Headlines

Tinubu congratulates Dantsoho on his election as IAPH Vice Chair

Funso OLOJO

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), on his election as Vice President (Africa) of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).

Dr. Dantsoho joins the management team of the IAPH for a two-year term.

The 70-year-old global association serves as the voice for seaports worldwide and will mark its anniversary on October 7 in Kobe, Japan.

The President thanked the members of the IAPH for the confidence reposed in Dantsoho by entrusting him with the position, just as they did in 2017, when Hadiza Bala Usman, one of Dantsoho’s predecessors, was similarly elected.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that the election of the NPA Managing Director will boost Nigeria’s ambition to tap into the global marine and blue economy.

Tinubu encourages Dantsoho to continue his efforts to reposition the NPA, thereby contributing to Nigeria’s goal of expanding its economy to $1 trillion by 2030.

The election, held in Tokyo, marks another milestone for Dantsoho, who previously made history as the first Nigerian to lead the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa since its establishment in 1972.

Confirming the victory in a statement on Tuesday, NPA spokesperson, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said the appointment reflects international recognition of Nigeria’s renewed leadership in maritime development.

IAPH Secretary-General,Masahiko Furuichi, also welcomed the development, noting, “I am delighted to work together with you in IAPH for the years to come.”

Dantsoho’s leadership at the NPA has been marked by major operational gains, including a significant rise in non-oil exports and an improved trade balance.

According to the Nigerian Export Processing Council (NEPC), non-oil exports rose by 19.59% in the first half of 2025 to $3.225 billion, while export volumes on NPA platforms climbed to 4.04 million metric tonnes.

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) also credited these reforms with helping Nigeria achieve a trade surplus for the first time in years.

Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Tokyo, IAPH is a global alliance of more than 190 ports and 167 port-related businesses across 89 countries.

Collectively, its members handle over 60% of the world’s seaborne trade and container traffic.

The body plays a key role in shaping global maritime policy, working closely with the International Maritime Organization, World Customs Organization, and the United Nations system.

Dantsoho’s elevation places Nigeria at the heart of global port policy debates, strengthening its voice in advancing trade efficiency, port resilience, and sustainable growth in the maritime sector.

Headlines

NRC suspends Warri- Itakpe train service over operational concerns

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the temporary suspension of Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) due to what the management described as operational exigency and technical advice from the Corporation’s Engineers.

The temporary suspension, according to a public statement by the NRC, has become necessary to enable the Corporation carry out critical operational assessments aimed at ensuring continued safety, reliability, and improved service delivery on the corridor.

“The NRC regrets the inconvenience this development may cause passengers and other stakeholders, and assures the public that efforts are currently ongoing to resolve the issues within the shortest possible time.

“Passengers and intending travelers will be duly informed before the end of the week on the date for the resumption of normal train operations.

“The Corporation remains committed to safe, efficient, and customer-friendly rail services across the country and appreciates the understanding, patience, and continued support of the public during this period” the NRC declared.

Headlines

Sallah: FG slashes train fares by 50 percent on all routes

Gloria Odion, reporter

The Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation has announced a 50 percent fare reduction on all train services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as part of measures to ease transportation costs for Nigerians during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The discount takes effect from Tuesday, May 26, 2026 and will run through Monday, June 1, 2026.

Accordingly, ticket fares on all NRC passenger train services across the country have been reduced by 50 percent of the existing approved rates within the stated period.

Passengers who had earlier purchased tickets at the full fare before the announcement will be entitled to a 50 percent rebate, reusable for train rides on or before Monday, June 1st, 2026.

Train schedules and timetables remain as previously advertised.

The Federal Ministry of Transportation said it appreciated the continued support of Nigerians and wishes all passengers and the Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Headlines

Salah: NIWA MD threatens to wield big stick on violators of safety guidelines on waterways

— calls for calm over Supreme Court judgement

Funso OLOJO,Editor

The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Umar Yusuf Girei, has issued a stern warning to boat operators across the country to strictly adhere to waterways safety regulations during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Girei gave the warning during an exclusive interview with journalists at the NIWA headquarters in Lokoja, noting that festive periods often witness increased movement on the inland waterways, particularly within riverine communities.

According to him, compliance with safety measures during the Sallah season remains non-negotiable.

He stressed that overloading of boats would not be tolerated, while the use of life jackets by all passengers and operators remains compulsory.

Girei also warned against night travel, alcohol consumption by operators, and disregard for weather advisories.

“No overload, wearing of life jackets is mandatory, no night travel, no alcohol, and operators must ensure proper weather checks before embarking on any journey,” he stated.

The NIWA Acting MD further disclosed that enforcement teams, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, would be deployed across jetties nationwide to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations.

He warned that violators risk arrest, seizure of vessels, and prosecution.

Girei also urged passengers to avoid boarding overloaded boats, vessels without adequate life jackets, or boats attempting to operate at night.

While extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithfuls, he appealed to community and religious leaders to help amplify waterways safety awareness during sermons and public gatherings.

Meanwhile, the NIWA boss advised stakeholders and clients of the Authority not to panic over the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning aspects of the NIWA Act.

He explained that the apex court upheld the Authority’s statutory responsibilities relating to inland waterways navigation, safety regulation, channel management, river infrastructure development, and the promotion of inland waterways transportation as contained in Sections 10 and 11 of the NIWA Act.

According to him, Sections 12 and 13 of the Act, which deal with land matters unrelated to maritime activities, were voided by the Supreme Court only to the extent of their inconsistency with the Constitution.

Girei therefore urged all stakeholders to remain calm, law-abiding, and await an official statement from NIWA after the Authority obtains the Certified True Copy of the judgment from the Supreme Court.