By Adedapo Adesanya

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has warned that operations of agencies under his ministry were being severely constrained by excessive deductions at source by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

He disclosed on Tuesday while presenting a N10.5 billion budget proposal for the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for the 2026 fiscal year.

He lamented that the allocation was grossly insufficient to effectively execute the ministry’s wide-ranging mandate, critical to Nigeria’s trade, transport efficiency and food security.

Mr Oyetola while defending the ministry’s budget before a joint sitting of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport and the House of Representatives committees on Ports and Harbours; Maritime Safety, Education and Administration; Shipping Services; Inland Waterways; and Ocean and Fisheries, said the proposed budget, which comprises N8.24 billion for capital expenditure, N453.86 million for overheads and N1.81 billion for personnel costs, would only sustain minimal operational continuity rather than deliver meaningful reforms or sectoral growth.

The minister explained that the ministry oversees interconnected subsectors, including ports, shipping, inland waterways, fisheries and aquaculture, which collectively handle over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s international trade by volume, national food and nutrition security, and economic competitiveness.

He noted that while agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) were self-funding and made significant remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, their operations were being severely constrained by excessive deductions at source by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

According to him, these deductions had weakened liquidity and reduced the operational flexibility of key agencies responsible for maritime safety, port efficiency and regulatory oversight, with far-reaching consequences including port congestion, higher logistics costs, delayed cargo movement, revenue losses and inflationary pressures.

He stressed that what appeared to be an accounting issue had become a national economic concern.

Mr Oyetola also said that the 2026 budget of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) was wrongly placed by the Budget Office under the Federal Ministry of Transportation, even though it is an agency under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, saying the misalignment undermined clarity in oversight and policy coherence within the maritime logistics value chain.

On inland waterways, the Minister appealed for increased funding to curb accidents and loss of lives. He said water transport is globally recognised as significantly cheaper than road transport.

He noted that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on road haulage for over 80 per cent of freight movement had worsened road deterioration and increased the cost of goods, arguing that safer and more efficient inland waterways would ease pressure on roads and lower logistics costs.

On fisheries and aquaculture, Oyetola said Nigeria’s annual fish demand of over 3.6 million metric tonnes far exceeded domestic production of about 1.4 million metric tonnes, sustaining imports valued at more than one billion dollars annually.

He added that post-harvest losses of up to 30 per cent further reduced supply, despite fish being one of the most affordable sourNiger.

“As long as we hinder official trade, individuals will resort to informal channels. Currently, we estimate that up to 50 per cent of our domestic areas have resorted to illegal trade, while only about 30 per cent is conducted legally, which is detrimental to our security.”

He pointed out that “this situation is beneficial for the economies of both countries. It will positively impact our maritime sector, as we expect an increase in transit cargo passing through our ports to Niger, resulting in economic activities for our investors in the maritime industry.

“Additionally, this development will benefit Nigerians in border communities, many of whom are engaged in farming and other economic activities, providing them with opportunities to export goods to Niger.”

By Abba Dukawa

The independent non-executive director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and key stakeholders in Ajingi, Gaya, and Albasu Local Government Areas of Kano State to close ranks and give their full support to the state governor, Mr Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Mr Gaya described the governor’s defection to the ruling party as a bold and strategic move that reflects his deep commitment to the development and progress of Kano State, noting that APC members and stakeholders in the areas warmly welcomed the governor into the party, alongside elected and appointed officials, party leaders, and other critical stakeholders.

He made this statement during a meeting with APC leaders and stakeholders from the three local government areas, held at his office in the state capital.

According to him, the governor’s courageous decision will strengthen Kano State’s influence at the national level and open new opportunities for economic growth, improved welfare, and greater prosperity for the people.

He also urged party members to take ownership of the democratic process by ensuring they collect their APC membership cards and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

In a show of solidarity and goodwill, Mr Gaya donated N6 million to party members and stakeholders during the meeting as Ramadan support.

Speaking at the gathering, a former Secretary to the State Government and Wazirin Gaya, Usman Alhaji, called on party members to intensify efforts toward strengthening the APC in the area. He said the party’s growing numerical strength in Ajingi, Gaya, and Albasu Local Government Areas already positions it as the party to beat.

Also addressing the meeting, elder statesman and senior stakeholder, Mr Uba Muhammad Danbayye, noted that the party members now recognizes the difference between a mere candidate and a true politician, saying based on Mr Gaya’s leadership style and strong relationship with the people, stakeholders have unanimously resolved to support him and will not field another candidate for the House of Representatives in the upcoming election.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Prominent people, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, will be at the New Telegraph Awards Night/Dinner slated for this Friday at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotels, Lagos.

The monarch will be the Royal Father of the Day, while former Governor of Ogun State, Mr Olusegun Osoba, will attend the event as the chairman.

A statement from the newspaper disclosed that nine state governors from across the country have confirmed their attendance at the high-octane ceremony organised to reward excellence.

In a letter conveying his choice as the Royal Father of the Day, the company said it was borne out of his dedication to excellence and public good in his 10-year reign as the paramount ruler of the Yoruba nation.

“Your Highness, it is important to let you know that you were chosen because of your position as not only the Paramount Ruler of one of the largest and homogenous nations in Nigeria, but also because of your dedication to service, excellence, reward and honesty in your over 10-year reign on the throne of your ancestors,” a part of the letter delivered by the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper, Mr Ayodele Aminu, disclosed.

Similarly, Mr Osoba, a former Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times and Grand Patron of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), was chosen because of his close association with his profession, several years after serving as governor.

According to Mr Aminu, the former governor reflects the dream of not only journalists but every profession because he did not forget his roots and easily identifies with his colleagues, no matter the gap in age and experience.