Headlines

Tanzania queues behind Nigeria for election into IMO Category C seat

— as TASAC embarks on 5 -day visit to understudy NIMASA’s operations

Funso OLOJO with Gloria Odion

Nigeria’s quest to grab the elusive Category C seat of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) received a big boost on Monday ‘ May 19th, 2025 when the government of Tanzanian pledged to support Nigeria to regain the prestigious seat it last won nine years ago.

The pledge was made by the Director General of TASAC, Mohammed Salumu, when he led a high powered delegation of officials from the Tanzanian maritime administration to NIMASA for a 5- day benchmark visit to understudy the operations of the agency.

Mr Salumu, who was represented by

Mrs. Leticia Mutaki, Director of Maritime Safety, Security and Environmental Protection, declared that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in African maritime administration and therefore the country will adequately represent the interests of African countries on the IMO category C seat.

“We believe Nigeria’s position on the IMO Council is vital for the region and the continent at large. Tanzania will continue to support this ambition,” she affirmed

The Tanzania maritime administration has embarked on the visit to NIMASA to learn the rope in maritime administration.

According to the representative of DG of TASAC, Mrs Mutak, the maritime administration of the East African country wanted to share from the experience of NIMASA on maritime safety, security, marine pollution control and how NIMASA fulfill its obligations to the IMO.

She said that the visit would also afford the two maritime administrations to formalise a long-term partnership focused on addressing common maritime challenges, enhancing regulatory capacity, and boosting youth employment across the continent.

The strategic collaboration, which was initiated during a visit by TASAC officials to the NIMASA headquarters in Lagos, is expected to cover key areas including maritime safety, flag and port state control, seafarer certification, digital transformation, and environmental protection frameworks.

Receiving the delegation, Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated that the visit goes beyond ceremonial diplomacy, describing it as a foundation for structured, continent-wide maritime engagement.

“This study visit represents a valuable opportunity for our agencies to share expertise, best practices, and innovative solutions to common maritime challenges,” Mobereola said.

“We are not only here to share what we’ve achieved, but also to learn from TASAC. We view this as a mutually beneficial partnership.”

He noted that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had endorsed the initiative, citing similarities in policy direction and a shared commitment to unlocking Africa’s blue economy potential.

Mobereola outlined areas of collaboration including oversight mechanisms, flag and port state control, ship registration, oil pollution compensation systems, seafarer training and certification, financial sustainability in maritime administration, and digital transformation.

He cited the Deep Blue project as one of NIMASA’s key successes in tackling maritime insecurity but stressed that such efforts must be complemented by regional cooperation.

“Our Deep Blue project has helped enhance security in Nigeria’s waters, but maritime threats are transnational and require collective approaches. This collaboration is timely,” he said.

He also expressed NIMASA’s readiness to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding with TASAC, which is currently being reviewed by NIMASA’s legal and technical teams.

Mobereola stressed the importance of the partnership in advancing Africa’s unified voice on the global maritime stage, especially at international bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

“African maritime administrations must begin to coordinate their positions on critical issues such as market-based measures for the green transition,” he said.

“We must also explore comparative advantages in maritime energy and alternative fuels.”

On the continent’s rising role in seafarer supply, Mobereola said both countries can develop maritime human capital through coordinated training programmes and create jobs for Africa’s growing youth population.

Mr Mohammed Salumu , the Director General TASAC applauded NIMASA’s regulatory reforms and technical progress, particularly in maritime security and digitalisation.

He noted that TASAC was particularly interested in learning more about Nigeria’s approach to port and flag state control, ship registry processes, maritime training structures, and how NIMASA sustains its operations financially.

Salumu who was represented by Mrs. Leticia Mutaki, Director of Maritime Safety, Security and Environmental Protection who led the delegation said

“Your Deep Blue security framework is impressive, and your investments in human capacity development are commendable,” Salumu said.

“Tanzania is keen to learn from your systems, especially in areas of certification, flag state inspections, and seafarer welfare.”

He also confirmed that the visit had a dual purpose — to learn and to offer support for Nigeria’s quest for IMO Category C seat.

The TASAC DG described the visit as the beginning of “an important technical alliance” and assured that TASAC would also share best practices from its own regulatory environment to support mutual growth.

Both sides expressed optimism that the collaboration would yield a formal partnership that will promote operational efficiency, improved compliance, and a united African voice in maritime policy decisions.

Headlines

NRC grants Lagos Government permanent approval to operate Red Line rail services

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has granted final approval to the Lagos State Government to operate two of its rail tracks under the Track Sharing Agreement, paving the way for the full operation of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line project.

The LRMT Red Line commenced passenger operations on October 15, 2024, with morning and evening peak-hour services following its inauguration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The permanent approval follows the temporary operating approval granted by the NRC in 2025 under the Track Sharing Agreement with the Lagos State Government.

Presenting the Permanent Operating Licence to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said the approval confers on the Lagos State Government all the rights and obligations contained in the Track Sharing Agreement.

According to him, the licence also empowers the state to operate rail services in line with international best practices.

Opeifa described the milestone as a testament to the mutual trust, cooperation and shared vision that have continued to define the partnership between the NRC and the Lagos State Government.

“Beyond providing access to the tracks, our collaboration has also included the training and capacity development of the Red Line’s operational personnel, demonstrating the immense value of strong institutional partnerships,” he said.

He commended the Lagos State Government for its confidence in the NRC and its sustained commitment to the partnership.

“I also commend the Government for its remarkable investment in public transportation, particularly in the rail subsector, including the acquisition of adequate rolling stock to meet the growing mobility needs of Lagosians,” he added.

The NRC Managing Director noted that the development of modern rail infrastructure requires foresight, substantial capital investment and sustained political will, qualities he said the Lagos State Government has consistently demonstrated.

Opeifa also urged other state governments across the federation to invest in rail infrastructure and services to complement the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s railway network.

According to him, expanding rail transportation nationwide would ease congestion on highways, reduce logistics costs, improve passenger mobility, stimulate industrial and commercial activities, and accelerate national economic growth.

He stressed that rail transportation remains the backbone of efficient mass transit systems in major cities around the world.

“Continued investment in rail infrastructure is essential to providing safe, reliable, environmentally sustainable and high-capacity mobility for our growing population, while significantly reducing pressure on our road network,” he said.

Opeifa reaffirmed the NRC’s commitment to fostering productive partnerships that will transform Nigeria’s transport landscape.

“Together, we will continue to build an integrated, efficient, safe and sustainable railway system that serves the aspirations of all Nigerians,” he concluded.

Headlines

NPA unveils multi-agency task force to tackle resurgent port access gridlock

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has launched a multi-agency task force to combat the resurgence of traffic gridlock choking the Lagos port access roads, in a fresh push to restore seamless cargo evacuation and sustain recent gains in port efficiency.

The intervention followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, on June 23rd, 2026, where security agencies, freight forwarders, truck operators and representatives of the Lagos State Government agreed on coordinated measures to eliminate the bottlenecks disrupting cargo movement.

At the meeting, stakeholders identified illegal extortion points, overlapping responsibilities among security agencies and other operational distortions as major factors responsible for the renewed congestion along the port corridor.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemakara, said the Authority’s overriding priority is to guarantee the unhindered movement of cargo to and from the nation’s seaports.

According to him, the task force comprises the NPA, the Police, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO).

“The responsibility of the task force is to monitor truck movement on the port access roads on a regular basis, identify any disruption capable of causing gridlock and immediately resolve such challenges,” Onyemakara said.

He stressed that members of the task force would not establish checkpoints along the corridor but would maintain strategic presence at designated locations to ensure compliance without obstructing traffic.

To enhance rapid response, Onyemakara disclosed that the task force has created a dedicated WhatsApp platform through which members can instantly report infractions or emerging traffic issues for immediate intervention.

On the long-delayed renewal of the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) system contract, the NPA spokesman said the Authority is reviewing the terms to ensure a more robust contractual framework before awarding a fresh agreement.

He explained that although the previous contract had expired, the ETO platform remains operational under the management of the Truck Transit Parks (TTP) pending completion of the procurement process.

He expressed confidence that the renewal would be concluded soon.

Reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to maintaining free-flowing port access roads, Onyemakara said efficient logistics remain central to the NPA’s drive to improve Nigeria’s port competitiveness and preserve its growing international reputation.

“We are more interested in the free flow of logistics into our ports than anyone else because it is in our own interest,” he said.

“If you look at the international recognition we are receiving, including the World Bank report, we are determined to sustain and even surpass the improvements already recorded in our port system.
“You can be assured that we remain fully committed to achieving the best possible performance from our ports.”

Headlines

Customs Steps Up Nationwide Green Tax Awareness Ahead of July 1 Rollout

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its nationwide sensitisation campaign ahead of the July 1, 2026 implementation of the Green Tax Surcharge and related fiscal adjustments, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and encouraging the importation of cleaner vehicles.

The awareness campaign, held on Friday July 26th, 2026 at the Apapa Area Command, brought together Customs officers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, importers and other key stakeholders under the theme: “Implementation of the Green Tax Surcharge and Related Fiscal Adjustments.”

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Mohammed Babadende, said the exercise was designed to ensure stakeholders fully understand the policy before its implementation.

“This sensitisation is designed to ensure that every stakeholder clearly understands the policy before implementation. Our objective is to eliminate uncertainty, promote voluntary compliance and guarantee uniform application of the Green Tax Surcharge across all commands,” Babadende stated.

Delivering a technical presentation, the Comptroller in charge of Tariff, System Audit and Coordination, Murtala Muazu, explained that the Green Tax Surcharge is different from conventional fiscal measures and would therefore require a separate assessment process.

He disclosed that the Service has simplified implementation through the HS Code declaration platform to facilitate seamless compliance by importers and clearing agents.

Muazu also revealed that the Federal Government has reduced import levies on vehicles from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, while import duty on used vehicles has been slashed from 15 per cent to five per cent to cushion the impact of the new environmental surcharge.

Area Controllers who participated in the sensitisation urged importers, licensed customs agents and the trading public to embrace the initiative, stressing that the reduction in import levies would lower the cost of doing business, promote legitimate trade and ultimately reduce transportation costs.

Stakeholders welcomed the policy but called for sustained public enlightenment to deepen understanding and ensure seamless compliance ahead of the July 1 commencement date.