By Adedapo Adesanya

Shipowners have commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, for the directive to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to commence the process for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund  (CVFF).

Last week, Mr Oyetola instructed NIMASA to initiate the long-awaited disbursement process for the CVFF.

The CVFF, established under the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act of 2003, was designed to empower Nigerian shipping companies through access to structured financing for vessel acquisition.

However, successive administrations failed to operationalize the fund—until now. This directive marks a significant shift from over two decades of administrative stagnation and ushers in a new era of strategic repositioning of Nigeria’s indigenous shipping.

Several stakeholders including Mr Greg Ogbeifun, the Managing Director of Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited, said the directive is a welcome development that will further spur the growth of the sector.

He also urged the government to ensure that the requirements of the act are followed.

He said that the minister is acting accordingly by taking the bull by its horns through the disbursement of the fund.

“The minister’s move is commendable. The important thing is that due processes, according to the requirements of the Act, have to be followed. I have looked at the marine notice that was sent out, and I think it’s in line with the requirements of the Act,” Mr Ogbeifun said.

He mentioned that, looking at the previous guidelines, there is a reason to believe that the minister is acting accordingly.

“But I don’t know if the requirements of the Act, as it relates to the legislative part of government, are followed,” he stated.

Mr Ogbeifun reiterated that the directive would unlock the long-standing issue of disbursement of the CVFF.

On his part, the President of SOAN, Mr Sonny Eja, applauded Mr Oyetola, stating that the decision was a welcome development.

Mr Eja mentioned that aside from being long overdue, partnering with the Bank of Industry for the disbursement is another feat.

“I would say this is a welcome development, though it’s long overdue. I have always said to people, don’t blame yourself for not doing something yesterday or for not doing something last week or last month, the best time to start is now, and so it’s a welcome development.

“I am equally excited about the fact that they are partnering with Bank of Industry (BOI) in respect of this fund. For me, to hear that they are going to work with BOI to disburse this fund is quite a good development,” Mr Eja added.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed 16 illegal refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa states, while arresting 23 suspects and recovering massive volumes of stolen crude oil and refined products as part of ongoing efforts against crude oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta.

The operations, conducted by troops of the Nigerian Army 6 Division Port Harcourt, in conjunction with other security agencies between April 14 and 20, 2025, also led to the recovery of weapons, pumping equipment, wooden boats, and thousands of litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) known as diesel.

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the troops deactivated four illegal refineries at Oando operated wellhead in Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State, recovering over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,500 litres of refined AGO, pumping machines, and a wellhead valve.

According to the spokesperson, the illicit activity was being carried out using an 80-metre long pipe connected directly to the wellhead.

“These heinous crimes were perpetrated through the use of an 80 meters long pipe connected to the Wellhead used for siphoning crude oil,” he said.

Also in Bayelsa, troops intercepted tricycles transporting stolen petroleum products along the Gbarain–Zarama axis, arresting two suspects in connection with the theft.

“In Rivers and Abia States, clearance operations around the Imo River corridor led to the dismantling of six artisanal refineries, seizure of 1,100 sacks containing over 22,000 litres of stolen products, and confiscation of 30 drum pots and 24 drum receivers. These were recovered around Obuzor (Ukwa West LGA, Abia) and Okoloma (Oyigbo LGA, Rivers State).

“At Okrika Creek, troops acting on intelligence recovered a wooden boat loaded with 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil, suspected to have been illegally siphoned from the NNPC Jetty in Okrika. In Kula, Akuku-Toru LGA, three buyers and three sellers of stolen products were apprehended, leading to the seizure of three tugboats, a fibre boat, and over 1,500 litres of refined AGO.

“In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), a wooden boat filled with several sacks of stolen crude was intercepted at Obohia Road, while additional seizures were made at Okwuzi and Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA.

“In Delta State, troops busted a kidnappers’ hideout around Rhobot City, Asaba, and Iselle Azagba in Aniocha LGA. Two suspects were arrested and a cache of dangerous weapons recovered, including two pump-action rifles, a double-barrel gun, one dane gun, 56 cartridges, 13 cutlasses, charms, and cult regalia.

“Also in Warri South LGA, troops raided an illegal refining site, confiscating three cooking pots, an unspecified quantity of refined AGO, and three drums filled with over 600 litres of stolen crude oil.
“In Akwa Ibom State, the army maintained a strong operational presence to deter oil theft and other criminal activities.”

The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, visited troops’ locations in Bayelsa and Delta States, where he commended the soldiers and urged them to maintain the momentum.

“Your welfare will continue to receive the desired attention as you surge operations against economic saboteurs and associated crimes in the region,” he assured.

The Nigerian Army said the operations are part of a broader effort to dismantle oil theft networks and secure Nigeria’s economic assets in the Niger Delta.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Lead Pastor and Apostolic Head of the Love of God in Christ (LOGIC) Churches Global, Apostle Flourish Peters, has stressed the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to the Christian faith.

Speaking at the church’s inaugural Jesus + Nothing Worship on Good Friday in Lagos, he informed the congregation that, “Without an empty grave, there is no Christian faith.”

“Our faith is fundamentally premised on this singular, undeniable truth – the empty grave. This is what distinguishes our faith; while over 4,000 religions exist, only one points to a vacated tomb.

“Ours is the unique faith where the very person we worship lives within us. We are truly elated that through the resounding success of Jesus + Nothing Worship, we were able to bring christocentric worship to the masses,” the cleric added.

Business Post reports that the programme, a powerful evening of gospel music, left attendees deeply moved and spiritually uplifted.

It served as a profound reminder of the sacrifice and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasising the core message that through a sober Friday came a Good Friday for all.

Several entertainers, including Timi Dakolo and Greatman Takit, alongside Neon Adejo, SMJ, Noble G, Steve Hills, Lily Perez, Joxie, Anderson Qozan, Pastor Victor Paul, Emeka Songz, Flo, Dorcas Moore, Magpsalms, Mera Owili, Gerald Bishung, Phebe Lion, Larry J and the Evolution Children’s Choir delivered soul-stirring performances that resonated with the central theme of redemption through Jesus Christ at the church’s headquarters in Lekki.

Apostle Peters said Jesus + Nothing Worship was an impactful success, declaring that it would become an annual event.

He emphasised that this worship session is intentionally focused on Jesus Christ, the message of salvation, and providing a vital platform to unveil the gospel talents within The LOGIC Church.

“Jesus + Nothing Worship has been a truly unifying experience, allowing us to collectively focus on the profound significance of Jesus’ death and the abundant life we have in His resurrection.

“It is our vision to create a consistent platform where the power of music can amplify the core message of the Gospel and provide an opportunity for the incredible music ministers within our church to impact lives,” he stated.

Building on the momentum of the successful 2024 Jesus + Nothing Conference, the Jesus + Nothing Worship further solidified The LOGIC Church’s mission to cultivate a family centred on grace and faith, where the transformative Love of God in Christ is tangibly felt.