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A’Ibom Lauds FEC For Approving Ibom Deep Seaport Project … As ICRC Begins Implementation

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4 years ago

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The Akwa Ibom State Government has commended the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approving the construction of the Ibom Deep Seaport project for the state.
The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Ini Ememobong, gave the commendation in a statement in Uyo, yesterday.
Ememobong said that the state government was deeply touched by the gesture and thanked members of FEC, led by President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osibanjo for the approval.
The state government also commended the Minister of Transport, the Nigerian Ports Authority, other agencies and every official of the Federal Government involved in the landmark decision.
The commissioner also appreciated the efforts of the Technical Committee for the Implementation of the Deep Seaport led by Mrs Mfon Usoro as well as officials of the Akwa Ibom State Government, who worked tirelessly to achieve the success.
“With this development, His Excellency, Gov. Udom Emmanuel will soon lay out a full scale implementation plan for both the Deep seaport and the Liberty Oil and Gas free Zone, also recently approved,’’ Ememobong said.
He said that the approval was coming on the heels of the vigorous push by the Udom Emmanuel led- administration to actualise long awaited vision.
The Tide reports that FEC at its meeting on Wednesday approved construction of the Ibom Deep Seaport.
Meanwhile, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) says it will begin contract signing and implementation for the National Public Security Communications (NPSC) project and the Ibom Deep Seaport project.
The commission, in a statement in Abuja, yesterday, said the decision followed the FEC’s approval of Full Business Case (FBC) Compliance Certificates for the two projects.
The NPSC project is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project between the Ministry of Police Affairs and MPS Technologies Limited, a special purpose vehicle incorporated by Mobitel Limited to manage the NPSC Concession.
The commission said: “The objective of the project is to rehabilitate, upgrade and operate the system in order to more efficiently provide specialised security and surveillance services to the Nigerian Police Force on a sustainable commercial basis and generate revenue.
“The Ibom Deep Seaport, on the other hand, is a greenfield port development integrated within the Ibom Industrial City (IIC) Free Zone development.”
Located in the South East of Akwa Ibom, it was concessioned by Bolloré-PCI Consortium, the statement said.
The Tide reports that the Ibom Deep Sea Port aims to become the Eastern Gateway of Nigeria, providing vital port capacity for the country.
It is projected to provide the much needed container handling and storage capacity, import capacity for petroleum products, provide import capacity for vehicles and provide dedicated import capacity for food and agricultural products.
It is also expected to provide dedicated export capacity for industrial output and natural resources and be a logistics base and regional trading hub in West Africa.

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NIMASA Commits To Creating Enabling Environment For Maritime Business 

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6 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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6 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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6 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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