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At World Maritime Day celebration, Oyetola expresses optimism about Nigeria’s re-election into IMO council

– calls for global collaboration to develop industry’s vast potential 
Funso OLOJO
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,  Adegboyega Oyetola, has reiterated Nigeria’s determination to clinch the elusive category C membership of the International Maritime Organization(IMO) council in December, 2025.
Oyetola expressed this optimism on Thursday, September, 25th, 2025 while declaring declaring open the one – day celebration of the 2025 World Maritime Day in Lagos.
 “With broad support already expressed by IMO member states, we are optimistic about our re-election,” Oyetola enthused.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s event “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” the minister emphasized the critical importance of ocean stewardship and the vast potential of the blue economy.
“The ocean produces up to 80 per cent of the Earth’s oxygen, supports billions of livelihoods, and carries over 80 per cent of global trade,” Oyetola noted.
 “Yet it faces mounting threats – from pollution and overfishing to climate change. We must be stewards, not exploiters.”
He outlined Nigeria’s strategic efforts to modernize port infrastructure, enforce sustainable fishing practices, and strengthen maritime safety.
Oyetola praised the dedication of agencies under the Ministry and their alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Highlighting the blue economy as a frontier for innovation, the minister pointed to opportunities in renewable ocean energy, marine biotechnology, and aquaculture.
 He reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing dependence on oil and gas through bold reforms and international collaboration.
In a significant diplomatic appeal, the Minister invited global partners to deepen cooperation in maritime governance, stating, “Diplomacy is the strongest anchor of the maritime sector.
” We look forward to working with the international community to advance both Nigeria’s interests and the collective good.”
The celebration concluded with a renewed national pledge to safeguard the ocean and harness its promise for future generations.
“Our ocean is our shared legacy,” Oyetola declared. “Our obligation is to protect it. Our opportunity is to transform it.”
The 2025 World Maritime Day event underscored Nigeria’s readiness to lead in shaping the future of maritime governance-at home and on the world stage.
The theme of this year’s event echoed the global call by the International Maritime Organization(IMO) to protect marine ecosystems while unlocking sustainable economic growth.
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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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