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NSC decries insinuation of recanting on tariff increase under pressure, laments legal cobweb entangles ICTN take- off

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has spurned widely- held view that the decision to recant its stand on tariff increase and the prolonged delay in kicking off the International Cargo Tracking Nite(ICTN) was due to the intense pressure by stakeholders.
Making the denial in an interview with journalists, the Executive Secretary of the Council, Pius Akutah, maintained that all actions taken by the agency are guided strictly by law, due process, and extensive stakeholder consultations rather than external pressure or inconsistency in policy direction.
He explained that tariff regulation is a core statutory responsibility of the Council under Sections 5 and 6 of the Port Economic Regulations 2025, stressing that the NSC acted within its legal mandate in approving adjustments after years of sustained pressure from service providers who had repeatedly demanded significant increases due to rising operational costs.
Akutah noted that for more than two and a half years, no tariff review had been implemented despite inflationary trends, increasing cost of operations, and multiple requests from industry players, some of which ranged between 150 percent and 300 percent increases, which the Council had to carefully moderate in order to prevent wider economic disruption.
He maintained that tariff adjustment in the maritime sector cannot be treated as a profit-driven exercise but rather as part of broader sectoral development and investment sustainability.
The NSC boss added that any decision must take into account key macroeconomic indicators such as inflation, GDP performance, and the potential impact on national trade.
According to him, the Council deliberately adopted a cautious approach given that over 80 percent of Nigeria’s trade is dependent on maritime transport, warning that excessive tariff hikes could have immediate ripple effects across the economy.
On the concerns that shipping companies were introducing exploitative charges and that the regulator was merely reacting to crises, he dismissed the allegation, stating that the Council did not act arbitrarily but approved a structured adjustment framework of about 35 percent, which was designed as a flexible band rather than a fixed rate.
He explained that operators were allowed to implement within an approved range, typically between 10 and 20 percent depending on their operational realities, while cautioning that any over-implementation would distort competitiveness in the sector.
Reacting to suggestions that recent disputes in the industry signaled instability or regulatory failure, Akutah clarified that the tensions were not systemic but largely isolated to a disagreement between Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and its stakeholders.
He said other shipping companies successfully concluded their stakeholder engagements without incident, adding that the situation with MSC stemmed from a breakdown in agreement during consultations rather than any regulatory lapse.
Akutah disclosed that he personally intervened during a protest at MSC premises to de-escalate tensions and encouraged dialogue, noting that regulatory engagement must always remain the preferred route for resolving disputes in the sector.
Addressing concerns about regulatory interference, he warned against what he described as regulatory capture, arguing that undue external pressure on a statutory regulator could undermine transparency and distort the balance required to protect both shippers and service providers.
 He emphasized that the Council’s role is to maintain equilibrium in the industry, not to favour one side over another, stressing that the collapse of any segment of the value chain would ultimately affect national trade.
On the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), Akutah acknowledged delays in implementation but attributed them to a complex web of legal disputes, court cases, and historical inconsistencies surrounding the project.
 He explained that the Council is currently working with the Ministry of Justice to resolve outstanding litigation involving some stakeholders before full rollout can proceed, noting that the objective is to ensure a seamless and legally sound implementation that will not be subject to further suspension.
He reaffirmed that ICTN remains critical to improving cargo security, enhancing tracking efficiency, and safeguarding national revenue, but stressed that the Council must ensure all legal bottlenecks are resolved to avoid operational setbacks.
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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.
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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.
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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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