Business

You’re Corrupt, Bereaved Families Tell NIMASA

Published

10 years ago

February 10, 2016

Families of missing sailors
that drowned during an accident involving their tanker; MT Tank and another MT Elixir have accused the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) of bribery for failing to divulge useful information about the escape ship (MT Elixir).
The families are also appealing to the minister of transportation, Mr. Rotimi Ameachi to ask the regulatory agency for allowing the vessel to sail out of the country despite the incident that claimed one life and eight others missing.
Speaking to journalists at the weekend in Lagos, wife to one of the missing crew, Mrs Esther Edoloro lamented that NIMASA is in possession of all necessary information about the ship saying that it will be incompetent on the part of the agency to say it has no document about the ship on Nigerian waters.
“I don’t even know what NIMASA is doing in this matter honestly. To me, they have collected bribe from the other vessel MT Elixir because I don’t see any reason why they will just release the other vessel without even giving us concrete information about the vessel.”
Even my lawyer has been asking them for the information, they refused to give any information about the other company which is not supposed to be. They are supposed to carry us along because this is human life. We are talking about this matter for the past three months,”she added
According to her, the lawyer has been demanding for information about the whisked vessel but NIMASA has refused to release details about the incident and the vessel in particular.
My lawyer has served them (NIMASA) two papers before and the one served them on Monday will be the third one.
“ No response yet despite all the papers he has served them”.
She also expressed confidence in the minister, urging him to look into the matter and quiz NIMASA for hoarding such vital information.
“ What I know is that NIMASA has collected money from the other vessel.”
When my lawyer was talking to the company’s lawyer, even the company’s lawyer wants to sue NIMASA because they are not giving them concrete information, they are not giving them the information they need to go on with the case.”
“ I believe NIMASA has collected money from MT Elixir that is why they kept silent. “
“That is the reason why they are not saying anything; they don’t want to step into the matter.
“I don’t know if there will be a way for me to reach our new transport minister, I will be very happy because I know he will do something about it.”
When asked about her expectation from the transport minister on the case, Mrs Edoloro affirmed that
“I want him to look into this matter, let them bring out the information about the other vessel so that we will know what we are doing.
“ At least with his help, I believe NIMASA will bring out all the information about the other vessel because I believe that whichever vessel that is coming into Nigeria water, NIMASA has their records. “
“They are supposed to give concrete information about other vessels so that we can know what we are doing.
“ I want the minister to prevail on NIMASA to bring out the information we need.”
“ That is, the name of the company that the other vessel is representing with other things. That is what we want them to do for us.”
When contacted on phone, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Hajia Lami Tumaka said that lawyers to all concerned parties are meeting on the way forward. Adding that the lead lawyers of the two ships are talking.

Nkpemenyie McDominic, Lagos

Business

Niger Delta Investment Summit Targets $5bn Inflows, 500,000 Jobs

Published

14 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has unveiled the plans to host a major economic and investment summit aimed at attracting five billion dollars, ( N7 trillion) investments in addition to creating about 500,000 jobs over the next five years.

The Chairman of NDCCITMA Board, Ambassador Idaere Ogan, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently.

Ogan stated that the initiative is designed to reposition the Niger Delta as a viable destination for sustainable economic growth and development.

He explained the summit would bring together investors, policymakers, manufacturers and business leaders from within and outside Nigeria to explore opportunities across key sectors of the regional economy.

According to him, the event is expected to attract high-profile participation, with President Bola Tinubu billed as Special Guest of Honour, while the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, is expected to deliver the keynote address.

Ogan said the summit would focus on critical sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and the blue economy, which he described as areas with significant untapped potential.

He called on state governments, development partners and private sector stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that collective efforts are required to unlock the region’s economic prospects.

NDCCITMA chairman further stated that improving security conditions and increasing economic confidence in the Niger Delta have made the region more attractive to both local and foreign investors.

He emphasised that ongoing economic reforms at the national level have also contributed to creating a more favourable investment climate.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Summit Organising Committee, Dr. Solomon Edebiri, said the event would prioritise the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across the region.

He noted the summit would provide a strategic platform for networking, business partnership and policy dialogue aimed at strengthening the private sector.

Edebiri disclosed that findings from a recent business roundtable revealed significant untapped investment opportunities, which the summit seeks to harness through targeted collaborations.

He revealed that the event would feature exhibitions of viable projects, facilitate business-to-business and business-to-government engagements, and also promote innovations across multiple sectors.

According to him, the expected outcomes of the summit include job creation, increased industrial activity and improved livelihoods for people in the Niger Delta.

To build momentum ahead of the event, NDCCITMA said the body would embark on awareness roadshows across states in the Niger Delta, as well as in Lagos and Abuja, to attract broad participation.

King Onunwor

Business

NPA Targets N1.489tn Revenue In 2026

Published

15 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has set N1.489 trillion as its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target for the 2026 fiscal year.

NPA says the figure represents an increase of N21 billion over the N1.468 trillion target for 2025, which the agency exceeded with an actual revenue of N1.97 trillion.

The Managing Director NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, stated this during the agency’s 2026 budget defence before the Senate Committee on Marine Transport.

Dantsoho said the authority was set to begin groundbreaking projects for the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports to enhance global competitiveness.

According to him, of the projected revenue: N945 billion is allocated for capital projects, N447.5 billion for operating expenses, and

N90.6 billion for remittance into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

The MD explained that the budget was anchored on the mantra, “Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity.”

Dantsoho said that the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports were flagship projects aimed at boosting revenue.

“Apapa and Tin Can Island ports are old and no longer adequate for modern global port operations.

“Apapa Port is about 100 years old, while Tin Can Island Port is over 50 years old, with limited capacity for handling modern vessels and cargo volumes.

“Groundbreaking for their modernisation will commence within the next two to three weeks,” he added.

On the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Dantsoho said all revenues generated by the NPA are paid directly into the account managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“We do not retain any funds. The Central Bank is the signatory and we must apply for funds whenever needed,” he explained.

Earlier in his remarks,Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ports, Sen. Wasiu Eshinlokun (Lagos Central), said the committee’s oversight function was collaborative rather than adversarial.

“Our goal is to work with you to strengthen institutional capacity, eliminate inefficiencies and ensure that every naira appropriated serves the public interest,” he said.

Chinedu Wosu

Business

NPF Disburses ?21.68m To Fallen Heros’ Families …Reinforce Welfare Commitment

Published

15 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

Nigeria Police Force has disbursed a total of ?21,678,120 to the deceased police officers families in Rivers State as part of ongoing welfare interventions by the force.

The gesture formed a major highlight of the activities marking the 2026 National Police Day celebration in the state, underscoring renewed institutional focus on personnel welfare and post-service support systems.

The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, who presided over the cheque presentation ceremony, said the initiative reflects the Force’s commitment to honouring officers who paid the ultimate price in their line of duty.

He explained that the financial support is designed to cushion the economic burden faced by bereaved families, while also reinforcing confidence among serving personnel about the Force’s long-term welfare structure.

Adepoju conveyed the sympathy of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to the beneficiaries, noting that the sacrifices of fallen officers remain invaluable to national security and public safety.

The police boss further stressed that sustained welfare interventions are critical to boosting morale, enhancing productivity, and strengthening institutional loyalty within the Force.

He reiterated that the welfare scheme aligns with broader reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigeria Police Force as a responsive and people-oriented institution.

Beneficiaries of the cheques commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for prioritising the welfare of officers and their families through consistent and impactful interventions.

They described the initiative as timely and compassionate, noting that it would go a long way in alleviating financial pressures arising from the loss of their loved ones.

The families also acknowledged ongoing reforms under the current police leadership, which they said have strengthened trust, improved service delivery, and enhanced the overall image of the Force.

The Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining similar initiatives as part of efforts to uphold the dignity, sacrifice, and legacy of officers who served the nation with distinction.

King Onunwor