General
NPA Seeks Stronger Stakeholder Partnerships to Become Africa’s Leading Port
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has called for the collective commitment of trade development partners within the country to achieve the target of becoming the leading port in Africa.
The Managing Director of the agency, Mr Mohammed Koko, who made this known at the NPA special day at the ongoing Enugu international trade fair said, “We will strive to be the leading Port in Africa, a dream we can all realise with the collective commitment of trade development partners to which the Enugu Chamber of Commerce belongs.
“The Nigerian Maritime Industry is a prime economic driver, bearing in mind that 85 per cent volume of economic activities is delivered through the ports worldwide.
“Maritime transport remains the gateway to the global marketplace. Ports are catalysts for economic development as they enable trade and support supply chains,” he said.
He said that as a National Brand Asset Anchored on Service Excellence, the NPA is always pleased to attend events geared towards trade facilitation/economic development of our nation, especially towards promoting the potential of our industrial sector and enhancing opportunities for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.
The NPA managing director said that the Onne Port Complex and Rivers Port Terminal provides exporters adequate infrastructure needed to carry out their transactions at a given time frame.
He said that this was done to encourage the exportation of more made-in-Nigeria goods as well as non-oil exports from the country.
“We will continually give priority to the exportation of agricultural produce and solid mineral resources and goods that will in turn enhance export and foreign exchange earnings.
“Furthermore, it should be mentioned also that rail lines into the Ports are being constructed and rehabilitated to ensure ease in the logistic chain,” Mr Koko said.
On his part, the President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Mr Odeiga Jideonwo commended the NPA for the strategic role and commitment of the parastatal as well as the central role they play in the socio-economic lives of the people.
“This is particularly in the development and facilitation of commerce and industry especially in the maritime sub-sector of the transport industry.
“We are proud of your sustained presence in our fairs all these years and urge you to continue to keep faith with us as we work together to build a more prosperous economy for our dear nation, Nigeria,” Mr Jideonwo said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A strategic joint venture agreement has been signed between the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) and CEVA Logistics. The deal will advance integrated logistics solutions in Nigeria and West Africa.
Under the agreement, a warehouse will be put in place within Lagos Free Zone, home to Nigeria’s Lekki Deep Sea Port. This facility positions importers to seamlessly access West African markets, particularly multinational manufacturers serving the region.
Importers leveraging the free zone warehouse facilities at Lekki Port will benefit from duty-free exports to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) markets, creating a streamlined and cost-effective logistics solution.
Because the logistics journey to this region requires a deep understanding of trade lanes, local port operations, and customs procedures, CEVA Logistics stands the chance to use its experience to deliver quality service to customers.
The JV will enable businesses to focus on their core operations while ensuring a seamless journey for goods from global origins to West African destinations.
According to the Vice President of Air and Ocean Product at CEVA IMEA, Jean-Baptiste Rambaud, the partnership will mark a new phase of enhanced logistics solutions, leading to a seamless journey for global trade in West Africa, a region with its dynamic and youthful population that represents a key growth market for global manufacturers, especially in the FMCG sector.
“Our targeted investments in Nigeria reflect our commitment to providing uninterrupted logistics services to our global clients exporting to West Africa, including ECOWAS.
“This free zone warehouse is the final piece in creating a seamless logistics journey for goods and products from around the world to West Africa,” Rambaud stated.
Also commenting, the chief executive of LFZ, Ms Adesuwa Ladoja, said, “By integrating Lekki Port, reliable industrial infrastructure, and efficient logistics solutions, we are building a logistics hub for West Africa. Collaborating with CEVA, a global leader in logistics, strengthens our ability to deliver on this vision.”
It was learned that the JV has been approved by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) of Nigeria, with CEVA Logistics to hold a majority stake in the newly established entity.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed the powers of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.
In a judgment delivered on Monday by Justice James Omotosho, he dismissed the suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the commission’s authority to investigate consumer complaints and issue summons in the exercise of its statutory mandate.
Justice Omotosho affirmed the organisation’s powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 (FCCPA) to receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.
Welcoming the decision, the chief executive of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, said the judgment provided useful clarity on the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumers and promoting fair market practices.
He noted that the matter arose from complaints relating to unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.
Mr Bello reiterated that consumers, who pay for services, were entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.
He further described investigation as an administrative process intended to establish facts and determine whether further action is warranted. It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing.
According to him, the commission is committed to engaging all market participants in a fair, professional, and transparent manner, while ensuring due process at every stage of its proceedings.
He encouraged businesses operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory processes and to maintain effective complaint resolution systems that address consumer issues promptly and fairly.
The FCCPC will continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and strengthen confidence in essential service sectors, including aviation.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is Nigeria’s primary competition and consumer protection authority established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court, Abuja, against alleged plotters of a coup against President Bola Tinubu.
Among the suspects are a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and three others.
Recall that in January, the Nigerian armed forces confirmed that some of its personnel actually attempted to overthrow the government of President Tinubu in October 2025.
This followed speculations that the October 1 parade last year was abruptly cancelled due to an alleged attempt to remove Mr Tinubu from office by some members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), with 16 persons arrested over the issue.
At the time, the Defence Headquarters said investigations had “identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government” and would be “formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial.”
“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.
“The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks. The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” the statement read in parts.
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