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Oyetola rallies stakeholders for implementation of national policy on marine and blue economy 

– enumerates successes , projections of the ministry for the industry.
Funso OLOJO 
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,  Adegboyega Oyetola, has enjoined industry stakeholders to support the national policy on marine and blue economy which he believed will drive the growth and development of the industry.
The Minister make this appeal in Lagos on Thursday , July 3rd, 2025 while engaging the industry stakeholders on the need for their collaboration for effective implementation of the policy.
It could be recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in May, 2025, approved Nigeria’s 10-Year National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy from 2025-2034.
The Policy is designed with a robust implementation plan and the goal of harnessing Nigeria’s vast marine resources to drive economic growth.

At the 2nd Citizen/Stakeholders’ engagement held in Lagos, Oyetola said the approval of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council marks a critical turning point in providing a comprehensive framework to unlock value across Nigeria’s marine ecosystems.

According to him, the  policy encompasses port infrastructure, maritime security, aquaculture, ocean governance, marine biotechnology, renewable energy, coastal tourism, and climate resilience.

“Our gathering today is not ceremonial. It is a working forum designed to develop a strategic roadmap for implementation.
” We are here to design actionable frameworks, set implementation priorities, and assign clear institutional responsibilities.
“In doing so, we must focus on improving coordination, ensuring accountability, and building capacity at all levels” Oyetola told the stakeholders who gathered at the event.
The Minister further delved into the successes and projections of the ministry
” We are focused on modernising our port infrastructure.
“The Federal Government has approved the contracts for the reconstruction of the Apapa and Tin Can Ports, under the Western Port Rehabilitation Programme.
” Procurement is ongoing for the Eastern Ports. These upgrades are complemented by the deployment of digital solutions, including the Port Community System, the E-Call-Up System, and a unified One-Stop-Shop for port clearance.
“These interventions are designed to reduce delays, boost investor confidence, and reposition Nigeria as a regional maritime hub.
“We are also working to strengthen indigenous shipping capacity. Through a public-private partnership model, we are pursuing the revival of a National Carrier.
” Additionally, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced preparatory activities for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund.
“The process is being carefully structured to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance. When operational, the Fund will significantly expand opportunities for Nigerian shipping operators.
“On revenue and service delivery, we have recorded consistent year-on-year growth across our agencies. This is largely driven by our digitization drive, which is improving operational efficiency, closing leakages, and attracting private capital into the sector.
“Furthermore, we are making concerted efforts to streamline trade facilitation, reduce procedural bottlenecks, and eliminate overlapping regulatory burdens.
“Investment opportunities are expanding in bonded terminals, dry ports, inland logistics corridors, and warehousing infrastructure.
“Our overarching objective is to make Nigeria the maritime and logistics gateway for West and Central Africa.
“​On the regional front, Nigeria is championing the operationalisation of the Regional Maritime Development Bank under the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA).
“With its headquarters here in Abuja, the Bank is poised to provide long-term financing for maritime infrastructure, thereby accelerating regional integration and supporting cross-border trade.
“Our inland waterways are also receiving priority attention. The Ministry, through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has introduced the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulation, 2023, and launched a nationwide water safety campaign.
” We have distributed over 42,000 safety jackets, deployed ferries, patrol boats, and trained water marshals.
“These efforts are already yielding results in reducing boat mishaps across the country  and restoring confidence in water transport as a safe and viable mode of movement.
“Following the formal transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to our Ministry, we are repositioning the sector as a key contributor to food security and rural livelihoods.
“Ongoing efforts include reviving critical fishing terminals, automating licensing systems, and incentivising responsible private investments in both artisanal and commercial aquaculture.
“Maritime security remains central to our mandate. Through the Deep Blue Project, Nigeria has maintained zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters for three consecutive years.
“This achievement has earned us commendation from the international community and contributed to regional maritime stability.
“We are also proud that Nigeria’s offer to host the African Union Combined Maritime Task Force in Lagos has received endorsement from the AU Peace and Security Council” Oyetola enthused.
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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.
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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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