Maritime Agencies
NNPP WARNS: No Merger Talks or Alliance, Expulsion of 16 Members Stands.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has warned anyone associating her with any form of merger or alliance for political purposes to perish the idea as it cannot be contemplated for now.
However, if in the wisdom of the party merger or alliance becomes necessary, this can only be spearheaded by Dr Boniface Aniebonam, the Founder and constitutional custodian of the instruments of registration legally approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This is contained in a communique endorsed by the NNPP National Secretary, Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday and the National Publicity Secretary, Abdulrasaq Abdulsalam on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC), the National Working Committee (NWC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) following a high- level party leadership meeting in Lagos on Sunday, January 28, 2024.
Speaking to newsmen in Lagos, Tuesday, the party top hierarchy affirmed the superiority of its leadership over any other member.
It also ratified the expulsion of 16 members at different leadership positions in some states over what it described as gross misconduct bordering on anti-party activities.
This is more so as the personalities concerned refused to honour the invitation of the party’s disciplinary committee to clear themselves of charges misconduct levelled against them.
Those whose expulsion has been
confirmed, NNPP says, include Dr. Tosin Odeyemi (Osun State), Mr. Peter Ologunokun (Ondo State), Prince Ibrahim Adekunle, Amb. Ajadi Oguntoyinbo and Mr. Olowu Olayemi, all from Ogun State; Messrs Kazeem Badmus and Mr. Tunde Oke ( from South West), and Barr. Femi Aina (Ogun West).
Others are Alhaji Sidi Bako (Nasarawa), Mr. Solomon Chukwu (Ebonyi State), Hon. Henfort Grorip (Plateau State), Col. Geoffrey Onyejegbu (rtd), Pst. Ukachukwu and Stephen Onuigbo (all from Anambra State), and Hon. Rex Onajite Ogboru and Mr. Fred Uwangue from Delta State.
The high-level meeting also passed a vote of implicit confidence on the NNPP founder, Dr. Aniebonam, BoT Chairman, Dr. Temitope Aluko, and the National Chairman, Dr. Gilbert Agbo Major including other members of the NWC.
The leadership called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to update without delay the NNPP record as stipulated in the party’s Constitution and resolution of the NEC, NWC and BoT which states that “Dr. Gilbert Agbo Major is the National Chairman of NNPP; Comrade Oginni Olaposu Sunday is the National Secretary, and Dr. T.K.O. Aluko is the BoT Chairman.”
The political party made it clear that it has unanimously adopted and passed a resolution that the official opening of doors for new entrants and aspirants for Presidential, Governorship, Senate, House of Representatives including States Houses of Assembly and other elective positions for 2027 and states with off-circle elections from 2024 to 2027 must be conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 and Constitution of the New Nigeria People’s Party 2022, as amended.
“INEC should, with immediate effect, update the record of the New Nigeria People’s Party according to the Constitution of NNPP and resolution of the National Executive Committee, National Working Committee and Board of Trustees that Dr Gilbert Agbo Major is the National Chairman of NNPP and Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday is the National Secretary and Dr TKO Aluko is the Boat Chairman with reference to the Supreme Court judgement that explicitly stated that it is only the political party has the right to determine its membership, leadership, officers and candidates.”
“New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) is not in any merger or alliance talk with any other political party and whosoever discusses merger or alliances with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the erstwhile Presidential candidate, who has been expelled from our Party, does that at his/her own risk.”
“The Original Certificate of Registration of our great party by INEC”, the communique explained, “is with the Founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NPP); Dr Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam and only him and his founding team members can determine discussions with anybody or political party”.
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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Maritime Agencies1 week agoPTML Customs Hits Over N350Bn in 9 Months, Intercepts ₦200m Illicit Pharmaceuticals,
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoCILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award