Connect with us

Headlines

Shippers’ Council prepares staff for new role under the proposed Port Economic Regulatory Agency Act.

— trains first batch of 16 middle- level officers 
Funso OLOJO 
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council(NSC) has commenced preparations for the eventual transition into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency(NPERA).
It could be recalled that the bill that will transmute the council into the Economic Regulatory council has been passed by the National Assembly( the House of Representatives and the Senate) but awaiting the assent of the President.
However, to prepare the staff to take up the new responsibilities that the new status will impose on the council, the agency has selected 16 middle- level officers who went through rigorous and tedious selection process.
The selected officers were put through the Middle Management Leadership Development Programme(MMLDP) of the Council’s Succession Planning Strategy on June 30th, 2025.
The induction ceremony, held in Lagos, marked a significant milestone for the Council.
 It is the first initiative of its kind, involving 16 carefully selected middle management staff, each with at least five years remaining in service.
The programme is designed to ensure leadership continuity, preserve institutional memory, and drive sustained organizational growth.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Akutah Pius, expressed his delight at the commencement of the programme.
He acknowledged the rigorous selection process and congratulated the participants for emerging successful in what he described as a highly competitive exercise.
“You did well to be here,” Dr. Akutah said.
 “I know how thorough the selection process was, and I’m not surprised by the faces I see today.
“Some of you I have met personally, others have worked closely with me. I know your potential, and it’s no surprise you made it this far.”
He encouraged the participants to remain committed and hardworking, noting that the programme marks the beginning of broader institutional transformation.
“Succession planning is not a one-time event. This programme will become a permanent fixture within the Council,” he stated.
Dr. Akutah urged the participants to see the opportunity as a stepping stone to becoming future leaders in the maritime and regulatory sectors.
He reaffirmed his confidence in the calibre of resource persons facilitating the programme and emphasized the importance of local capacity development.
“I believe in local content and in enhancing the capabilities within our organization.
” That is the essence of this initiative,” he said.
 “Some of you may not have been appropriately placed during your initial recruitment despite your qualifications.
” But this is how the civil service works—you enter, you grow. The window for growth and better positioning is now open.”
With the NSC’s transition into NPERA nearing completion—pending the signing of the enabling bill—Dr. Akutah spoke about the fresh opportunities ahead.
“We’re on the brink of creating a new agency with new structures, departments, and culture.
” This is your chance to prove yourselves and be considered for key leadership roles.”
He concluded by expressing optimism about the participants’ future contributions to both the Council and the wider port and logistics sector.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has spotlighted this sector as a key driver of economic growth.
“We need professionals who can compete globally. As we build an agency that matches international standards, you will be at the forefront of this transformation. We count on your sound minds and sound training to help chart that path forward.” he declared.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headlines

Lekki Port boosts Nigeria’s trade surge as NPA releases 2025 operational performance 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Lekki Deep Sea Port played a significant role in the trade surplus recorded by the Nigerian ports Authority (NPA) in 2025 with a staggering 129.3m  metric tons of cargo throughout over the 2024 figures of 103.6m metric tons, representing 24.8 percent increase.
According to the operational performance report released by the NPA,  Lekki Port was identified as the leading port in Nigeria, handling 40.6 percent of the nation’s total cargo throughput.
Onne Port followed with 19.1 percent, and Apapa Port handled 16.7 percent.
In addition to volume, Lekki Port attracted the largest vessels, with an average Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 55,712, slightly higher than Onne Port at 53,022 GRT.
Apapa and Tin Can Island Port received ships averaging 33,251 GRT and 36,909 GRT, respectively, while Delta Ports handled vessels averaging 17,414 GRT.
The report underscores a structural shift in vessel traffic: although Tin Can Island Port recorded the highest frequency of ship arrivals accounting for 22.7 percent of total ship calls, Lekki and Onne are increasingly receiving the industry’s “heavyweight” vessels, enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to handle larger, more valuable cargoes.
Overall, total ship calls rose by nearly 12 percent to 4,477 vessels, reflecting broad-based growth across all operational metrics.
The report revealed that total cargo throughput surged by 24.8 percent rising from approximately 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to over 129.3 million metric tons in 2025.
The report emphasized that the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described the growth as one of the most significant annual increases in Nigeria’s maritime history, noting that the milestone strengthens the country’s position as a more competitive and strategic player in regional and global trade.
While imports continue to dominate overall cargo traffic, the report highlights a steady rise in outward trade, with exports accounting for 39.0 percent of total cargo throughput.
 Inward traffic represented 59.2 percent, and transshipment contributed 1.8 percent.
Analysts view the growth in export volumes as a direct validation of the Federal Government’s economic diversification initiatives, aimed at reducing dependence on crude oil and promoting non-oil sector exports.
Containerized cargo, a key indicator of export trade activity, grew significantly.
Total container traffic increased by 25.7 percent, surpassing 2.1 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).
Of this, export containers grew by 3.1 percent, while import-laden containers surged by 32.8 percent.
The report also noted a remarkable 205.8 percent increase in transshipment containers, signaling Nigeria’s emergence as a pivotal regional logistics and trade hub.
Liquid bulk cargo, including fuel and chemicals, remained the dominant commodity at 54.7 percent, while containerized cargo accounted for 24 percent.
 Analysts note that the increasing size and sophistication of vessel traffic, coupled with container growth, points to a maritime sector gradually aligning with global shipping standards.
The report also highlights the rising importance of transshipment cargo, particularly for containerized goods destined for other West and Central African ports.
The 205.8 percent surge in transshipment containers positions Nigeria as a strategic regional hub, attracting international shipping lines and increasing revenue for the Nigerian Ports Authority.
The 2025 NPA Operational Performance Report signals a transformative phase in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Export-led growth, rising container traffic, and the strategic role of Lekki Port illustrate that the nation is not only handling more cargo but is also diversifying the type of goods moving through its ports.
“This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s trade ecosystem,” maritime analysts said.
 “The growth in exports and transshipment reflects the success of policy reforms aimed at reducing reliance on oil revenues, while enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian ports in regional trade.”
With the nation’s ports showing resilience and dynamism, the report reinforces the Federal Government’s efforts to expand non-oil exports, attract investment into port infrastructure, and integrate Nigeria more fully into global supply chains.
As Nigeria continues to welcome larger vessels and diversify its cargo base, the 2025 NPA report positions Lekki Port and the broader port network as central to the country’s economic diversification strategy, regional trade prominence, and global maritime ambitions.
Looking ahead, Dantsoho expressed confidence that the next phase of growth will be driven by the Federal Government–approved bold port modernization programme and the implementation of the National Single Window system.
The comprehensive port modernization project is designed to overhaul ageing infrastructure, deepen berths, rehabilitate quays, expand cargo-handling capacity, and deploy advanced digital solutions across Nigeria’s port network.
The initiative is expected to improve vessel turnaround time, reduce cargo dwell time, enhance safety standards, and significantly boost operational efficiency across all terminals.
Continue Reading

Headlines

Tinubu swears in new IGP, Tunde Disu on Wednesday as Police council endorses his appointment

Funso OLOJO,  Editor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 swear- in the new Inspector – General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu following the endorsement of his appointment by the Nigeria Police Council.
According to the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the  ceremony will take place during the Federal Executive Council meeting, scheduled for the same day.
The Council’s meeting, which took place at the State House, was presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and had in attendance Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, in accordance with the constitution.
Others in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; and the head of service, Mrs Esther Didi Walson-Jack.
The President appointed Disu as the new police chief, following the resignation of the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who spoke glowingly about the Acting Inspector-General of Police, commended Disu for his exemplary services as a policeman, especially when he served as the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State between 2015 and 2021, where his tenure earned him and the RRS recognition for excellence in crime control.
Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, commended the President’s appointment of Disu, noting that it was based on his excellent career record.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, also lauded Disu for his professionalism.
Disu served in Wike’s home state of Rivers as Assistant Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Department, and Officer-in-charge, anti-kidnapping unit, between 2014 and 2015.
He later served as Commissioner of Police in the FCT Command when Wike became the minister.
Wike commended him for his efficiency as a crime fighter and for ensuring the command’s strategic impact in addressing security concerns within the territory.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State seconded the motion endorsing Disu’s appointment.
Disu was born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State and joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent.
He rose through the ranks with multiple qualifications in public administration, forensic investigation, criminology, security, legal psychology, and entrepreneurship-credentials that reflect his commitment to knowledge-driven, modern policing.
The Acting Inspector-General has held critical operational, investigative, and strategic command positions nationwide.
His last position was as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force CID Annex, Lagos.
Continue Reading

Headlines

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.
Continue Reading

Trending