Afolabi Calls for Economic Investment to Strengthen Global Conflict Prevention

Afolabi Calls for Economic Investment to Strengthen Global Conflict Prevention

(Left-Right): Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Climate Financing, Mrs. Titi Oshodi; Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi; Permanent Representative of Nigeria to United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim; Former Chairman, O’odua Investment Company, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, GMD, O’odua Investment Company, Abdulrahman Yinusa and the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Development Partners Coordination, Dr. Bayo Adenekan at this year's United Nations General Assembly High-Level Global Executive Roundtable held in New York, United States. 

Bisi Akingbade 

Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, has called for greater integration of economic investment into global efforts to prevent conflicts, stressing that infrastructure development, job creation, trade and expanded economic opportunities can help tackle some of the underlying conditions that fuel instability.

Afolabi made the call in New York, United States, while speaking at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Global Executive Roundtable on Diplomacy, Multilateralism and Conflict Resolution.

He urged the international community to shift greater attention from reacting to conflicts after they erupt to strengthening preventive diplomacy, sustainable development and economic inclusion as tools for building lasting peace.

According to him, peace and prosperity are closely interconnected, with stable societies creating the conditions for investment, while investment and economic opportunities can contribute to stronger foundations for peace.

“Peace creates the environment for investment, investment creates opportunity, and opportunity strengthens the foundations of peace,” he said.

Afolabi noted that the global community is facing a complex mix of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate pressures, inequality and declining public trust in institutions. He said addressing these challenges requires coordinated action anchored on diplomacy, multilateralism, conflict resolution and sustainable economic development.

He further stressed that the connection between peace and development is particularly significant for Africa, where infrastructure gaps, financing challenges, trade barriers and limited economic opportunities continue to constrain the continent’s development prospects.

NUJ Lagos Media Games: Draws, logo unveiling, Hold September 24

NUJ Lagos Media Games: Draws, logo unveiling,  Hold September 24 

Bisi Akingbade 

Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council has prepared for the 2026 Media Games which has entered the crucial stage, with the draws and official unveiling of the competition’s logo scheduled for Thursday, September 24th, 2026.

The events will take place at the NUJ Secretariat located at 9 Iyalla Street, Alausa, Ikeja, ahead of the games scheduled for October 5 to 9th at Agege Stadium.

Chairman of the Media Games Committee, Ayo Ojedokun, said the committee was working round the clock to deliver what he described as one of the most organised editions of the games since its inception.

Ojedokun called on media chapels affiliated with the Lagos NUJ Council that are yet to register to take advantage of the opportunity before the draws.

He said the committee had put in place necessary arrangements for a successful competition, adding that corporate organisations and sponsors were increasingly identifying with the initiative.

“The preparation is in top gear, and we are determined to make this year’s edition memorable. Media chapels that are yet to register should do so before the draws,” Ojedokun said.

Among the media organisations already registered for the games include Vanguard, Federal Maritime, Correspondents, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Lagos Information, Lagos Television (LTV), The Nation and The Guardian.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Lagos Council of the NUJ, Comrade Adeleye Ajayi, has commended the Media Games Committee for its efforts and urged members to sustain the momentum as the event draws closer.

Ajayi said the importance of the media games went beyond competition, stressing their role in promoting physical fitness, camaraderie and interaction among journalists.

“We can't be in the newsroom all the time. We have to shed weight and exercise our bodies for physical fitness, and that is what the games are meant to do.

“It is also an avenue for social interaction. 

Friends and colleagues who have not seen each other for some time will get to meet again on the field.

“The event also brings journalists and non-journalists together, offering a break from the newsroom while fostering networking and social interaction,” he said.

SCOAN Crusade: Evelyn Joshua Urges Worshippers Not to Mistake God’s Silence for Rejection

SCOAN Crusade: Evelyn Joshua Urges Worshippers Not to Mistake God’s Silence for Rejection

Pastor Evelyn Joshua, Leader of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations

... As São Paulo Govt., Church Honour SCOAN Leader 

Bisi Akingbade 

Pastor Evelyn Joshua, Leader of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN), has urged Brazilians and other worshippers not to mistake God’s silence in difficult times for rejection, assuring them that His promises remain certain regardless of their circumstances.

She gave the charge during the second day of the SCOAN Crusade in São Paulo, Brazil, where she centred her message on God’s promises and encouraged the congregation to remain steadfast in faith, truth, love and obedience. Pastor Evelyn Joshua urged worshippers to trust in God even when their prayers appear unanswered or their circumstances seem difficult.

According to her, God, who created the good things of life, desires His people to experience healing, fulfilment and happiness. “Every good thing of life you see today was created by your Heavenly Father. If it is sinful for you to have them, God will not create them and promise that you may have them. God promises that you will be physically healed, fulfilled and happy,” she said.

Citing Ecclesiastes 10:10, the SCOAN leader encouraged the congregation to embrace wisdom and contentment, stressing the importance of relying on God’s promises rather than being discouraged by present circumstances.

Addressing those who may feel forgotten because their prayers seem unanswered, Pastor Evelyn Joshua said Christ does not reject those who turn to Him in faith. “Christ never rejects anyone who turns to Him again. Nothing can separate you from the love of God. Whatever your situation may look like, do not misinterpret God’s silence for rejection,” she said.

Drawing from the biblical account of the woman with the issue of blood, she assured worshippers of God’s power to transform situations of shame, sickness and affliction.“The God that removed the garment of shame, sickness, affliction from the woman with the issue of blood, He will remove your shame and sickness, in Jesus’ name,” she declared.

Citing Psalm 101:6, she urged the congregation to remain committed to God, explaining that those who have devoted themselves to Him are not superhuman but have demonstrated total belief and faith. “They are not superhuman but were committed, showing total belief and faith in God,” she said, assuring the worshippers: “That same God will work with you today.” 

At the end of the Brazil crusade, Pastor EvelynJoshua was honoured with two awards (for her contribution to global evangelism) presented by the church and the government of the State of São Paulo. While Bruno Zambelli, Deputy of the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo, presented one award, Pastor Willy Acosta presented the other. The SCOAN leader thanked the people and government of Brazil for the honours 

Pastor Evelyn Joshua concluded with a declaration of hope and victory, telling the congregation: “You will receive the wind of glory!”

NUJ Lagos Schedules 2026 Press Week, Former NIMASA DG Peterside to Deliver Annual Lecture

NUJ Lagos Schedules 2026 Press Week, Former NIMASA DG Peterside to Deliver Annual Lecture

Former Director-General/CEO of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dakuku Peterside,

Bisi Akingbade 

Leadership strategist, management expert and former Director-General/CEO of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dakuku Peterside, is set to deliver the annual lecture at the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council.

Peterside will speak on the theme, “Politics, Ports and the Public Interest: The Media’s Catalytic Role in Driving Economic Growth,” at the annual lecture, which forms part of activities lined up for the NUJ Lagos State Council 2026 Press Week.

The lecture is expected to examine the relationship between ports, politics and the media, particularly the role of the media in promoting economic development and advancing the public interest. It will also explore the question of whether the media can contribute significantly to Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a trillion-dollar economy.

Peterside’s professional experience spans leadership, governance, public policy and organisational transformation. His participation is expected to bring valuable perspectives to discussions on Nigeria’s maritime sector, economic development and the role of the media in shaping national discourse during the 2026 Press Week.

Dr Peterside’s work sits at the intersection of leadership ,governance, public policy and  organizational transformation. He is expected to bring rare insight to national discourse as he leads other speakers at the NUJ Lagos State Council 2026 Press Week.

The Press Week is scheduled to run from Monday, September 28 to Sunday, October 4, 2026, with the annual lecture holding by 10:00 a.m. at the Radio Lagos/Eko FM Multipurpose Hall, LTV Complex, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday 30 September, 2026.

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Full Schedule of Events

• Chapel Rendezvous — Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4:00 p.m., within the LTV premises.

• Juma’at Service — Friday, October 2, 2026, by 1:00 p.m., at the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja.

• Gala and Awards Night — Friday, October 2, 2026, by 4:00 p.m., at the BOS Hall, LTV Complex, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

• Thanksgiving Service — Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m., at the Chapel of Christ the Light (Interdenominational), CBD, Alausa, Ikeja.

The NUJ Lagos State Council in a statement signed by its chairman  is calling on journalists across the state to turn out in large numbers and actively participate in the week’s activities. 

The Council noted that beyond the celebrations, the Press Week offers media practitioners a unique opportunity to network, exchange ideas, strengthen professional bonds, and celebrate the contributions of journalists to the growth and development of society.

The 2026 NUJ Lagos Press Week is expected to be a memorable gathering of media professionals and stakeholders, as journalists come together to celebrate their shared values, promote unity, and recommit themselves to the ideals of responsible and professional journalism.

Pastor Evelyn Joshua Arrives Brazil Ahead of SCOAN Crusade

Pastor Evelyn Joshua Arrives Brazil Ahead of SCOAN Crusade

Pastor Evelyn Joshua, Leader of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations, (SCOAN)

Bisi Akingbade 

Hope, faith and anticipation heightened in São Paulo, Brazil, as Pastor Evelyn Joshua, Leader of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations, SCOAN, arrived in the country ahead of the church’s highly anticipated two-day crusade scheduled for September 18 and 19, 2026.

Pastor Evelyn Joshua arrived at Guarulhos International Airport at about 5 p.m. local time on Monday, September 14, from Lagos, Nigeria. She was received by a delegation comprising community leaders from São Paulo, Osasco and other parts of greater São Paulo State, with supporters welcoming her with cheers, music and dancing.

Speaking to journalists shortly after her arrival, the SCOAN Leader expressed appreciation to the people of São Paulo for the warm reception. She said the gathering would provide an opportunity for spiritual renewal, healing and deliverance, while urging participants to remain steadfast in their faith and open their hearts to God.

“The wind of glory is blowing already. It is going to be an encounter, a new wave of revival, healing and deliverance. The Lord Jesus Christ loves you all. He is concerned about you. He wants to prove Himself again in your life. Keep your faith intact and make yourself available to Him and He will transform your life.”

With preparations at advanced stages for the two-day Christian gathering, thousands of worshippers and visitors from across Brazil, other parts of Latin America and beyond have continued to troop into the city of São Paulo, where the crusade will take place at the Renascer Arena, Ginásio da Portuguesa, São Paulo, from 12 noon on both days.

Local reports indicate that residents from several cities across São Paulo state are already preparing to participate in the crusade. These include São Paulo, Osasco, Guarulhos, Campinas, São Bernardo do Campo, Santo André, Sorocaba, Ribeirão Preto, São José dos Campos and São José do Rio Preto. Residents from other states, including Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Espírito Santo and Bahia, are also expected to participate. 

People from other countries, including Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Bolivia and Honduras, as well as participants from across Africa, have also indicated interest in the highly anticipated event.

Speaking to Emmanuel TV, some residents expressed their excitement and readiness to have an encounter with God during the crusade. Pastor Jonas from Osasco City of São Paulo State said, “This is a big miracle for the nation of Brazil. We have great expectations. São Paulo is anxious to receive the woman of God. We cannot wait. The ministry of Prophet T.B. Joshua and Pastor Evelyn Joshua is so much loved and welcome in this country.”

On his part, Pastor Joshua Eduardo, also from São Paulo, stated, “We are expecting great miracles to happen. We strongly believe that the power of God is going to heal the city, as the wind of God will flow. Wherever people are coming from, God is going to be moving here this weekend.”

Pastor Anderson from Rio de Janeiro added, “I believe that we are going to witness miracles like never before. I am particularly eager to witness how God can use us to manifest His glory during this crusade. Jesus is the only salvation. All we need is the presence of God in our lives through Jesus.”

According to information from SCOAN's official website, Prayer Line registration runs from Monday, September 7 to Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday, at Igreja Apostólica Vida Nova, Rua Dr. João Inácio Teixeira, 78, São Paulo-SP. Attendees are also advised to bring their medical reports and any health aids they currently use. 

The crusade carries a message of spiritual renewal, faith, hope and divine transformation. It will evoke a powerful expression of the movement and presence of God’s Spirit towards an encounter capable of bringing spiritual revival, restoration and renewed purpose to individuals and communities.

For the people of São Paulo and the wider South American continent, the crusade represents an opportunity for Christians and other members of the public to come together in an atmosphere of worship, prayer and fellowship. It also underscores SCOAN’s continuing commitment to its evangelical mandate of changing lives, changing nations and changing the world through the Word of God and prayer.

For those who may not be able to travel to Brazil for the crusade, they can follow the live broadcast on Emmanuel TV and all digital platforms of SCOAN.

FG BEGINS ONLINE VERIFICATION OF ACADEMIC CERTIFICATE, ENDS PHYSICAL VISITS TO EDUCATION MINISTRY

                               DR MARUF ALAUSA, HON. MINISTER OF EDUCATION 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Federal Ministry of Education has  ended the physical automation of academic credentials and started online evaluation and authentication of the same, eliminating the need for applicants to visit the Ministry physically.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, said the initiative is a major step in the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Under the new system, applicants can complete the entire credential evaluation and authentication process online through the Ministry’s dedicated platform. The reform is designed to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, accelerate processing, improve transparency and provide more convenient services to Nigerians and applicants within and outside the country.

According to the press statement made available to the public by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, Dr. Alausa explained that the initiative will strengthen the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s academic certification system while enabling institutions, employers and other stakeholders to verify qualifications through a more structured and reliable process.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to using technology to modernise education governance, improve institutional efficiency and deliver citizen-centred services.

Applicants are advised to use the official credential evaluation and authentication platform at essverify.education.gov.ng and direct enquiries to ess1@education.gov.ng.

SIFAX Shipping Unveils New Office Complex to Boost Service Delivery

SIFAX Shipping Unveils New Office Complex to Boost Service Delivery

LR: Deputy Comptroller, Customs, A A Omini;  Managing Director, SIFAX Shipping, Okota Terminal, Mr Kayode Kolade; Group Coordinating Director, SIFAX Group, Mrs Wunmi Eniola-Jegede; and the Deputy Director, Strategy and Operations, SIFAX Group, Mr Oliver Omajuwa, during the commissioning of SIFAX Shipping Okota Terminal 1's Office Complex in Lagos yesterday.

Bisi Akingbade 

SIFAX Shipping Bonded Terminal has commissioned a new office complex at its operational base on Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos, in a move aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving service delivery.

The newly commissioned facility will accommodate staff and officials of government agencies operating at the terminal, including the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others.

The commissioning ceremony, which was held at the terminal premises, brought together senior executives of SIFAX Group, maritime industry stakeholders, and representatives of various regulatory agencies. The facility was officially commissioned by Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, Group Coordinating Director, on behalf of the Executive Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi.

In his address, Afolabi commended the project team, contractors, consultants, and management for delivering the edifice within a remarkable timeframe, adding that the ultimate objective of the project was to improve service delivery.

"As we celebrate this achievement, the true value of this building will not be measured by its appearance, but by what we accomplish within its walls. I charge everyone who will work here to make this facility a centre of excellence, one characterized by professionalism, innovation, teamwork, accountability, and exceptional customer service, which is what SIFAX Group is known for."

In his welcome address, the Terminal’s Managing Director, Mr. Kayode Kolade, attributed the successful completion of the project to careful planning, strategic investments by the board, and the joint dedication of all relevant stakeholders.

"As we commission this building today, our focus goes beyond this beautiful facility we see. we are looking forward to what this new environment will enable us to achieve - better service delivery, greater productivity, stronger collaboration and new opportunities for growth."

Several stakeholders that attended the event include Deputy Controller O.A. Omini, who lead the Nigerian Customs Service delegation, and Mr. Wale Cole, Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), clearing agents and management staff of SIFAX Group across different subsidiaries.

Afolabi: Transform Nigeria’s Indigenous Knowledge into Global Creative Power, Economic Values

Afolabi: Transform Nigeria’s Indigenous Knowledge into Global Creative Power, Economic Values

Bisi Akingbade 

Dr. Taiwo Afolabi has called for increased investment, collaboration and professionalisation of Nigeria’s creative industry, stressing the need to transform Africa’s indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage into sustainable sources of innovation, economic value and opportunities for future generations.

Afolabi made the call at the 39th International Conference and 40th Annual General Meeting of the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA), held at Lead City University, Ibadan, where he served as Chairman of the Occasion.

The conference was themed, “African Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Performance, Film and Sustainable Futures.”

Dr. Afolabi TAIWO, who was represented by the Group Head, Corporate Communications,Olumuyiwa Akande, described Nigeria’s indigenous knowledge, preserved over generations through storytelling, music, dance, drama, festivals, proverbs and other cultural expressions, as a significant but largely underutilised national asset.

According to him, theatre and film play a critical role in preserving and repositioning this heritage for contemporary audiences. 

“The real opportunity before us is to transform indigenous knowledge into contemporary cultural and economic value.” 

He challenged creative professionals, scholars, government, businesses and cultural institutions to explore how indigenous stories can inspire globally competitive theatre productions and films. At the same time, technology can document knowledge that has traditionally existed largely through oral transmission. 

Afolabi noted that Nigeria’s creative industry has significant potential to drive economic development, employment, tourism, cultural diplomacy and the country’s global reputation, citing the international success of African music as evidence of what can be achieved when local creativity is professionally packaged for global audiences. 

He stressed, however, that achieving similar global influence in theatre, film and indigenous cultural expressions would require sustained investment, professionalisation, collaboration and a deliberate commitment to quality. 

He also called for stronger partnerships among government, the private sector, academia, creative professionals and cultural institutions, noting that businesses could contribute beyond sponsorship through investment, technology, capacity building and platforms that enable creative entrepreneurs to thrive. 

He urged participants to ensure the conference produces practical ideas, partnerships, and recommendations that can influence policy and strengthen Nigeria’s creative ecosystem. 

“Let this conference be a bridge between our rich cultural past and the sustainable future we desire,” he said, adding that indigenous knowledge should be viewed not merely as a memory of Africa’s past, but as a resource for determining its future. 

Afolabi further emphasised the importance of authenticity and responsible storytelling, urging African creatives to tell their stories in their own voices while avoiding stereotypes and presenting the continent’s diversity, ingenuity and cultural richness to global audiences. 

The highlight of the event was the Grand Excellence in Leadership Award in honour of  Dr. Afolabi Taiwo for recognition of his leadership and contributions to developing the creative industry.

APM Terminals Backs Badagry Deep-Seaport, Signs MoU for Nigeria’s New Maritime Gateway

APM Terminals Backs Badagry Deep-Seaport, Signs MoU for Nigeria’s New Maritime Gateway

*CAPTION*

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola (right) with Denmark’s Minister for Business and Competitiveness, Martin Lidegaard, during a bilateral meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Monday.

Bisi Akingbade 

The Group Chief Executive Officer of A.P. Moller-Maersk, (APM Terminals),  Vincent Clerc and Managing Director of Badagry Port Development Limited and Quinn McGrath Marine and Environmental Services Limited, Didi Ndiomu has jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU,

to explore the development of the proposed Badagry Deep-Seaport, in a major boost to Nigeria’s efforts to expand its maritime infrastructure and attract long-term private-sector investment. 

The agreement was signed during a Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to Denmark to deepen maritime cooperation and promote investment opportunities in Nigeria’s port sector.

According to the press release issued by the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister,  Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, highlighted that the MoU which was signed in Copenhagen on Monday, September 7, 2026, represents a significant step towards advancing the greenfield Badagry Port project. The proposed deep-seaport is expected to increase Nigeria’s deepwater capacity, accommodate larger container vessels and create new transshipment opportunities, further strengthening the country’s position as a major trade and logistics hub in West Africa.

The agreement commits the parties to exclusive negotiations to explore the development of Badagry Port, with APM Terminals expressing its commitment to carrying forward the project. 

The development formed part of broader engagements during Oyetola’s visit to Denmark, where the minister and his delegation held discussions with senior representatives of the Danish government and the wider Danish maritime sector. 

Oyetola said the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for long-term private-sector investment in the sector. 

"Our engagement in Denmark underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlocking the full potential of our blue economy. Partnering with global terminal operators like APM Terminals to explore strategic greenfield developments such as the Badagry Port is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s premier trade and logistics hub,” Oyetola said. 

As part of the engagement with APM Terminals, the parties also discussed the extension of the company’s port concessions at the Lagos Port Complex Apapa and the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Onne.  

The proposed Badagry project is expected to complement existing port infrastructure by providing a new deepwater gateway capable of handling larger vessels and supporting increased cargo volumes. 

APM Terminals said the development could be transformational for Nigeria’s role in West African trade, particularly by creating significant new opportunities for transshipment. 

“APM Terminals is keen to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and position as a trade hub in West Africa. We believe further investing long-term in our concessions in Apapa and Onne helps doing that, and we were pleased to have a constructive dialogue about this today. Additionally, developing Badagry as a greenfield project will further ease congestions in city ports and further open new opportunities,” Managing Director, Africa & Europe, APM Terminals, part of the A.P. Moller–Maersk Group, Igor van den Essen, said. 

APM Terminals also welcomed the Nigerian government’s ambition to expand trade, attract investment and strengthen the country’s position as a leading maritime gateway in West Africa.

He said, “APM Terminals is encouraged by the Nigerian government's ambition to expand trade, attract investment, and strengthen the country's position as a leading maritime gateway in West Africa, and we are proud to play a part in that ambition. We strongly believe that public-private partnerships help us deliver results that support growth because they drive long-term investment, a better business environment and, thereby, competitiveness in a rapidly developing market,” Igor van den Essen said. 

Managing Director of Badagry Port Development Limited, Didi Ndiomu, described the proposed investment as the beginning of a new phase in Nigeria’s maritime development. 

“Investing in maritime infrastructure and especially in Badagry as a greenfield port project together with APM Terminals is the beginning of Nigeria becoming the true maritime capital of sub-Saharan Africa in full alignment with the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambitious maritime growth strategy,” Ndiomu said.  

The proposed Badagry Deep-Seaport is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s port network by enabling larger container vessels to call at the country, while supporting greater supply-chain resilience and opening new trade opportunities. 

The project will also enhance Nigeria’s capacity to serve as a regional transshipment hub, allowing cargo destined for other West and Central African markets to be handled through a strategically located deepwater facility. 

Oyetola Separates Port Regulation from Operations, Transfers Inland Dry Ports to NPA

Bisi Akingbade 

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has directed the transfer of the inland dry port (IDP) functions of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in a move aimed at creating a clear separation between port economic regulation, development and operations. 

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the Minister also directed the immediate constitution of a ministerial committee to oversee the transition of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council into the newly established Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the NPERA Act, 2026.