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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.
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Analyses

Beyond The Lagos Communique: Can West Africa’s $27 Billion Port Rhetoric Outrun Gridlock?

Ibrahim Nasiru
The Monday Discourse with NASIRU focuses on the take away from the just concluded PMAWCA board meeting in Lagos.
Last week, maritime leaders gathered in Lagos for the PMAWCA conference, celebrating a staggering $27 billion infrastructure boom and drawing up plans to replicate the seamless digital models of Rotterdam and Singapore.
But for the average importer, agent, or truck driver trapped in the chaos of Apapa or Tin Can, the disconnect is jarring.
West African Ports are masterful at planning, but historically abysmal at executing.
A multi-billion-dollar Deep Sea Port is just an expensive parking lot for containers if the surrounding rail and road infrastructure remains broken.
True competitiveness will not be won by the nation that signs the largest contract; it will be won by the nation that actually clears a container without corruption, extortion, or manual delays.
It is time to move past courtroom style policy curation and deploy an execution squad.
Read full details tomorrow on why West Africa’s maritime sector needs dockyard discipline over boardroom eloquence.
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Headlines

Sallah celebration: Osun govt offers free train ride to indigenes as NRC increases Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips for Sallah

Gloria Odion, maritime reporter 
The Osun State government has made full payment to the Nigerian Railway Corporation( NRC) for the use of its narrow gauge rail services to transport the indigenes of the state free of charge for the Sallah celebration.
The annual gesture was confirmed by the management of the Corporation while announcing a temporary increase  in train services on the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS) corridor for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, ahead of the Sallah celebration.
The NRC revealed that the Osun government free train ride will be on its narrow gauge corridor.
The special train will depart from Iddo Station, Lagos, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, while the return trip from Osogbo to Lagos will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
The service, which is usually operated during festive periods, is being sponsored by the Osun State Government through a paid arrangement with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to convey Osun indigenes free of charge for the Sallah celebration.
Meanwhile, the Corporation has announced an adjustment to its schedule on its Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS) corridor for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, ahead of the Sallah
The temporary adjustment is aimed at accommodating the expected increase in passenger movement as many Nigerians travel to celebrate the festive season with their families and loved ones.
Under the special arrangement, the Corporation will operate six train trips on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, instead of the usual four trips currently operated on the corridor.
For the day, train departures from the Lagos end will be at 7:45am, 1:40pm and 4:00pm, while departures from the Ibadan end will be at 8:00am, 10:50am and 4:30pm.
The Management clarified that this arrangement is strictly temporary and applies only to the Sallah travel period.
 Immediately after the celebration, the normal Tuesday timetable of four trips will resume.
Similarly, the recently introduced Thursday six-trip operations will be temporarily adjusted next week, as only four trips will operate on Thursday May,  28th during the period under review.
The regular six-trip Thursday schedule will however resume the following week.
The NRC reassured passengers of its commitment to providing safe, efficient and reliable rail transportation services across the country and wishes all Nigerians a peaceful and memorable Sallah celebration.
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Headlines

NRC expresses fresh concerns over consistent railway vandalism in the North 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised serious concern over renewed and coordinated attacks on railway infrastructure in parts of the country.
This followed fresh incidents of vandalism recorded in Plateau and Bauchi States.
The Corporation described the disturbing development as a direct attack on critical national infrastructure and an affront on public safety, economic growth and national security.
In one of the latest incidents recorded on May 21, 2026, a truck reportedly loaded with vandalized railway materials became stuck between Kuru and Science School, Kuru in Plateau State, exposing the dangerous activities of criminal elements involved in the destruction and illegal movement of railway materials.
Similarly, along Zango, in Bauchi State, between Kilometer 878 and 889, railway slippers were completely removed on both sides of a level crossing, leaving behind few disjointed rail pieces.
The Corporation warned that such acts could result in catastrophic train accidents, disruption of rail services, loss of lives and destruction of government investments worth billions of naira.
The NRC emphasized that railway tracks, slippers, clips, fastenings and signaling materials are critical national assets built with taxpayers’ money to facilitate transportation, trade, economic activities and national development, and should never be treated as scraps for illegal business.
The Managing Director/CEO of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, strongly condemned the persistent attacks on railway facilities, describing the trend as sabotage against national progress and a serious threat to the safety of passengers and railway personnel.
According to him, the increasing incidents of vandalism in the North Central and North East corridors indicate a dangerous pattern that requires urgent collective action from security agencies, state governments, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents living along railway lines.
Dr. Opeifa appealed to Nigerians to see railway infrastructure as a national symbol and strategic economic asset that must be protected at all times.
He warned vandals, scrap dealers and individuals involved in the illegal purchase, movement or destruction of railway materials to desist immediately, stressing that anyone caught would face the full weight of the law.
The Corporation also called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations around railway corridors nationwide, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around railway facilities.
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