Maritime Agencies
Dantsoho, NPA Boss, Inaugurates MWUN Headquarters Annexe, Pledges Port Infrastructure Upgrade.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the Federal Government strives to modernize and expand outdated facilities at the Tincan and Apapa ports which were built in 1977 and 1958 respectively, plans are underway to make similar infrastructure available to other seaports across the country. This is the commitment of President Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HE Adegboyega Oyetola.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho disclosed this in Lagos, Wednesday, while commissioning the recently-built headquarters annexe of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN). The need for modern port infrastructure, he noted, is to enable Nigeria maintain and drive efficiency and increase in cargo throughput in her port system.
From records, he observed, the country’s ports receive only 2 million containers annually, a far cry from what is obtainable in neighboring countries such as Ghana and Cotonou whose population cannot be compared with Nigeria.
“Nigeria is a country of more than 200 million people in population. Now, our port capacity today, from our own records, is that we’re only bringing 2 million containers to Nigeria. It’s not a true reflection of our population.
“So, we have to do what we can to ensure that we get more containers in a genuine way into Nigeria. We can’t say that they are getting more containers in Lome, Cotonou and Ghana but Nigeria is getting less. It doesn’t make sense at all.”
He implored all stakeholders including the MWUN to work harder to ensure that more containers are generated especially through exports as that is the only way to be more productive. It will ensure more youth employment and global recognition for Nigeria. This remains a major challenge.
He assured that the government is committed to improving these ports and building new ones.
“It’s not possible for us to grow and participate more in international trade by depending on very old ports. So, we need new infrastructures,” he stated.
“We need new ports. We are going to expand the Tin Can and Apapa the way it is. It’s going to be improved. “That is the commitment of Mr. President and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. In the not-so-distant future, you will see new events towards improving infrastructure in Apapa and Tincan. “Nigeria cannot be behind Cotonou or Ghana and other countries. It’s a very important challenge for us, but it should not be a challenge that only the federal government will face. It’s something that we are all stakeholders must give our best to ensure that Nigeria takes her proper position globally. ”
He called on maritime workers and other stakeholders to deepen their operations and processes through improved technology as this is the only way to position Nigeria to compete with other countries in the region and beyond.
Commending the MWUN leadership for the rapid transformation, Dantsoho pledged that the NPA is ever willing to offer support.
“I want to appreciate the leadership of my brother (MWUN PG). We look forward to cooperating with you because our objective, again, is to ensure that our own staff and officers, their welfare is number one, which will make them more productive. We are not going to play with that because we have had experience that when you motivate workers, you make them happy; you give them what it requires to be productive, they will be productive.” However, he called for more revenue so as to meet the demands of workers.
In his welcome remarks, MWUN President-General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, thanked Dr Dantsoho for making time to honour the Union with his presence, the first of its kind by any Managing Director of the NPA. No doubt,Comrade Adeyanju stated, the guesture demonstrates a workers-friendly disposition.
Describing the MWUN as an organised and reformed professional labour union, Adeyanju said: “We are no longer regarded as touts. We have been transformed to a standard. That era of thuggery, era of banging table, era of shutting down the port operation have been stopped under my command, ” he told the NPA MD.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
”From humble beginnings at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) when he was employed on October 17th 1994 (same month of his birth) as a junior staff on Grade Level 3, Paul Ikherovba Erakhifu popularly known as “Texas”, by dint of diligence, determination, discipline and desire rose to the defining role of senior staff Grade Level 13 in a career marked by sterling contributions and indelible impact till his return to his maker on Friday 1st May, 2026.”
These were the words of Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the Nigerian Ports (NPA) in a fitting tribute in memory of the Agency’s ace photographer, Paul Erakhifu, affectionately known as “Texas”, who passed on recently.
”Although we cannot determine our appointed date of birth and death, we definitely can determine how we want to be remembered. ”
The GM stated that by his uncommon commitment to his craft (Photography) and his contagious sense of humor which he generously doled out to all who came in contact with him definitely and intentionally, “Texas” set out to be remembered for good.
”Looking back, it is plausible that with his popular refrain “you have made my day” and “powerful” which were his default response to most of those who encountered him on and off duty, late “Texas” was informing us that he would make his days on earth powerful, which he did with grace and honor as can be gleaned from his professional and career trajectory.”
Describing late Paul as one who never relented on taking advantage of opportunities to pursue career growth and personal development, Mr Onyemekara recalled that “Texas” proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature in the year 2005, Master Degree in International Relations in 2012 and a Master of Science (MSc.) in Mass Communication.
”Poised to get ahead and be equal to the exigencies of his chosen craft, “Texas” trained at the London Film Academy, London Academy of Media, Film & Television and the Texas School of Photography USA in fulfillment of his lifelong admiration for the American city of Texas for which he adopted the sobriquet “TEXAS”.
He explained that the life and times of Texas validated the biblical truism that “that a man diligent in his business shall stand before kings and not mean men”.
”Indeed, “Texas” was diligent in his business and stood before kings both in Nigeria and internationally as he was widely travelled for high level official engagements in company of various chief executives of the Authority to Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, USA, Japan, Ghana, Togo, Congo, Guinea, South Africa, amongst others.”
Although Texas will be sorely missed and has left a vacuum so wide and difficult to fill, the NPA image maker added, “we will take solace in the immortal words of James Wrubel that ‘no one truly dies who is remembered’.
”We continue to remember and celebrate his good deeds, exceptional sense of humor and his contribution to the advancement of knowledge as evidenced in his authorship of two books with which he lighted paths and lightened burdens. ”
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following a keenly-contested election, Thursday, Oluyinka Onigbinde, Assistant Editor, Shipping Position Daily, emerged the new President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
Out of 33 votes, Onigbinde polled 20 while his closest rival, Rev John Iwori, had 13.
The election, which witnessed active participation by members of the association, also produced other executive officers to pilot the affairs of MARAN following the dissolution of the Tunde Ayodele-led Caretaker Committee. These are Sylvanus Obasi (Vice President), Fabian Anawo (Secretary) and Amina Ojelabi (Assistant Secretary). Others are Ruth Umunnna (Treasurer), Ambrose Okehi (Financial Secretary) and Providence Ayanfeoluwa (Public Relations Officer).
The new MARAN Executive during swearing-in by Mr Leye Ajayi, the Lagos NUJ Chairman.
Speaking after swearing in the officers, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman, Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), urged the newly-elected officers to conduct the affairs of the maritime journalists’ body with a deep sense of patriotism while promoting professionalism, welfare, and unity among members of the association.
Maritime Agencies
Anti-Smuggling Operations: FOU ‘A’ Customs Seizes N2.35bn Drugs, Pledges Hard Times for Smugglers.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In the past eight weeks, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ikeja , Lagos, intercepted narcotics and contrabands valued at over N5.5billion, thus, posting a substantial breakthrough in the sustained efforts to deal with smuggling of illicit goods and unauthorized importations.
The FOU Zone ‘A’ Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Aliyu Gambo announced this in Lagos, Tuesday, during a press conference.
Beside cocaine worth ₦2.35 billion, large quantities of 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice equivalent of 15 trailers, petroleum products, used vehicles, and other prohibited goods were also displayed as confiscated.
During the period, he stated, the Unit carried out 473 successful interdictions, seizing 8,794 bags of 50kg foreign rice, 22 used vehicles, 328 bales of used clothing, 31,705 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle valued at ₦119 million.
Also seized were 531 cartons of frozen poultry, 1,188 kegs of vegetable oil, 485 used tyres, and several cartons of spaghetti and sugar.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu revealed that operatives at the Gbaji Customs on Seme Road intercepted a 71-year-old suspect along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor with 6.35kg of cocaine concealed in a Toyota Highlander. The drugs, comprising powdered and crystalline variants, carry an estimated street value of ₦2.35 billion.
Under a special operation code-named Operation Hawk, the unit also seized 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as “Ghanaian loud,” weighing 1,540kg. The seized narcotics were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a formal handover ceremony during the briefing, for further investigation and prosecution.
The CAC who lamented the huge harm consumption of drugs inflicts on the Nigerian society regretted that today, many homes are broken.
”A lot of homes are broken due to drugs and the results of drug trafficking. Our mandate is to cut off the supply chain, and that is exactly what we are doing.”
He further unveiled four cylinders of mercury concealed in a vehicle along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, describing the hazardous substance as regulated under international conventions.
The unit also recovered ₦97.7 million through Demand Notices on under-declared consignments. He requested for stronger collaboration among security agencies to confront and overcome various strategies being applied by purveyors of illicit trade networks.
Commending the synergy between the NCS and the NDLEA, Narcotics Commander, Kabiru I, K. explained that this should send a strong signal to purveyors of illicit trade that the South-West corridor is under close surveillance.
NPA Mourns her Ace Cameraman, Paul Erakhifu, alias “Texas”.
MARAN Elects Yinka Onigbinde As New President.
Anti-Smuggling Operations: FOU ‘A’ Customs Seizes N2.35bn Drugs, Pledges Hard Times for Smugglers.
Kaila, Seme Customs Boss, Pledges To Eradicate Trade Barriers, Visits Stakeholders To Create Awareness.
AMJON Honours NPA’s Anda with ‘Most Resourceful Port Manager’ Award At 2026 Conference.
NPA Targets Nigerian Ports As West Africa’s Trade Nerve Centre, Taking Advantage of AfCFTA.
Greg Ogbeifun, Foremost Ship Owner, To Chair Event Marking the 10th Anniversary of AMSAY Conference.
MARAN LEADERS APPRECIATION NIGHT: Iheanacho, Integrated Oil and Gas Boss, Urges Maritime Journalists To Invest in Knowledge
MARAN’s Appreciation Night for Former Presidents Showcased Pomp and Pageantry.
Tincan Port Customs Floors Smugglers, Nabs Massive Cannabis Indica Days After Pact with NDLEA.
To Attain Maritime Excellence, Conversations Must Translate Into Concrete Actions, says MAN Rector.
Capt Iheanacho Underscores the Critical Role of Media As MARAN Celebrates Past Leaders.
Ihenacho, Ogbeifun, Shittu, Other Industry Heavyweights Confirm Attendance As MARAN Celebrates Past Presidents
NSW: Stakeholders Fear Success With Weak Commitment by Drivers and Lack of Reforms by Government.
Dantsoho, NPA MD, Attributes Maritime Sector Transformation to Reforms and Minister’s Leadership Style.
MARAN Confirms Readiness To Celebrate Past Presidents.
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Photo News: Salah Celebration
HALF YEAR, 2024: Apapa Customs Nets ₦1.024 Trillion, Records 143% Increase.
JANUARY-MAY REPORT: Seme Customs Hits N2.6bn, Facilitates ₦35.1bn Exports.
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
Mama Theresa Enisuoh Due For Burial April 27
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
B’Odogwu: Apapa Customs Collects ₦161b in 3 Weeks, Assures of Improvements .
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoIhenacho, Ogbeifun, Shittu, Other Industry Heavyweights Confirm Attendance As MARAN Celebrates Past Presidents
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoTo Attain Maritime Excellence, Conversations Must Translate Into Concrete Actions, says MAN Rector.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoCapt Iheanacho Underscores the Critical Role of Media As MARAN Celebrates Past Leaders.
-
Customs1 week agoKaila, Seme Customs Boss, Pledges To Eradicate Trade Barriers, Visits Stakeholders To Create Awareness.
-
Maritime Agencies1 week agoAMJON Honours NPA’s Anda with ‘Most Resourceful Port Manager’ Award At 2026 Conference.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoTincan Port Customs Floors Smugglers, Nabs Massive Cannabis Indica Days After Pact with NDLEA.
-
Maritime Agencies1 week agoNPA Targets Nigerian Ports As West Africa’s Trade Nerve Centre, Taking Advantage of AfCFTA.
-
Maritime Agencies1 week agoGreg Ogbeifun, Foremost Ship Owner, To Chair Event Marking the 10th Anniversary of AMSAY Conference.