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NRC blames Abuja – Kaduna train derailment on over- speeding, misapplication of breaking system 

— as recovery efforts in top gear
Funso OLOJO 
Preliminary reports of investigation by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) into the rail derailment on Abuja- Kaduna route which happened on August 26th, 2025 at Asham have pointed to human error of the train driver or locomotive operator.
According to the statement signed by the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, the derailment was essentially caused by “excessive speeding and misapplication of the emergency braking system”
This is however despite the findings of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the investigating committee set up by the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali whose reports are still being awaited.
“While awaiting the outcome of the committee set up by the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, as well as the findings of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), we wish to state clearly that our investigation points to human error – excessive speeding and misapplication of the emergency braking system” the statement declared.
However, the Corporation has recorded a substantial progress in its recovery, repair and safety efforts in the accident site.
The NRC confirmed that its team of engineers has successfully re-railed and recovered all coaches and locomotives involved in the incident.
“These assets have since been moved to designated workshops for comprehensive assessment and further technical work.
“Our team of engineers has successfully repaired the main line to a level that allows us to safely resume operations.
“While train services will recommence, work on the secondary track will continue simultaneously.
“During this period, the second line will remain out of use until all necessary repairs are fully completed.
“The engineers have now commenced a comprehensive safety and infrastructure assessment to ensure that all aspects of the corridor meet the highest standards of safety, durability, and reliability before operations resume.
“This phase includes a thorough evaluation of the repaired section and other critical infrastructure along the route.
“NRC emphasized that the resumption of operations will only take place after all necessary technical inspections, tests, and certifications are concluded.
“Safety remains our top priority,” the Corporation stated, reaffirming its determination to restore public confidence in rail services” the Corporation stated.
Meanwhile, the NRC has also confirmed  that out of the 618 passengers on board the affected train, 22 sustained injuries and are at various stages of recovery.
“We have successfully contacted 512 passengers, while 71 are yet to be reached due to various reasons ranging from not responding, wrong numbers, and unavailability.
“We have also completed an in-house investigation into the incident, with management accepting all recommendations of the internal investigation team” the statement declared.
The Corporation stated that it would soon make an official announcement on the resumption of train services on the corridor.
“While acknowledging the inconvenience caused, the NRC expressed deep appreciation to its passengers and the general public for their patience, support, and understanding throughout the recovery process.
“The Corporation also extended gratitude to media houses for their role in providing timely and accurate updates, as well as to the security agencies for their support in ensuring the safety of recovery operations and the protection of lives and properties.
“To the security agencies, we are most appreciative of the role played during the emergency management as well as during the recovery period.
“We also acknowledge the support and understanding received from the office of the Honourable Minister of Transportation and the team at the FMOT.
“Finally, we are proud of the professionalism exhibited by our engineering and technical team, who have demonstrated extraordinary competence”
The Corporation however said it reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to continued delivery of safe, efficient, and dependable rail transport services, in line with Nigeria’s broader transportation modernization agenda.
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Headlines

Dominguez, IMO Scribe, warns that human activities put ocean at risk 

– as Nigeria joins global community to commemorate World Maritime Day 
Funso OLOJO 

Arsenio Dominguez, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has warned about the enormous pressure which human activities have place on the world marine ecosystem.
He lamented that self- induced activities such as pollution, warming, acidification, and overfishing are putting the ocean at great risk.
The IMO Scribe was speaking ahead of the annual commemoration of the World Maritime Day holding on Thursday, September 25th, 2025.
Dominguez, in his message, underscored the essential role of the ocean in regulating the climate, sustaining life, and supporting global trade.
According to him, urgent global cooperation is required to reduce pollution, protect marine life, and adopt sustainable practices.
 “While human activity has caused the damage, it also holds the key to restoring the ocean—presenting both a responsibility and an opportunity for a healthier, safer future,” the IMO chief declared.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,  Adegboyega Oyetola, while speaking on the Day with the theme ” Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”
emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the citizenry and the Federal Government to harness the vast opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The event, which is an annual ritual, is aimed at highlighting the shared responsibility of citizens to utilize the ocean in a sustainable manner, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
 It underscores the transgenerational importance of protecting ocean resources, while also recognizing the immense opportunities the oceans portend for humanity.
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Headlines

Dantsoho woos foreign investors at UNGA as he flaunts NPA achievements at global stage 

Funso OLOJO

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has enumerated the landmark achievements of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) aimed at stimulating the Nigerian economy and meant to build a smart port system that facilitates trade.

Dantsoho disclosed this while delivering a paper titled, “Optimising Nigeria’s Port Infrastructure, Enhancing Trade Facilitation and Global Competitiveness,” at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

 He told the global audience that the NPA is working to build a globally competitive port system that will enhance trade facilitation, attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic future.

Dantsoho stated that the authority would launch the Port Community System (PCS) by the first quarter of 2026.

According to him, “We are building a globally competitive port system that will strengthen trade facilitation, attract Foreign Direct Investment, and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic future. We look forward to continued collaboration to achieve these goals.

“NPA is also implementing a digital, collaborative, and all-encompassing platform connecting stakeholders, data, transactions, and initiatives to improve NPA’s digital footprint.

“This platform (Port Community System) was seen as viable in the first quarter of 2026.”

The NPA boss further stated that all the nation’s seaports’ digital platforms allowed for paperless transactions, which minimises waste.

He stated that the nation’s seaports efficiency have contributed to a 19.6% growth in non-oil exports in the first half of 2025.

“The NPA is using smart digitalisation to achieve lean and green operations.

” We’ve deployed a new electronic barrier system at all Lagos Port Complex terminals to improve traffic and control access.

“This system is integrated with the “Eto Electronic Call-Up System’ (a call-up truck system developed in collaboration with several truck parks) manages truck entry and eases congestion.”

“We are optimising cargo processes by introducing e-Tag verification, Joint boarding apps, electronic send systems, and others to reduce cargo dwell time and turnaround time in our ports.

” Our digital platforms allow for paperless transactions, which minimise waste.

“The NPA is infusing sustainability into its operations to boost efficiency and long-term viability. We are improving intermodal connectivity to reduce reliance on road transport and lower emissions.

Speaking on reducing emission, the NPA helmsman, said the authority is spearheading the shore-to-ship emission reduction, starting with the Lekki Port.

“We are improving intermodal connectivity to reduce reliance on road transport and lower emissions.

“We are currently working on automating our Barge, Truck, and Railway applications.

“The Authority is spearheading the shore-to-ship emission reduction, starting with the Lekki Port.

“NPA is spearheading the collaborative one-stop shop (OSS) ref hed oil export/local crude payment to enhance seamless approvals and revenue generation for the government,” he added.

He stated further that the authority is dedicated to modernising the nation’s seaport infrastructure and streamlining their services.

“This multi-purpose port in the Lekki Free Zone is a key collaboration between the NPA and other partners.

“The port’s capability to handle super post-Panamax vessels is essential for achieving economies of scale and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian exports.

“We have commissioned and dedicated a state-of-the-art fleet of tug boats and allied Marine Crafts to service the ever growing operations at the Lekki Deep Seaport, the Dangote Refinery, which is the largest single-train refinery in the world and the Dangote Fertilizer Plant, which is the largest granulated urea fertiliser plant in Africa.”

“The Nigerian Ports Authority is dedicated to modernising our port infrastructure and streamlining our services. We look forward to continued collaboration to achieve these goals,” he stated.

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Customs

Oshoba preps up Customs officers, stakeholders for increased operational activities at Apapa Port

— as Apapa command receives four scanning machines 
Funso OLOJO 
The Customs Area Controller of the Apapa command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Oluwadare Oshoba, has urged the officers of the command, importers and exporters who ply their trade at the command, to brace up for a busy working schedule ahead as the command has taken delivery of three fixed scanning machines and additional mobile one to fast track cargo clearance procedures at the port.
Following the delivery and installation of the scanners, one of which was donated by the APM Terminals, the command said it has the capacity to scan a minimum of 200 containers per hour.
Speaking shortly after inspecting the location for the installation of three out of the four scanners at the port, Comptroller Oshoba said Apapa Port Command is ready to surpass expectations as the scanners would be examining 200 containers per hour.
While describing the quayside location for the scanners as an operational masterstroke, the Customs chief said no consignment will escape high-tech driven, non-intrusive inspection at Apapa port as the scanners would be strategically positioned close to the berthing area.
Comptroller Oshoba ,who commended CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his relentless commitment to NCS modernisation, also urged officers to prepare for intensive train -the -trainer sessions as the next phase after installation would be training ahead of full deployment
He also advised NCS ICT officers to improve on capacity building for tier one and tier two levels of maintenance of the scanners, which are first of its kind in the West and Central Africa subregion
Comptroller Oshoba described the feat as a great milestone about to happen and advised port users, especially importers, exporters and their agents to uphold the tenet of sincere declaration as all false declarations and concealment would be exposed by the technology.
In expression of gratitude to the CGC, Comptroller Oshoba said, ” I want to on behalf of our officers and men, thank the CGC for leading us through an era of revolutionary customs modernisation.
” The coming of these scanners is one of the many great fruits we shall be harvesting from the modernisation project.
“Our partners, the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP), have assured us that the installation would last for 45 days, and we are expecting two units of scanners from them with an additional one from APM Terminals.
“These three scanners would ensure that there is no downtime for cargo examination here and reinforce our position as the number one destination for port activities in Nigeria.
“All hands must be on deck to see to the full realisation of this dream which would save time, increase revenue, enhance national security, promote trade and prevent port related crimes from the earliest point of entry” the CAC said.
Also speaking on the development, Aliyu Suleiman, TMP Team Leader at the site, gave details on the scanners produced by Nuctech in China.
 He described them as the NUCTECH FS6000 with a high-throughput, non-intrusive, drive-through X-ray inspection system for cargo and vehicles.
He added that the scanners use high-penetration dual-energy X-ray transmission technology to inspect trucks and containers in one pass at speeds up to 15 km/h, allowing for non-stop inspection at busy locations like ports and border crossings.
According to the expert, the system provides detailed images that help identify concealed contraband and dangerous materials, and its compact, modular design allows for easy relocation and integration with other systems like License Plate Recognition (LPR) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
In addition to the three fixed scanners about being installed, APM Terminals has also promised to provide a mobile scanner to serve as support in the event of unexpected downtime.
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