Headlines
SIFAX Group projects ambitious growth plan for 2026 to capture West African market
— expresses satisfaction with performance of subsidiary companies
Funso OLOJO
The SIFAX Group has proposed am ambitious growth plan for 2026 that will see the Conglomerate consolidate its hold in the local market and expand its spread into the West Africa sub – regional market.
In his new year message to the staff, partners and stakeholders of the Group, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, the Chairman of SIFAX GROUP, said the group is intentional in its determination to strengthen its operations, deepening technology adoption and expand its footprint across the West African Sub- Region.
According to Afolabi, the Group’s focus for 2026 is anchored on “Growth through Innovation,” with renewed emphasis on operational excellence, collaboration across subsidiaries, sustainability, and customer-centric service delivery.
He noted that SIFAX Group is positioning itself to respond proactively to industry changes and emerging opportunities across its diverse business portfolio.
He said: “Our priorities include advancing technological integration across our logistics and maritime operations, expanding the use of cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, and deepening our presence within the West African sub-region, particularly through our financial services businesses.
” Above all, we remain steadfast in our mission to become Africa’s global conglomerate: trusted, resilient, ethical, and impactful.”
Afolabi said the innovation push would also support the Group’s regional expansion strategy, especially in West Africa, as it seeks to consolidate its presence and scale its financial services offerings.
He further highlighted that the innovation-led outlook for 2026 builds on significant achievements recorded in 2025, despite economic pressures, regulatory changes, and global uncertainties.
“Among the milestones recorded during the year was the strong performance of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), which posted a 155.45 per cent profit growth in the first half of the year and secured strategic handling contracts with international airlines including Ethiopian Airlines and Air Tanzania.
In the maritime sector, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited deepened its footprints in the general cargo business, underscoring growing capacity and operational capability, while SIFAX Shipping Company Limited expanded Nigeria’s export connectivity through the introduction of direct Less-than-Container Load (LCL) exports to the United Kingdom, and SIFAX Shipping Inland Container Limited continues to set high standards for efficient inland container terminal operations in Nigeria.
The Group also deepened its diversification drive with the launch of SKYPAY Africa, a regional payment solution through its financial subsidiary, Sky Capital.
Beyond business performance, Afolabi reaffirmed SIFAX Group’s commitment to social impact through the Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation, which continued to support vulnerable communities and individuals across the country.
Looking ahead, the Chairman stressed that innovation at SIFAX Group would go beyond technology to include people, culture, and values.
He called on employees to embrace professionalism, integrity, teamwork, and accountability as the organisation pursues its long-term vision of becoming Africa’s global conglomerate.
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Headlines
Greg Ogbeifun confirms chairmanship of 10th AMSAY Conference Anniversary on May 27th.
Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
The organisers of the Annual Maritime Students and Youth (AMSAY) Conference have announced that renowned ship owner and Chairman of Starzs Investment Company Ltd, Engr Greg Ogbeifun will chair the 10th anniversary of the event scheduled to hold in Lagos on May 27, 2026.
The announcement comes as preparations intensify for what is widely regarded as a landmark edition of the youth-focused maritime conference.
The 10th AMSAY Conference marks a decade of sustained youth engagement, innovation, and impact in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
It is expected to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, stakeholders, and young professionals from across the maritime ecosystem.
Engr. Ogbeifun’s confirmation as Chairman adds significant weight to the anniversary event.
He previously served as the Pioneer Chairman during the maiden edition of the conference in 2016, and his return ten years later is described by the organisers as both symbolic and strategic.
According to the Convener and CEO of Platforms Communications, Mr Sylvanus Obasi, the decision reflects a deliberate effort to connect the conference’s origins with its current status, noting that the AMSAY Conference has evolved significantly over the past decade.
He highlighted that several key initiatives now associated with the conference were not part of its original design.
Among these are the Best Graduating Maritime Students Awards (BEGMASA); the Fola Ojutalayo Annual Maritime Speech-Making Competition (FOAMSC), including the Maritime Career Mentoring Program (M-CAMP).
These programmes, according to him, have become integral components and offshoot of the AMSAY Conference brand.
Speaking further, Obasi stated that the initiatives have delivered measurable impact in youth development and professional capacity building, even as he further described the growth of these programmes as evidence of the conference’s commitment to continuous improvement.
“Bringing Engr. Ogbeifun back after ten years is a strategic move. It gives us the opportunity to reflect on our journey and showcase our achievements.”, the Convener said, adding that the anniversary edition will also provide a platform to draw from Engr Greg’s wealth of experience and industry insight.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Central Planning Committee of AMSAY Conference, Mr Nnamdi Eronini hinted that the 10th AMSAY Conference is expected to feature robust discussions, mentorship engagements, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
He reaffirmed the organisers commitment to advancing the maritime sector through sustained youth engagement and innovation, noting that the event is positioned as a leading platform for shaping the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Customs
Oyo/Osun Customs Command collects 27.2billon revenue in Q1 2026
Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has posted an impressive 95% increase in revenue collection in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
Led by Acting Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, the command generated ₦27.2 billion between January and March 2026, up from ₦13.97 billion in Q1 2025.
A breakdown of the generated revenue revealed that the command raked in a total sum of N5,977,766,941.65 in January 2026 which was about N2 billion lower (23% down) than the total sum of N7,804,408,776.88 collected in the same period of 2025.
However, despite a dip in January, revenue rebounded strongly in February and March.
In February , the command’s revenue collection jumped up astronomically to a total sum of N8,767,974,864.40 against the very low total revenue of N2,289,193,870 realized in the corresponding period of 2025.
This year’s February revenue is over 383% higher than the revenue collected the same period last year.
February’s performance was the standout, with collections nearly quadrupling year-on-year.
In March 2026, Acting Comptroller Adewole’s administrative ingenuity and thoroughness further shored up the revenue generation of the command in the month under review to a total sum of N12,454,516,158.62.
In the corresponding period of last year, the command’s generated revenue was a patry sum of N3,877,668,667.
This year’s March revenue achievement represents 321% rise over last year’s.
Acting Comptroller Adewole’s administrative reforms and enforcement measures are credited with driving the surge.
Overall, the command’s Q1 results underscore a significant improvement in efficiency and compliance, positioning Oyo/Osun as one of the strongest performing Customs Commands in the country.
Headlines
NRC decries ceaseless attacks, vandalism on trains along Abuja- Kaduna rail corridor
Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has lamented the ceaseless attacks on its train operations along the notorious Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor by suspected vandals and criminal elements.
In a statement by the Corporation,the latest incident occurred around Kilometer 177 along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, where some unknown persons reportedly gathered along the rail track and began pelting stones at a moving train, leading to damage to the windscreen of the leading locomotive.
The NRC noted with deep concern that within the last two weeks, similar attacks have also been witnessed in other locations, including Gidan Busa/Sarki Gora Village, Kakau District, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, among others, a development it feared is posing serious danger to railway operations, passengers, and operational personnel.
The NRC management disclosed that similar incidents have so far been recorded in more than six locations along the corridor, thereby worsening the already challenging and stressful operational conditions under which the Corporation continues to provide essential transport services to Nigerians.
The NRC stated that these persistent attacks not only endanger lives and damage critical railway infrastructure, but also constitute acts of economic sabotage capable of disrupting national transportation and undermining the huge investments of the Federal Government in the railway sector.
The Corporation however assured that despite the unfortunate development, train operations have continued with necessary safety precautions and strict operational vigilance by railway personnel who have continued to demonstrate commitment and professionalism in ensuring that passengers reach their destinations safely.
The Management of the Corporation specially acknowledged the efforts and support of security operatives working tirelessly with the NRC to secure railway corridors and safeguard passengers and railway assets despite the persistent attacks.
It said it is currently working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen surveillance along the corridor, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice.
The NRC therefore called on residents and communities along railway corridors to support efforts aimed at protecting railway infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities and discouraging criminal attacks on trains and railway installations.
NRC further expressed concerns that continuous attacks on railway operations could negatively affect smooth service delivery if urgent collective action is not taken to curb the menace.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation remains committed to ensuring safe, secure, and efficient train operations across the country and assures passengers that every necessary measure is being taken to safeguard lives and railway assets” the statement concluded.
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