NIGERIA NEWS
Maritime sector cannot grow without strong, knowledgeable media — NSC – Tribune Online
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah, on Wednesday said that no maritime sector can advance without a strong, knowledgeable, and committed media community.
Speaking in Lagos at the 10th Anniversary and Annual Seminar for Maritime Journalists, the NSC Boss said that the efforts of the maritime media have contributed to greater transparency, improved public understanding, and stronger accountability within the Nigerian maritime landscape.
Akutah said, “Today’s event is especially significant, not only because it marks a decade of consistent engagement, but also because it will unveil the distinguished individuals who will drive a platform to launch the Maritime Media and Capacity Development Centre.
Shippers decry excessive charges, delays at Lagos ports
“The theme of this anniversary ‘A Decade of Collaboration for Impact: Strengthening Maritime Journalism for the Future’, reflects the essential role of partnership in building a stronger maritime industry.
“Over the years, maritime journalists have worked closely with regulators, operators, policymakers, and stakeholders to illuminate the challenges and opportunities of the sector. Your work has contributed to greater transparency, improved public understanding, and stronger accountability within our maritime landscape.
“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council, in particular, under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, has benefitted from your professionalism and sustained coverage of our regulatory interventions, reforms, and collaborative efforts to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the port environment.
“This decade-long journey affirms a simple truth: no maritime sector can advance without a strong, knowledgeable, and committed media community.
“As the maritime sector grows more complex, driven by digitalisation, new trade realities, regulatory reforms, and global logistical shifts, journalism within this space must evolve accordingly.”
Earlier in his speech, the Convener of the Annual Seminar for Maritime Journalists and CEO, First Mediacon Network Limited, Mr Sesan Onileimo, explained that over the years, the Annual Seminar for Maritime Journalists has become a Key Performance indicator (KPI) of the PR Department of the NSC.
In his words, “I want to put it on record that the milestone that we are celebrating here today has been supported for 10 years by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
“We remember with deep appreciation, the then Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barrister Hassan Bello and the Council’s Management. They keyed in to the dream of capacity building and manpower development for maritime journalists.
“Over the years, the ‘Annual Seminar for Maritime Journalists’ has become a Key Performance indicator (KPI) of the PR Department of the NSC. We are equally deeply grateful to successive heads of the PR Department of the Agency.
“We are equally grateful that successive CEOs of the Council did not throw the idea away. And that is why we have in our midst today, the esteemed presence of the incumbent CEO, Dr Pius Akutah. We thank you for your immeasurable support, sir.
“The ‘Annual Seminar for Maritime Journalists’ has grown to become a baby of the Nigerian maritime industry. This is why every year, we dwell on issues that affect the industry directly, cutting across sub-sectors.
“Each year, we gather like this to deliberate on issues that are central or germane to the Nigerian maritime industry.
“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, in fulfilment of our pledge during the 9th Edition of the Seminar last year, we have added value to the yearly gathering. This morning, we shall be unveiling the icing on the cake, which is the Centre for Maritime Media &Capacity Development. The Advisory Board is made up of eminent personalities, who will also be unveiled.
“Journalism is a dynamic profession. Maritime journalists are therefore equally confronted with the need to upscale their knowledge, especially in this era of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and social media in general. All of these have combined to put journalists under intense pressure to push out factual details at all times, and also compete and be relevant.
“The Centre for Maritime Media and Capacity Development is our bold move to bridge this gap and also ensure that maritime journalists, irrespective of how young or old they are on the beat, will remain relevant.
“The Centre is open for partnership with interested corporate stakeholders. Our goal is collaboration for impact. Ultimately, the Nigerian maritime industry will benefit from this initiative.
“The eminent personalities sitting on the Board of the Centre are a pointer to the seriousness of the assignment and the determination to succeed.”
Also speaking, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Emeka Akabogu, said that harmonising the National single window for economic development is a subject which is at the core of the art of efficiency that Nigeria has been hoping to get to within.
“A lot of the challenge at our ports has arisen because importers, exporters, and Customs have not played their roles as effectively as they should be. A lot depends on ensuring that the human interface is removed from the entire process. This is why the National Single Window System, which will facilitate a platform that ensures that the formalities of the entire process of cargo clearance, which today still requires several submissions to several regulations and agencies, is achieved through one window, through one submission, and through one set of approvals.
“Customs has done very well by ensuring that the trade facilitation agreement of the World Trade Organisation, which Nigeria is a signatory to, is domesticated under the law. And that is the essence of the Nigerian Customs Service Act of 2023. That act, without more, has the potential of transforming the formalities process for Nigeria and putting Nigeria right at the top of cargo clearance formalities on the continent.
“However, that act cannot translate to reality with regard to what would facilitate that cost efficiency if customs is unable to do what is needed to ensure that it comes to life. That is why I’m very happy that it appears that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken the subject of single window very seriously in the last year and a half or so, appointing a special committee and a special coordinator for that purpose,” Emeka Akabogu stated.
Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members, nine days after their detention, following intensive diplomatic efforts by the Nigerian government.
The release came shortly after a high-level Nigerian delegation, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, met with Burkinabè authorities in Ouagadougou, including President Ibrahim Traoré. The team included senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and NAF Headquarters, tasked with resolving the situation peacefully through dialogue.
A senior source told Zagazola Makama that the mission focused on building mutual understanding, reducing tensions, and securing the personnel’s release, while reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and adherence to international aviation and military protocols.
“The mission underscored Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy and neighbourly engagement. It aimed to strengthen trust and reaffirm shared responsibilities in tackling the complex security challenges in the Sahel,” the official said.
The delegation also highlighted Abuja’s ongoing commitment to regional security collaboration and respect for international norms, noting the history of cooperation between Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Nigeria and Burkina Faso have long worked together on security training, intelligence sharing, and stabilisation efforts, particularly in combating terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa. Officials expressed hope that resolving this incident will enhance bilateral relations and strengthen collective efforts to promote peace and stability in the region
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At least, 12 miners have been killed after unknown gunmen attacked a mining site in Ratoso Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State.
Residents said the attack happened on Tuesday night while the miners were working at the site.
The attackers reportedly arrived suddenly and opened fire, forcing many miners to run for safety.
The Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation (BECO) said several people are still missing after the attack.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, BECO Chairman and Mining Committee head in Barkin Ladi local government, Dallang Davott, said the gunmen struck while the miners were carrying out their activities.
He said: “The number of those missing are yet to be ascertained because the incident happened in the night.”
Davott explained that the attackers stormed the mining site and began shooting, causing chaos.
“So, many of them fled for their lives during the incident. But 12 persons so far are confirmed killed,” he added.
As of the time of reporting, the police have not officially confirmed the incident.
Former National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, has revealed that some funds approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari for his office were deliberately withheld by powerful interests within the Presidency.
Monguno, who served as NSA from 2015 to 2023, made the disclosure in a new book titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari.
The biography of the late president was written by Charles Omole and launched at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
In the book, Monguno explained that the funding problem started after he acted on intelligence from the Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet.
He said the commander warned that the company supplying fuel to the fleet was under investigation, which could pose a security risk if the firm was eventually indicted.
Based on that advice, Monguno said he wrote to Buhari and recommended changing the supplier. According to him, the president agreed and approved the decision.
However, he said the move exposed “entrenched interests” within the Presidency.
Monguno alleged that the late Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, was the first to confront him over the decision, asking, “Why did you do this?”
He added that Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura, was also unhappy and felt the decision was unfair to the fuel supplier.
He further claimed that the Minister of Finance was used to frustrate his office financially.
“The Minister of Finance, who owed loyalty to Mamman Daura, was co-opted to withhold funds from the NSA office even after Buhari’s approval. Buhari and Nigerians were both victims of the Cabal that enriched itself beyond measure,” Monguno said.
According to him, denying the NSA office funds badly damaged Nigeria’s security system.
He said money left by his predecessor had run out, while subscriptions for key security systems and partnerships with foreign agencies expired.
Monguno added that surveillance equipment around the Presidential Villa depended on the NSA’s budget, but approvals to maintain and upgrade it were repeatedly delayed.
He also said that even when Buhari approved certain appointments, a “counter-note from a gatekeeper” was sometimes used to cancel the decision.
“You do not need a conspiracy to weaken a system; you only need petty sabotage repeated often enough,” he said.
The book also contains claims by former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, about her own experiences in Aso Rock.
She said rumours within the Villa once made her husband suspect she wanted to harm him, which disrupted his feeding routine and contributed to the illness that kept him out of office for months in 2017.
According to her, gossip created temporary mistrust between them, leading Buhari to change his habits, including locking his room and skipping meals.
“This is given his long history of nutritional challenges. Buhari’s illnesses were neither mysterious nor the result of poisoning,” she said.
The book added that after Buhari moved from Kaduna to the Presidential Villa, responsibility for his diet shifted to official handlers, resulting in missed meals and suspended supplements.
Aisha Buhari said this weakened him significantly and marked the beginning of his health struggles.
She also alleged that mistrust within the Presidency included surveillance and the bugging of private conversations added to anxiety during Buhari’s final years.
No fewer than 38 senior officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been dismissed from service over allegations of gross misconduct, insubordination and acts unbecoming of superior officers.
The dismissed officers include an Assistant Commandant General, according to the Public Service Rules.
Naija News understands that, in addition to the dismissals, two senior officers were demoted by two ranks, while another officer was demoted by one rank with loss of seniority. Five others were issued warning letters.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Audi, disclosed this while presenting his scorecard for the year.
Audi further revealed that the Corps’ Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee also deliberated on about 30 cases involving offences such as job racketeering, extortion, aiding and abetting illegal dealings in petroleum products, fraudulent practices, gunrunning, absence without official leave and other acts considered unbecoming of personnel.
He said the cases were handled in line with the NSCDC Standard Operating Procedures, Code of Conduct and the Public Service Rules.
“After the sittings of the Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee on about 30 cases involving various degrees of gross misconduct, 20 personnel have been dismissed from the service, three personnel were demoted by one rank, while seven personnel were issued warning letters as recommended by the NSCDC Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee,” he said.
The NSCDC boss charged officers and men of the Corps to remain focused on their statutory responsibilities, particularly in view of the increasing tasks assigned to the agency by the Federal Government.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. Therefore, professionalism, loyalty, and regimental discipline must be the watchword,” Audi stated.
The Commandant General also expressed the Corps’ readiness to undertake the VIP protection duty recently assigned to it through a Presidential Order.
He noted that although the current manpower of the Corps is relatively limited compared to the enormity of the task, NSCDC operatives are fully prepared to carry out the responsibility.
While stressing that the Corps recognises and rewards exceptionally outstanding officers who have distinguished themselves through good conduct, loyalty and dedication to national service, Audi warned that his administration would not tolerate truancy, indiscipline or violations of extant laws, ethics and the Code of Conduct.
The CG further affirmed that the NSCDC under his leadership has recorded visible and landmark achievements.
These, he said, include clearing the backlog of promotion arrears, introducing Career Progression Courses, implementing a Life Insurance Compensation Scheme for families of deceased personnel, ensuring compliance with the federal character principle in appointments and promotions, and promoting gender inclusiveness within the Corps.
A Delta State High Court in Orerokpe has issued an interim order, restraining the Nigeria police from enforcing the tinted glass permit policy, which the police authorities had said would commence on 2 January.
Justice Joe Egwu gave the order on Wednesday, 17 December, following an exparte motion filed by, Israel Joe, the applicant, against the Inspector- general (IGP) of police, the Nigeria police, and the commissioner of police in Delta State, who are the respondents in the suit marked HOR/FHR/M/31/2025.
A Lagos-based rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, posted a copy of the court order on Facebook on Wednesday.
The court also restrained the police from “stopping, harassing, arresting, detaining, or extorting” Nigerians “under the guise of enforcing the tinted glass permit policy pending the hearing and the determination of the substantive application filed in the suit”.
The interim order further restrained the police from the bank account of a private contractor, Parkway Project, to conduct government business pending the determination of the suit.
Kunle Edun, SAN, and other lawyers represented the applicant, Mr Joe, in court.
Implication of the order
Mr Effiong, the lawyer who posted a copy of the court document, said the implication of the order is that the police would not be able to enforce the tinted glass permit policy as planned.
“By this order, the announcement made by the Nigeria police on its decision to resume the tinted glass permit enforcement on 2nd January, 2026 has been halted by the court,” the lawyer wrote.
Background
The policy, introduced by the IGP in April, required motorists to obtain annual tinted glass permits via an online platform.
Enforcement, initially scheduled for 1 June was later postponed to 12 August and further extended to 2 October.
Many Nigerians have criticised the policy for enabling harassment, extortion, and civil rights violations by police officers.
On 2 September, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law, filed a suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025) at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the legality of the policy.
The NBA argued that the measure was based on the outdated Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, lacked statutory authority to impose fees, and could lead to harassment and abuse by the police.
The association also warned that the policy placed unnecessary financial burdens on Nigerians, especially as many imported vehicles already come with factory-fitted tinted glass.
The police were duly served court processes, represented by Ayotunde Ogunleye, also a SAN.
The case came up for hearing on 12 December before Judge M. S. Liman.
During the hearing, the police confirmed the suspension agreement, leading the court to strike out the motion for interlocutory injunction.
Similarly, on 3 October, a Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, ordered the police and the IGP to suspend the enforcement of the tinted glass permit across the country.
The police authorities later claimed they had not been served with the order which insisted that the status quo must be maintained in the ongoing legal battle until the suit was decided.
The suit was instituted by John Aikpokpo-Martins against the IGP and the police.
On 9 October, the police announced they had suspended enforcement of the policy following IGP’s meeting with a delegation from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) led by its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN.
But the police, on 15 December, made a u-turn and announced that they would resume the enforcement of tinted glass permits from 2 January 2026, citing security reasons.
The NBA immediately condemned the announcement and accused the Nigeria police of contempt of court and a disregard for the rule of law over the plan to resume enforcement of the policy.
The body called the police’s announcement to resume enforcement “a reckless overreach” and “a serious assault on institutional integrity.”
The association urged the IGP to withdraw the statement and halt enforcement until all related court matters are determined.
It also directed its branches and the NBA Human Rights Committee to provide legal support to any motorist harassed or prosecuted over the policy.
An abroad‑based man has taken to social media to share his old friend’s reaction after sending him a small amount of money.
The man identified by the X handle, @onyedikaanambra shared a credit transaction with his friend, whose reaction to the message has gone viral online.
However, the amount wasn’t disclosed in the chat, but the friend responded with heartfelt gratitude, offering prayers for God’s abundance upon him.
His response below…
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Bruhhh, Jesus, God bless you for me. You and your family.
You will never lack in this life. Anything you lay your hands upon is blessed. Thank you brotherly. Make I go chop. Jesus. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Meanwhile, the tweet has garnered over 400,000 views, with netizens sharing their thoughts and opinions.
Reactions Trailing Below….
The Promiseman remarked, “A man will show appreciation by merely seeing a little green light-a little hope, even when his request has not been granted. Men are generally appreciative and grateful except for few ones”.
Iniobong Udoh, “Hahahhahahhaa I don’t think gratitude/gratefulness is a gender bias virtue, I’m like this too”.
A Winner stated , “Men go thank you and pray for you sotey, e go remain small make dem mistakenly swear for you join sef”.
Slvi added added, “You call it little but that money probably came at a time when he might be at his lowest. But regardless, grateful people open doors for more blessings. It’s the same when we ask God for favors”.
See below…..
NIGERIA NEWS
Action Alliance leadership dispute resolved as INEC recognizes Omoaje as National Chairman
The long-running leadership dispute within the Action Alliance has been resolved.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognized Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as the party’s national chairman.
This followed a Federal High Court ruling in Osogbo that mandated INEC to update its records within seven days.
Presided over by Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi, the court ruled that the National Executive Committee (NEC) elected during the party’s national convention in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in October 2023, constitutes the legitimate leadership.
As a result, INEC has removed Kenneth Udeze’s name from its records and replaced it with Omoaje’s. The names of all NEC members from the Abeokuta convention are now listed on the commission’s website.
Omoaje’s name became visible on the INEC portal on Thursday, indicating full compliance with the court’s order.
In a statement, Omoaje expressed his gratitude to the INEC chairman, Prof. Josh Amupitan, for upholding the rule of law.
He stated that this decision would “further strengthen democracy in the country.” Omoaje reaffirmed that the Action Alliance remains committed to democracy, peace, progress, and development throughout Nigeria.
The recognition marks the end of a contentious internal power struggle, during which two factions claimed leadership of the party. With the court’s endorsement and INEC’s update, the Action Alliance can now focus on its agenda for the upcoming elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and other states.
Former minister of youth and sports, Solomon Dalung, has stated that the growing insecurity in northern Nigeria is linked to the rising number of out-of-school children.
Dalung said the absence of education, skills and hope has created a recruitment pool for terrorists, bandits and criminal networks.
In a social media post on Wednesday, the former minister said violent non-state actors thrive where the state fails to fulfil its responsibility to educate citizens.
Dalung said education remains the most effective tool for empowerment, social cohesion and the dismantling of extremism.
He recalled the late Ahmadu Bello’s view that education is power and central to long-term peace and security.
Dalung said many northern state governments have failed to prioritise education as a strategic investment, adding that insecurity is often treated as a temporary nuisance rather than a structural failure requiring systemic solutions.
Dalung criticised state governments for negotiating peace deals with armed groups instead of investing in schools and teachers.
He said such agreements are often secretive, lack accountability and offer only short-term calm, adding that the deals inadvertently legitimise criminality and reward violence.
He said paying off violent actors without dismantling recruitment pipelines only postpones conflict, even as he warned that children denied education today risk becoming future foot soldiers of insurgency.
He said the approach amounts to “negotiating peace with the left hand while declaring war with the right”.
Dalung said governments cannot claim to fight insecurity while starving institutions capable of permanently addressing it.
He said lasting peace cannot exist amid ignorance, unemployment and social exclusion, noting that true security will not come from ransom-style settlements or cosmetic peace agreements.
He said it requires deliberate and transparent investment in basic and secondary education across the north, adding thatschools must be safe, accessible and relevant to offer young people alternatives to violence.
He warned that neglecting education as a security imperative would sustain the cycle of violence, noting that society that neglects the classroom should not be surprised when the battlefield becomes its future.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has charged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to institutionalise digital processes, safeguard data integrity, invest in capacity building and ensure that public service reforms are sustained beyond individual office holders.
Akume gave the charge in Abuja on Wednesday while delivering special remarks at the Paperless Civil Service Gala and Awards Night, describing the future of governance as one anchored on strong systems rather than shortcuts.
“The future of governance lies in systems, not shortcuts,” the SGF said, urging government functionaries to deepen digital reforms and embed them into the structures and culture of the civil service to guarantee continuity and effectiveness.
He said the ongoing transition to paperless work processes across the federal civil service was more than a technological upgrade, describing it as a fundamental shift in culture, mindset and service delivery.
According to him, digitalisation represents “efficiency over bureaucracy, transparency over opacity, and accountability over discretion,” and underscores the resolve of the administration to build a modern, responsive and citizen-centred public service.
Akume noted that the paperless initiative aligns with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021–2025) as well as the broader public sector reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Digital governance is no longer optional; it is essential to effective coordination, fiscal discipline, and timely decision-making across government,” he said.
The SGF commended the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, led by Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, for what he described as its vision, consistency and commitment to reform, saying the gala and awards night demonstrated what is achievable when leadership aligns policy with execution.
He also praised individuals, teams and institutions recognised at the event for showing leadership, innovation and courage in driving change, often in the face of resistance.
“Your recognition here sends a powerful message across the Service: excellence will be seen, and excellence will be rewarded,” Akume said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his office to supporting initiatives that enhance coordination, efficiency and reform across government, while congratulating all awardees at the ceremony.
The Paperless Civil Service Gala and Awards Night was organised to celebrate milestones recorded in the digital transformation of the federal civil service and to honour outstanding contributions to the reform process.
…Breakthrough expected today
The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Tuesday night led top officers of the Nigeria Labour Congress to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a view to averting the planned strike by the union.
Uzodimma alongside his Kebbi and Edo states counterparts, Alhaji Nasir Idris and Senator Monday Okpebholo, had previously met with NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and his team at the Imo State Governor’s Lodge.
Their meeting, which also had in attendance the Minister of State, Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejiocha had centred on ways to ensure that the NLC strike planned to begin the next day was shelved.
It was gathered that after Uzodimma had canvassed the government position forcefully, NLC insisted on meeting with Tinubu to reassure Labour that agreements reached were kept.
It was then that the governor made contact with Aso Rock and the green light was given for the negotiation team to proceed to the presidential villa to meet with Mr President.
After the meeting with Tinubu,there were indications that a breakthrough is in sight, as the Labour leaders later promised to meet with their members to discuss further and revert on a consensus on Wednesday
Governor Uzodimma who is the President’s Renewed Hope Ambassador, described the engagement as an ongoing dialogue in the national interest.
“Consultation is going on. We were dialoguing. At the end of the day, you will know what you are supposed to know. Of course, we are here to serve the country. labour, government and all stakeholders. We are all working in service to the nation,” Uzodinma stated.
Also speaking the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the engagement was essentially consultative and that labour leaders would brief their organs before taking a final decision on the proposed protest.
“We came for consultation with the President, and we are finished, so we have to go back to our meeting and then continue tomorrow. By tomorrow, we will get the outcome,” Ajaero said.
On her part, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said the meeting afforded labour leaders the opportunity to engage directly with the President and hear firsthand the government’s position.
“Citizens who are also members of the NLC wanted to see Mr President, and they have seen Mr President. They are happy they’ve seen him and that they’ve had firsthand information. At least, the President has driven the economy out of the woods, and that is very good news,” Onyejeocha said.
Governor Hope Uzodimma who has been playing a front line role in mediating major socio-political issues that threaten the smooth running of governance also expressed optimism that the consultations would yield positive outcomes, noting that dialogue remained the preferred path to resolving disagreements between labour and government.
The meeting resumed again on Wednesday morning and a positive decision is expected to be announced soon
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