Headlines

BUA’s $85m Port Harcourt terminal expansion project excites NPA

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has welcomed BUA Group’s $85 million investment in the expansion of its Port Harcourt terminal, describing the project as a major boost to cargo throughput, eastern port utilisation and Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading maritime hub in West Africa.

Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, disclosed the investment plan during a visit to the Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, where he briefed the authority on the progress of the terminal expansion and expressed appreciation for the agency’s support.

Rabiu said the project, now at an advanced stage, will provide about 600 metres of additional quay frontage, significantly increasing the company’s capacity to receive vessels and handle the growing volume of raw materials required for its expanding manufacturing operations.

According to him, the expansion is driven by BUA’s rapid growth across its food and manufacturing businesses, with the company projecting that more than two million tonnes of raw materials and products will move through the Port Harcourt facility annually once the project is completed next year.

“By the time we are done with the expansion, inshallah, next year, we’ll be having almost over two million tons of products being imported as raw materials to Port Harcourt, and for that we need a terminal, we need a facility,” Rabiu said.

He explained that the projected cargo volume would translate into about six to seven vessels calling at the terminal every month, making efficient port infrastructure indispensable to sustaining BUA’s supply chain.

Rabiu noted that the investment forms part of the conglomerate’s broader expansion strategy across cement, food processing, mining and infrastructure, stressing that efficient maritime logistics remain central to the success of those investments.

He also advocated greater investment in port infrastructure outside Lagos, arguing that Nigeria’s economic size requires a more balanced and geographically diversified port systey

Commending the NPA leadership, Rabiu described the authority as competent and supportive of private-sector investment, while thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing what he called a dedicated management team.

He recalled that BUA’s Port Harcourt terminal concession had previously been revoked but expressed satisfaction that the facility is now being expanded with the cooperation of the NPA, describing the development as evidence of the value of government-private sector collaboration.

Responding, NPA Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho described Rabiu as one of the authority’s strategic stakeholders, assuring the company of continued institutional support.

He said the authority remains committed to investments capable of increasing cargo volumes, improving utilisation of eastern ports and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness within the regional maritime industry.

Dantsoho noted that while BUA had already established a significant presence in Lagos, its decision to expand into Port Harcourt would help rebalance cargo traffic across the country’s port system.

“Now we know that he has invested a lot in Lagos. Now he’s investing also a lot in Port Harcourt. So in that way, our volumes will increase. If we are talking about exporting, we are exporting more. If we are talking about importing, we can import more. And by so doing, we are going to create more value from those transactions,” he said.

According to him, increased cargo throughput at Port Harcourt would stimulate import and export activities, generate additional economic value and boost foreign exchange earnings.

The NPA boss said the authority’s strategy is anchored on close collaboration with terminal operators, investors and other stakeholders to build efficient, smart and globally competitive ports.

He added that BUA’s investment aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to revive eastern ports and ease pressure on the Lagos port corridor.

Dantsoho also cited recent assessments by S&P Global and the World Bank, which ranked Apapa and Tin Can Island ports among the world’s most improved ports, saying the recognition reflects the positive impact of ongoing reforms within Nigeria’s port system.

He stressed that sustained engagement between the NPA and private investors remains essential to achieving long-term growth and competitiveness.

“We know that we have to come to them. They know that they have to come to us. This is something that must happen for us to make any progress. And we are achieving that, so give God the glory,” he said.

The $85 million expansion is expected to significantly enhance BUA’s maritime logistics capacity while reinforcing the commercial importance of the Port Harcourt port complex.

Beyond supporting the company’s industrial expansion, the project is projected to increase cargo traffic through the eastern maritime corridor, deepen private-sector participation in port infrastructure development and advance the Federal Government’s objective of achieving a more balanced and efficient national port system.

Customs

Cole celebrates DC Akanni on birthday, KLT appointment, commends DC Adigun on Onne deployment

Gloria Odion, Maritme Reporter

The Chairman of the Tin Can Island Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olawale Cole, has congratulated Deputy Comptroller Femi Felix Akanni on his birthday and appointment as Acting Customs Area Controller of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Cole described the twin occasions as significant milestones in Akanni’s personal and professional life, expressing confidence that his wealth of experience, administrative competence and professional commitment would translate into effective leadership at the Command.

He said Akanni’s appointment presented an opportunity to further contribute to the growth of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in strengthening operational efficiency, facilitating legitimate trade and deepening engagement with critical stakeholders.

The ANLCA chairman expressed optimism that the new Acting Controller would sustain a cordial and productive relationship with licensed customs agents and other port operators, noting that effective collaboration between Customs and the business community was indispensable to efficient port operations.

Cole also congratulated the outgoing Acting Customs Area Controller of KLT, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Lukman Adigun, on his redeployment to the Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne Port.

He commended Adigun for his contributions during his tenure at KLT, particularly his efforts towards fostering harmonious relationships with stakeholders and members of the licensed customs agents community.

According to Cole, leadership in the maritime sector requires more than the discharge of official responsibilities, as effective stakeholder engagement, mutual understanding and cooperation remain essential to institutional performance and improved service delivery.

He expressed confidence that Adigun would bring his wealth of experience, dedication and professionalism to bear on his new assignment at Onne Port, wishing him greater accomplishments in his career.

Reaffirming ANLCA’s commitment to a constructive partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service, Cole stressed that a harmonious relationship between Customs officers and licensed customs agents was critical to seamless cargo clearance, trade facilitation, revenue generation and the creation of a business-friendly port environment.

He urged stakeholders at both KLT and Onne Port to extend maximum cooperation and support to the respective officers, emphasising that collaboration between public institutions and private-sector operators remained central to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Cole wished Akanni good health, wisdom and a successful tenure as Acting Customs Area Controller of KLT, while expressing confidence in Adigun’s ability to deliver on his new assignment at Onne Port.

Headlines

Oyetola mandates NPA, Terminal Operators to support Customs over evacuation of abandoned power equipment at ports

Funso OLOJO,Editor

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has directed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and seaport terminal operators to provide urgent operational support for the evacuation of hundreds of containers of critical electricity equipment stranded at Nigerian ports for nearly two decades.

The directive is part of efforts to implement President Bola Tinubu’s order to clear the abandoned cargoes, some of which have remained at the nation’s seaports since 2007, following years of administrative and bureaucratic bottlenecks that prevented their release.

Oyetola said the successful execution of the presidential directive would require close collaboration among the NPA, terminal operators, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Ministry of Power.

He consequently instructed the NPA and terminal operators to accord the assignment top priority by making adequate arrangements for cargo positioning, handling and evacuation.

“Mr President’s directive is clear, and our responsibility is to ensure its effective implementation.

“NPA and terminal operators are to give this assignment the highest priority, work seamlessly with Customs and the Ministry of Power, and provide every necessary operational support to achieve the desired result,” the Minister said.

The intervention is expected to remove operational obstacles that have kept the critical electricity equipment at the ports for years, while facilitating its eventual deployment to support Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

Oyetola reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving port efficiency, reducing cargo dwell time and ensuring that the nation’s maritime infrastructure facilitates rather than frustrates critical national development objectives.

He stressed that seaports must function as strategic gateways for economic growth, industrial expansion and infrastructure development, rather than become storage facilities for cargoes whose release is vital to national progress.

The Minister urged all relevant agencies and stakeholders to sustain the momentum of the clearance exercise, noting that prompt compliance with the presidential directive would demonstrate the government’s determination to dismantle institutional bottlenecks and accelerate the delivery of essential infrastructure projects.

The exercise also presents an opportunity to strengthen inter-agency coordination and address the operational weaknesses that have allowed critical cargoes to remain trapped in the nation’s ports for such an extended period.

Headlines

LASWA, Iterferry deepen ferry safety expertise, complete sixth training module

Gloria Odion, Maritme Reporter

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in partnership with Interferry, has completed Module 6 of the Africa Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, reinforcing efforts to improve technical competence, strengthen vessel inspection and enhance passenger safety across Africa’s ferry transportation sector.

The latest module, which focused on Survey and Inspection and ran throughout October 2026, provided participating mentees with practical knowledge and technical skills required to assess vessel conditions, identify safety deficiencies and ensure compliance with established international maritime safety standards.

The training combined self-paced theoretical sessions facilitated by class surveyors from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Lloyd’s Register with interactive virtual mentorship and supervised practical field exercises.

A major component was the virtual Ask the Expert session held on October 21, featuring Interferry maritime professionals Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston.

The session exposed participants to international ferry safety regulations, professional surveying techniques and industry best practices, while providing an opportunity to engage directly with experienced practitioners.

The theoretical component was complemented by a practical field exercise on October 28, during which participants conducted live Condition and Safety Compliance Audits at operational passenger ferry terminals.

Supervised by Sandra (Okoli) Ubong of ABS and Engr. Frank Fayinto of Lloyd’s Register, the exercise enabled participants to apply international classification standards and established inspection procedures in real operational environments.

A key highlight was the application of an eight-step survey methodology, covering the entire inspection process, from preliminary preparations and onboard assessments to documentation and field reporting.

Participants also received hands-on training in identifying safety deficiencies relating to hull integrity, life-saving appliances, fire protection systems and machinery installations.

Other critical areas covered included evidence-based reporting using the 5W+1H principle, systematic documentation of inspection findings, deficiency logging and risk prioritisation.

The programme also strengthened participants’ capacity to evaluate and classify identified deficiencies according to their level of urgency, distinguishing between immediate, medium-term and low-priority interventions.

The approach is designed to facilitate timely corrective action, minimise operational risks and improve safety across ferry services.

The completion of Module 6 marks another milestone in LASWA’s efforts to strengthen technical capacity, improve professional competence and entrench a sustainable safety culture within Lagos State’s inland waterways and the wider African ferry transportation industry.

LASWA acknowledged the contributions of Interferry mentors Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston, as well as field facilitators Sandra (Okoli) Ubong and Engr. Frank Fayinto.

The Authority also recognised the support of Interferry Chief Executive Officer, Mike Corrigan, and Ferrysafe Executive Sponsor, Shari Corrigan, whose contributions helped ensure the successful delivery of the module.

The programme continues to enjoy institutional support from LASWA and the Lagos State Government, alongside the strategic guidance of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel.

With the successful conclusion of Module 6, attention now shifts to Module 7, which will focus on Watchkeeping and is scheduled for November 2026.

The next phase will equip participants with improved knowledge of vessel operations, navigational safety and effective watchkeeping practices, all of which are critical to safe, efficient and reliable ferry transportation.

Through its partnership with Interferry, LASWA is seeking to develop a pool of skilled maritime professionals, raise operational safety standards and promote a more reliable, efficient and sustainable water transportation system in Lagos State and across Africa.