Maritime

NIMASA Lauds Intels Over Ports Dev

Published

15 years ago

February 18, 2011

The pioneering efforts of Intels Nigeria Limited in the infrastructural development of the nation’s ports in the spirit of the Private-Public partnership of the Federal Government of Nigeria have been commended by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and safety agency (NIMASA).

The commendation was made by the Eastern Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. O.A. Abass last Wednesday during a working visit he made with his management team to the Corporate Head Office complex of the company at the Onne Oil and Gas Free zone. He acknowledged the existing collaboration between both organisations and requested that it should be strengthened further, adding that NIMASA is not only concerned about the administration of Nigeria’s maritime sector but also very interested in monitoring the various flags of all vessels calling in the nation’s territorial waters to ensure the safety of our waterways.

Speaking further, Mr. Abass noted that Intels has taken giant strides aimed at taking our nascent maritime sector to another level, especially in the visible efforts being made by the company in the installation of security control posts and monitoring devices within their concessioned facilities, in line with ISPS provisions.

The NIMASA boss requested for a documentary from Intels, which he said, will showcase them as a leader in the maritime industry, highlight their pioneering efforts and become a module for the use of other terminal operators in the country, adding that he will encourage other operators to take a cue from Intels.

In his speech, Mr. Sascha Kuchi, Intels General Manager, Operations who led other key management staff during the interactive session with NIMASA officials, thanked the team for their visit and stated that the company is not shirking in its commitment to remain a market leader in the provision of specialised logistics services to the Oil & Gas sector in Nigeria; adding that by the foresight and doggedness of the company and close partnership with relevant governmental agencies, over 150 companies are operating in the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone complex, adjudged as the single largest and fastest growing Oil and Gas Free zone in the world.

He further informed the visitors that owing to the sensitive and specialised nature of the cargo handled in all the Niger Delta ports where Intels has a concession with the Nigerian Port Authority, the company has in May last year converted the crop of stevedores and maritime workers in its workforce into permanent workers thus completely erasing the idea of having casual employees. This, he stated, was to ensure that the workers are well trained with relevant skills needed for the sensitive operations in the Oil & Gas industry and improve the capacity building efforts of our people.

As part of the Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives of the company, Mr. Kuchi added that the company has recently invested substantial amount of money in the purchase of hybrid tractors and electric-powered cars in order to reduce the effects of gases and pollution in our environment, adding that no equipment in the fleet of Intels Nigeria Limited is more than ten years old.

Maritime

NPA Vows To Sustain Sanity On Port Access Roads ……Deploys ETO To Enhance Truck Movement

Published

1 week ago

November 3, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reiterated it’s commitment to preventing a return to the severe Apapa gridlock that previously plaqued the Lagos ports access roads.

It said the electronic truck call- up system ( ETO) has been recently reviewed and enhanced to integrate terminal gates directly with the ETO platform.

Speaking in reaction to media reports on the resurgence of gridlock on port access roads, Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Lawal, said the NPA, in line with its mandate to ensure the smooth operation of port activities and the free flow of traffic around the Apapa Port Complex corridor, remained fully committed to maintaining order and preventing any reoccurrence of the gridlock previously experienced along the access roads.

“We have recently undertaken a review and enhancement of the ETO system, which now integrates Terminal Gates directly with the ETO platform.

“This integration is designed to provide a structured sequencing of truck movements, both inbound and outbound within the Apapa Port Complex.

“The objective of this initiative is to ensure transparency, improve traffic efficiency, and maintain a sustainable operating environment around the ports.

“However, the success of this system depends largely on the cooperation and compliance of all Stakeholders, including Terminal Operators, Transport Unions, Drivers, Clearing Agents, and Government Agencies (Both Federal and State).

“Sequencing truck entry and exit is not rocket science. With sincerity of purpose and commitment from all concerned, we can achieve and maintain orderliness and prevent a return to the chaotic conditions of the past.

“It is in our best interest, because smooth Ingress and Egress of Trucks will, in the long run, bring about high turnover for all stakeholders,” he stated.

Maritime

DANTSOHO Calls For Synergy In Revamping Nation’s Ports

Published

1 week ago

November 3, 2025

The Tide

The Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority(NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has called for synergy in revamping the nation’s ports.

Dantsoho made the call shortly after the second meeting of the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He insisted that without collaboration amongst major actors little or nothing would be achieved in revamping the ports

“Until there is collaboration and partnership you cannot achieve efficiency at the ports”, he said.

Dantsoho highlighted steps taken by the Ports Authority to address bottlenecks faced by importers and exporters at the nation’s ports.

The MD said the Customs and Ports Efficiency Committee established by the NPA is recording huge successes through the joint inspection and boarding by relevant agencies operating in the area.

He identified adoption of technology, improvement in infrastructure, human capacity building, equipment and tools, as areas that could be improved to enhance port efficiency.

This, according to him, would ensure that Nigeria remains competitive and relevant in the sub-region, continent and beyond.

Speaking at the event, the Director – General, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Zahrah Audu, called for collective resolve among stakeholders to improve port operations, making cargo clearance faster and more efficient.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Customs and Ports Efficiency Committee, Audi however, decried the losses incurred as a result of the inefficiency at the nation’s ports,

Audu described the committee as a platform that represents not only interagency collaboration but a shared commitment to making Nigeria’s ports globally competitive, transparent, and efficient.

By: Chinedu Wosu

Maritime

Customs To Partner NAPTIP On Human Trafficking Menace

Published

1 week ago

November 3, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) said it will collaborate with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in combating human trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species.

The Comptroller General Cust oms, Adewale Adeniyi stated this while playing host to the Courtesy Visit by a delegation from NAPTIP, in his office, in Abuja.

He noted that Nigeria’s security challenges require joint action, as the Service does not view crimes solely through the lens of smuggling but through broader national security implications.

Adeniyi said “We believe in the power of collaboration,We can achieve more with less when we work together.”

The Comptroller General revealed that the Service has intensified its work on environmental sustainability and the enforcement of international conventions regarding flora and fauna, assured the delegation that Customs will fully collaborate on the upcoming national dialogue on human trafficking and stowaway incidents, scheduled for February 2026.

He pledged to provide technical expertise, intelligence sharing, and access to the Service’s training curriculum to strengthen inter-agency understanding of trafficking dynamics.

“We will accept your request for partnership unconditionally”

” We will work with your designated officials on the February summit and explore wider interventions that reinforce national security”, he stated.

Adeniyi commended the delegation for their continued service to the country and assured them of Customs’ unwavering support.

Earlier, the Director General, NAPTIP, Binta Adamu, expressed delight at securing formal engagement with the Customs Service.

She stated that NAPTIP was eager to strengthen operational partnerships, particularly in areas such as intelligence exchange, policy development, and cross-border enforcement.

In her words, “I am happy today that I finally made it here and held this discussion with the Comptroller-General. We are a law enforcement agency with mandates to prevent, prosecute and protect as partnership with Customs is essential for our work”

She noted that human trafficking continues to evolve, requiring close coordination among agencies operating at Nigeria’s multiple entry and exit points.

Also Speaking former Director with NIMASA; Hajia Lami Tumaka, said the visit was to seek Customs’ partnership for a one-day national policy dialogue on human trafficking by sea and stowaway incidents.

Tumaka described Customs as a “strategic player in border management and maritime enforcement,” adding that its involvement is critical to the success of the dialogue.

“Your officers are often the first line of defence against illicit movement of goods and persons. Your expertise and nationwide presence are indispensable”, she said.

By: Chinedu Wosu