Headlines

Oyetola indulges in self- praise at MARAN event

– calls for delistment of Nigeria from war risk zone

Funso OLOJO

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,Adegboyega Oyetola, has insisted that the maritime industry has witnessed bold and unprecedented reforms which have repositioned the sector for rapid growth.

Oyetola, who declared open the annual Maritime industry lecture organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria(MARAN),stated that with the giant steps recorded within the two years of his stewardship as the minister, Nigeria deserves to be removed from the war risk classification by the international cartel of shipping companies.

Represented by his media aide, Dr Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola launched into a labyrinth of his achievements in the last two years that should earn Nigeria a clear bill of health by the foreign shipping companies which have continued to charge War risk insurance premium on Nigerian Shippers.

“In just two years and with the guidance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have embarked on bold and unprecedented initiatives to harness our nation’s vast maritime and Blue economy resources as engine of growth, just and sustainable development.

” In two years, the ministry has become a case study in what visionary leadership, strategic focus and political will can achieve in record time.

“From restoring sanity to Nigeria’s busiest seaports to unlocking long- frozen funds for indigenous ship owners, from investing in human capital to spearheading Continental maritime financing architecture , the ministry has delivered and will continue to deliver transformation on a scale that is monumental and measurable” the minister declared.

Oyetola further noted that the government had ended the decades-long Apapa gridlock that had crippled port productivity and discouraged foreign investment.

He also pointed to the launch of Africa’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, a groundbreaking framework that provides a roadmap for shipping, fisheries, offshore energy, aquaculture, tourism, and maritime services.

The Minister also announced that the Federal Executive Council had approved the modernisation of Lagos and Tin Can Island Ports, with plans for the Eastern Ports nearing completion.

According to the Minister, agency-generated revenues more than doubled within two years, from ₦700.79 billion in 2023 to ₦1.39 trillion in 2024, the highest in Nigeria’s maritime history.

He added that the long-stalled Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund had finally been unlocked to empower indigenous shipowners, while a National Flag Carrier Technical Committee had been inaugurated to deliver a private-sector-led national shipping line that would restore Nigeria’s pride in global shipping.

Oyetola further pointed to progress in boosting local fish production to strengthen food security, supporting aquaculture in riverine communities, and reforming inland waterway safety through new regulations, improved patrols, search and rescue coordination, and stricter passenger vessel standards.

Despite these achievements, Oyetola lamented that Nigeria continues to bear the burden of war risk insurance premiums imposed by international underwriters.

He observed that these charges, based on outdated perceptions of insecurity, have cost the nation an estimated $1.5 billion in the last few years.

The Minister stressed that Nigeria’s narrative of piracy and armed robbery on its waters no longer reflects present realities.

Over the past four years, he said, the country has recorded zero piracy incidents due to sustained investments in maritime security, particularly through the Deep Blue Project.

The Deep Blue Project, implemented by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in partnership with the Nigerian Navy, integrates air, land, and sea assets to deliver real-time surveillance and interdiction.

The success of this initiative has been acknowledged globally, earning Nigeria commendations from the International Maritime Organization, the International Maritime Bureau, and removal from the International Bargaining Forum’s list of high-risk nations.

Yet, Oyetola explained, key global insurers, especially Lloyd’s of London, remain reluctant to update their risk classifications, leaving Nigeria and its consumers to shoulder unfair costs.

He assured industry stakeholders that his Ministry, working closely with NIMASA, is engaging directly with BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping, and Lloyd’s, presenting empirical data to demonstrate Nigeria’s security progress.

Alongside this diplomatic push, he said the government would continue to strengthen maritime security architecture, publish regular security reports, deepen regional cooperation under the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security, and promote the development of local maritime insurance to retain value within Nigeria’s economy.

The Minister concluded his address on a note of optimism, declaring that the future of Nigeria’s blue economy remains bright.

He emphasised that in just two years, the country has shown what is possible with vision, determination, and partnership, but added that much more lies ahead.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s waters, modernising its ports, empowering local operators, expanding fisheries, and ensuring that the blue economy becomes a pillar of growth, jobs, and sustainability for generations to come.

Formally declaring the lecture open, Oyetola urged participants to contribute their recommendations, which he said would enrich government policy and strengthen strategies for the collective advancement of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

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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.