Category: Nigerian Tribune

THE National Association of Proprietors of Arabic and Islamic Schools (NAPAIS) has congratulated President Bola Tinubu and all Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 65th independence anniversary, expressing optimism that Nigeria is on the path to the greatness envisioned by its founding fathers.

In a statement signed by the NAPAIS president, Sheikh Muhammad-Jamiu Abdulgafar, and Secretary, Sheikh Muftau Salaudeen, the association urged citizens to embrace the country’s diversity as a source of strength for unity and progress.

Addressing the recent unrest in the oil and gas sector, NAPAIS appealed to the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and other relevant stakeholder, to engage in constructive dialogue in resolving ongoing disputes involving tanker drivers.

According to the association, the appeal became necessary in light of the disruptions caused by the standoff between the Dangote Refinery and NUPENG, which reportedly led to the shutdown of refineries and the blockade of fuel tankers, resulting in temporary hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

‘Petrol remains a lifeline for Nigerians, for mobility, daily activities and businesses,’ said Sheikh Abdulgafar, who called on all parties involved to sheathe their swords in the interest of lasting peace and industrial harmony.

NAPAIS commended the efforts of the Federal Government, particularly the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the House of Representatives Committee on Downstream Petroleum, chaired by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, for their timely intervention in averting further fuel supply disruptions.

On matters of traditional leadership, Sheikh Abdulgafar commented on the ongoing supremacy dispute between two prominent Yoruba monarchs, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.

He urged both royal fathers to set aside rivalry and prioritise the development of their respective domains, especially now that the President of the Federal Republic is from the South West.

‘My advice to our revered monarchs is to compete in the area of development. Let them use their influence to attract projects and initiatives that will uplift their people and reduce poverty,’ he said.

In another development, the NAPAIS president condemned reports of female students being barred from attending schools for wearing the hijab, particularly in Ilorin, a predominantly Muslim city.

Sheikh Abdulgafar described such actions as an affront to Islam and a violation of the constitutional right to education.

‘Efforts are ongoing to engage the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to foster religious tolerance and mutual respect. Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, education is a right for all Nigerian children. Any act that undermines this policy amounts to opposing government objectives,’ he stated.

On international affairs, the NAPAIS president praised countries such as Australia, Brazil, China, India, Canada and the United Kingdom for their recognition of the State of Palestine.

He called on the National Assembly to follow suit by supporting justice and global peace.

He urged Nigerian lawmakers to condemn the ongoing occupation and alleged annexation of Palestinian territories by the Israeli government, describing it as a path to ending genocide and promoting international justice.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act enacted by the Federal Government in 2022 has repealed and replaced the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Act of 2004. The repealed law had failed to achieve significant population coverage or integration of Nigeria’s fragmented health insurance system.

The NHIA Act of 2022 represents a major policy and legal shift toward making universal health coverage a legal and operational reality for all Nigerians. It mandates the enforcement of a Basic Minimum Package of Care for all citizens, while also creating the Vulnerable Group Fund to subsidize care for the poor, elderly, children under five, and the physically or mentally challenged. States are required to operate a health insurance scheme or use third-party administrators until such schemes are established.

In accordance with the NHIA, on September 3, 2025, President Bola Tinubu directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to enrol their employees in the National Health Insurance Authority scheme. To ensure compliance across all MDAs the directive mandates all entities participating in public procurement to present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate. The directive includes a mandate for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to enforce enrolment and monitor compliance, potentially expanding coverage significantly across MDAs.

The NHIA Act has also mandated the governments of the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory to provide basic minimum package of care to all residents of Nigeria. In furtherance to this, the NHIA is required to implement the Basic Health Care Provision Fund under the National Health Act 2014 and any guidelines developed in that regard.

However, the State health schemes will be responsible for the management of the fund and monitoring its implementation. Where a state has not established a health scheme, it may use the services of a Third Party Administrator pending the establishment of its health scheme.

No doubt, the primary aim of the NHIA Act is to ensure that every Nigerian and legal resident has access to affordable, quality, and comprehensive health care services through mandatory health insurance. Hence, the NHIA has established a regulatory and institutional framework for the promotion, administration, supervision, and regulation of all health insurance schemes in Nigeria-whether public or private.

According to the Health Care Providers Association of Nigeria, over 90 per cent of Nigerians are still not covered by any form of health insurance. The association warned that with the figure of uninsured Nigerians, the country is far from achieving universal health coverage. The unfortunate development is caused by poverty as it is officially acknowledged that millions of citizens have become dimensionally poor.

Section 25 of the Act provides that the health insurance for vulnerable people shall be fully funded by the government, while section 31 thereof requires employees to contribute to their health on a contributory basis. The law, however, has defined ‘vulnerable group’ to include children under five, pregnant women, the aged, physically, and mentally challenged, and the indigent as may be defined from time to time. Since the majority of citizens have become indigent and vulnerable, the federal government, state local governments, and local governments should provide adequate funding for the health insurance of all citizens.

This demand is in line with section 17(3) (d) of the Nigerian Constitution has imposed a duty on the governments to ensure that ‘ there are adequate medical and health facilities for all persons’ and article 16 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act provides that ‘every individual is entitled to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.’

Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC) is set to host the Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health (LASOSH) Conference 2025, saying that the planned conference, themed: ‘Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) as a Catalyst for Nation Building,’ would move beyond conversations to concrete policy actions, uniting government, industry, labour, academia, civil society, and development partners in co-creating a sustainable safety framework.

The Agency made this known in a release, a copy of which was made available to newsmen, saying that the landmark event, which was scheduled to hold on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, was coming at ‘a defining moment in Lagos State’s development journey.’

The State Safety Commission said this became so as Lagos faces complex safety challenges ranging from managing large events and concerts, building collapses, and transport accidents to industrial hazards, emergency preparedness, and risks in informal sectors, amidst rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and rising population density.

According to the statement, the summit will position Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) as a policy and developmental imperative, central to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of making Lagos Africa’s Model Megacity and a Global Economic Hub that is Safe, Secure, Functional, and Productive, describing the planned gathering as a Defining Moment for Policy, Safety, and Development.

‘This year’s summit will move beyond conversations to concrete policy actions, uniting government, industry, labour, academia, civil society, and development partners in co-creating a sustainable safety framework.

‘Key policy directions to be advanced include: Mainstreaming OSH into Nigeria’s national and state development plans, Institutionalizing Safety Impact Assessments for all major development projects, Enforcing occupier’s liability insurance across commercial buildings to protect the public, Strengthening legislative backing for OSH standards in both public and private sectors, Integrating safety in urban planning, transport reforms, and tourism regulation, Leveraging technology and innovation to strengthen data-driven safety management systems.

‘By embedding safety into economic and social planning, Lagos aims to boost productivity, safeguard lives, attract sustainable investment, and reinforce public trust,’ the statement said.

Speaking further, the statement stated that the highlight of the event will include Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu holding a High-Level Global Dialogue, titled:

‘Advancing Sector-Specific Safety Standards across Lagos’s Diverse Economy,’ with representatives from Canada, Germany, Sweden, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States, sharing lessons from international best practices.

It said there would also be a Discourse Session, titled: ‘The Future of Work: Balancing Safety, Innovation, and Technology,’ with contributions from Google, Ernst and Young, Lafarge, and BUA Group, adding that there would be a Roadmap Presentation by the Lagos State Safety Commission team.

‘Occupational Safety and Health is not just about compliance; it is about protecting lives, preserving dignity, and driving Lagos’s growth story. At LASOSH 2025, we are going beyond the rhetoric and building a Lagos where safety is a culture, innovation drives resilience, and every life is valued,’ LSC Director General,’ Mr. Lanre Mojola said.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed what he found out about the Boko Haram insurgents, and why the problem continues to persist years after the terrorist group’s major attack in the country.

The former President said this on Friday while giving remarks as the Chairman at the launch of ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, a book by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (rtd.) in Abuja.

According to Obasanjo, the insurgent group came to be not because they were interested in political power or serious religious issues, but rather a better life.

‘I found, yes, there was Boko Haram. I found they were not really aiming for anything political or anything seriously religious. But in short, they were looking for a better life. And any other thing attached to that is a better life for them,’ he said.

Continuing, the former Nigerian head of state and two-term civilian president questioned steps taken by Nigeria as a nation in addressing the challenges, adding that if the country had taken the right steps, Boko Haram would not have been a part of its daily life.

‘Have we understood that? If we have, have we taken the steps that we should take? If we have, why are we, after fifteen years, Boko Haram is not virtually becoming part of our life? Should we accept that? If we should not accept, what should we do? How much do we know?’ He asked.

Obasanjo further questioned the country’s proactiveness, across the divides, in dealing with the insurgency problem, which he said is becoming a monster within the country.

‘I think we have to ask ourselves the necessary questions to be able to deal with this thing that is now becoming a monster within our country,’ he added.

The event had in attendance other prominent Nigerians, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Minister of Defense, Abubakar Bagudu; Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; Bishop Hassan Kukah, among others.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has flagged off the construction of the Transit Way (N2), linking Wuse Zone 3 to the Central Area, with assurances that under his watch, no sector of the FCT Administration will be left out in the development drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on Friday, the Minister emphasised that road infrastructure remains the backbone of any modern city, attracting investments and accelerating growth.

‘There’s no development in any city without a good network of roads. When all the cities are linked with good roads, then you talk about development. Road infrastructure attracts investment,’ Wike said.

Wike disclosed that Abuja has already caught the attention of international investors, citing a Dubai-based company that has committed to replicating the Dubai City Walk project in the FCT.

According to him, the N2 corridor, which will be supported by two strategic bridges, evolved from a citizen-led initiative around the TY Danjuma Foundation.

The Minister commended the efforts, adding that the FCTA took over and expanded the scope to connect the Central Area with the Wuse District.

While assuring strict supervision of the contractors, Wike announced fresh plans to rehabilitate not less than 40 additional schools across the FCT, complementing 70 ongoing school projects, out of which about 45 have already been completed.

He also hinted that attention will soon shift to healthcare facilities, stressing the urgency of timely project delivery.

‘Time waits for nobody. If you don’t know how to meet up, go and ask those who know how to beat up with the speed I work with,’ Wike warned, urging top officials to keep their phones on 24 hours for effective coordination.

The Minister noted that flag-off and commissioning activities will run until late October, after which more projects vital to the economy and the city’s landscape will be unveiled from November.

Despite opposition and criticisms, Wike assured that ‘All those who hate us are still using the roads, water, and streetlights we provide. We don’t know the meaning of blackmail in our dictionary; the only thing we know is to work, work, and work to the satisfaction of our people,’ Wike said.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a milestone in strengthening connectivity, easing traffic congestion, and promoting seamless movement within Abuja.

She noted that the N2 Transit Way is another demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda translating into visible dividends for residents.

Mahmoud further applauded the National Assembly for their consistent support through collaboration and legislative backing.

‘Your role in ensuring that the FCT receives the needed budgetary attention and oversight is highly commendable, and today, we are witnessing the fruits of such partnership,’ she stated.

The N2 road project is one of the major infrastructure efforts lined up for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third-year anniversary, with the FCTA positioning Abuja as a model modern city through roads, schools, health facilities, and investor-friendly initiatives.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Friday declared that Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector is being strategically repositioned to serve as the country’s major revenue earner, replacing crude oil as the dominant source of national income.

Speaking at the Institute of Maritime Studies, University of Lagos (UNILAG), during the official visit of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary-General, Arsenio Domínguez, Oyetola highlighted the vast opportunities inherent in the maritime sector. He said the Federal Government is committed to unlocking these opportunities through investments in infrastructure, manpower development, and international partnerships.

‘Nigeria’s future lies beyond oil. The marine and blue economy is a goldmine that can drive sustainable economic growth, create millions of jobs, and position our nation as a global maritime hub. We are determined to harness its full potential to become the primary driver of our economy,’ the minister said.

Oyetola, an alumnus of UNILAG, urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the numerous career and investment prospects within the sector. According to him, the government’s vision for the blue economy requires a new generation of skilled professionals who will drive innovation and competitiveness.

‘There are abundant opportunities for our young people in shipping, logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, marine research, and offshore energy. I encourage you to be bold, innovative, and diligent. The future of this sector, and indeed the future of Nigeria’s economy, rests on your shoulders,’ he added.

He commended UNILAG and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for their collaboration in maritime manpower development, particularly the establishment of a modern facility for the Institute of Maritime Studies.

The minister reaffirmed that the Federal Government’s marine and blue economy agenda is anchored on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, stressing that youth engagement and capacity building are central to achieving the long-term vision.

IF anyone still doubts where the audacity of the criminals who prowl the Nigerian landscape comes from, they need not look further than the official failure to make them pay for the crimes. Apparently, armed robbers, kidnappers and terrorists of all hues are having a swell time at the expense of defenseless, hapless Nigerians, scoffing at the authority of the Nigerian State and daring the powers that be to do their worst. To be sure, arrests take place, and a few criminals end up behind bars, but the majority of the criminals have apparently seen no reason to back-track from their evil trade. They are laying a siege to communities, farmlands, roads and, indeed, virtually any space available, giving law-abiding citizens an endless nightmare. Indeed, they seem to be intent on proving the point that no citizen is beyond their reach, and that anyone who manages to escape from them at any point in time has only just postponed the evil day. This is the thought that comes to mind as you ponder the case of the kidnappers who recently shot a victim in Delta State for, of all reasons, having an ‘insufficient’ account balance!

According to reports, operatives of the Delta State Police Command arrested the three suspected kidnappers after they had collected N2 million ransom from their victim and still shot him. The suspects identified as Chukwuebuka Nka (25), Uche Okechukwu, and Somto Chukwuma, allegedly shot the victim in the leg after discovering that he did not have ‘enough money’ in his account. The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said that the suspects were arrested following a distress call that indicated that a young man had been kidnapped from his residence in Ogwashi-Uku. According to the police spokesman, the operatives tracked the suspects to a bush in Ogwashi-Uku, where the victim was rescued with a gunshot wound. Investigations led to the arrest of Chukwuebuka Nka and Uche Okechukwu in Anambra State, where the victim’s white Toyota Venza was also recovered. Thereafter, based on the suspects’ confessions, operatives raided the outlaws’ hideout in Agidiase village, Ogwashi-uku, and arrested the third suspect. The suspects then led the police to their hideout, where their operational vehicle and a network jammer circuit device were also recovered.

If anything, this story shows the depth of the depravity of the criminal mind. Why shoot someone from whom you had already seized N2m and an SUV to boot? Which money did the criminals who complained of the victim’s financial limitation keep in his account? There is in fact a distinct possibility that the money in question does not even belong to the victim. Artisans frequently receive money meant to purchase materials needed to complete clients’ jobs in their accounts and in any case, even if the money in this case actually belonged to the victim, it is certainly clear that he did not intend it to be seized by criminals, as they turned out to do in this case. In a country where the minimum wage is N70,000, it says a lot that kidnappers who found N2 million in a victim’s account could still complain that the money was insufficient, and then proceed to shoot the victim, apparently with intent to finish him off. To these criminals, the victim, never mind the fact that he rode a Toyota SUV, had the audacity to be poor, and must pay for his poverty. No country that means to make meaningful progress allows criminals to subject law-abiding citizens to such harrowing experiences. Government exists, and collects tax, for the primary purpose of ensuring that citizens are safe and secure.

Of course, this Delta kidnapping case, like the many others that innocent Nigerians confront on a daily basis, boils down to governmental failure. Over the years, and particularly in recent years, the Nigerian government has failed to protect citizens. Politicians have put the people’s lives in peril while living atrociously luxurious lives with their money, and they are apparently set in their ways because, like in the case of the criminals who lay the land waste, there are hardly any consequences for their actions in office. In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a prominent journalist, recently lost her life while trying to escape from the robbers who invaded her residence. So many citizens have lost their lives in such harrowing circumstances that highlight the dysfunctionality of the Nigerian state.

The Delta kidnapping victim is fortunate to be alive, but many citizens have lost their lives in such circumstances, and their voices will never be heard again, except symbolically. The government is duty-bound to ensure that the criminals who subject law-abiding citizens to agony are fished out and punished to the fullest extent allowed by law. Leaving law-abiding citizens at the mercy of criminals makes utter mockery of the law. It sends the dangerous signal that crime actually does pay, and that those who abide by the law are wasting their time. We urge the government to bear this point in mind and make crime unattractive even to criminals.

THE Muslim Congress (TMC), Oyo West Local Government chapter, has inaugurated its newly appointed patrons, conferring certificates of recognition on eight distinguished members, with Alhaji Saheed Ishola Sodem named as grand patron.

The investiture ceremony was held on Sunday at the Anwarul Islam Central Mosque, Gedu Scheme, Oyo.

The new patrons include Alhaji Saheed Ishola Sodem (grand patron), Alhaji AbdulGaniy Asimiyu Alawo, Alhaji Dhikrulah Olalekan Ojombo, Alhaji Faruq Doyin Asaye, Alhaji Kabir Oyeleye Omo Oye, Alhaji Tijani Ridwanullah, Alhaji AbdulQuodri Ayantunji Ayanyemi and Alhaji Abdul Azeez Abdul Rasaq.

In an address, the Wakil (Local Government Coordinator) of TMC Oyo West, Ustadh Abdur Razaq Olayiwola, commended the honorees for their commitment to the propagation and development of Islam in the community.

‘We appreciate your immense contributions to the growth of Islam within and outside Oyo town. Your numerous meritorious deeds have convinced us that you are truly deserving of this honour,’ he said.

Delivering the inaugural lecture, the Waali (State Coordinator) of The Muslim Congress, Oyo State, Alhaji Daud Oladosu, described TMC as one of the most credible and impactful Islamic organisations in Nigeria.

He stressed that the mission and vision of the organisation are firmly rooted in the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, covering all aspects of human and societal development.

He urged the patrons to support TMC’s initiatives both morally and financially, stating: ‘Those who have partnered with The Muslim Congress can testify that we are not only trustworthy but also transparent in our accountability before God and man.’

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated patrons, Alhaji Saheed Ishola Sodem expressed appreciation, describing TMC as a trustworthy and value-driven organisation reflective of the broader Islamic Ummah.

‘TMC is the only organisation with a genuine Islamic framework for addressing societal challenges. I have known this organisation for a long time and I have never heard anything negative about it. Associating with TMC is not only safe but also a step toward earning Allah’s pleasure,’ he remarked.

The event also featured an awards presentation to past leaders of TMC, Oyo West chapter.

The honorees included Professor Miftaudeen Rauf, Alhaji Waliyullah Abdulkareem, Ustadh Abdurrasheed Abdurraheem Aseke and Ustadh Abdulhakeem Adeyanju, recognised for their notable service and leadership.

Coronation Securities Limited has secured two prestigious industry accolades, cementing its position as Africa’s leading securities trading and brokerage platform.

The firm received the Best Securities Trading and Brokerage, Africa 2025 award from Brands Review Magazine, just as the International Finance Awards recognised it as the Fastest Growing Online Trading Platform, Nigeria 2025.

These honours reflect Coronation Securities’ unwavering commitment to transforming Africa’s capital markets through innovative digital solutions and client-centric services. The recognition comes at a pivotal moment when Nigerian investors increasingly demand seamless, transparent trading platforms that deliver both accessibility and reliability.

‘These awards validate our mission to democratise access to Nigeria’s capital markets,’ said Segun Owadokun, Deputy, Chief Executive Officer at Coronation Securities Limited. ‘We’ve witnessed firsthand how limited access to credible trading platforms has hindered wealth creation across Africa. Our Coronation Wealth Plus App addresses these pain points whilst maintaining the highest standards of transparency and trust,’ he added.

The company’s comprehensive suite includes Equities Brokerage, Listings and Advisory Ancillary Services, Financial Management, as well as fixed income securities spanning commercial papers, bonds, and treasury bills.This integrated approach tackles longstanding market challenges, including restricted access to sophisticated trading tools and concerns over platform reliability. Coronation Securities has experienced remarkable growth by addressing critical gaps in Nigeria’s investment landscape. Traditional barriers such as complex onboarding processes, limited product offerings, and inadequate customer support have been systematically eliminated through the firm’s technology-first approach.

The Coronation Wealth Plus App exemplifies this transformation, offering investors intuitive access to diverse investment opportunities whilst maintaining institutional-grade security protocols. This platform innovation has attracted both seasoned investors seeking advanced features and newcomers requiring user-friendly interfaces. Looking ahead, these accolades strengthen Coronation Securities’ trajectory towards expanding across Africa whilst deepening its Nigerian market penetration. The firm anticipates significant client acquisition growth as awareness of credible, award-winning solutions increases among sophisticated investors.

The recognition also reinforces credibility with regulatory bodies, strategic partners, and institutional investors who increasingly prioritise working with proven market leaders. This validation supports Coronation Securities’ broader mission of creating sustainable wealth for clients whilst contributing to Africa’s economic transformation.

As Africa’s financial markets continue to evolve, Coronation Securities remains positioned to lead this transformation through innovative solutions that address real client needs while maintaining unwavering service excellence.

The Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS) has elected Nicodemus Olorunshola Odolo of Nisol Worldwide Investment as its new President, following a keenly contested election held in Lagos.

He takes over office from Barr. Leonard Ogamba, the former President of the association.

Odolo secured victory with nine votes, defeating Princess (Mrs.) Mulikat Fehintola Sanni of Mulifelong Motors, who polled two votes.

His emergence marks a new leadership era for SALS, as he pledged to reposition the association for greater impact in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Other executives elected during the exercise include Mrs. Ngozi Modebelu of WACTAF Association, who became Vice President unopposed after Dr. Farinto Collins Kayode of Wealthy Honey Investment stepped down. Ganni Alli Shobande of Accessport Nigeria Ltd. was returned unopposed as Secretary General, while Wilson Osim of Dangote Industries Ltd. emerged unopposed as Financial Secretary. Also elected unopposed were Mr. Ike Nwago of Multifreight Nig. Ltd. as Publicity Secretary and Barr. Remigius Uche Odoh of Maritime and Commercial Law Partners, who administered the oath of office to the new executives.

The election was conducted under the supervision of Pastor Jonah Amata, who served as the Electoral and Returning Officer.

In his acceptance speech, Odolo expressed gratitude to members of the association for entrusting him with the leadership mandate, describing his victory as a ‘collective achievement’ rather than a personal triumph. He reaffirmed his commitment to unity, promising to foster inclusiveness and collaboration among members.

‘This victory belongs to all of us. It is testimony to the power of unity and cooperation, and I believe that together we can achieve great things,’ Odolo said.

He unveiled part of his vision to strengthen SALS, pledging to take the association to national and international recognition where cargo owners will have a strong voice in maritime affairs.

Odolo further disclosed plans to tackle delays in cargo clearance at Nigerian ports, targeting a system that ensures consignments are released within 12 to 48 hours instead of months.

Acknowledging past divisions within the association, Odolo stressed the need for reconciliation and renewed harmony. ‘There may be different understandings concerning policies or issues, but when we sit together, we find unity. What happened this afternoon is proof of that unity,’ he added.

The new President assured members that his administration would immediately engage critical maritime stakeholders, including shipping companies, terminal operators, truck owners, and freight forwarders, to drive reforms that would benefit cargo owners and the nation’s economy.

With the swearing-in of the new executives, members of SALS expressed optimism that the association would witness stronger cohesion and greater relevance under Odolo’s leadership.