Maritime
Barau Port Set For Commissioning
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), says the inland port at Barau in Niger, has reached 80 per cent completion and would be ready by March 2013.
The Managing Director of the authority, Alhaji Ahmed Yar’Adua, announced this when the Ministers of Information and National Planning, Mr Labaran Maku and Alhaji Shamsudeen Usman respectively, visited the facility on the Good Governance Tour.
“We have reached 80 per cent completion and we are doing everything to see how this port can be completed and put to use.
“This project would have been completed by December 2012 but due to the recent flooding, we have shifted it, so I assure you that it will be completed by December 2013.”
According to him, the Federal Government awarded the contract in December 2009 but work began at the site in the first quarter of 2010.
The managing director said the project was expected to be completed in 20 months but it faced some challenges such as the lack of access road, in security and community interference, among others.
“The flooding washed away the only access road leading to the port, making it difficult for heavy construction equipment to get to the construction site by road.”
He said the contract was awarded at N6.6 billion while payments to date stood at N4.9 billion.
Yar’Adua added that aside the sand filling of the harbour which was almost completed, other major construction work still pending included administrative buildings, security post, generator house and water treatment plant.
Responding, Maku said that instability of previous administrations, had robbed Nigerians of many dividends of democracy.
“If we had embarked on this project in 1954, we would have been doing another project now, not this one anymore.
“So because of governments not being stable, projects such as the inland water ports were not done, ’’ he said.
He said that the Federal Executive Council had awarded contracts to purchase two passenger barges for the channel to ensure that it did not lie fallow after its completion.
“With the recent flooding, you could see that if we had alternative route, we all needed not to go by road.”
The minister assured Nigerians, particularly citizens of Niger, that the job would be completed.
Maku said that on completion, it would ease pressure on the roads and boost economic activities in the state and the country.
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An Ad-hoc Committee of the House of Representatives investigating the performance and benefits accrued to the Federal Government from concessionaires operating air and sea port terminals and related shipping activities from 2006 to 2025 has given a seven-day ultimatum to them all, to submit all requested documents.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, issued the directive during a public hearing in Abuja attended by key stakeholders including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Also present at the hearing were major concessionaires and operators such as Dangote Group, Julius Berger, Joseph Dam, West Africa Container Terminal, Tincan (Tinker) Terminal, ECM Terminal, Ibeto Terminal, Apm Terminals, Intervention facilities operators and other industry players.
The committee had initially proposed a 72-hour deadline for submission of documents but, following appeals during the interactive session, resolved to grant agencies and concessionaires from Monday to Friday next week to comply.
Akinlayo stressed that the extension was granted in good faith and must be treated with urgency.
He explained that the committee already possesses extensive records and data from relevant government agencies covering the period under review, but requires corresponding submissions from concessionaires and stakeholders for verification and comparison.
“We have data from 2006 to 2025. What we need now is your own submission to compare with what has already been submitted to us by the agencies.
We cannot rely on one-sided information. You must also present your records,” he stated.
The chairman warned that failure to submit the requested documents by the close of work on Friday next week would attract consequences, including possible referral to relevant investigative and prosecutorial bodies.
It also directed that the heads and chief executive officers of the affected agencies and organisations must appear before the panel at the expiration of the ultimatum to account for their records and address any discrepancies.
“Any organisation that fails to comply within the stipulated period will leave us with no option. Once we adopt the information before us and you have not made your submission, we may refer the matter to the appropriate authorities for further action,” he cautioned.
Akinlayo reiterated that the investigation is not a witch-hunt but a constitutional oversight function aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency in Nigeria’s maritime and aviation sectors.
“This is not a witch-hunt. We are here to work for the benefit of Nigeria. Asking for these submissions is even in your interest because it gives you the opportunity to clarify your position,” he added.
He noted that a standard template had been attached to the committee’s correspondence to guide submissions and urged all concerned to strictly adhere to it.
In his remarks, the Deputy Chairman of the committee, Hon. Harrison Anozie, stressed that the investigation would be strictly fact-based and guided by the concession agreements signed by the parties.
“When you speak, you must speak to documents.
We will rely on facts as contained in the agreements and your submissions. If you claim any agency stopped you from carrying out your obligations, show us the written evidence,” Anozie said.
He reminded concessionaires that the partnerships were voluntarily entered into and that due diligence should have been conducted before signing the contracts.
“No one forced you into these agreements. You signed them and committed to specific improvements in the facilities assigned to you.
Those obligations are clearly stated. Where you have done well in line with your agreement, you will be commended.
Where you have not, the facts will speak for themselves,” he stated.
Anozie added that the real hearing would commence after all submissions are received, analysed and benchmarked against industry data already in the committee’s possession.
The committee maintained that the probe is designed to ensure that concession agreements over the past 19 years have delivered value to the Federal Government and improved operations at the nation’s ports, airports and terminals.
[2/15, 7:11 PM] John Enyie: Urges Freight Forwarding Associations to Unite Amid Rejection of JACOFF
The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has made an urgent call for unity among freight forwarding associations in Nigeria’s maritime sector, warning that escalating conflicts and fragmentation are undermining the maritime sector’s credibility and its ability to contribute to national economic growth.
Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, National President of APFFLON in a press release on Sunday 15th February, 2026 said leadership rivalries and confrontations are weakening the freight forwarding industry at a critical time for Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
Otunba Ogunojemite’s appeal comes amid growing tensions within the sector, following recent developments that saw the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) distancing themselves from a group known as; Joint Action Committee of Freight Forwarders (JACOFF)
“Division, rivalry, and unnecessary confrontations among industry players only weaken our relevance and credibility. Leadership in this industry must be guided by maturity, vision, and responsibility, not actions capable of creating confusion or anarchy within the system.”
The APFFLON president warned that internal fragmentation threatens the sector’s ability to participate meaningfully in transformation opportunities under the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including port reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, and digitalization efforts.
“Posterity will judge each of us if we fail to come together and position our sector as a constructive partner in national development,” he said.
APFFLON outlined four key benefits of unity: strengthened negotiating power, enhanced policy influence, increased investor confidence, and sustainable growth through collective engagement.
The association emphasized that the maritime industry is too strategically important to Nigeria’s economy to be weakened by association rivalries.
“The freight forwarding profession thrives on coordination, structured engagement, and collective advocacy. When leaders fail to promote harmony, the entire industry suffers the consequences,” Ogunojemite stated.
He urged stakeholders to rise above personal interests and prioritize dialogue over division, noting that meaningful contribution to national development requires a united front.
“In unity, our voice is stronger. In unity, our industry is respected. In unity, we secure the future of freight forwarding in Nigeria,” Ogunojemite concluded.
[2/15, 7:20 PM] John Enyie: Ahmed takes command at NNS Victory, pledges continuity
COMMODORE Shuaib Ahmed on Saturday assumed duty as Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory in Calabar, pledging to sustain his predecessor’s gains.
The Tide reports that Ahmed sought the same cooperation given to Commodore Ajumobi Oride to advance the base’s mandate.
He said securing marine channels and enhancing personnel welfare would be his immediate priorities.
“Securing our maritime environment and improving staff welfare will remain paramount under my watch,” Ahmed said.
Following the formal handover, a farewell parade was held in honour of the outgoing commander, Oride.
In his remarks, Oride thanked God for the successful completion of his tour of duty.
He reflected on achievements recorded during his tenure and praised officers and ratings for their dedication and professionalism.
“I am proud of what we accomplished together in strengthening maritime security,” Oride said.
Deputy Governor of Cross River, Dr Peter Odey, representing Gov. Bassey Otu, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the base’s operations.
He commended Oride for his steadfast efforts in securing Cross River’s maritime domain.
The event drew senior government officials, retired military officers, heads of agencies, service commanders and industry leaders.
[2/15, 7:30 PM] John Enyie: 18 ships discharge petroleum products, others in Lagos ports
Forty-six other ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods are expected to arrive in Lagos ports between Saturday and 22 February.
byAgency Report February 15, 2026 Reading Time: 1 min read
A total of 18 ships are discharging petroleum products and other commodities at Apapa Lekki and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said on Saturday.
NPA explained that the ships were discharging buck fertiliser, general cargo, bulk sugar, gasoline, bulk urea and condensate, bulk gypsum and containers.
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The Tide reports that 46 other ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods are expected to arrive in Lagos ports between Saturday and 22 February.
NPA said that the expected ships would bring general cargoes, bulk urea, bulk wheat, empty containers, crude oil, bulk gypsum, trucks, bulk gas, bulk pallets, containers of different goods, bulk salt and petrol.
It said seven ships had arrived at the ports and were waiting to berth with bulk urea, crude oil, diesel, aviation fuel, general cargo and petrol.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, says it has intercepted 64 bags of suspected cannabis sativa concealed in a cement-laden trailer along the Zaria to Kano Road
NDLEA also sad it’s nabbed the driver of the vehicle
The State Commander, Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal, disclosed this in a statement issued to Newsmen in Kano through its Public Relations Officer, ASN Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatar
He said that the arrest was part of the agency’s sustained efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse across the state.
Yahaya-Lawal said that the consignment was seized on Feb. 2 by officers of the Kiru Area Command following intelligence-led surveillance and monitoring.
He said the trailer loaded with Dangote cement departed Obajana in Kogi and was heading to Mubi in Adamawa when it was intercepted.
According to him, the driver of the vehicle had been arrested and was currently in NDLEA custody pending further investigation.
The Commander said that the seizure was a result of meticulous intelligence gathering and the dedication of officers.
“The drugs were concealed within legitimate cargo and are believed to have been intended for distribution in Kano ahead of the Ramadan period.”
“We will not allow drug traffickers to endanger the safety and spiritual well-being of our communities,” Yahaya-Lawal said.
He said in line with directives from the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the command would intensify patrols, reinforce checkpoints and sustain intelligence-driven operations across the state.
Yahaya-Lawal added that an investigation into the network behind the shipment was ongoing, noting that efforts were being made to apprehend other collaborators and facilitators.
He warned that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Commander called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to drug trafficking to the nearest NDLEA office or through official channels.
He emphasised that community cooperation was essential to safeguarding citizens and maintaining peace, especially during religious observances.
By: CHINEDU WOSU
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has been honoured with the Maritime Agency of the Year 2025 award following its reduction boat mishaps across the country’s inland waterways by 70 per cent.
The Award was presented to NIWA at the 2025 Award and Dinner Night organised by New Telegraph in Lagos
Receiving the award on behalf of the Authority, Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, dedicated the recognition to the hardworking staff of NIWA and the immediate past Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, for laying a solid foundation that strengthened safety reforms within the agency.
Speaking with journalists shortly after receiving the award, Girei expressed gratitude to the organisers for the honour, describing it as a testament to NIWA’s dedication and commitment to improving maritime safety in Nigeria.
According to him, the recognition would further motivate the Authority’s workforce to intensify efforts toward ensuring safer and more secure inland waterways transportation across the country.
The award acknowledges NIWA’s sustained interventions in promoting safety and security on Nigerian inland waterways, including the implementation of the Inland Waterways Transportation Code and the strategic deployment of water marshals to enforce safety regulations nationwide.
Stakeholders at the event commended the agency’s proactive measures, noting that the significant reduction in boat mishaps reflects the impact of strengthened enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and sustained public awareness campaigns throughout 2025.
The recognition reinforces NIWA’s position as a key driver of safety reforms in Nigeria’s inland waterways transport system.
By: CHINEDU WOSU
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