Headlines

NPA handles 57 vessels monthly under Naira -for- Crude sales initiative

–may surpass 600 vessels annual projection by Dangote

Funso OLOJO

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has affirmed the success of the Federal Government’s Naira- for – crude oil sale initiated to boost energy security and availability in the country.

Dantsoho, who was speaking recently when the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, paid an appreciation visit to the agency over the success of the programme, said the Federal government on October 1st, 2024, established a One- Stop- shop (OSS) initiative to drive the Naira -for- Crude sales.

According to him, the OSS, which is domiciled and being coordinated by the NPA, has achieved a tremendous success to ensure availability of Petroleum products in the country.

Dantsoho revealed that under the OSS, the NPA handles an average of 57 vessels monthly that feed the Dangote Refinery with crude oil.

The Dangote Refinery,the NPA helmsman disclosed, was projecting 600 vessels per annum under this programme.

” By our monthly activities, we are likely to surpass the projection made by the Dangote Refinery” Dantsoho said.

He praised the leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, whom he said has given the programme necessary guidance and instructions which he said have ensured the success recorded so far.

” Dangote came to NPA to show appreciation to the agency and the Federal government over the establishment of the One- stop- shop (OSS), which is being coordinated by the NPA under the guidance and direction of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola as well as the Minister of Finance and the Head of the Committee in charge of Naira -for- Crude sales, that is, Mr Adedeji who is the Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS).

” The initiative has contributed immensely to achieving efficiency on the areas of transactions and operations among Nigerian government agencies.”the NPA helmsman declared.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is coordinating a One-Stop-Shop (OSS) initiative to streamline the sale and distribution of petroleum products in Naira, particularly for the Dangote Refinery.

This OSS involves various regulatory and security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, NNPC Limited, FIRS, Customs, NIMASA, and NDLEA, to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

The NPA’s role is to coordinate these agencies and facilitate the sale of crude oil and petroleum products in Naira, as directed by the Federal Government.

Headlines

Jamoh, ex-NIMASA DG, lauds Tinubu’s visit to Kaduna state

— says visit will trigger transformational growth of the state

Funso OLOJO

The immediate past Director -General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA),Dr Bashir Jamoh, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his state visit to Kaduna states on Thursday, June 19th, 2025.

In his letter of appreciation dated June 19th, 2025 which he personally signed and addressed to President Tinubu, Dr Jamoh said he relished the state visit by the President as it not only brought a sense of pride to the residents of the state but a reaffirmation of the present administration’ s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development, vocational empowerment and sustainable transportation in the sub- national regions.

The former NIMASA helmsman also noted that the various projects which President Tinubu commissioned in the state marked a mementious milestone that has inspired hope among the people of Kaduna state.

“The commissioning of the 300-bed Specialist Hospital, the launch of the Institute of Vocational Training & Skills Development in Rigachikun, the inauguration of major intra- and inter-local government road projects, and the unveiling of 100 CNG buses for Kaduna’s intra-city transport system were momentous milestones that have inspired renewed hope among the people of Kaduna State.

“Your vision for a united, functional, and inclusive Nigeria is evident in your direct engagement with communities and the prioritization of developmental equity across states.

“Your visit has re-energized Kaduna’s pathway to growth, and we are confident that these initiatives will serve as a catalyst for job creation, social inclusion, and security enhancement”

Dr Jamoh said he was deeply appreciative of Tinubu statesmanship and devotion to nation-building.

” May the Almighty continue to guide and strengthen you as you lead our great nation through this transformative era” the erudite maritime expert concluded

It could be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid one- day visit to Kaduna state on Thursday, June 19th, 2025 where he commissioned some of the projects completed by the administration of Governor Uba Sani in the state.

Headlines

Child rights advocate, Ngozi-Anih George, charges government on welfare of children

Mrs Ngozi- Anih George

Prosper Okoye, Abuja

Mrs Ngozi- Anih George, defender of child rights, has called on Nigerian leaders to prioritise the welfare of children in budget planning and implementation.

Ngozi-Anih, who is the Director of Facado Orphanage Home in Abuja, made the call during an event to mark the Day of the African Child.

This year’s theme is: “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010.”

She recalled that in 2010, African governments—including Nigeria—committed to placing children at the centre of national development plans and budgets.

However, she noted that not enough progress has been made.

“As someone who works closely with children every day, especially those who have lost parents or been abandoned, I understand better than most that a child without family is not a child without hope.

” But that hope must be supported—not just with kind words, but with real action, careful planning, and responsible budgeting,” she said.

She stressed that budgeting for children’s rights goes beyond providing shelter.

“It means education, so they can break the cycle of poverty; healthcare, so they can live healthy, happy lives; protection from abuse and neglect; and opportunities to dream and succeed like any other child,” she added.

Ngozi-Anih highlighted the stark contrast between what is possible when children are properly supported and the reality many face when left out of development plans.

“I have seen miracles happen when communities, governments, and organisations come together with one goal: to protect and uplift children.

“But I have also seen the painful reality when children are forgotten—treated as afterthoughts rather than future leaders.”

She urged political leaders to include children’s voices in decision-making and ensure the most vulnerable—especially those in orphanages, on the streets, or in remote communities—are not left behind.

“Investing in children is not charity—it is a responsibility. Every coin spent on a child is an investment in Africa’s future strength, peace, and progress,” she said.

“To our leaders, we say: Do not plan for us without us. Let children be part of national development. Let us prioritise those in the margins.”

“To fellow caregivers and community members: We must work together to raise confident, educated, and empowered children.

“No child should be made to feel like a burden. The children we care for today are the doctors, teachers, engineers, and leaders of tomorrow. Their dreams depend on our planning and our actions now.”

Some children who attended the event also shared their thoughts.

Favour Ugwuagbo expressed mixed feelings about the celebration.

“The celebration doesn’t really have any impact on us—the children,” she said.

Another child, Jaybee Wealth Ben, expressed frustration over the government’s neglect of children in orphanages.

“The government has never really involved children, especially vulnerable ones in orphanages. Many of us are going through serious pain and challenges. Our voices need to be heard,” he said.

“Some of us have finished WAEC but have no resources to further our education.”

He added that commemorating the Day of the African Child should come with tangible support.

“On days like this, scholarships could be awarded to orphans, or practical help given to the less privileged.”

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.