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In Malmo, Sweden, NIMASA renews capacity development partnership with WMU

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has renewed its strategic capacity development partnership with the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden, through the signing of a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime human capital and institutional capacity.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the partnership as a critical pillar in NIMASA’s human capital development framework and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s maritime future.

“This collaboration has significantly strengthened our technical and regulatory capabilities over the years.

“Officers trained at WMU have enhanced our effectiveness in maritime safety administration, environmental compliance, maritime law, and shipping management.

“Their expertise has also reinforced Nigeria’s participation at the International Maritime Organization and other international maritime platforms,” he stated.

Under the renewed MoU, which was first signed in 2022, NIMASA will sponsor at least ten officers annually for the 14-month Master of Science programme at WMU in Malmö for the 2026–2029 intakes, as well as at least one officer for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme jointly delivered by WMU and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), Malta.

The MoU also provides for distance learning, executive professional development courses, research collaboration and technical assistance to strengthen NIMASA’s capacity in maritime safety, environmental management, seafarer certification and implementation of international maritime instruments.

WMU will further seek additional fellowships from international donors for qualified NIMASA candidates.

Dr. Mobereola endorsed the MoU on behalf of NIMASA with the President of WMU, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr signing on behalf of the University while Executive Director Finance and Administration, NIMASA ,Chudi Offodile and the Registrar of WMU, Mr. Peter Marriott both signed as witnesses.

Established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization, WMU was mandated to strengthen global maritime capacity, particularly in developing countries.

The University has since become a leading centre of excellence, and Nigeria has benefited significantly through the training of NIMASA officers who continue to enhance national maritime governance and international engagement.

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Headlines

NSC buckles under pressure, suspends implementation of tariff hike at ports

Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council may have capitulated under intense pressure from the freight forwarders who have apparently make the regulatory agency hastily reverse itself over the tariff hike at the Ports.
It could be recalled that the NSC approved tariff increase in shipping and terminal charges due to what it said was necessitated by the exigency of time.
However, the implementation of the hike has sparked an uproar among the freight forwarders who have rebuffed all entreaties from the NSC but vowed to shut down the operations of service providers.
Last week, the irate freight forwarders have commenced systematic picketing of some of the shipping company, including MSC, promising to resume the targeted shut -down of the operations of other service providers in the coming weeks.
However, in a dramatic  turn of event, the management of the NSC has directed an immediate suspension of the implementation of the tariff hike by the terminal operators, while urging them to revert to old rate until the issues surrounding the controversial hike are resolved.
In a terse statement by the management, the council said the directive is necessary in order to safeguard fair competition, transparency, and sectoral stability, as well as to give room for likely review of the new charges and conclusion of the ongoing consultation with stakeholders.
“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), in the exercise of its statutory mandate as the economic regulator of the port and shipping sector, hereby directs all shipping lines and their respective agencies to immediately suspend the implementation of the recently approved tariffs.
“This directive is issued pursuant to ongoing engagements with critical stakeholders and in response to substantive concerns raised regarding the timing, structure, and potential impact of the said tariffs on port users and the wider logistics value chain.
“In order to safeguard fair competition, transparency, and sectoral stability, the Council considers it necessary to halt further implementation pending the conclusion of comprehensive consultations and regulatory review.
“Accordingly, all affected operators are mandated to revert to, and apply strictly, the tariff regime that was in force immediately prior to the said increase.
“Any deviation from this directive shall constitute a breach of regulatory compliance and will attract appropriate sanctions in line with extant laws and regulations.
“The Council will, upon conclusion of stakeholder consultations and internal review processes, communicate a definitive position on the matter.
“The NSC remains resolute in its commitment to effective economic regulation, protection of cargo interests, and the promotion of an efficient and equitable maritime transport system.
“All operators are hereby enjoined to ensure strict and immediate compliance”, the statement concluded.
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NSC condemns picketing of MSC over tariff hike, urges freight forwarders to embrace dialogue

Gloria Odion,  Maritime Reporter
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Pius, has called on freight forwarders to embrace dialogue as a constructive means of resolving their grievances rather than resorting to industrial actions capable of undermining the nation’s economy.
Akutah appealed while reacting to the picketing of the offices of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) by freight forwarders protesting the recent increase in shipping line tariffs.
Despite the protests, the Council’s attempt to engage the aggrieved freight forwarders in discussions was resisted, as the protesters insisted that there was no basis for dialogue.
They also vowed to continue the protest on Monday until the increased charges are immediately reversed.
The Shippers’ Council boss stressed that dialogue remains the most effective and modern dispute resolution mechanism, noting that it is faster, more humane, and more productive than what he described as a “bottled anger approach.”
He warned that prolonged industrial disputes within the maritime sector could disrupt port operations and negatively impact trade and economic activities.
While acknowledging the right of stakeholders to express their concerns, the Council condemned what it described as the unprofessional conduct of some freight forwarders, particularly the act of blocking regulators from accessing the MSC premises to address the matter.
 Akutah also recalled that during a similar protest over the same tariff increment a few weeks earlier, the Council intervened and compelled MSC to suspend the collection of the disputed charges for two days while discussions were ongoing.
He reiterated the Council’s commitment to mediating between shipping companies and freight forwarders to ensure fair practices and stability within the maritime industry.
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NRC announces increased train services to accommodate Sallah surge in passenger travels 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced special train service arrangements across its major corridors to facilitate seamless travel during the Eid-el-Fitr (Sallah) celebrations, with increased capacity and additional services deployed to meet the anticipated surge in passenger movement nationwide.
As part of the festive arrangements, the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS) will operate three trips on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
 From the Lagos end (Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta), departures are scheduled for 7:40 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., while from the Ibadan end (Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya), departures will be at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m.
 This one-day special arrangement is designed to accommodate increased passenger traffic during the Sallah celebration, after which the service will revert to its regular schedule.
On the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) corridor, the Corporation will operate two trips on Thursday, March 19, 2026, while three trips will run on Friday, March 20; Saturday, March 21; Sunday, March 22; and Monday, March 23, 2026, to provide additional travel options and ease passenger movement during the festive period.
In addition, the Corporation, under a partnership with the Osun State Government, will operate the Imole Special Train on the narrow gauge corridor from Iddo Station in Lagos to Osogbo, conveying indigenes of Osun State free of charge as part of the State Government’s Sallah initiative.
 The service is fully sponsored by the Osun State Government, with the NRC providing rolling stock, technical support, and operational services.
On the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor, trains will operate three times weekly.
From Warri to Itakpe, services will run on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, departing at 8:00 a.m. prompt.
 From Itakpe to Warri, trains will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, departing at 12:00 noon.
 Thursdays are reserved for maintenance activities to ensure safe and efficient operations on the corridor.
Similarly, on the Eastern narrow gauge corridor, the Port Harcourt–Aba Train Service will continue to operate its regular schedule throughout the Sallah period.
The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation reassures passengers of its commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail transport services across all corridors.
Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, arrive early at stations, and comply with all ticketing and security procedures.
The Corporation wishes all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr celebration and encourages the public to continue to patronize rail transport as a safe and dependable means of travel.
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