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Just IN : Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu Turning maritime industry becomes a key driver of economic growth and sustainable development, Says Oyetola
The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration has put all necessary efforts, policies, and strategies in place to ensure that the nation’s maritime sectors becomes a key driver of economic growth and sustainable development.
This was in Lagos yesterday, by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Addressing stakeholders at the World Maritime Day 2024 in Lagos, Oyetola said that his ministry, “in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is taking proactive measures to enhance the maritime sector by embracing emerging technologies and fostering innovation to drive economic growth.
Key among the initiatives taken by the ministry, Oyetola said, “Is digitalisation and automation of port operations to enhance safety, security, and efficiency as well as a performance optimisation to reduce costs and increase reliability, and the adoption of innovative practices to propel our industry towards sustainable development.”
Oyetola, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Michael Oloruntola said the federal government is making significant strides in the nation’s maritime industry to boost the economy
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the minister added, is also “investing heavily in port modernisation to reduce inefficiencies, lower operational costs, and improve safety in our ports. This process is being financed through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) arrangements.”
The theme of the event is: Navigating the Future, Safety First
The President Tinubu administration, Oyetola added, “Is investing in upgrading our facilities and building capacity to ensure Nigeria remains competitive in the global arena of seaborne trade.”
The Minister said further that, “the theme emphasises the International Maritime Organisation’s dedication to enhancing maritime safety, security, and environmental protection, while also encouraging innovation and technological advancement. This theme presents us with an opportunity to reflect on the strides Nigeria has made in developing its maritime sector, positioning it as a key driver of our national economic growth.
“As we embrace this moment, we must re-examine the safety and security challenges that confront our maritime sector, particularly in the context of new technologies and alternative fuels that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from ships. To safeguard both shipping safety and operational efficiency, we must invest in upgrading our facilities and building capacity to ensure Nigeria remains competitive in the global arena of seaborne trade.
The year 2024, Oyetola said, “Marks a significant milestone, which is the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, a crucial International Maritime Organization (IMO) treaty regulating maritime safety. Since the IMO’s founding in 1948, safety has been at the forefront of its mission. Nigeria has consistently worked to align its regulatory framework with IMO standards and other international maritime regulations, reinforcing our commitment to upholding the highest standards of maritime safety.
“Ladies and gentlemen, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy is taking proactive measures to enhance the maritime sector by embracing emerging technologies and fostering innovation to drive growth. Key among the initiatives of the Ministry are digitalization and automation of port operations to enhance safety, security, and efficiency as well as performance optimization to reduce costs and increase reliability, and the adoption of innovative practices to propel our industry towards sustainable development.
As you are aware, “the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is investing heavily in port modernisation to reduce inefficiencies, lower operational costs, and improve safety in our ports. This process is being financed through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) arrangements.
The federal government, Oyeyola said, has also made significant progress in creating a conducive environment for port operations by aligning its policies with global best practices.
This, he said, “has enhanced safety, security, and efficiency in our ports, leading to notable reductions in the delays associated with processing exports and imports. However, achieving the world-class standards we aspire to, will require continued support from the private sector, whose collaboration is essential in providing the resources and state-of-the-art facilities needed to take Nigeria’s maritime industry to a higher trajectory.
Oyetola to host deep seabed confab
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, achieving safety in our maritime environment is a goal well within reach, but it requires collective effort. With the diverse range of industry players and stakeholders present here today, I am confident that this edition of World Maritime Day will set the stage for a transformative future, one that drives Nigeria’s maritime sector towards unprecedented growth and prosperity,” the Minister said.
In his address, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho said the agency is entrusted with ensuring safety and sustainability.
“This dual focus—on safety and environmental stewardship—reflects the growing recognition of our responsibility to address the environmental challenges that impact the world today, especially those tied to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships Safety is not only about protecting lives and property but also about safeguarding our environment for future generations.
In navigating the future of maritime trade, the NPA chief said: “It is critical that we integrate safety considerations into how we manage port operations, reduce emissions, and implement sustainable practices. A secure, clean, and efficient port system is central to maintaining the safety and integrity of maritime operations, and at NPA, we are committed to this vision.
The maritime industry, the MD NPA added, “Accounts for roughly 3 percent of global GHG emissions, and as international trade continues to grow, this figure could rise if not addressed.
“For Nigeria, as a coastal and maritime nation, this presents both an environmental and economic risk. Climate change, driven by increased GHG emissions, poses serious threats, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events, which endanger our port infrastructure and surrounding communities. In our efforts to ensure the safety of the environment and maritime operations, we must tackle the issue of GHG emissions head-on. As part of our strategy, we aim to make our ports more environmentally friendly by implementing measures that will reduce carbon footprints across all port activities.”
To address these challenges, he said: “The Nigerian Ports Authority is proud to announce the development of a Port Emissions Inventory. This will be a comprehensive tool to measure and monitor emissions from all port-related activities, including vessels at berth, cargo-handling equipment, and port service vehicles. The emissions inventory will allow us to have a clear and precise understanding of the sources of GHG emissions at our ports.
“By quantifying these emissions, we will be able to develop targeted strategies for reducing them, track our progress, and ensure compliance with both national and international environmental standards. This inventory represents a proactive step in addressing the environmental impacts of port operations while enhancing transparency and accountability in our environmental management practices. In line with international maritime conventions, the Nigerian Ports Authority has taken steps to enhance existing “Port Reception Facilities,” he said.
In his address, the director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola said safety is crucial in the maritime industry.
He said: “There are many challenges in the maritime industry. These challenges also provide opportunities for tremendous success in the industry. Rapid technology advancement, environmental concerns, sustainability, and involving global trade are some issues affecting the industry.
“While we confront these challenges, we must accord safety an important priority. In this regard, we must, one, invest in cutting-edge safety technologies, two, emphasize training and capacity building for the maritime sector, three, strengthen our regulatory frameworks to meet international standards, and four, foster collaborations between the public and private sectors.”
NMASA, Mobereola said: “Is leading the way to creating a safer and more efficient and sustainable maritime future for Nigeria and beyond.
“As we commemorate this day, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you. Your efforts are not just crucial but a trigger to navigating and shaping the Nigerian maritime industry’s future. I extend my thanks to the IMO, safe harbours, maritime industry stakeholders, global maritime communities, ministries, departments, and agencies, our developmental partners, and policymakers who continue to work tirelessly to promote safety values in the industry.
“We need to strengthen collaboration and cooperation to address the increasingly complex regime due to emerging technologies. Your involvement is crucial in this progress. Furthermore, let us renew our dedication to safety, innovation, and responsible stewardship in our maritime environment.
“This commitment is not just a goal but a promise that we must uphold. Together, we can navigate towards a brighter, safer future for our maritime industry. I urge us all to reflect on how far we have come and renew our commitment to making the maritime sector efficient for operation and safer, secure, and more sustainable for future generations,” Mobereola said.
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Update : NRC Releases Preliminary Report on Warri-Itakpe Train Crash, Says Wheel Defect May Have Triggered Derailment
……NRC Suspects Wheel Defect, Rules Out Track Vandalism
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has released its preliminary report on the June 8, 2026 derailment involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS), revealing that a possible sudden bogie or wheel defect may have triggered the accident.
The incident occurred at about 4:17pm near the Outer Home signal of the Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station at kilometre 177, Owa-Oyibu, Agbor, Delta State.
According to the NRC, the train had departed Itakpe at 12 noon with 482 people on board, comprising 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel, when the derailment occurred.
Five coaches, one locomotive and a power car were affected, with three coaches and the power car overturning.
The Corporation said emergency response operations were immediately activated with support from the Delta State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), local authorities and medical teams.
All passengers were evacuated within two hours of the incident.
However, the accident resulted in four confirmed deaths — three adults and one child — while 64 people sustained various injuries.
The NRC said 28 injured passengers were treated and discharged at the Railway Hospital, Owa-Oyibu, while another 36 were transferred to hospitals in Owa-Oyibu, Owa-Alero and Agbor.
Most of those admitted were discharged within 72 hours, while three people, including an NRC employee who required surgery, remained under specialist medical care. Two of the affected persons subsequently underwent surgical procedures.
The Corporation also clarified that its initial report of five fatalities was later revised to four following verification with the Delta State medical team responsible for the deceased.
Possible wheel defect identified
The NRC said its internal investigation involved site inspections, evidence gathering, examination of operational records and communication data, technical assessments of the locomotive and rolling stock, as well as interviews with train crew, operations and maintenance personnel, witnesses and emergency responders.
The investigation also examined the track infrastructure, turnout arrangements, communication systems and the effectiveness of the emergency response and evacuation operations.
Based on the preliminary findings, the NRC said investigators identified the possible sudden development of a bogie/wheel defect while the train was in motion as a potential primary factor in the derailment.
According to the Corporation, such a defect could have resulted in abnormal wheel-rail interaction, excessive impact loading and loss of running stability.
The investigators also identified the possible manner in which the train’s brakes were applied as a factor that may have contributed to the severity of the accident.
However, the NRC stressed that both issues remain working hypotheses and that the definitive cause of the derailment would only be established after further technical analysis.
No evidence of track vandalism
The Corporation said its inquiry team found that the railway points at the accident location were intact and that there was no evidence of track vandalism.
This finding distinguishes the June 8 incident from two previous accidents involving the same Warri–Itakpe service on November 1 and November 8, 2025, which the NRC said were attributed to track vandalism.
The independent Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has also commenced its statutory investigation into the accident.
The NRC said it was cooperating fully with the NSIB and would be guided by the findings and recommendations contained in its final report.
NRC announces safety measures
Following the preliminary findings, the Corporation recommended comprehensive safety inspections and audits of rolling stock, railway tracks and infrastructure before equipment is returned to service.
It also called for stronger maintenance and condition-monitoring programmes, timely replacement of defective components and improved availability of critical spare parts.
The NRC further recommended a review of operational safety procedures, improved emergency preparedness and rescue capabilities, enhanced staff training and competency assessments, as well as sustainable funding for railway modernisation.
The Corporation also proposed improvements to its insurance and compensation framework to ensure adequate protection for passengers and staff in cases involving medical treatment, disability and fatalities.
WITS service yet to resume
The NRC said the affected track has been fully recovered and restored, while the locomotives involved have also been recovered and are currently undergoing reconditioning.
However, the Corporation said the Warri–Itakpe service would not resume until a detailed safety audit of the track and equipment has been completed.
The NRC expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident and apologised for the delay in releasing the preliminary report, explaining that additional time was required to properly verify the casualties and notify the affected families.
The Corporation said it remained committed to implementing recommendations arising from both its internal accident inquiry and the independent NSIB investigation, with the aim of strengthening railway safety and restoring public confidence in train transportation.
I’m
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at 66.
His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed his passing during an Instagram Live session on Sunday.
The news comes days after Kira and her sister, Lima Taiwo, made public appeals on Monday, August 17, 2026, for medical advice for their father, who was battling stage-four cancer.
Kira said doctors had stopped chemotherapy because of his condition, and the family was seeking alternative treatments, including specialised procedures and traditional remedies.
She clarified that the family was not asking for financial donations, but for information on possible treatment options.
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Nigeria’s ‘Fake’ Agency Exposed: Meet Director, 20 State Coordinators, China, US Representatives
The alleged fake National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office had a structure spanning several states and two foreign countries, with an acclaimed national coordinator, zonal directors, state coordinators and representatives in China and the United States,
A check by our correspondent on Saturday found that the office’s website listed Hon. Nwabueze George as its “Executive Director, National Coordinator,” alongside a director of national administration, three zonal directors, 20 state coordinators and representatives for the United States and China.
Recall that the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Aliyu, disclosed on Friday that President Bola Tinubu had ordered the immediate arrest of George Nwabueze, identified by the commission as “the promoter” of the alleged fake office.
Tinubu also ordered the immediate suspension of three permanent secretaries — M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah — following the discovery of the office, which the ICPC said it had been allocated space within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation without presidential authorisation.
The ICPC said the promoter was also found to have operated under several variations of his name, including George Nathan Nwabueze, George Nwabueze, George Buchi Nwabueze, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze.
Nwabueze and Zonal directors
The website listed Nwabueze as the “Executive Director, National Coordinator.”
It also listed Dr Bassey B. Unaowo as “Special Assistant to the Permanent Secretary on Political and Economic Affairs, OSGF”; Dr Hajara Njidda Amoni as Director, National Administration; Mr Oladunjoye Musiliua as Zonal Director, South-West; Hafsat Sahabi Dange as Zonal Director, North; and Mrs Ugochi Akudo Nwosu as Zonal Director, South-East.
Made in Nigeria Zonal Directors
Made in Nigeria Zonal Directors. Credit: website
The website also claimed that the project operated under the OSGF. Its framework page described the project as being overseen by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, in the OSGF.
However, this claimed government connection is significant in light of the ICPC’s finding that the office was operating without presidential authorisation.
20 state coordinators
The website listed the following as state coordinators:
Katsina: Dr Babangida Kabir Ruma
Kaduna: Hon. Abdulhaleem Ishaq Ringim
Delta: Hon. Dr Godwin Adolor
Kebbi: Hussaini Abdullahi, Esq., FSI
Osun: Hon. Olugbemi Adetola Adelowokan
Anambra: Hon. Chiamaka Nnake
Nasarawa: Hon. Osolafia Muhammed, PhD
Plateau: Mrs Salome Audu Bidda
Benue: Hon. Orduen Andrew Ikon
Ondo: Amb. Orioye G. Benedict
Ogun: Hon. Engr. Kehinde Akintonide, FNSE
Sokoto: Hon. Ibrahim Umar Aliyu
Abia: Hon. Mrs Nwosu Chinyere R.
Zamfara: Hon. Ibrahim Bello Marafa
Niger: Haj. Zainab Mohammed
Kano: Hon. Abubakar Ahmad Bichi (Khalifa)
Taraba: Hon. Justin Aondoaseer Tyopuusu
Oyo: Alhaji Bello Kolawole Ghaffar, FCA
Bauchi: Hon. Farouq Siyi
Kogi: Hon. Olorukooba Bidemi
Made in Nigeria state coordinators. Credit: website
Newsthumb check also found indications that some of those listed had previously held public positions or had links to established political, governmental or community structures in their respective states.
Another fake agency! FG suspends three perm secs, orders arrest
Made in Nigeria state coordinators. Credit: website
Made in Nigeria state coordinators. Credit: website
In Taraba, Tyopuusu has been identified in recent reports as a Special Assistant to Governor Agbu Kefas on Digital Economy, while serving as the state coordinator of the Made in Nigeria Special Project.
Made in Nigeria state coordinators. Credit: website
Their inclusion on the website does not, by itself, establish that they were aware that the organisation had allegedly lacked government authorisation.
Efforts made so far to reach the management of the acclaimed agency is abortive as of the time of filing the report as all three phone numbers on its website are switched off. Message sent to the acclaimed national cordinator by our correspondent has not been replied.
Reps in US, China
The website also listed Hon. Emmanuel Enemali Achema as “Country Rep./Coordinator, U.S.A.” and Hon. Ameh Enedugbojo Glory as “Country Rep./Coordinator, China.”
Made in Nigeria country reps. Credit: website
The claimed international structure was presented alongside the state and zonal network as part of the organisation’s purported nationwide and international operations.
The office’s website described its activities as including trade exhibitions, economic forums, promotion of Nigerian products and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, claim ICPC disputed.
The development is the latest in an investigation into purported fictitious government bodies.
The ICPC had previously identified the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and two other alleged fictitious bodies, the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public-Private Partnership.
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