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Oyetola laments surge in waterways accidents.

–calls on operators, state governments to invest in modern boats 
Funso OLOJO 
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has condemned the flagrant disregard for safety measures by operators of waterways transport which he lamented has continued to lead to loss of lives on the Nigerian waterways.
Oyetola expressed his sadness over the upsurge in accidents on Nigeria’ s waterways despite the efforts of the Federal government to curb the menace.
While speaking against the backdrop of
recent tragic boat accidents which claimed several lives and left many families in mourning, the Minister reiterated his call for the ban on wooden boats and urged the operators and state governments to invest in fiber and aluminium water crafts that will minimize accidents on waterways.
He expressed deep sympathy with the victims of the recent mishaps and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
Oyetola however charged waterways users to take personal responsibility for their safety by adhering strictly to basic safety measures.
He warned against night travel, which he said often comes with poor visibility and higher risks and urged passengers to insist on wearing approved life jackets at all times.
“Waterway users must refuse to board rickety or overloaded boats,” he cautioned. “No journey is worth risking your life. Avoid night travels, wear life jackets and prioritise safety above all else.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones. These recurring tragedies are painful and unacceptable, and they underscore the urgent need to address the root causes of waterway accidents in the country,” he said.
According to the Minister, the continued reliance on rickety boats in many riverine states and non-adherence to safety standards remain the major contributors to accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
 He noted that many of these boats are poorly constructed, inadequately maintained and prone to structural failure, especially when overloaded or exposed to harsh weather conditions.
“Wooden boats deteriorate quickly due to constant exposure to water, leading to cracks, leakages and eventual collapse,” he explained.
“They lack stability, are easily capsized and often have no safety features. In many cases, they are operated without proper regulation or adherence to safety standards, putting passengers’ lives at serious risk.”
The Minister stressed that phasing out wooden boats in favour of fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium boats would significantly improve safety on the waterways.
He highlighted that fibre and aluminium boats are more durable, stable and resistant to corrosion, making them better suited for commercial operations.
“These modern boats are stronger, more reliable and easier to maintain,” he said. “They offer better balance and buoyancy, reduce the risk of sudden breakage, and can be fitted with essential safety equipment.”
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to waterway safety, Dr. Oyetola disclosed that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has continued to roll out interventions aimed at reducing accidents. He cited the distribution of 35,000 life jackets by the Ministry to riverine states in 2025 as part of efforts to enhance safety consciousness and preparedness.
“Despite these interventions, we are still witnessing boat mishaps, largely because of the persistent use of unsafe wooden boats,” the Minister noted.
“This is why we are appealing to state governments to urgently complement federal efforts by investing in modern, non-wooden boats for commercial operations in their states and provide standard life jackets for all water transport passengers in their domains.”
He emphasised that ensuring safety on Nigeria’s waterways requires collective action and political will at all levels of government.
“Water transportation is a critical component of our blue economy,” Oyetola said. “But it must be safe, regulated and sustainable. Together, we can put an end to these avoidable tragedies and protect the lives of our citizens.” Oyetola submitted.
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Headlines

Greg Ogbeifun confirms chairmanship of 10th AMSAY Conference Anniversary on May 27th.

Gloria Odion,  Maritime reporter 
The organisers of the Annual Maritime Students and Youth (AMSAY) Conference have announced that  renowned ship owner and Chairman of Starzs Investment Company Ltd, Engr Greg Ogbeifun will chair the 10th anniversary of the event scheduled to hold in Lagos on May 27, 2026.
The announcement comes as preparations intensify for what is widely regarded as a landmark edition of the youth-focused maritime conference.
The 10th AMSAY Conference marks a decade of sustained youth engagement, innovation, and impact in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
It is expected to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, stakeholders, and young professionals from across the maritime ecosystem.
Engr. Ogbeifun’s confirmation as Chairman adds significant weight to the anniversary event.
He previously served as the Pioneer Chairman during the maiden edition of the conference in 2016, and his return ten years later is described by the organisers as both symbolic and strategic.
According to the Convener and CEO of Platforms Communications, Mr Sylvanus Obasi, the decision reflects a deliberate effort to connect the conference’s origins with its current status, noting that the AMSAY Conference has evolved significantly over the past decade.
He highlighted that several key initiatives now associated with the conference were not part of its original design.
 Among these are the Best Graduating Maritime Students Awards (BEGMASA); the  Fola Ojutalayo Annual Maritime Speech-Making Competition (FOAMSC), including the Maritime Career Mentoring Program (M-CAMP).
These programmes, according to him, have become integral components and offshoot of the AMSAY Conference brand.
Speaking further, Obasi stated that the initiatives have delivered measurable impact in youth development and professional capacity building, even as he further described the growth of these programmes as evidence of the conference’s commitment to continuous improvement.
“Bringing Engr. Ogbeifun back after ten years is a strategic move. It gives us the opportunity to reflect on our journey and showcase our achievements.”, the Convener said, adding that the anniversary edition will also provide a platform to draw from Engr Greg’s  wealth of experience and industry insight.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Central Planning Committee of AMSAY Conference, Mr Nnamdi Eronini hinted that the 10th AMSAY Conference is expected to feature robust discussions, mentorship engagements, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
He reaffirmed the organisers commitment to advancing the maritime sector through sustained youth engagement and innovation, noting that the event is positioned as a leading platform for shaping the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
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Customs

Oyo/Osun Customs Command collects 27.2billon revenue in Q1 2026

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has posted an impressive 95% increase in revenue collection in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
Led by Acting Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, the command generated ₦27.2 billion between January and March 2026, up from ₦13.97 billion in Q1 2025.
A breakdown of the generated revenue revealed that the command raked in a total sum of N5,977,766,941.65 in January 2026 which was about N2 billion lower (23% down) than the total sum of N7,804,408,776.88 collected in the same period of 2025.
However, despite a dip in January, revenue rebounded strongly in February and March.
 In February , the command’s revenue collection jumped up astronomically to a total sum of N8,767,974,864.40 against the very low total revenue of N2,289,193,870 realized in the corresponding period of 2025.
This year’s February revenue is over 383% higher than the revenue collected the same period last year.
February’s performance was the standout, with collections nearly quadrupling year-on-year.
In March 2026, Acting Comptroller Adewole’s administrative ingenuity and thoroughness further shored up the revenue generation of the command in the month under review to a total sum of N12,454,516,158.62.
 In the corresponding period  of last year, the command’s generated revenue was a patry sum of N3,877,668,667.
This year’s March revenue achievement represents 321% rise over last year’s.
 Acting Comptroller Adewole’s administrative reforms and enforcement measures are credited with driving the surge.
Overall, the command’s Q1 results underscore a significant improvement in efficiency and compliance, positioning Oyo/Osun as one of the strongest performing Customs Commands in the country.
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Headlines

NRC decries ceaseless attacks, vandalism on trains along Abuja- Kaduna rail corridor 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has lamented the ceaseless attacks on its train operations along the  notorious Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor by suspected vandals and criminal elements.
In a statement by the Corporation,the latest incident occurred around Kilometer 177 along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, where some unknown persons reportedly gathered along the rail track and began pelting stones at a moving train, leading to damage to the windscreen of the leading locomotive.
The NRC noted with deep concern that within the last two weeks, similar attacks have also been witnessed in other locations, including Gidan Busa/Sarki Gora Village, Kakau District, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, among others, a development it feared is posing serious danger to railway operations, passengers, and operational personnel.
The NRC management disclosed that similar incidents have so far been recorded in more than six locations along the corridor, thereby worsening the already challenging and stressful operational conditions under which the Corporation continues to provide essential transport services to Nigerians.
The NRC stated that these persistent attacks not only endanger lives and damage critical railway infrastructure, but also constitute acts of economic sabotage capable of disrupting national transportation and undermining the huge investments of the Federal Government in the railway sector.
The Corporation however assured that despite the unfortunate development, train operations have continued with necessary safety precautions and strict operational vigilance by railway personnel who have continued to demonstrate commitment and professionalism in ensuring that passengers reach their destinations safely.
The Management of the Corporation specially acknowledged the efforts and support of security operatives working tirelessly with the NRC to secure railway corridors and safeguard passengers and railway assets despite the persistent attacks.
It said it is currently working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen surveillance along the corridor, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice.
The NRC therefore called on residents and communities along railway corridors to support efforts aimed at protecting railway infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities and discouraging criminal attacks on trains and railway installations.
NRC further expressed concerns that continuous attacks on railway operations could negatively affect smooth service delivery if urgent collective action is not taken to curb the menace.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation remains committed to ensuring safe, secure, and efficient train operations across the country and assures passengers that every necessary measure is being taken to safeguard lives and railway assets” the statement concluded.
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