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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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