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Akutah denounces claim of political distraction, reaffirms commitment to stability in maritime industry

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Akutah Pius Ukeyima, has dismissed claims that his  alleged political ambitions are distracting him from his official duties,reaffirming his full commitment to the agency’s regulatory mandate.
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‎Akutah made this clarification in response to concerns within industry circles suggesting that his focus was being divided between his leadership role and perceived political interests.
Some stakeholders had linked these claims to recent developments surrounding tariff adjustments and regulatory decisions in the maritime sector.
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‎Describing the allegations as unfounded and a misrepresentation of his priorities, Akutah stressed that his attention remains firmly on the effective discharge of his statutory responsibilities at the Council.
‎He noted that while public officials are often subject to speculation about political intentions, such narratives should not detract from institutional responsibilities or be used to undermine legitimate regulatory actions carried out in accordance with the law.
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‎According to him, all decisions under his leadership are guided by established legal frameworks,stakeholder engagement, and the overarching goal of maintaining balance and stability within the maritime industry, rather than any personal or political considerations.
‎Akutah reiterated that the Council’s primary focus is the protection of national trade interests, the promotion of fair and transparent regulation within the port system, and the sustenance of stability across the shipping and logistics value chain.
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‎He further emphasized that political rumours and external commentary have no bearing on the Council’s regulatory direction, noting that his administration remains committed to stakeholder engagement and the implementation of reforms aimed at improving efficiency and transparency in the sector.
‎Emphasizing the demands of leading a critical economic regulatory agency, Akutah underscored the importance of focus, continuity, and strict adherence to due process, maintaining that his efforts are concentrated on institutional reforms rather than political pursuits.
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‎He also urged stakeholders and the public to assess his performance based on measurable outcomes, policy impact, and sectoral stability, rather than speculation about personal ambitions.
‎Akutah reaffirmed his dedication to the growth and development of Nigeria’s maritime sector, stating that the Council will continue to implement policies and regulatory interventions that support economic growth, safeguard stakeholders’ interests, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.
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Headlines

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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