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Opeifa dismisses fears of forceful eviction of legitimate traders at Iddo train terminus 

Funso OLOJO 
The  Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation(NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, has assured all legitimate traders at Iddo train station of the corporation’s support and protection of their means of livelihood even as the NRC is set to give the train terminus a befitting facelift.
Dr Opeifa made this known at a meeting with the leaders of the Iddo Train Terminus Traders, Ijora Olopa/Ajeloro Fish Traders, Ifelodun Traders and Otto Traders, operating in and around the Iddo Train Terminus, at the NRC Conference Room on Friday, November 21st,3025.
Dr Opeifa said he had invited them to the meeting in order to assure them of the safety of their businesses and investments on the heels of the facelift being planned for the nation’s old train station by the corporation’s management.
Dr Opeifa said the exercise, which may affect some shanties, however noted that it was regrettable that many of the traders have operated for several years at the various markets illegally, adding that some are even operating without valid documents, while others who claimed to be paying, were paying to the wrong people.
“The present administration of the Nigerian Railway Corporation is determined to transform Iddo Train Station.
“You can see that we have started with some paintings of the terminus and let me assure you that we are bringing back the trains to serve our people,” he said.
Opeifa ,who declared that no one will lose land that are legitimately acquired from the Nigerian Railway property, however expressed regrets that people are already building on railway tracks without any approval from the corporation.
“It is our desire to contribute to helping to improve the value of where you trade.
” Iddo is dirty. There is no electricity and no toilet facilities. We are working very hard to ensure we bring back these facilities.
“I have created a business unit for Iddo, because of the priority we have set for the place.
“We are determined to flush out drug traffickers from all our landed property at Iddo and we are assuring you that the place would no longer be a hideout for criminals.
“The time that rightful tenants of our property would benefit from Iddo has finally come.
“We would leave no stone unturned in achieving a total transformation of Iddo Train Terminus.”
He assured the traders that the corporation is not going to increase rent on any of its property around the area, though he emphasized the need for the corporation to have records of all its tenants at Iddo, adding that all tenants will now be paying directly to the Nigerian Railway Property Management Company Ltd (NRPML).
He urged the traders to continue their economic activities without fear, adding that the corporation is harping on willful compliance to all tenancy agreements in order to shore up its revenue which he said would be used to improve on the state of facilities at the Iddo markets.
“Nigeria’s economy is kept busy and vibrant by activities of traders like you and I can say that economic activities between Iddo and Apapa Ports alone, keeps that nation’s economy going,” Dr Opeifa added.
Leaders of the traders expressed happiness that the Managing Director thought it fit to meet with them, to share his plans for the transformation of Iddo Train Terminus.
 “This is the first time that we would meet with the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and we are happy because we are relating with someone who shares our feelings and have allayed our fears that the corporation would eject us forcefully out of the market which has provided food on our table for decades,” Alhaji Rashid Bashorun Ajibola, the Chairman of Iddo Railway Terminal traders said.
Alhaji Ajibola, who claimed Iddo Market supplies rice to all major markets across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, assures Dr Opeifa of the readiness of his members to support his administration to succeed.
The Chairman of Ijora Olopa Ajeloro Fish Market, Mr Aina Adekoya, expressed happiness that the NRC MD was not interested in taking over their market, but working to transform the Iddo Train Terminal and its environs, which would be in the interest of all traders.
“For many of us, we are meeting Dr Kayode Opeifa for the first time and we are happy that he has not changed from the man that we used to know in his days as the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State.
” I will say that we are very glad to have someone like him, who knows the value of traders and had expressed his willingness to support us to continue to thrive,” Adekoya said.
The traders agreed to go back home and redouble their support for the success of the NRC MD, now that they have been assured of his commitment to their welfare and the growth of their trading activities.
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Maersk’s suspension of shipping operations through Strait of Hormuz raises anxiety among Nigerian importers 

Attack on vessel in the Strait of Hormuz
Funso OLOJO, with agency report
The on- going hostilies in the Middle East have continued to stifle international trade as most of the shipping companies have suspended voyage through the troubled Strait of Hormuz.
The joint attacks by the military forces of the United States of America (USA) and Israel on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in the assassination of its Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khomenei and over 40 top military officers of the Islamic country,have put a strain on shipping operations along the busy vessel route of Strait of Hormuz as the Houthis militias, who are sympathetic to Iran, have threatened to attack vessels on the route.
Strait of Hormuz accounts for one third of the world shipping passage while the route accommodates the world largest crude tankers , despite its narrow width.
As a result of the threats, which have raised safety concerns on the vessels, cargos and crews, major shipping lines have halted their operations along the route.
Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, has halted passage of cargo vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for “safety” reasons.

“We are suspending all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice,” the Danish group said in an online advisory.“The safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority,” it said.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had earlier announced the Strait’s closure.

Major Middle Eastern oil and gas exporters rely on it to move supplies to international markets while importing nations depend on its uninterrupted operation.
China, one of the biggest destinations of Nigerian importers, make use of the route for import of the crude oil from the Middle East, especially Iran and export of its manufactured goods to the developing countries, especially Nigeria.
This development has raised anxiety among Nigerian importers who expressed concerns over the implications of the disruption on the route one the cost of imports, especially from China.
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NRC hosts Rotary Club on mobile train

Gloria Odion, Reporter 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has played host to the Rotary Club of Ota by hosting Nigeria’s first-ever Rotary fellowship on a moving train, setting a remarkable benchmark for innovation in civic and humanitarian engagement.
The groundbreaking event brought together members of the club aboard a moving train for fellowship, leadership interaction, and strategic discussion centered on service to humanity, climate action, and sustainable community development.
The fellowship was led by the President of the Rotary Club of Ota, Mr. Charles Umukoro, alongside members of the club’s executive and general membership.
A major highlight of the occasion was the visit of the Railway District Manager, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji, who warmly welcomed the Rotarians on board.
His presence underscored the significance of the event and further strengthened the cordial relationship between the railway management and the Rotary Club.
In a symbolic moment reflecting shared values of service and partnership, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji was formally inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Ota following his welcome address, adding prestige and deeper institutional collaboration to the landmark fellowship.
The moving-train fellowship was widely described as symbolic of progress, innovation, and forward movement—values that align closely with the transformation agenda of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation said it was committed to supporting initiatives that promote national development, environmental sustainability, and community advancement, while showcasing the railway as a safe, modern, and strategic platform for engagement.
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In Malmo, Sweden, NIMASA renews capacity development partnership with WMU

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has renewed its strategic capacity development partnership with the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden, through the signing of a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime human capital and institutional capacity.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the partnership as a critical pillar in NIMASA’s human capital development framework and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s maritime future.

“This collaboration has significantly strengthened our technical and regulatory capabilities over the years.

“Officers trained at WMU have enhanced our effectiveness in maritime safety administration, environmental compliance, maritime law, and shipping management.

“Their expertise has also reinforced Nigeria’s participation at the International Maritime Organization and other international maritime platforms,” he stated.

Under the renewed MoU, which was first signed in 2022, NIMASA will sponsor at least ten officers annually for the 14-month Master of Science programme at WMU in Malmö for the 2026–2029 intakes, as well as at least one officer for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme jointly delivered by WMU and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), Malta.

The MoU also provides for distance learning, executive professional development courses, research collaboration and technical assistance to strengthen NIMASA’s capacity in maritime safety, environmental management, seafarer certification and implementation of international maritime instruments.

WMU will further seek additional fellowships from international donors for qualified NIMASA candidates.

Dr. Mobereola endorsed the MoU on behalf of NIMASA with the President of WMU, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr signing on behalf of the University while Executive Director Finance and Administration, NIMASA ,Chudi Offodile and the Registrar of WMU, Mr. Peter Marriott both signed as witnesses.

Established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization, WMU was mandated to strengthen global maritime capacity, particularly in developing countries.

The University has since become a leading centre of excellence, and Nigeria has benefited significantly through the training of NIMASA officers who continue to enhance national maritime governance and international engagement.

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