Business

Yuletide: Motorists, Commuters Hail FG Over Availability Of Fuel

Published

5 years ago

January 8, 2020

Motorists in Rivers State have commended the Federal Goverment for the availability of petroleum products throughout the Yuletide period.
The Tide reports that unlike the previous years when Nigerians experienced fuel scarcity during the Christmas period, leading to untold hardship on the masses the 2019 festive period was an exception.
Speaking to The Tide, a commercial bus driver, Peter Ijere said that “this is one of the festive periods in the last one decade that we did not experience fuel scarcity in the country. You see all activities followed in that direction. There was no exhorbitant hike in transport fare, just the normal slight seasonal fare increase that lasted for one or two days and may be now that people are returning back from their respective homes to Port Harcourt and by next week things will normalise.
I commend the federal government for that, because if there is fuel scarcity it will result in hike in fare and scarcity of vehicles, thereby causing people to trek long distances, coupled with the yuletide rush period. I wish they keep it up, it is a credit to the Buhari’s administration and a lift for the masses, both road users and motorists”.
A private car owner, John Dare also commended the federal government for the feat.
He said: “I salute President Buhari for achieving this seemingly unachievable feat in the past administrations. I wonder the magic Mr President used to break the wings of the petroleum cabals that have been holding the entire country to ransom, especially during festive period. If it is not oil subsidy matter, it will be federal government is owning them for that, no supply of fuel. I thank him and wish he sustains it as long as his administration lasts.
“At last, the availability has saved me from bulk purchase, of which I have already bought two empty 50 litres jerry can which I intended to store fuel this period, but to God be the glory, there is no scarcity and I am equally saved from the risk associated with storing fuel in the house in this dry harmattan period”.
A commuter, Mrs Ijeoma Ofoegbu also expressed joy that there was no fuel scarcity during last year’s Christmas period.
According to her, “I am happy in this year (2019) festive period, as the slight increase in transport fare is not anchored on fuel scarcity as usual, but rather on the normal seasonal rush hour fare increase in this period.
“I thank the government for considering the plight of the common man. At least, we can see vehicles are available unlike when there is scarcity of fuel. Kerosene to cook our rice and chicken and petrol to power our generator sets are all available, which made our day enjoyable during the yuletide”.

Business

NIMASA Commits To Creating Enabling Environment For Maritime Business

Published

18 hours ago

March 5, 2025

The Tide

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

Business

FG Inaugurates Special Committee Against Boat Accident

Published

18 hours ago

March 5, 2025

The Tide

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.

Business

LASG Arrests Illegal Dredgers … Issues Stop Work Order

Published

18 hours ago

March 5, 2025

The Tide

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.