Maritime

Akeredolu Seeks NIMASA’s Support For Ondo Port

Published

5 years ago

March 22, 2021

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has sought the support of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for the establishment of a port in the state.
The governor expressed the readiness of the state to key into the blue economy initiative of NIMASA, urging the agency to help resuscitate Aiyetoro Technical School where he said many maritime experts were trained and produced.
He spoke at the weekend while playing host to NIMA-SA’s management team led by the Director-General, Bashir Jamoh.
He said that the state has what it takes to have a deep seaport, adding that the sunshine state’s position is peculiar with the longest coastline in the country.
“We are ready to be part of the blue economy. We can work together. You mentioned waste management, ferrying, fishery, shipbuilding, ship repair, and other areas.
“Aiyetoro Technical School was the first in West Africa to address these issues. It trained and produced so many maritime experts. It is comatose now”, he said.
The governor decried the politicization of the development of the waterways, particularly the extension of the dockyard to the state.
According to him, both China Harbor and Dubai Harbor have shown interest in the development of a deep seaport in the state, adding that they are only waiting for the port declaration.
“I am not particular about Ondo. We are particular about a port for West Africa. Here, we have the deepest draught. Over 60 meters. We do not need to dredge to build the port. Naturally, a port can be here. We have done the OBC. If what we are seeing in Lagos is not enough, where else can we do it if not Ondo State,” Akeredolu said.
Earlier, Director General, NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh commended Governor Akere-dolu’s success in his first tenure, noting that he has recorded giant strides in terms of road infrastructure in the state.
“I congratulate you on your second term in office. We are very much aware of the success you recorded in your first tenure in office. It includes the infrastructure development in Ondo state, particularly in terms of education, healthcare as well as road infrastructure.

You are the number one record holder in terms of road infrastructure of all the governors in Ondo State,” he said.
He stressed the readiness of the agency to liaise with Ondo State to develop blue economy in the state and take advantage of the state’s tourism potentials.

Maritime

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

Published

18 hours 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

18 hours 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

18 hours 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