all zones.

“During the visit, we emphasized the critical role of the SEDC in advancing the Federal Government’s vision to rehabilitate, expand, and optimize Nigeria’s railway infrastructure.

“The presence of SEDC’s Managing Director, Mr. Mark Okoye and Southwest Director, Mrs. Adejoke Adebayo Chukwumah, highlights the Commission’s commitment to prioritizing rail development in the South-East.

“We look forward to strengthening this collaboration to enhance rail connectivity and economic growth in the region” the NRC MD stated.

Headlines

Yinka Onigbinde election as MARAN president excites SIFAX Group

– pledges support for his administration

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

The SIFAX Group has congratulated Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde on his election as the new President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).

The Group described his emergence as a reflection of his professionalism and dedication to maritime journalism.

The congratulatory message was conveyed in a formal letter signed by Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, on behalf of the Board, Management, and Staff of the conglomerate.

In the letter, Dr. Afolabi described Mr. Onigbinde’s election as well-deserved, noting that his consistent contributions to maritime journalism and the broader maritime industry over the years had earned him the confidence of his colleagues.

“Your emergence as the President is proof of your professionalism, dedication, and consistent contributions to maritime journalism and the broader maritime industry over the years,” Afolabi stated.

Afolabi expressed confidence that the association would continue to advance the ideals of professionalism, ethical journalism, unity, and constructive engagement within the maritime sector under Onigbinde’s leadership.

He further noted that the new president’s tenure was expected to strengthen the media’s role as a vital partner in the growth and development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Afolabi, who serves as Patron of MARAN, assured Onigbinde of his goodwill and support as the new president works towards advancing the association, while wishing him wisdom, strength, and outstanding success in the discharge of his duties.

Headlines

The Billion-Naira Ballot: Can digital primaries finally cure Nigeria’s “Delegate Disease”?

MONDAY DISCOURSE with NASIRU

“Whatever is hidden by the fog of political intrigue is eventually revealed by the light of the ballot.”

This maxim captures the true essence of Nigeria’s current political transformation as we navigate the high-stakes journey toward 2027.

In May 2026, the landscape is defined by a massive administrative and financial pivot, where the intersection of a record-breaking ₦1 trillion election budget and the mandatory shift to digital democracy has created a fortress that is reshaping how power is won and funded.

This record allocation, driven by a ₦1.01 trillion statutory transfer to INEC, represents a massive liquidity injection that is both a logistical necessity and a significant inflationary risk.

High inflation, reaching 23.7% in April, has drastically increased the costs of logistics, while over ₦209 billion is earmarked for technological integrity, including a massive overhaul of 200,000 BVAS units to ensure the digital transparency mandated by the Electoral Act 2026.

The 15 year reliance on the “delegate system” has officially been abolished, replaced by a revolution that permits only two nomination modes: Direct Primaries or Consensus. This shift to a “one member, one vote” system is intended to curb the influence of “Money Bags” and “Ghana-Must-Go” politics by moving power from a few thousand delegates to millions of registered party members.

However, this democratic ideal has birthed an operational nightmare for party administrations, who must now fund ward-level voting for their entire memberships. This strain has led to skyrocketing nomination fees, with the APC presidential ticket pegged at ₦100 million just to cover these new logistics.

Consequently, while the concentrated delegate market has vanished, political spending has merely decentralized, forcing aspirants to “induce” thousands of voters across every ward in the country.

A new digital arms race has emerged under Section 77 of the 2026 Act, which requires parties to submit a digital membership register linked to NINs to INEC at least 21 days before any primary.

The ruling APC has already registered over 12 million members online, claiming a head start in digital compliance. In contrast, the opposition has undergone a seismic shift; on Sunday, May 3, 2026, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). This “NDC Surge” has reportedly seen over 10 million Nigerians register with the party within its first 24 hours, as Obi cited the “toxic” environment and endless litigation within the ADC as his reason for seeking a more stable platform.

The NDC, led by former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson, is now the primary challenger racing to consolidate its digital register before the looming May primary deadlines.

Beyond the internal party mechanics, the broader economic impact is staggering. The election budget contributes significantly to a ₦23.85 trillion deficit in the 2026 budget, narrowing the fiscal space for long-term development.

Economists, including the Central Bank Governor, have warned that this ₦1 trillion injection poses a severe inflationary risk that could destabilize ongoing reforms. Furthermore, the government has set aside ₦135.22 billion specifically for electoral adjudication, signaling an expectation of intense post-election litigation.

As we move toward the off-cycle governorship tests in Ekiti and Osun states, the question remains: is Nigeria ready for the transparency of a unified digital window, or will the costs of this “Digital Democracy” bankrupt the very system it seeks to save?

Chief Ibrahim Nasiru, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja

Headlines

Sustained government expansion project, infrastructural development drive port growth trajectory in Qi, 2026

– as NPA records 46.75m GRT

‎Funso OLOJO, Editor

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‎Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded strong operational growth in the first quarter of 2026, with Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rising by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million.

This growth underscores the increasing dominance of larger-capacity ships across the nation’s ports amid ongoing reforms targeted at positioning the country as a regional trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

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‎According to the Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review released by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the rise in vessel tonnage signals improved cargo-carrying efficiency and growing confidence among international shipping lines in Nigerian ports.

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‎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.

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‎The strong performance comes at a time the federal government is intensifying efforts to modernise Nigeria’s port infrastructure, improve cargo handling efficiency and capture a larger share of regional cargo flows under AfCFTA.

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‎Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, had recently said Nigeria’s ports must evolve beyond traditional limitations if the country hopes to compete effectively in a rapidly integrating African market.

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‎Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho said efficiency, speed, innovation and reliability would determine which countries dominate cargo flows in the new continental trade environment.

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‎“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources.

” Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth,” he said.

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‎Total cargo throughput excluding crude oil terminals also posted strong growth during the quarter, increasing by 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tons from 29.02 million metric tons recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

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‎The NPA attributed the growth to rising trade volumes, stronger import and export activities, improved port productivity, and sustained demand for port services.

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‎One of the strongest performances during the period came from outward cargo traffic, which surged by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons, reflecting stronger export competitiveness and deeper integration into regional and global supply chains.

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‎Similarly, outward laden container traffic recorded exceptional growth of 67.6 per cent, rising from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026, a performance linked to improved export logistics and terminal efficiency.

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‎Vehicle traffic also emerged as a major growth area, with total vehicle units handled rising sharply by 67 per cent to 58,870 units during the quarter, compared to 35,262 units in the same period last year.

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‎The report further highlighted an 83.1 per cent increase in transshipment container activity, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing relevance within regional maritime trade and logistics networks.

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‎Industry analysts said the increase in transshipment activity is particularly significant because it suggests Nigeria is beginning to attract more regional cargo movement within West Africa, a critical objective as AfCFTA gradually dismantles trade barriers across the continent.

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‎The maritime reforms being pursued under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have centred on infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation and institutional restructuring aimed at transforming the country into a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa.

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‎A major component of the reforms is the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port following the approval and signing of the MOU for $1 Billion overhaul of longstanding infrastructure deficiencies for improved port competitiveness.

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‎Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has also disclosed that procurement processes are underway for upgrades in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports as part of efforts to ensure balanced port development nationwide.

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‎In addition to physical infrastructure upgrades, the government is pushing an aggressive digitalisation agenda through the deployment of the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform to streamline cargo clearance processes, reduce delays and improve transparency.

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‎Industry stakeholders believe these initiatives could significantly lower the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports while improving turnaround time and operational efficiency.

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‎The government has also expanded investments in rail integration, inland dry ports, barging operations and export corridors to improve cargo evacuation and reduce congestion around port corridors.

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‎Security improvements within Nigerian waters have further strengthened confidence in the sector.

Nigeria has now recorded over four years without piracy incidents, a development attributed to the Deep Blue Programme and enhanced maritime surveillance systems.

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‎According to the NPA, the Q1 performance demonstrates that the maritime sector is evolving into a more cargo-intensive and commercially dynamic ecosystem capable of supporting economic growth, trade facilitation and regional connectivity.

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‎Despite the progress, Dantsoho recently acknowledged that Nigeria still handles only about 25 per cent of cargo traffic in West Africa despite accounting for more than 60 per cent of the region’s GDP, stressing that the country must sustain ongoing reforms to fully optimise its maritime potential.

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‎“With sustained commitment to these initiatives, Nigeria’s port system will enter a new phase and emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa,” he assured.