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Port modernisation remains a priority – FG
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, says the modernisation of seaports remains a top priority for the Federal Government.
Oyetola said this in Lagos, yesterday, at an interactive session with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
The minister recalled that the Federal Executive Council last week approved the award of contract for the modernisation of the Western Ports (Lagos Port Complex, Apapa & Tin-Can Island Ports Complex) with a completion period of 48 months.
According to him, the procurement process for the modernisation of the Eastern Ports is being fast-tracked.
“The goal is to ensure that our port system collectively becomes the transhipment hub for the sub-region. When the modernisation is completed, the draft of our port will be 16 metres to 17 metres.
“It (draft) is currently 12 metres to 13 metres. This will allow bigger vessels to berth and reverse the revenue loss to neighbouring ports of Tema, Lome and Cotonou.
“These port rehabilitation projects by NPA are expected to generate over 20,000 jobs,’’ the minister said.
He, however, said that to bridge the infrastructure gap, the ministry is promoting Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to attract private sector investment in port modernisation and channel dredging.
Oyetola said that such investment could also include areas like automation, inland waterways development, ferry/cruise services, cargo handling equipment deployment, terminal operations, and technological innovation.
He said; “Additionally, we are extending necessary support to private investors to encourage participation in greenfield port projects such as Badagry, Ilaje, Olokola, Agge, Ibaka, Burutu, Snake Island, Bakassi, Deep Sea Ports as well as the development of river ports and jetties across the country.’’
The minister said that ?Inland Dry Ports were also being developed across the country to enhance trade facilitation.
He explained that these ports served as cargo handling and clearance hubs, improving logistics efficiency and easing access to international markets.
Oyetola noted that in furtherance of Nigeria’s improved international posture in world maritime governance, the country had proposed a bid to contest election into the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.
According to him, Nigeria will be contesting in Category C during the 34th IMO Assembly, scheduled to hold in London between November and December.
He said that President Bola Tinubu had approved it and the IMO had been duly notified, while the ministry had begun the preparatory processes.
“?The ministry, in concert with its agencies, has also constituted a National Fleet Implementation Committee to establish a private-sector-led national flag carrier.
“This initiative aims to create employment, reposition the maritime sector and generate revenue for the government,’’ Oyetola said.
?The minister stated that in concert with Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the ministry had engaged stakeholders to finalise arrangements for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).
“NIMASA is working on this and has almost completed the process,’’ he said.
The minister noted that the ministry and its agencies worked as a team to deliver on the lofty mandates given and had recorded significant achievements.
“The vision is for the ministry to ensure that the country’s marine resources are harnessed sustainably to position Nigeria as a premier maritime nation. .
?“In partnership with African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the Kingdom of Norway, we have concluded the development of Nigeria’s National Blue Economy Strategy document.
“Also, with the support of International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and WorldFish, we have finalised the Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy,’’ he said.
The President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Eze Anaba, said the ministry had the potential for sustainable development, job creation and economic growth of the nation.
Anaba said that as gate keepers, editors played crucial roles in shaping public discourse.
He was optimistic that the interactive session would come up with innovative solutions that would propel the marine industry forward.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene