General
NPA Begins Exercise to Clear Hoodlums, Security Risks at Ports
By Adedapo Adesanya
The management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and relevant security agencies, has embarked on a three-day full-scale clean-up and sensitisation operation at the Lagos port corridors.
This exercise, tagged NPA Security Clearance Operations 2025, aims to tackle the various issues hindering smooth operations at the ports and pave the way for a better future of greater port efficiency.
The scope of this extensive clean-up operation covers all entry approaches to the Tin Can Island Complex, Lagos Port Complex, Kirikiri Lighter Terminals I & II, and the port environs.
According to a statement, the goal of the exercise is to clear out criminal elements, miscreants, hoodlums, shanties, kiosks, machinery, equipment, and containers that obstruct the free flow of traffic and pose a threat to the safety of personnel, cargo, and vessels.
This initiative also aligns with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) measures developed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to ensure the safety and security of ports worldwide.
Flagging off the exercise, the Managing Director of NPA, Mr Abubakar Dantsoho, said, “The ports access roads and environs are international corridors, and the gateway to the national economy. We must enter into necessary collaborations to ensure sanity is maintained.
“The operations will not only improve the safety and security of the ports, but also contribute to the economic growth of the nation. The congestion and delays caused by these issues have been a major hindrance to the efficient functioning of ports, affecting trade facilitation and ultimately, the nation’s GDP.
Mr Dantsoho who was represented by the General Manager, Security at NPA, Mr. Anthony Edosomwan, at the flag-off of the three-day exercise, said to ensure the success of this clean-up operation, the NPA’s security division had previously carried out print and electronic media enlightenment campaigns to sensitise the public on the importance of the exercise.
“This is a crucial step in garnering support and cooperation from all stakeholders, including port users, traders, and residents in the surrounding areas,” he stressed.
The Managing Director further said that the Authority remains unwavering in its commitment to achieving environmental sustainability and maintaining a clear and safe port environment.
“Indeed, the negative impact of pollution and encroachment on the ports cannot be ignored. This clean-up operation is not only beneficial to the ports’ operations but also to the surrounding communities and the environment as a whole,” he added.
Mr Dantsoho noted that the NPA’s Security Clearance Operations 2025 is part of the broader initiative aimed at tackling congestion issues and paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future for Nigeria’s ports.
He stated that by collaborating with relevant agencies and carrying out necessary awareness campaigns, the NPA is seeking public collaboration.
“Management, therefore, calls on all and sundry to support and cooperate with this clean-up operation for a safer, more secure, and environmentally-friendly port environment,” he said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.
This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.
“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.
“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.
The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.
Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.
By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.
The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.
By Bon Peters
The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.
At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.
At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.
“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.
He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.
The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating trade and increasing Revenue generation.”
“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.
“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.
“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.
Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.
The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.
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