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We shall use Lekki Deep Port model for rehabilitation of Western, Eastern ports–Oyetola

Funso OLOJO 
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,  Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced plans to replicate the success of the Lekki Deep Seaport across Nigeria’s maritime sector, citing it as a model for transformative growth and development.
Speaking at the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping Breakfast Meeting in Lagos on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025,Oyetola declared that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to building a modern, safe, and globally competitive maritime sector.
The theme of the Breakfast Meeting was “Unlocking Opportunities: The Lekki Deep Seaport Playbook for Trade and Shipping in Nigeria.”
 Oyetola said a central component of the current administration’s strategy is the nationwide application of the public-private partnership model and logistical efficiency demonstrated by the Lekki Deep Seaport.
“The maritime industry stands at the heart of our economic aspirations — not merely as a conduit for trade, but as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation, and regional integration.
“Our vision is clear: to build a modern, safe, efficient, and globally competitive maritime sector that fully unlocks Nigeria’s economic potential.
“Achieving this vision will require more than sound policies; it demands sustained investment in infrastructure, targeted capacity building, accelerated digital transformation, and strong, enduring partnerships with the private sector,” the minister said.
Valued at $1.5 billion, the Lekki facility was hailed as a “landmark achievement” and a “game-changer” for West Africa.
The Minister highlighted its capacity to handle 1.2 million TEUs and accommodate large vessels, noting that it has already generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
He also commended the completion of critical access roads, which, for the first time in decades, has freed major Nigerian ports from logistical bottlenecks.
“Cargo now moves out faster, investors move in with confidence, and trade flows without unnecessary delay,” the Minister stated.
He added that the port, which currently operates at only 20 per cent capacity, presents vast, untapped opportunities for investors.
The Minister explained that the “Lekki playbook” is founded on five key pillars: a strategic location, a robust public–private partnership framework, integrated transport links by road, rail, and inland waterways, supportive policies, and technology-driven operations.
To apply this model nationwide, Oyetola confirmed that the Ministry is actively modernizing Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports, and also upgrading the Eastern Ports in Onne, Calabar, and Rivers.
 “Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this administration is committed to taking the lessons of Lekki and applying them nationwide to transform our entire port system into a network of modern, efficient, and competitive gateways.
” To this end, we are modernising the Western Ports in Apapa, upgrading the Eastern Ports in Onne, Calabar, and Rivers to stimulate balanced regional growth, and finalising the Port Community System — integrated with the National Single Window — to create a paperless, transparent, and secure digital environment for all maritime stakeholders.”
Similarly, in a move aimed at empowering indigenous participation, the Minister said he has directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to immediately commence the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to qualified Nigerian shipowners.
He emphasised that a strong national shipping fleet is essential to building local capacity and asserting Nigeria’s presence on global trade lanes, with the ultimate goal of establishing a National Flag Carrier.
 Oyetola concluded by stressing that the Lekki Deep Seaport serves as clear evidence of what can be achieved when policy, vision, investment, and execution align.
He urged all stakeholders to replicate, refine, and scale the model for the prosperity of Nigeria and the African continent.
The Breakfast Meeting was attended by heads of government agencies, representatives of terminal operators, shipping companies and the organized private sector.
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Tinubu swears in new IGP, Tunde Disu on Wednesday as Police council endorses his appointment

Funso OLOJO,  Editor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 swear- in the new Inspector – General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu following the endorsement of his appointment by the Nigeria Police Council.
According to the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the  ceremony will take place during the Federal Executive Council meeting, scheduled for the same day.
The Council’s meeting, which took place at the State House, was presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and had in attendance Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, in accordance with the constitution.
Others in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; and the head of service, Mrs Esther Didi Walson-Jack.
The President appointed Disu as the new police chief, following the resignation of the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who spoke glowingly about the Acting Inspector-General of Police, commended Disu for his exemplary services as a policeman, especially when he served as the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State between 2015 and 2021, where his tenure earned him and the RRS recognition for excellence in crime control.
Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, commended the President’s appointment of Disu, noting that it was based on his excellent career record.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, also lauded Disu for his professionalism.
Disu served in Wike’s home state of Rivers as Assistant Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Department, and Officer-in-charge, anti-kidnapping unit, between 2014 and 2015.
He later served as Commissioner of Police in the FCT Command when Wike became the minister.
Wike commended him for his efficiency as a crime fighter and for ensuring the command’s strategic impact in addressing security concerns within the territory.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State seconded the motion endorsing Disu’s appointment.
Disu was born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State and joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent.
He rose through the ranks with multiple qualifications in public administration, forensic investigation, criminology, security, legal psychology, and entrepreneurship-credentials that reflect his commitment to knowledge-driven, modern policing.
The Acting Inspector-General has held critical operational, investigative, and strategic command positions nationwide.
His last position was as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force CID Annex, Lagos.
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Maersk’s suspension of shipping operations through Strait of Hormuz raises anxiety among Nigerian importers 

Attack on vessel in the Strait of Hormuz
Funso OLOJO, with agency report
The on- going hostilies in the Middle East have continued to stifle international trade as most of the shipping companies have suspended voyage through the troubled Strait of Hormuz.
The joint attacks by the military forces of the United States of America (USA) and Israel on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in the assassination of its Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khomenei and over 40 top military officers of the Islamic country,have put a strain on shipping operations along the busy vessel route of Strait of Hormuz as the Houthis militias, who are sympathetic to Iran, have threatened to attack vessels on the route.
Strait of Hormuz accounts for one third of the world shipping passage while the route accommodates the world largest crude tankers , despite its narrow width.
As a result of the threats, which have raised safety concerns on the vessels, cargos and crews, major shipping lines have halted their operations along the route.
Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, has halted passage of cargo vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for “safety” reasons.

“We are suspending all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice,” the Danish group said in an online advisory.“The safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority,” it said.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had earlier announced the Strait’s closure.

Major Middle Eastern oil and gas exporters rely on it to move supplies to international markets while importing nations depend on its uninterrupted operation.
China, one of the biggest destinations of Nigerian importers, make use of the route for import of the crude oil from the Middle East, especially Iran and export of its manufactured goods to the developing countries, especially Nigeria.
This development has raised anxiety among Nigerian importers who expressed concerns over the implications of the disruption on the route one the cost of imports, especially from China.
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NRC hosts Rotary Club on mobile train

Gloria Odion, Reporter 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has played host to the Rotary Club of Ota by hosting Nigeria’s first-ever Rotary fellowship on a moving train, setting a remarkable benchmark for innovation in civic and humanitarian engagement.
The groundbreaking event brought together members of the club aboard a moving train for fellowship, leadership interaction, and strategic discussion centered on service to humanity, climate action, and sustainable community development.
The fellowship was led by the President of the Rotary Club of Ota, Mr. Charles Umukoro, alongside members of the club’s executive and general membership.
A major highlight of the occasion was the visit of the Railway District Manager, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji, who warmly welcomed the Rotarians on board.
His presence underscored the significance of the event and further strengthened the cordial relationship between the railway management and the Rotary Club.
In a symbolic moment reflecting shared values of service and partnership, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji was formally inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Ota following his welcome address, adding prestige and deeper institutional collaboration to the landmark fellowship.
The moving-train fellowship was widely described as symbolic of progress, innovation, and forward movement—values that align closely with the transformation agenda of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation said it was committed to supporting initiatives that promote national development, environmental sustainability, and community advancement, while showcasing the railway as a safe, modern, and strategic platform for engagement.
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