Headlines

Why President Tinubu refused to sign NSC’s NPERA bill into law

– as NSC administers oath of secrecy on staff to engender ethical conduct

Gloria Odion in Abeokuta

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah, has given an insight into the reason why the much- awaited Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill has still not being signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since last year the instrument was transmitted to him by the National Assembly.

It could be recalled that the bill, which seeks to transform the NSC into a powerful, independent economic regulator for Nigerian ports, has obtained concurrent approval from the House of Representatives and the Senate before it was transmitted to President Tinubu for presidential assent.

However, Akutah, while speaking at the 2026 management retreat for the NSC in Abeokuta on Thursday, March 5th, 2026, disclosed that the President refused to sign the much awaited bill into law due to some of its provisions which conflict with 2025 tax law.

As a result, the President had to send it back to the National Assembly for amendment.

“As you are aware, the Bill had earlier been passed by the National Assembly and transmitted for Presidential assent.

“During the review process, however, certain provisions were observed to conflict with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025.

“In line with the observations communicated by Mr. President, the Bill was returned to the National Assembly for the necessary corrections” Akutah disclosed.

He however stated that the House of Representatives had done the necessary corrections and sent it to the Senate for concurrence

“I am pleased to inform you that the House of Representatives has addressed the areas of conflict, amended the Bill in line with the President’s comments, and passed the revised version, which is now awaiting concurrence of the Senate”

” Once assented to, this legislation will provide the statutory foundation for strengthening Nigeria’s port economic regulatory framework and further reposition the Council for its expanded mandate.” the NSC boss assured.

Meanwhile, Akutah has charged the staff of the agency to imbibe ethical conduct, shun gossip, side- talks and misinformation, which he said are capable of destroying institutional integrity of the Council.

He disclosed that it was as a result to safeguard the sanctity and integrity of the Council that made the management to administer an oath of secrecy on the staff.

“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council is a regulatory institution of national importance.

“The reputation, credibility and authority of this institution depend greatly on the conduct, integrity and professionalism of its staff.

“Every member of this organisation must therefore uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline confidentiality and institutional responsibility.

“It is important to remind us all that last year, staff of the Council formally took an Oath of Secrecy and Allegiance, which remains binding on every staff member of this organisation.

“That oath was not merely ceremonial. It was a solemn commitment to uphold the principles of confidentiality, loyalty and integrity in the discharge of our duties as public servants.

“Let me therefore emphasise clearly that confidentiality in official matters is not optional; it is a core obligation of public service.

“Equally important is the need to avoid gossip, rumour-mongering and the spread of lies, falsehoods and misinformation within the organisation.

“Such behaviours create mistrust among colleagues, undermine teamwork and collaboration, distort management decisions, weaken morale and productivity and damage the integrity and reputation of the institution.

“No serious organisation can thrive where rumours replace responsible communication and professionalism

He however warned that the management of the agency will not hesitate to weild the big stick on any staff found culpable in any act of unethical conduct, no matter how highly placed.

Akutah reminded the participants of the need to imbibe the theme of this year’s retreat, “Advancing Strategic Execution: Driving Collaboration, Innovation and Excellence for a Future-Ready NSC.” which he said must shape the thinking and conduct of every staff.

“This theme highlights three strategic imperatives that must guide the next phase of the Council’s institutional development.

“Collaboration, because no regulatory institution can operate effectively in isolation within a complex maritime ecosystem.

“Innovation, because the dynamics of global trade and logistics require institutions that are adaptive, technology-driven and forward-looking.

“And Excellence, because the credibility and authority of a regulator ultimately depend on the professionalism, integrity and performance of its people.

“These three pillars must therefore shape how we think, how we lead and how we execute our responsibilities as an institution

He admonished the management staff, Directors and Unit Heads to back the Council’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan which was produced in Ibadan retreat in 2025 with measurable performance rooted in clinical execution.

Akutah therefore urged them to work in tandem with the vision of the council while there must be coordination across all the units and departments for harmonised results.

“The strength of any institution is not measured by the quality of its plans, but by the discipline with which those plans are executed.”

“Directors and Heads of Units must therefore see themselves not merely as administrators of departments but as drivers of institutional transformation.

“In practical terms, this transformation requires stronger collaboration across departments and units, greater innovation in the way we deploy technology and regulatory tools, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence in service delivery and institutional performance.

The NSC disclosed that the management considered the staff as critical components that will make the agency achieve its vision.

As a result, he said adequate incentives and welfare packages have been approved for the staff to motivate them.

Such incentives include review of staff salaries, enhanced allowances and benefits and capacity trainings

“Institutional transformation must also be supported by improved staff welfare and motivation.

“I am pleased to inform you that the proposed salary review for staff of the Council has already received approval from the Ministry and the OHCSF.

“The proposal is currently undergoing vetting and clearance by the Budget Office of the Federation, after which it will be considered by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for final approval prior to implementation.

“Management remains optimistic that the process will soon be concluded.

“In addition, several welfare improvements have been introduced, including, Upward review of the Children Education Grant to per term, introduction of Health and Social Club allowances; and introduction of Proficiency Allowances to encourage professional development.

“These initiatives reflect management’s commitment to strengthening staff welfare and institutional morale.

“Last year also recorded a significant expansion in staff capacity development programmes.

“A larger number of staff were sponsored to attend international conferences,

professional meetings, specialised training programmes and local capacity development workshops.

“Indeed, the scale of staff participation in these programmes was unprecedented in the history of the Council.

“Our objective remains to build a workforce that is professionally competent, globally competitive and capable of supporting the Council’s expanding mandate” Akutah enthused.

He therefore charged all the staff to take full ownership of the council’s transformation agenda.

“This retreat is not merely an opportunity for discussion. It is a call to leadership.

“I therefore call on every Director and Head of Unit to take full ownership of the Council’s transformation agenda.

“Each department/unit must align its priorities with the strategic objectives of the Council.

“Each leader must inspire their teams toward higher performance. And each unit must commit itself to delivering measurable results.

“Let us remember that institutions do not transform themselves, people transform institutions, and the responsibility for that transformation begins with us” Akutah admonished.

The management retreat was attended by the Board Chairman of the Council, his members, management staff of the council, Directors and Heads of the various units.

The 5- day event will end on March 8th, 2026.

Headlines

May Day: Mobereola salutes maritime workers for passion, dedication to building virile industry

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

The Director – General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has saluted the courage , passion and dedication of maritime workers to building strong and virile industry.

In his message at the Workers’ day on May 1st, 2026, the NIMASA DG extolled the virtues of workers and acknowledged the distinguished service of various stakeholders whose efforts he noted continue to significantly contribute to the development of the Nigerian maritime industry.

Dr. Mobereola, while wishing stakeholders a Happy Workers’ Day said “to all the amazing officers and stakeholders in the maritime sector who bring their passion and expertise to work daily.

“Thank you for your dedication and invaluable contributions”.

He emphasized that as a regulator, the Agency remains committed to its oversight function of regulating maritime labour activities in the industry in line with extant instruments and the expectations of the theme of the 2026 Workers’ Day, which focuses on safety, dignity and productivity.

Customs

Kaila, Seme Customs CAC, seeks collaboration with stakeholders to achieve seemless trade along border corridor

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The new Area Controller of the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has reached out to traditional rulers and sister agencies at the border communities to ensure the achievement of his mandate of detection, determent of smuggling, revenue generation and trade facilitation along the border corridor.

To achieve these objectives, Comptroller Kaila went on tour of the communities within the border corridor where he met and sought for the support and cooperation of major critical stakeholders, including the traditional rulers and sister agencies.

According to him, his objective was to eradicate trade hindrances affecting free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan business corridor.

Speaking at the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I who was a well recognized traditional ruler across the border communities.

“”The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service.

“Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling.

“And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we can not have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said

The King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, who described Kaila as the son of the soil, added that “We have listened to your request.

” Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.

Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya, signifies his commitment to fostering the service relationship with residents living within the border communities

“I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required.

” In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he mentioned

While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom, the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.

“I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need.

“Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your presence here, things will change for the better, ” he said

In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, Kaila also visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry.

The Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu,expressed the readiness of the formation to always support the command in achieving its mandate.

“Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility.

” Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said

The Area Controller then ended his familirisation tour with seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office, showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.

Headlines

Opeifa decries encroachment on NRC properties across the country

— praises collaboration with Abia, Enugu govts.

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has reiterated his displeasure over the widespread practice of encroachment on the properties of the Nigerian Railways Corporation across the country, warning that such action would not be tolerated by his administration.

Opeifa was speaking during the separate meetings he recently had with the governments of both Abia and Enugu states.

Represented by the Railway District Manager, Eastern District, Mr. Agwonye Francis Ejike, the NRC boss quickly condemned the occupation of the Corporation’s right- of – way by squatters in Umuahia, while correcting the wrongly- held belief that the Railway is defunct.

Opeifa however applauded the cordial and collaborative relationship between the Corporation and the governments of both Abia and Enugu.

According to him, such productive harmony can only yield even greater positive results for the benefit of the people.

During the Umuahia meeting, Dr. Opeifa strongly praised the Abia State Government for its crucial assistance in clearing the NRC’s right-of-way within Umuahia.

He reiterated unequivocally that no one is permitted to build any structure on railway property without obtaining express approval from his office.

Appealing directly to the public, he urged for greater patience, stressing that the plans for the critical track extension from Aba, through Umuahia to Enugu and beyond, remain very much on course.

Responding on behalf of the Abia State Government, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh stated that the State Government is actively engaging all stakeholders by providing alternative, seamless locations for those currently conducting business on the railway right-of-way.

He further revealed that the state government has already finalized plans to plant trees along the route, creating a leisurely and aesthetically conducive environment for relaxation, replacing previous commercial activities.

The high-powered team then embarked on an extensive inspection of the alternative relocation site for displaced persons; the demolition site where iron barrier installation is progressing; the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal; the site for the new Umuahia Railway Station; and the route for the proposed link road passing through the existing railway station.

The meeting also explored the provision of a temporary location for the Railway Police and the PTO, pending the construction of the new Umuahia Station, which is designed to include a police station and other NRC offices.

The same impactful message was delivered to Enugu State, where the Commissioner of Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozoh (representing the State Government), equally assured the NRC MD of the Enugu State Government’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the Corporation to achieve its aims and objectives.

Describing Dr. Opeifa as a personal friend from their private sector days, Dr. Ozoh lauded him as a leader who “knows perfectly well what he is doing.”

He further assured the NRC that the Enugu State Government will actively assist in demolishing any obstruction on the Corporation’s right-of-way, stressing that the state eagerly awaits the flag-off to recommence construction of the rail line from Aba to Enugu and beyond.