Headlines

NIWA concessions Nigeria’s waterways clean-up project to private firm

–Seeks safer, cleaner, seamless inland water transportation

Funso OLOJO, Editor

In a bold move to promote cleaner, safer and more secure inland waterways transportation in Nigeria, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has concessioned the cleaning of the nation’s waterways to PartsCentral Limited, a multi-sector indigenous environmental company.

Under the arrangement, the company will provide strategic oversight and implementation support for a comprehensive clean-up initiative aimed at restoring Nigeria’s inland waterways and enhancing their economic potential.

The project, initiated during the administration of the immediate past Managing Director of NIWA, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, is seen as a major step towards creating a cleaner, safer and more investment-friendly inland waterways ecosystem in Nigeria.

According to NIWA, the initiative is designed to tackle the persistent challenges of waste pollution, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, oil spillage and environmental degradation across the country’s vast inland waterways through a structured and sustainable approach.

In a press statement, the Authority said the project would identify major sources of pollution, facilitate systematic waste removal and promote innovative waste-to-wealth solutions capable of creating employment opportunities for communities located along the waterways.

NIWA added that beyond environmental restoration, the project is expected to improve navigational safety by removing obstacles that hinder the smooth movement of vessels and other watercraft.

“It is also expected to support the conservation of aquatic resources, strengthen the fisheries value chain, and contribute significantly to the realisation of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Marine and Blue Economy sector.

“As part of its broader objectives, the initiative seeks to reposition Nigeria’s inland waterways as attractive destinations for local and foreign investment by promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing the overall efficiency of water transportation,” the Authority stated.

Stakeholders believe that cleaner waterways will stimulate economic activities, encourage tourism, boost commerce and unlock the enormous untapped potential within the nation’s blue economy.

Speaking on the forthcoming rollout of the project, the Managing Director of PartsCentral Limited, the concessionaire, Henry Olaoluwa Onifade, assured Nigerians that every aspect of the programme would be professionally executed to deliver lasting results.

He described the initiative as a historic intervention in the management of Nigeria’s inland waterways and reaffirmed the commitment of the project team to ensuring transparency, sustainability and measurable environmental impact.

Onifade also called on government agencies, private sector operators, host communities, environmental groups and other stakeholders in the maritime sector to support the initiative, stressing that collective participation would be crucial to its success.

He expressed confidence that with sustained collaboration, Nigeria would soon witness cleaner, safer and more productive inland waterways, setting a new benchmark for environmental stewardship and waterway management in the country.

Customs

Nigeria Customs prepares 100 Deputy Comptrollers for leadership roles with strategic refresher course

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a Strategic Refresher Course for 100 Deputy Comptrollers as part of its commitment to strengthening leadership capacity, preparing senior officers for higher responsibilities, and sustaining ongoing institutional reforms.

The workshop, organised by the Service’s Human Resources Development Department in collaboration with the Customs Police Unit, began on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada.

Declaring the programme open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Dow Gaura, described the participants as carefully selected officers being groomed for greater leadership responsibilities within the Service.

According to him, the refresher course is designed to equip the officers with the knowledge, discipline and leadership qualities required to lead by example and effectively guide the next generation of Customs personnel.

“These officers are expected to serve as role models for the next generation of Customs personnel.

“This training extends beyond professional competence; it is focused on discipline, succession planning, conduct and exemplary leadership,” Gaura stated.

Delivering the keynote lecture, retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Dera Nnadi, reminded participants that promotion to senior ranks comes with increased responsibility rather than personal privilege.

“The rank of Deputy Comptroller does not merely confer authority; it confers service.

“You owe responsibility to the Service, your colleagues, your subordinates, the nation’s leadership and our stakeholders,” he said.

Also speaking, the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies of the College, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, urged the officers to uphold the core values of discipline, professionalism and regimentation.

He stressed that senior officers must demonstrate exemplary conduct, maintain high professional standards in appearance, and foster positive relationships with their subordinates.

In his welcome address, the Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Sanusi Saulawa, explained that the refresher course was specifically designed to prepare Deputy Comptrollers for the expanded responsibilities associated with senior leadership positions in the Nigeria Customs Service.

He noted that the initiative reflects the Comptroller-General’s unwavering commitment to continuous capacity development, adding that officers must continually update their knowledge, strengthen their leadership competencies, and uphold the discipline, professionalism and integrity expected of future managers of the Service.

Participants expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General for approving the training, describing it as timely, relevant and impactful.

They pledged to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the course to strengthen discipline, improve service delivery and uphold the reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service as they assume greater leadership responsibilities across the country.

Headlines

NIMASA preserves Nigeria’s maritime heritage with commissioning of museum

Funso OLOJO, Editor

In a significant step towards preserving Nigeria’s rich maritime history for future generations, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commissioned a maritime museum at the Nigerian Maritime Resource Development Centre (NMRDC), Kirikiri, Lagos.

The museum is designed to preserve and promote Nigeria’s maritime heritage by housing historical artefacts and archival collections that reflect the country’s maritime evolution.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, represented by the Agency’s Director of Planning, Research and Data Management Services, Mrs. Aisha Jidda, formally declared the museum open to the public.

Dr. Mobereola described the facility as a repository of Nigeria’s maritime history and a centre dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s maritime heritage for generations to come.

According to him, the museum will serve as an educational and research hub, showcasing historical artefacts, archival materials, maritime innovations, and the evolution of Nigeria’s maritime industry over the years.

He stated that the establishment of the museum reflects NIMASA’s commitment to promoting maritime awareness, supporting research, inspiring future generations of maritime professionals, and preserving the enduring legacy of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The NIMASA Director General urged students, researchers, industry stakeholders, and members of the public to visit the museum to gain a deeper appreciation of Nigeria’s maritime journey and its strategic contribution to national development and the growth of the Marine and Blue Economy.

Headlines

NIWA seeks stronger partnership with World Maritime University to boost Nigeria’s Inland Waterways sector

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s inland waterways sector through international collaboration following a strategic meeting with the President of the World Maritime University, Maximo Q. Mejia Jr., on the sidelines of the ongoing IMO Council Meeting in London.

The meeting, held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, focused on leveraging global expertise to advance inland waterways development, maritime education, capacity building, and sustainable water transportation systems in Nigeria.

Leading the NIWA delegation, which included the Acting Managing Director, Yusuf Girei, Shagari reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to modernising its inland waterways infrastructure and developing the skilled workforce required to drive sustainable growth in the sector.

He observed that Nigeria’s extensive inland waterways network offers enormous potential for transportation, trade, and the growth of the nation’s blue economy.

According to him, forging strategic partnerships with globally recognised maritime institutions is critical to achieving the Federal Government’s objectives of improving safety, operational efficiency, and economic activities across the country’s waterways.

Shagari further emphasised that deeper collaboration in research, training, and knowledge exchange would equip Nigerian maritime professionals with the technical expertise needed to address emerging industry challenges while aligning the sector with international best practices.

Responding, Prof. Mejia reaffirmed the World Maritime University’s commitment to supporting member states through education, research, and capacity development initiatives.

He commended Nigeria’s growing emphasis on maritime development and expressed the University’s readiness to deepen cooperation with relevant government agencies and stakeholders.

The WMU President stressed that sustainable maritime growth depends on sustained investment in human capital, innovation, and strict adherence to international standards.

Both leaders also explored opportunities to expand specialised training programmes, academic exchanges, and institutional partnerships aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime administration and inland waterways management framework.

Maritime stakeholders described the engagement as a significant step towards linking Nigeria’s inland waterways sector with global centres of excellence, enabling the country to benefit from international best practices in water transport development.

The meeting was one of a series of high-level engagements taking place during the IMO Council session, where maritime leaders are discussing policies and initiatives to promote safer, more secure, and environmentally sustainable shipping worldwide.