Maritime Agencies
LEKKI FREE PORT & TERMINAL: We’re Unique, Not Competing With Other Ports, Says Commercial Manager.E
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Lekki Free Port Terminal (LFPT) recently inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari is now properly positioned to serve as a huge employment provider even as it is set to return Nigeria to the status of a cargo trans-shipment hub in these shores, a position which she lost to neighbouring countries’ ports years ago.
The Port is the first of its kind in cargo operations in Nigeria as it has secured brand-new automation machines to move 30 to 35 containers per hour.
It is out to operate top notch world- class terminal operations where stakeholders are guaranteed value-added services while investors are assured of worthwhile returns on investment. So far, about $100 million has been invested to procure cargo-handling equipments for smooth operations and rewarding customer services.
Kehinde Olubi-Neye, the Chief Commercial Officer, stated this Wednesday, at the Port Complex in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, during a media parley organized by the port to intimate her stakeholders on plans and projections.
Talking about local content he said it is an entrenched policy as Nigerians are well represented from the management cadre down the line. Among the staff, he said, foreigners are not up to 1%.
One of the major mandates the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) handed to the Port, he announced, is to return Nigeria to the trans-shipment status she lost to neighbouring countries’ ports over the years and maintain same, going forward.
Transshipment refers to the process of a mother vessel dropping or trans-shipping cargo and containers at designated ports on its route as it sails to her final destination.
Lekki Port can serve as a trans-shipment hub to other ports especially in the eastern area and the land-locked nations as it offers great solutions for hinterland networks.
To overcome fears about accessibility, massive progress is being made on roadworks, Olubi-Neye assured.
Inefficiency in the system, unfriendly business practices and low draught level of Nigerian ports contributed to Nigeria losing this status as importers saw need to divert cargoes to other ports.
Already, Lekki Free Port Terminal has the equipment and a draft of 16.5 metres to make the needed difference among other ports.
LFPT boasts of a truck park with holding capacity of 150. “As long as we have an uptake in volume, they will be utilized”.
“We had the opportunity of sitting with the Managing Director of NPA where he reiterated that the Lekki Port should get this cargo and ensure that the transshipment status taken away from the country returns.
He added that NPA regulates prices and is interested in ensuring the cargoes come back.
“We are sure they will provide us with the necessary support,” he enthused.
On seamless movement of trucks around the port vicinity, he assured that the company was conducting truck and driver registration to ascertain the ownership and physical fitness of trucks that come to the port to lift cargo.
“Our gates are automated and are linked with our vehicle booking system where truck drivers are required to book appointments in advance.
“It is also available on mobile phones and provides visibility on gates transactions.
“This also supports the initiative of the Lagos State Government with regard to the comprehensive call-up system for the Lagos Free Zone, Lekki Port, Dangote Free Zone, Dangote Refinery, and the Pinnacle Oil and Gas.
“We are in discussions with the Lagos State Ministry of Transport and other stakeholders on the deployment of the call-up system for the Lekki area and we have confidence that the call-up system for trucks will address concerns prospective port users will have over access to the port,” he said.
Olubi-Neye also commended the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government for road construction around the ports.
He disclosed that LFPT is collaborating with the Barge Owners Association of Nigeria (BOAN).
“We’ve started executing barge operations and this is working. We’ve been able to do significant barge moves totalling over 900 TEUs from Lekki Port to Ikorodu area”.
On concerns about scanners to ease operations, Customs operatives are training to operate the two available for now.
Other entities who took out time to make presentations included the NPA, the Directorate of State Security (DSS), Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the Nigeria Police.
In his remarks, Ikechukwu Onyemekara who represented the NPA Managing Director acknowledged that the support of the NPA is evident. He pledged that NPA would continue to support LFPT and fast-track the actualization of every assistance needed.
The DSS stated that it has been there from the scratch and would ensure round-the-clock security at all times.
The NEPZA represented by the Zonal Administrator, Garba Hayatu, said her task is to provide a congenial business environment for operators. The Free Zone, he explained, is an affirmative policy of government to diversify revenue generation beyond oil and gas.
The Police said beside the regular force, on ground round-the-clock are the EOD (anti-bomb) and the Police Mobile Force.
“We’ve been on ground to secure personnel and operations here.”
The Port explained that satisfying stakeholders remains her priority. There are robust plans to engage and steadily interface with them for mutual benefits.
On corporate social responsibility, the Port said it is targeting employment of the locals.
“There’s a conscious effort on CSR.”
Areas of focus for assistance include vocational training, infrastructure development, community health, etc. These impactful programmes are going to be in phases.
On business rates, the Commercial Manager said they remain competitive. Truck turnaround time is 40 minutes while cargoes can be released as soon as documentations are completed.
“We’re very competitive with our rates; we’re here to collect global maritime trade in Nigeria. We are unique and not competing with any other port.”
“We are on a journey. I can assure you that our customers are a priority to us. They will always be the first for us and at every point in time, we will regularly engage them,” the Commercial Manager concluded.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), the security outfit keeping surveillance over oil and gas installations and other critical assets in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, has secured an approval to deliver a technical lecture on Drone Security at the 2026 edition of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). This lecture will spotlight the use of drone technology in offshore oil platform protection.
The presentation, scheduled for next year’s global gathering of energy innovation will showcase Tantita’s pioneering efforts in leveraging unmanned aerial systems to monitor and secure Nigeria’s vast offshore assets.
Confirming the development, the company’s Executive Director of Technical and Operations, Captain Dr. Warredi Enisuoh, noted that the approval from OTC reflects growing international recognition of Tantita’s operational successes and technological innovation.
Tantita’s lecture will delve into real-time surveillance, threat detection, and collaborative frameworks for maritime security, aligning with OTC’s broader focus on digitalization, sustainability, and cross-sector innovation in offshore energy.
The 2026 conference is expected to attract thousands of global stakeholders, including engineers, policymakers, and investors, offering a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships.
Maritime Agencies
Stakeholders Cry Out, Seek FG’s Intervention To Avoid a Return of Apapa Gridlock.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As renewed tanker and truck build-up begin to show up on the ports access route in Apapa, there are strong indications that the infamous traffic gridlock that once crippled business activities in Apapa and environs is gradually resurfacing, threatening to paralyze movement and port operations once again.
Port workers now battle renewed evening congestion as truckers and tankers swarm the port access roads daily, preventing other road users from seamless transit.
Investigations by the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMI) reveal that while Apapa roads remain relatively free during the day, a long trail of trucks begins forming by evening from both the Costain and Mile 2 entry points.
From the Ijora-Olopa Bridge to Apapa and from Coconut Bus Stop to Tin Can Island’s gates, trucks line up in droves, allegedly paying between N30,000 and N50,000 to secure a spot in the queue.
Officials of key government agencies, investigations show, are complicit in the illegal toll collection as they allegedly look the other way as the situation worsens.
These agencies include the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Police.
The most affected areas include Wharf Road, Warehouse Road, Commercial Road, Burma Road, and Creek Road.
Speaking on the development, Moses Fadipe, former National Coordinator of the Port Standing Task Team (PSTT), attributed the resurgence to the return of vested interests who previously profited from the chaos. The Lagos State Government, he noted, knows what steps to take to prevent a full-blown crisis.
Martins Enebeli, President of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (NIS) and the Nigerian Licensed Ship Chandlers Association (NILSCA), blamed government insincerity for the relapse.
He urged authorities to prioritise rail transport for cargo evacuation from Lagos ports and to revive Eastern and Delta ports to ease pressure on Apapa.
“Bonded terminals should be relocated far from the ports and connected by rail. Government must stop concentrating port operations in the West while neglecting other regions,” Enebeli stated.
Speaking anonymously, a senior official confirmed that a syndicate involving both state and non-state actors is profiting from the tolls collected from truckers, exacerbating the traffic crisis.
Meanwhile, stakeholders have been unanimous in their call for urgent federal government intervention to dismantle the alleged racketeering network and restore sanity to Apapa’s transport corridors.
Maritime Agencies
CILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following his outstanding contributions to capacity development in maritime education and training in Nigeria’s premier maritime training centre, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Training (CILT), Nigeria, Thursday, conferred special honours on the Acting Rector, Dr Kevin Okonna.
Tagged “Award for Distinguished Leadership in Logistics and Transport”, the conferment was the highlight of the 2025 National Conference and Awards Ceremony of the Institute which took place in Lagos.
Speaking at the event , CILT Nigeria President, Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro, highlighted the Institute’s strategic partnership with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN). She commended Dr. Okonna for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to repositioning the Maritime Academy of Nigeria as a centre of excellence in maritime education in Africa.
“Dr. Okonna has shown exceptional leadership and professionalism in ensuring the Academy continues to meet international standards. His passion and zeal for the development of the Academy is worthy of emulation,” Mrs. Usoro stated.
In his remarks following the conferment of the award, the elated Acting Rector expressed appreciation to CILT Nigeria for the honour. He described it as a call to continue striving for excellence in his service to the maritime industry and the nation in general
“This recognition is deeply appreciated. It is a call to a higher responsibility. This award reflects the collective effort of the Management, Staff, Students and Cadets of the Academy, whose dedication continues to drive our progress.”
”It means that what we do quietly is seen and valued. We’re ready to continue doing more for CILT, the industry and the country as a whole,” he promised.
Dr. Kevin Okonna, a seasoned maritime academic and administrator, has dedicated over thirty years to the service of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. As a lecturer, he assiduously rose through the ranks to clinch the position of Acting Rector.
In ten months since he became the Acting Rector, MAN Oron has recorded significant milestones. His leadership has heralded extensive reforms in firming up on training standards, infrastructure renewal, upgrade of teaching facilities and restoration of public power supply to the Academy’s campus and environs. Other key areas include the pursuance of ISO Certification for the Academy, development of Conditions and Scheme of Service, development of Courses on Port State Control, enhancement of staff and cadet welfare and many others.
His tenure has also strengthened collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Nautical Institute, UK, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), and other global maritime bodies.
The CILT recognition, industry watchers say, underscores the Acting Rector’s enduring legacy of excellence. It also reinforces the Academy’s stance as Nigeria’s foremost maritime education and training institution.
Distinguished officers of MAN Oron witnessed the CILT conferment on the Acting Rector. These included the Acting Director, School of Maritime Transport Studies, Mrs Theresa Eyo; Senior Lecturers – Mrs Nse Okon, Dr. Imoh Ekpo, Dr. Obot Idopise and Dr. Ufia Friday. Others were the Lagos Liaison Officer, Mrs Dorcas Titilola Imogore and Domo Umoekpe, the Academy’s Head of Public Affairs Department.
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