Maritime Agencies
LAGOS PORTS ACCESS: NAGAFF Hails TTP on Free Traffic, Recommends Contract Renewal.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following the remarkable achievement of free flow of traffic along the Apapa -Tincan ports access spearheaded by the Truck Transit Park (TTP) Ltd, a case has been made for the renewal of the agency’s contract with the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA.
Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, National President, National Association of Government- Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) made the call in Lagos, Thursday. He urged the NPA to promptly renew the contract so as to sustain the free flow of truck movement along the Lagos ports corridor which is receiving commendation from all and sundry.
Speaking at a press briefing to
assess the traffic flow in the port corridors of Apapa and Tincan in Lagos, Ezisi who was represented by Mr Godfrey Nwosu, NAGAFF’s National Secretary, informed that TTP’s contract with the NPA would expire in 2026.
According to him, TTP has submitted several applications to NPA, including a proposal for an e-Tag system to further streamline truck entry and exit but approvals have not been secured.
“The contract of TTP will expire by next year. They have presented several applications to NPA which (are) still lying on the table of the Authority for approval. One of those things they have presented is the need for the NPA to approve the use of e-Tag in accessing the port and exiting the port but approval hasn’t been given.”
Ezisi placed on record that within two years of operation, via her Eto digital traffic management system, the TTP has satisfactorily resolved the chaotic traffic gridlock that worked against businesses along the Lagos ports axis.
“We vividly recall with nostalgia the harrowing experiences endured by port operators prior to the arrival of TTP. During that time, business activities were nearly crippled. Many companies were forced to shut down operations and relocate from Apapa, and in many cases, from Lagos entirely”.
”Property and real estate values plummeted. Both the federal and state governments suffered significant revenue losses. Several traffic decongestion task forces and measures were implemented, but the problems persisted.”
He saluted the ingenuity of the NPA and the former Ministry of Transportation which made what he described as a strategic decision to engage the services of TTP. In less than two years, the positive impact of their digital traffic management operations began to manifest. The once intractable traffic gridlock started to ease, and port operators breathed a sigh of relief.
“Within the period under review, the eye witness account can authoritatively report the positive outcomes of improved traffic management in the Apapa and Tin-Can Island port corridors. This is a direct result of the federal government’s traffic management reform policy aimed at facilitating the smooth flow of freight and logistics operations, ” he said.
He explained that TTP Ltd has processed 2.7 million truck movements through the Eto system, this, reducing the cost of transporting cargo to and from Lagos ports by 65% and slashing truck turnaround time from 2-3 weeks to less than three days, a reason to justify their continued engagement.
In his submission, Dr Increase Uche, former National President of NAGAFF recalled that whereas fewer than 50 trucks could be evacuated daily in the pre-Eto era, now the FMCG and Oil & Gas industries can evacuate over 400 trucks daily. He said TTP’s operations are now impacting positively on trade facilitation.
Delays in the movement of export goods, he recalled, have been drastically reduced. Nigerian exporters are no longer required by overseas buyers to provide performance bonds during sales contracts. Export containers from the hinterlands are now arriving at the ports in a more timely and predictable manner.
“In the real estate sector, property values in Apapa have appreciated significantly. According to our research, the Eto technology has directly created around 225 jobs, and empowered over 500 ancillary workers within the port environment. ”
While celebrating the current strides achieved on the strategic ports access route, NAGAFF stressed the need for sustenance and consolidation in order to avoid a relapse. There must be the political will to monitor TTP and other service providers to ensure the maintenance of high standards at all times.
“The old tradition of failing to build upon progress should be discarded. The government must develop the political will to monitor and ensure that the standards set by service providers like TTP are maintained. Globally, modern ports are developing and tilting towards efficient and effective service delivery to port users to reduce port costs and excessive delays.
“This feat is quite encouraging and also the more reason TTP, an indigenous service provider that has proven Nigeria’s capacity to solve long-standing logistical challenges, deserves continued support and encouragement,” he said.
Maritime Agencies
Oyetola Vows to Strengthen Local Capacity, Innovation, Responsible Investments As STARZS Celebrates 40th Anniversary.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The story of STARZS Group’s phenomenal growth and impact in the past four decades, in many respects, mirrors Nigeria’s growth and advancement in all spheres. The story reflects boldness in vision, resilience in capacity, innovation in execution and steadfastness in the pursuit of excellence.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola made the submission in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an impressive ceremony by the company to celebrate her 40th anniversary. He was represented by the Director -General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola.
”As we celebrate this achievement, we are reminded that no action and no nation can attain sustainable maritime prosperity without a vibrant and competitive indigenous values sector. Government creates the enabling environment, but it is the enterprise, innovation, and doggedness of companies such as STARZS that transform policy into economic opportunity, create jobs, build local capacity, and deepen national prosperity.”
”This conviction underpins the vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a strategic platform for unlocking the immense potentials of Nigerian maritime domain. Our mandate is clear to position the marine and maritime blue economy as a major driver of economic diversification, industrial growth, food security, trade competitiveness, and national development. We will remain committed to expanding opportunities for indigenous compensation across the maritime planetary, whether in shipping, marine logistics, shipping management, offshore support services, shipbuilding, or marine engineering.”
The Minister emphasized the Ministry’s objective which is to ensure that Nigerian companies are not just participants but leaders in the growth of the maritime economy.
” We will continue to work with relevant institutions to strengthen local capacity, encourage responsible investment and create an environment in which indigenous businesses thrive. Human capital development remains central to this vision.”
”The future of the maritime industry will ultimately depend on the quality, competence, and innovation of our people. We are therefore placing renewed emphasis on maritime education, seafarer development, technical skill acquisition, and greater collaboration with governments, academia, and industry to prepare the generation of new maritime professionals for Nigeria. Equally important is our commitment to maritime safety and security.”
The progress Nigeria has made in securing its maritime domain through the Deep Blue project, Oyetola explained, has enhanced investor confidence and reinforced her standing within the Gulf of Guinea.
Nigeria shall continue to consolidate on these gains through stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved surveillance capabilities and sustained investment in maritime security infrastructure, recognizing the fundamental importance of safe waters.
Maritime Agencies
NCDMB Hails STARZS @ 40, Reiterates Objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) says four decades of sustained contribution to Nigeria’s maritime and offshore logistics sector reflects resilience, vision, innovation and commitment to national development.
Engr Felix Omatshola, NCDMB Executive Secretary/CEO made the submission in Port Harcourt, Friday, during a high-powered symposium put together by the STARZS Investments Company Limited to celebrate her 40th anniversary. He described the theme of the symposium – anchoring resilience, 40 years of private indigenous initiative, shaping Nigeria’s maritime future as both timely and significant as it speaks directly to the role of indigenous enterprise in building a competitive and sustainable maritime industry. The milestone recorded by STARZS Group, he explained , is worthy of celebration.
Speaking through Mr Silas Ajimijaye, the agency’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Engr Omatshola congratulated Starzs which has, over the past 40 years, distinguished itself as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous service providers, contributing to the growth of local capacity in marine logistics, shipyard services, offshore support operations and workforce development.
”The company’s journey demonstrates what is possible when Nigerian entrepreneurs are provided with opportunities, enabling policies and the determination to invest in local talent and infrastructure that meets international standards.”
”At the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, we strongly believe that sustainable national development is achieved when indigenous companies are empowered to participate meaningfully across the entire value chain of the oil and gas and maritime sectors. These beliefs remain at the heart of NCDMB and of course the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010
which seeks to maximize in-country value retention, promote industrialization, create employment opportunities and build sustainable Nigerian capacity.”
NCDMB, he explained, is encouraged by the progress recorded by indigenous maritime companies such as STARZS whose investments have contributed significantly to strengthening local participation and reducing dependence on foreign service providers.
”The collaboration between NCDMB and indigenous companies has continued to yield positive outcomes in line with our mandate to deepen Nigerian content and foster economic diversification.”
”In recent years, we have also witnessed STARZS expand its investment into strategic growth areas within the energy sector, including initiatives that support Nigeria’s gas development aspirations and the federal government’s decade of gas programme. Such investments are important because they align with our collective vision of building strong indigenous institutions capable of driving industrial growth, energy security, and long-term economic prosperity for our dear country.”
”As we look towards the future, there is a need for stronger collaboration among industry operators, maritime service providers, financial institutions, policymakers, and regulators to address existing challenges and unlock new opportunities within the blue economy.
We must continue to invest in human capacity development, technology acquisition, infrastructure expansion, local manufacturing, research innovation, and operational excellence. To ensure that Nigerian companies remain globally competitive, the future of Nigerian maritime industry will depend not only on policy support but also on the willingness of Nigerian indigenous businesses to embrace innovation, maintain high standards of corporate governance, and pursue strategic partnerships that create long-term value,” Engr Omatshola concluded.
Maritime Agencies
OPERATION WHIRLWIND: Customs Auctions 20,500 Litres Of Confiscated PMS, NMDPRA Warns Against Products Diversion.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Operation Whirlwind interventionist outfit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has vowed to aggressively confront and combat the menace of illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products.
National Coordinator of the outfit, Deputy Controller of Customs Abubakar Lucky Aliyu made the pledge in Ikeja, Monday, as he supervised the public auction of 20, 500 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) contained in 820 jerrycans of 25 litres each
intercepted from smugglers through intelligence-led operations along major smuggling corridors in Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and Seme. Five vehicles used to convey the products were also seized, bringing the combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the petroleum products and vehicles to about ₦38 million.
Aliu described Operation Whirlwind as a strategic initiative established by the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi to curb the illegal exportation of petroleum products, safeguard Nigeria’s energy security, protect government revenue and ensure that fuel meant for domestic consumption remains available in-country.
DC Aliyu warned that petroleum products smuggling continues to undermine the nation’s economy by disrupting local fuel supply, encouraging artificial scarcity, depriving government of revenue and financing criminal activities.
The Service, he assured Nigerians, would continue to deploy intelligence, surveillance and enforcement strategies to dismantle smuggling syndicates operating along the nation’s borders.
He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), partner security agencies and officers of Operation Whirlwind for their sustained collaboration in tackling petroleum smuggling.
Mrs Grace Dauda
Also speaking at the event, the representative of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mrs. Grace Dauda, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to partner with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Customs Service under Operation Whirlwind.
While NMDPRA remains committed to creating an enabling environment for legitimate business, she explained, operators in the downstream petroleum sector must strictly comply with regulatory requirements governing the movement of petroleum products.
Marketers are free to transport products to any part of the country for lawful commercial purposes, provided every consignment is properly manifested from the point of loading to its final destination.
She stressed that proper documentation enables regulators to monitor the movement of petroleum products nationwide, prevent diversion into illegal channels and ensure adequate supply for households, agriculture, fisheries and small and medium-scale industries.
Dauda urged Nigerians to support the fight against fuel smuggling by reporting suspicious movements of petroleum products to NMDPRA offices located across the 36 states or to other relevant security agencies.
She further advised operators to comply fully with the existing regulatory framework to avoid losses resulting from the interception of illegally diverted products.
The NMDPRA representative commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA and the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind for strengthening inter-agency collaboration in protecting Nigeria’s petroleum resources and promoting legitimate business activities.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying intelligence gathering, surveillance and enforcement operations to eliminate petroleum smuggling, protect the nation’s energy security and safeguard Nigeria’s economy.
Oyetola Vows to Strengthen Local Capacity, Innovation, Responsible Investments As STARZS Celebrates 40th Anniversary.
NCDMB Hails STARZS @ 40, Reiterates Objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010.
OPERATION WHIRLWIND: Customs Auctions 20,500 Litres Of Confiscated PMS, NMDPRA Warns Against Products Diversion.
Jumoke Oduwole, Industry, Trade and Investments Minister, Commends STARZS at 40, Tasks African Trade Ministers on AfCFTA.
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Starzs’ 40th Anniversary: Company Doles out Scholarships to 40 Youths from Host Communities, Maritime Institutions.
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