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Stakeholders Hail Sack Of NNPC Board

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10 years ago

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L-R: National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Chief Eugene Nweke, representative of the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Victor Gbemudu and Country Director, Deutsche Gesell Schaft Für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Mr Christian Widmann, at the launch of implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff in Lagos, last Tuesday.

L-R: National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Chief Eugene Nweke, representative of the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Victor Gbemudu and Country Director, Deutsche Gesell Schaft Für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Mr Christian Widmann, at the launch of implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff in Lagos, last Tuesday.

The sacking of the board of the Nigeria National petroleum Company (NNPC, last Friday by the Federal Government has been viewed by stakeholders in the oil and gas sector as a welcome development.
The Executive Director, Nedal Oil and Gas Company Limited, Prince Emma Ogba said in an interview on Saturday with The Tide in Port Harcourt that, “what the Federal Government did was the position of well-meaning Nigerians.
NNPC under the watch of the board stinks from all the horrible stories I have been reading in the dailies. The company controls the wealth of the nation but the board never demonstrated either business ingenuity or sense of responsibility what president Muhammadu Buhari did was the right step in the right direction”.
Ogba said the sack order should be followed by probe to know how far they were involved in the many alleged fraud in NNPC.
The National Vice President, Oil and Gas of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Billy Harry also lauded the sack, saying the board has run the national economy down.
He accused the board of incompetence, stressing that the board had over the years demonstrated that they were not out to serve the country.
Harry advised the Federal Government to consider tested and proven Nigerians who would show love and care to the interest of Nigerians when appointing or constituting new board members of NNPC.
“If the President dissolves the board, it is a very good thing and it should be done with the mindset to put people on board who should serve Nigeria for the benefit of Nigerians”, Harry said.
In his own reaction, a business consultant, Chief Henry Odinta also told The Tide that Buhari’s sack order has renewed in Nigerians the sense of belonging.
“it has always been stories of one fraud allegation or the other and upon this, the former President never wielded the big stick as expected of him.
Nigerians are suffering because of such presidential inactions that had been the case of the nation for past years. I commend Buhari for the action he took”, said Odinta, Managing Director, HOD Consult Nigeria Limited.
It would be recalled that President Buhari, last Friday, commenced a purge of the rot in NNPC by sacking the 10-member board which was headed by the immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke.
The sack order was signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOS), Mr. Danladi Kifasi.
Members of the board include, current GMD of NNPC, Dr. Joseph Dawha, Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Fiancée, Mrs. Anastasta Daniel-Nwaobia, NNPC’s Group Executive Director in charge of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Bernald Otti, a former NNPC Group Executive Director in charge of Corporate Services, Dr. Peter Nnadu.
Others are a former Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Steven Oronsaye, Current Co-ordinator, Legal Services/Secretary to NNPC, Mr. Ikechukwu Oguine, Prof. Olusegun Okunnu, Dr. Danladi Wadzani and Alhaji Abubakar Bukar.

 

Chris Oluoh

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NIMASA Commits To Creating Enabling Environment For Maritime Business 

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7 days ago

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March 5, 2025

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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has affirmed that it is taking strategic steps to enhance local participation and encourage investment in the maritime sector under the supervision of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who disclosed this recently while receiving the Executive Members of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, reaffirmed the Agency’s  commitment to fostering a level playing field and creating an enabling environment for businesses in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Dr. Mobereola revealed that NIMASA is deepening its collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to explore policies that will boost indigenous involvement and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy is committed to encouraging indigenous players to invest more in Nigeria’s maritime industry. Issues such as national carriers and trade terms remain top priorities under this administration.
“Our focus is to create an enabling environment where private investors can thrive. In this regard, we have initiated discussions with the NCDMB and NNPC Limited to address these critical matters”, he stated.
He said NIMASA remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships that will enhance local investment, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth in the maritime sector.
In response, Comrade John Aleakhue Okpono, Secretary General of the Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, emphasized the need for closer collaboration between NIMASA and the Merchant Navy.
He also urged the Agency to review waiver clauses to ensure more opportunities for Nigerian seafarers.
Stories by Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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FG Inaugurates Special Committee Against Boat Accident 

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7 days ago

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March 5, 2025

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Towards enhancing safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated a Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria.
According to a statement on by the spokesman, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Suleiman Makama, the event, which was held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, confirmed crucial steps taken to address the recurring challenges of boat accidents across the country.
In his address, the Honourable Minister emphasized the urgent need to stem the tide of tragic boat mishaps, which have resulted in significant loss of lives and properties.
He described the country’s waterways as vital to commerce, transportation, and livelihoods, stressing that their safety and efficiency are paramount to the development of Nigeria’s blue economy.
He noted that the establishment of this committee aligns with the 2024 International World Maritime Day theme, “Navigating the Future: Safety First”.
“The task before us is daunting, but with unwavering commitment, we can eliminate boat mishaps and ensure that our waterways remain safe, navigable, and prosperous for generations to come”, Oyetola stated.
The committee comprises key stakeholders, including state government representatives, the Association of Boat Operators in Nigeria, marine safety experts, and academics.
It will be chaired by the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, while Mr. Adams Offie, Deputy Director of Inland Waterways at the Ministry, will serve as Secretary.
The committee is tasked with conducting an in-depth review of commercial boat operations in Nigeria, identifying the root causes of boat mishaps, and proposing sustainable solutions.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of the committee, Oyebamiji assured the Minister on the dedication of members to deliver on the assignment.
He emphasized that safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways is non-negotiable, adding that NIWA, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, has been refocused to uphold its mandate without compromise.
Acknowledging the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for his proactive leadership, Oyebamiji noted that the establishment of the committee represents a critical step in addressing the persistent safety challenges in inland water transport.
“This is another solution-driven initiative aimed at eliminating boat mishaps on our waterways. I assure you that the confidence reposed in this committee will not be misplaced.
“At NIWA, this is an opportunity for us to intensify our efforts in reducing marine accidents to the barest minimum. On behalf of my fellow committee members, we pledge to work diligently and with utmost focus on the assigned terms of reference.
“Safety on our inland waterways is non-negotiable. NIWA has been refocused to ensure the highest safety standards, and this committee will work diligently to address the causes of boat mishaps and find lasting solutions,” Oyebamiji said.
The committee has been tasked with evaluating the root causes of boat accidents and recommending lasting solutions to enhance safety and operational standards.
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LASG Arrests Illegal Dredgers  … Issues Stop Work Order

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7 days ago

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March 5, 2025

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The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, has launched a massive clampdown on illegal dredgers operating in the State, ordering them to stop work immediately.
This exercise, which was carried out by the officials of the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, is aimed at curbing environmental degradation and promoting sustainable development across the waterfront schemes located across the coastal regions of the metropolis.
According to a statement, the enforcement operation, led by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, alongside members of his team, raided several illegal dredging sites which were subsequently shut down by the officials of the Ministry.
Some suspected dredging operators were arrested and a stop-work order was served on erring dredgers for non-compliance with laid-down regulations of the State Government.
Alebiosu warned the operators that failure to comply with extant laws guiding dredging activities could have dire effects and will result in severe penalties, including total closure of the sites.
Reacting to the claim that Dredgers are the major cause of environmental degradation in the state, including erosion and flooding, the Commissioner emphasised the need for dredging activities to be conducted lawfully to preserve roads, public infrastructure, and wetlands.
He explained that the State Government has vowed to streamline the activities of dredgers in the state to meet acceptable international standards.
“The Lagos State Government’s clampdown on illegal dredgers is a significant step towards protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development in the state.
“We will continue to carry out surveillance and raids across the coastal areas to ensure that the activities of a few don’t impact the lives of law-abiding citizens negatively”, Alebiosu stated.
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