Maritime
Matawalle Appeals For Restraint From Critics, Commends Tinubu For Economic Reforms
Matawalle Appeals For Restraint From Critics, Commends Tinubu For Economic Reforms
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing robust economic policies and reforms which are yielding positive results for the nation and contributing to rejig the economy for the benefit of Nigerians.
Concerning current criticism from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, Matawalle urged those involved to be positive in their narratives even as they remain steadfast in their support for the President.
“It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President who is working hard to revitalize our economy through a series of effective policies, programmes and reforms,” Henshaw Nwadike, image maker, Ministry of Defence, quoted the Minister as saying.
Matawalle specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s tax reforms as a pivotal element in the country’s economic turnaround. He explained that these reforms are designed to create a more equitable tax system which will enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.
“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” the Minister explained.
He further noted that the tax reforms aim to simplify the tax administration process, making it easier for individuals and businesses to comply. This will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation which are essential for driving economic progress.
Matawalle also highlighted several key achievements across various sectors, particularly noting improvements in national security. He emphasized that President Tinubu has made substantial strides in enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment. Additionally, he assured that military personnel have received timely payment of their allowances and salary increases, which has significantly boosted their morale.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognize the positive changes taking place,” Matawalle concluded.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has been described as a leader whose public life has continued to demonstrate courage, conviction and an unwavering sense of duty.
The Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemuopolo stated this in a message to celebrate and honour the Minister who recently clocked 62. Tantita is the local security services outfit charged with the protection of oil and gas pipelines and other critical installations in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
In a congratulatory message on behalf of the leadership and entire staff of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Ekpemuopulo recalled that Wike’s journey through public service marked by legal brilliance, political audacity and firm decision-making has consistently demonstrated that true leadership is defined by impact not rhetoric.
Wike’s formative years in public administration, he recalled, began when he became a local government chairman, Minister of State (Education) through to his tenure as Governor of Rivers State. Now he is the FCT Minister,Tompolo stated, his performance has remained sterling, anchored on results, resilience and a relentless commitment to public good.
“In the Federal Capital Territory, your presence is already being massively felt. The renewed focus on infrastructure, order, and accountability speaks to a hands-on leadership style that understands Abuja’s symbolic and practical importance to Nigeria’s unity and governance,” Tompolo said.
The TSSNL founder commended Wike for recognising the intrinsic connection between security, development and national stability, stressing that the minister’s insistence on law, order and institutional discipline aligns strongly with Tantita’s mission of protecting critical assets and fostering a safe environment for sustainable growth.
He added that Wike’s reputation as “Mr. Project” was well-earned, given his consistent record of performance and the courage to take difficult decisions when duty demanded it.
“In moments that demand firmness, you have chosen responsibility over convenience, standing by your convictions even when the path was difficult,” he said.
Tompolo prayed for renewed strength, sharper vision and continued success for the minister as he marks another year, expressing confidence that Wike’s service would continue to leave a lasting imprint on national development.
Tompolo added: “Please accept my sincere best wishes for good health, wisdom, and continued success. May the years ahead bring fulfilment and further contributions to the progress and unity of Nigeria.”
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Maritime Seminar for Judges annually hosted by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has been described as a conduit for financial and human waste and must be discontinued and scarce resources directed to profitable endeavours with direct bearing on the agency’s statutory mandate.
National Coordinator of Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC), Chief Patrick Osita Chukwu stated this in Lagos, Tuesday. He called on the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah to suspend what he referred to as a jamboree and, instead, free the funds involved to train freight forwarders and other operators for enhanced operations in the shipping industry.
He said that appropriating huge funds to judicial seminars while neglecting her core mandate as the nation’s port economic regulator is improper on the part of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
Organizing judicial seminars, he declared, falls under the purview of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), not the NSC. Chukwu warned that if the council goes ahead to plan for the Judge’s Seminar, going forward, SNFFIEC would seek legal interpretation as well as embarking on industrial action to insist that the right thing is done.
He said: “Recall plans by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to continue hosting the annual Maritime Seminar for Judges. This is a waste of human and financial resources the agency would have used to take care of shippers and the ports.” Since becoming the economic regulator of the ports, he alleged, there have not been concrete actions by the agency to reposition the ports to make them as business – friendly as other ports across the globe.
”I say it that it is not only an economic waste but negates the principle of getting the right to things done for our ports and shippers. We have been trying our best to see that the trillions they are making in all Nigerian customs ports impact on the shippers. Transaction of business in Nigeria has remained so bad that whatever you’re seeing today is not what supposed to be.”
The SNFFIEC boss said it is a huge challenge to his organization and others that the Council ‘s ES cannot be accessed because he hardly stays around to listen to genuine complaints by stakeholders who matter in the sector.
”We are yet to feel the impact of the NSC’s regulatory role. Each time you visit the NSC, the Executive Secretary is not in the office. He’s always away, spending shippers’ money on training judges,” he said.
”We need the NSC to resist whatever may be the pressure that will undermine the principle of accountability and all other actions that can jeopardize the economy by the way they are going.”
”We have the National Judicial Council which can be very free and pragmatic enough to undertake seminars and training sessions for judges.”
SNFFIEC, he indicated, considers sending a petition to the President, the National Assembly, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Attorney General of the Federation on the need to probe the activities and finances of the Shippers’ Council to ensure the proper things are done and accountability enthroned.
Up to the time of going to press, efforts to obtain reactions from the Shippers’ Council yielded no fruits as calls to the Executive Secretary did not go through.
Maritime Agencies
Industry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), in conjunction with Portbizness News is set to host the second edition of her annual Trans-border International Trade Discourse in Badagry.
According to a statement jointly issued by James Shodiya, the Project Director, and Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, the President of BACCIMA,
the conference slated for December 12 and 13 takes place by 2pm each day. Venue is Sycomore Hotel & Suites, Ajara, Badagry, Lagos.
It is designed to discuss actionable strategies to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance competitiveness within the framework of the Continental trade agreements such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA).
The organizers note that in an increasingly interconnected global economy, Cross-Border Trade has become a critical vehicle to deliver regional growth, economic integration and sustainable development.
But in Nigeria, trans-border trade continues to grapple with numerous challenges such as tariff and non-tariff barriers, infrastructure gaps, inconsistent government policies and limited access to funds.
”Against this backdrop, Portbizness News is partnering with the foremost Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines & Agriculture ( BACCIMA) to host the 2025 edition of its
PORTS & TRANS-BORDER INT”L TRADE DISCOURSE – a high level Platform that brings together policy makers, trade practitioners, business leaders, researchers and development partners to discuss challenges and opportunities in promoting seamless trade across borders.”
The event’s theme is ‘Bridging Borders, Building National Prosperity and Strengthening Regional Trade’. Day 1 covers Lecture, Discourse and Gala Night, while Day 2 will feature a Delegates’ Excursion to Tourist Destinations.
Chairman of the event is Hon (Dr) Segun Musa, Chairman/Chief Consultant, Global Transport Policy while Dr. Azeez A. Mustapha and Mr Kola Awe, Chairman, NACCIMA Export Group are the keynote speakers .
Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, Executive Chairman, Badagry Local Government is the Special Guest of Honour while Alhaji Olanrewaju Akeem, MD/CEO, Taloid Group of Companies will be Father of the Day.
Mother of the Day will be Comrade Onome Monije, ANLCA PRO, Tincan Chapter.
WIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.
MARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoIndustry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoShippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
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Maritime Agencies7 days agoMARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.
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Maritime Agencies3 days agoWIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.