Headlines

Iheanacho identifies media as critical catalyst for sustainable maritime growth

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, the former Minister of Interior, has described media as a catalyst that can accelerate the development and growth of maritime industry in Nigeria.

Iheanacho, who spoke through Dr. Emeka Akabogwu (SAN), make this observation at a reception organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in honour of its past presidents in Lagos.

He however warned that while responsible journalism can accelerate reforms and investment, inaccurate reporting can undermine progress and erode confidence.

Drawing from nearly five decades of experience across private enterprise and public service, the former minister identified agenda-setting, accountability, public education, and stakeholder mobilisation as the four key functions through which the media can influence maritime development.

According to him, the media possesses a unique power to shape national priorities by consistently highlighting industry challenges such as port congestion, high transaction costs, infrastructure gaps, and policy inconsistencies.

“Many genuine industry problems do not move into policy consciousness until the media shines a consistent light on them,” he said, adding that sustained and informed reporting is necessary to ensure reforms are not only initiated but also followed through to completion.

On accountability, Iheanacho acknowledged the watchdog role played by maritime journalists in exposing inefficiencies, corruption risks, and administrative bottlenecks across the sector.

However, he cautioned against reporting based on incomplete facts or insufficient technical understanding.

“A misleading report may damage confidence, unsettle investors, and distort policy debates. Accountability journalism must therefore be rigorous, fair, and evidence-based,” he stated.

He further stressed the importance of public education, noting that the maritime industry remains highly technical and often poorly understood by the general public despite its direct impact on trade, pricing, and employment.

He called for more data-driven reporting, simplified explanations of policies, and increased coverage of inland waterways and coastal economies, warning that “Nigeria cannot build a strong blue economy with a poorly informed public.”

On stakeholder mobilisation, Iheanacho said the media plays a vital role in bridging the gap between government, regulators, and private operators, helping to build consensus and sustain momentum around reforms.

“The media provides the platform where alignment begins. But beyond reporting events, journalists must track commitments and ensure that promises translate into measurable outcomes,” he added.

Addressing MARAN members directly, he described maritime journalism as a “strategic national assignment,” urging practitioners to deepen their technical knowledge, interrogate data, and maintain credibility in their reportage.

“Your words can attract confidence—or discourage it. Your analysis can clarify choices—or deepen confusion,” he said

Adding historical context to the association’s evolution, MARAN’s pioneer president, Alban Opara, in a brief historical reflection, recalled that the association was founded in 1988 at the height of port congestion and economic reforms under the Structural Adjustment Programme.

He noted that early maritime reporters operated without accreditation, often gaining access to ports under difficult conditions, but remained committed to investigative and developmental journalism.

Opara highlighted how persistent media exposure of port inefficiencies, including artificial congestion and costly demurrage practices, helped draw government attention to sectoral challenges and contributed to major policy outcomes such as the National Shipping Policy and Cabotage regime.

He added that MARAN was established not only to protect the interests of maritime journalists but also to position the media as a critical partner in national economic and maritime development.

In his goodwill message, former Comptroller of Customs and District Head of Ketare, Usman Bello Kankara, traced his long-standing relationship with MARAN, which began in 1989 during his tenure as Public Relations Officer at the Apapa Customs Command.

Kankara, who was represented at the event, commended the association for its professionalism and support over the years, recalling how MARAN’s coverage contributed to his recognition as Best PRO of the Nigeria Customs Service in 1999 and helped the Tin Can Island Command earn accolades for public engagement.

Despite his absence due to security challenges in his domain in Katsina State, he reaffirmed his enduring ties with the association and wished its members continued success.

Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU, Capt. Sunday Umoren, represented by Engr. Richard Owolabi, lauded MARAN for its contributions to maritime advocacy and transparency, describing it as a vital partner in promoting safe and sustainable shipping in West and Central Africa.

The organisation particularly recognised Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, describing him as a “destiny supporter” and a key ally in advancing regional maritime objectives.

The Abuja MoU reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with MARAN to enhance accurate reporting and support the growth of a safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable shipping environment.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the MARAN Caretaker Committee, Tunde Ayodele, described the event as a historic moment in the association’s journey, noting that it was a deliberate effort to reconnect with MARAN’s roots and honour its founding leaders.

Recalling the association’s formation in 1988, Ayodele said many of the pioneers were young professionals in their early 30s at the time, who came together to establish a dedicated maritime reporting beat in Nigeria.

“Today, many of them are in their 60s and 70s, and we gather not just to celebrate their years, but to honour their enduring legacy, sacrifice, and vision,” he said.

He also paid tribute to deceased members of the association, requesting a moment of silence in their honour, describing their contributions as foundational to MARAN’s growth.

Ayodele noted that MARAN’s past presidents had distinguished themselves not only in journalism but also in public service, advisory roles, and national development, citing figures such as Alban Opara, Elder Asu Beks, Sesan Onileimo, Elder Pius Mordi, and Dr. Bolaji Akinola as examples of enduring leadership.

“When my team assumed office as caretakers, one of our key priorities was to reconnect with our roots by honouring these great men,” he said, adding that their wisdom and guidance remain essential to the association’s future.

He appealed to the past leaders to continue to see MARAN as their home, stressing that their continued involvement would strengthen the association and sustain its relevance in the maritime sector.

Headlines

NRC grants Lagos Government permanent approval to operate Red Line rail services

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has granted final approval to the Lagos State Government to operate two of its rail tracks under the Track Sharing Agreement, paving the way for the full operation of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line project.

The LRMT Red Line commenced passenger operations on October 15, 2024, with morning and evening peak-hour services following its inauguration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The permanent approval follows the temporary operating approval granted by the NRC in 2025 under the Track Sharing Agreement with the Lagos State Government.

Presenting the Permanent Operating Licence to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said the approval confers on the Lagos State Government all the rights and obligations contained in the Track Sharing Agreement.

According to him, the licence also empowers the state to operate rail services in line with international best practices.

Opeifa described the milestone as a testament to the mutual trust, cooperation and shared vision that have continued to define the partnership between the NRC and the Lagos State Government.

“Beyond providing access to the tracks, our collaboration has also included the training and capacity development of the Red Line’s operational personnel, demonstrating the immense value of strong institutional partnerships,” he said.

He commended the Lagos State Government for its confidence in the NRC and its sustained commitment to the partnership.

“I also commend the Government for its remarkable investment in public transportation, particularly in the rail subsector, including the acquisition of adequate rolling stock to meet the growing mobility needs of Lagosians,” he added.

The NRC Managing Director noted that the development of modern rail infrastructure requires foresight, substantial capital investment and sustained political will, qualities he said the Lagos State Government has consistently demonstrated.

Opeifa also urged other state governments across the federation to invest in rail infrastructure and services to complement the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s railway network.

According to him, expanding rail transportation nationwide would ease congestion on highways, reduce logistics costs, improve passenger mobility, stimulate industrial and commercial activities, and accelerate national economic growth.

He stressed that rail transportation remains the backbone of efficient mass transit systems in major cities around the world.

“Continued investment in rail infrastructure is essential to providing safe, reliable, environmentally sustainable and high-capacity mobility for our growing population, while significantly reducing pressure on our road network,” he said.

Opeifa reaffirmed the NRC’s commitment to fostering productive partnerships that will transform Nigeria’s transport landscape.

“Together, we will continue to build an integrated, efficient, safe and sustainable railway system that serves the aspirations of all Nigerians,” he concluded.

Headlines

NPA unveils multi-agency task force to tackle resurgent port access gridlock

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has launched a multi-agency task force to combat the resurgence of traffic gridlock choking the Lagos port access roads, in a fresh push to restore seamless cargo evacuation and sustain recent gains in port efficiency.

The intervention followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, on June 23rd, 2026, where security agencies, freight forwarders, truck operators and representatives of the Lagos State Government agreed on coordinated measures to eliminate the bottlenecks disrupting cargo movement.

At the meeting, stakeholders identified illegal extortion points, overlapping responsibilities among security agencies and other operational distortions as major factors responsible for the renewed congestion along the port corridor.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemakara, said the Authority’s overriding priority is to guarantee the unhindered movement of cargo to and from the nation’s seaports.

According to him, the task force comprises the NPA, the Police, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO).

“The responsibility of the task force is to monitor truck movement on the port access roads on a regular basis, identify any disruption capable of causing gridlock and immediately resolve such challenges,” Onyemakara said.

He stressed that members of the task force would not establish checkpoints along the corridor but would maintain strategic presence at designated locations to ensure compliance without obstructing traffic.

To enhance rapid response, Onyemakara disclosed that the task force has created a dedicated WhatsApp platform through which members can instantly report infractions or emerging traffic issues for immediate intervention.

On the long-delayed renewal of the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) system contract, the NPA spokesman said the Authority is reviewing the terms to ensure a more robust contractual framework before awarding a fresh agreement.

He explained that although the previous contract had expired, the ETO platform remains operational under the management of the Truck Transit Parks (TTP) pending completion of the procurement process.

He expressed confidence that the renewal would be concluded soon.

Reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to maintaining free-flowing port access roads, Onyemakara said efficient logistics remain central to the NPA’s drive to improve Nigeria’s port competitiveness and preserve its growing international reputation.

“We are more interested in the free flow of logistics into our ports than anyone else because it is in our own interest,” he said.

“If you look at the international recognition we are receiving, including the World Bank report, we are determined to sustain and even surpass the improvements already recorded in our port system.
“You can be assured that we remain fully committed to achieving the best possible performance from our ports.”

Headlines

Customs Steps Up Nationwide Green Tax Awareness Ahead of July 1 Rollout

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its nationwide sensitisation campaign ahead of the July 1, 2026 implementation of the Green Tax Surcharge and related fiscal adjustments, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and encouraging the importation of cleaner vehicles.

The awareness campaign, held on Friday July 26th, 2026 at the Apapa Area Command, brought together Customs officers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, importers and other key stakeholders under the theme: “Implementation of the Green Tax Surcharge and Related Fiscal Adjustments.”

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Mohammed Babadende, said the exercise was designed to ensure stakeholders fully understand the policy before its implementation.

“This sensitisation is designed to ensure that every stakeholder clearly understands the policy before implementation. Our objective is to eliminate uncertainty, promote voluntary compliance and guarantee uniform application of the Green Tax Surcharge across all commands,” Babadende stated.

Delivering a technical presentation, the Comptroller in charge of Tariff, System Audit and Coordination, Murtala Muazu, explained that the Green Tax Surcharge is different from conventional fiscal measures and would therefore require a separate assessment process.

He disclosed that the Service has simplified implementation through the HS Code declaration platform to facilitate seamless compliance by importers and clearing agents.

Muazu also revealed that the Federal Government has reduced import levies on vehicles from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, while import duty on used vehicles has been slashed from 15 per cent to five per cent to cushion the impact of the new environmental surcharge.

Area Controllers who participated in the sensitisation urged importers, licensed customs agents and the trading public to embrace the initiative, stressing that the reduction in import levies would lower the cost of doing business, promote legitimate trade and ultimately reduce transportation costs.

Stakeholders welcomed the policy but called for sustained public enlightenment to deepen understanding and ensure seamless compliance ahead of the July 1 commencement date.