Headlines

Senate committee grills Akintola for South West development commission job

Gloria Odion

The Managing Director of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), Dr Charles Akinola, has rolled out his vision for the Commission.

Speaking during the screening session of all the 18 nominees forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu for appointment as Chairman and members of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), Dr Akinola Akinola said the establishment under his leadership would look at one economic bloc as a defining feature of the Commission.

It could be recalled that those screened by the Senate in plenary are Senator Olubumi Adetunbi (Ekiti State, Chairman); Dr Charles Akinola (Osun State, Managing Director), Alhaji Lateef Ajijola Oladimeji, Executive Director, Social and Human Capital Development (Ekiti); Tele Ogunjobi, Executive Director, Finance (Ogun), Adefumilayo Tejuosho, Executive Director, Corporate Services (Lagos); and Fatai Ibikunke Bayonne, Executive Director, Environmental Development (Oyo).

Other screened nominees as members of the South-west Development Commission are: Hon. Scholastica Olanike (Osun), Bolaji Idris Ariyo (Lagos); Joseph Akin Olugbenga (Ekiti), Oluwamuyiwa Timothy Olabintan (Lagos); Dr Adewinle Olayinde Martins (Ondo), and Dr. Ibrahim Adeniyi Olaifa (Oyo).

Others are: Kabiru Ado Lakwaya (Kano); Abdul Biu Adamu (Boron), Mr Akinola Fagbemi Benjamin (North-Central), Ukoha Onyekwere Michael (Abia); Engr. Hanachor Alwell Owhorle (South-South), and Olusegun Joshua Olufehinti (South-South).

The SWDC boss, while speaking during the screening, noted that the vision for the Commission would be anchored on a strong regional development strategy that would allow the commission to build a very competitive regional identity that would attract investment and talent.

“The vision will be anchored on a strong regional development strategy where we have six states, but one bloc. We will look at one economic bloc as a defining feature of the South-West Development Commission.

“So, that will allow us to build a very competitive regional identity, which will establish and be able to attract investment and talents.”

He said that in the 30 years of his experience which was outside of the walls of the university, he had garnered enough experience to bring about great development to the South-west region.

“My vision for the South-west is a globally competitive, forward-looking, resilient economy in a prosperous Nigeria.

“The south-west is to be a leading hub for manufacturing, for innovation and the generation of job opportunities.

“I would like to see the south-west as a leader in digital industries and creative economy. So much is happening in that space already. We will build on where people are in terms of what they are already doing.”

Akinola said that he would ensure “a broader Nigerian Renewed Hope Agenda’ if confirmed.”

“You will realise that some of our brightest talents in this country are from the south-west. We will be able to leverage the resources of these talents within and outside the shores of this country.

“Infrastructure development will be a key priority of the development commission, and by that, we’re looking at infrastructure development, we’re looking at regional interconnectivity.

” We’re looking at energy self-sufficiency which will be the backbone for industrialisation in the south-west,” Akinola said.

Meanwhile, the Senate has urged the nominees to live up to the mandate of the Commission while piloting the affairs of the establishment, to ensure that it achieves the purpose for which it was set up by the present administration.

Declaring the screening session opened at the National Assembly Complex, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on South-west Development Commission, Senator Yunus Akintunde, noted that the screening was guided by Section 147-151 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Senate Standing Orders and the principles of transparency, accountability and fairness.

Addressing the nominees before the commencement of the exercise, Akintunde pointed out that the budget of the Commission was just a line budget and not its capital vote, stressing the need for effective management of the affairs of the agency to actualise its mandate.

“What you have is a takeoff grant. It means the task rests on the management and the board.

” You are entering a special session; you are the pioneer set; which means you have special tasks to take off and I know God will help you.”

After a formal introduction of the nominees and the Committee members, Akintunde noted that the SWDC Chairman designate, Olubumi Adetunbi would not be subjected to questions because he had served as a member of the Senate in two different assemblies in the past.

Accordingly, he simply asked Adetunbi to introduce himself, take a bow, and stay and watch the proceedings.

By the resolution of the Committee, the same privilege was also extended to all the other members of the board of the Commission, except the nominee for the position of the Managing Director, Dr Charles Akinola.

Akinola was quizzed by some Senators while the majority of the members of the Committee attested to his integrity and capacity to deliver on the assignment given to him by the appointment, claiming that they had known him for successful endeavours over time.

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.