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Stakeholders Call for Strategic Partnerships to Empower Maritime Host Communities

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Stakeholders Call for Strategic Partnerships to Empower Maritime Host Communities

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have called for stronger, institutionalised partnerships to empower host communities and ensure sustainable port development across the country.

The call was made at a workshop organised by the Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners, CONMMEP, themed “Empowering Host Communities Through Strategic Partnership,” held on December 10, 2025, at Rock View Hotel and Suites, Apapa, Lagos.

Delivering the keynote address, Head of Research at the Social and Economic Research Centre, SEREC, Forward Eugene Nweke Rff, stressed that Nigeria’s maritime future depends largely on the stability, inclusion, and prosperity of host communities surrounding ports and waterways.

Nweke noted that despite decades of maritime activities, many port communities across Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states remain marginalised and disconnected from the economic benefits generated by port operations.

According to him, challenges facing host communities include high youth unemployment, limited participation of local businesses in port procurement, environmental degradation, erosion of traditional livelihoods, and poor access to social infrastructure.

He said global port systems such as Rotterdam and Antwerp have succeeded by adopting structured port–community partnerships that prioritise shared governance, dedicated community funds and transparent impact evaluation.

Drawing from Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act Host Community Development Trust model, Nweke proposed the establishment of a Port–Host Community Development Trust to institutionalise empowerment in the maritime sector.

He recommended shared governance involving community representatives, port authorities, government agencies, and civil society, alongside dedicated financing, skills-to-jobs programmes, MSME integration, and transparent public reporting.

Nweke also identified weak monitoring, exclusion of community voices, and poorly linked skills training as key reasons past empowerment efforts have failed, warning that ports cannot remain globally competitive while host communities remain impoverished.

He further called on the media to serve as watchdogs by tracking commitments, reporting environmental impacts, and amplifying community voices, noting that accountability improves when promises and progress are consistently monitored.

In his opening remarks, President of CONMMEP, Charles UdoChukwu Onyeka, said the workshop was aimed at promoting inclusive maritime development through collaboration and media advocacy.

Onyeka highlighted CONMMEP’s role in amplifying maritime stakeholders’ voices and called for greater support from partners, including sponsorship, a dedicated secretariat, and enabling resources to strengthen the organisation’s advocacy work.

He announced the launch of Eagle Dispatch Magazine, a quarterly publication designed to promote professional maritime reporting and deepen engagement within the sector.

The workshop was attended by traditional rulers, government officials from maritime-related agencies, industry leaders, media practitioners, and representatives of host communities.

Participants agreed that empowering host communities through strategic partnerships is critical to achieving a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable maritime sector in Nigeria

Customs, NMDPRA Tighten Collaboration to Curb Fuel Diversion, Back New Export Guidelines

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Customs, NMDPRA Tighten Collaboration to Curb Fuel Diversion, Back New Export Guidelines

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, have intensified efforts to curb the diversion of petroleum products meant for domestic consumption, as part of measures to safeguard Nigeria’s energy security.

This renewed collaboration was underscored during a meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, Ogbugo Ukoha, held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja.

At the meeting, the Comptroller-General reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency cooperation, particularly in preventing the diversion of petroleum products to neighbouring countries.

Adeniyi stated that the partnership between Customs and NMDPRA had already yielded tangible results, particularly through Operation Whirlwind, which he described as a model for intelligence sharing, joint enforcement, and coordinated field operations.

He noted that the Service remains aligned with reforms in the petroleum regulatory sector and would continue to provide technical input, operational feedback, and border management expertise to support the implementation of new guidelines being developed by the NMDPRA.

The Customs boss commended the Authority for harmonising existing processes with the Petroleum Industry Act, stressing that clear and efficient export point procedures are critical as Nigeria transitions from being a net importer to an emerging exporter of petroleum products.

“We welcome initiatives that strengthen energy security and ensure that the gains made in reducing cross-border diversion are sustained. Our shared responsibility is to protect national interest, support legitimate trade, and maintain a transparent system stakeholders can rely on,” Adeniyi said.

In his remarks, NMDPRA Executive Director, Ogbugo Ukoha, described the relationship between the Authority and the Nigeria Customs Service as longstanding and productive, noting that Operation Whirlwind represented the peak of their collaboration.

Ukoha explained that both agencies had deployed personnel, exchanged intelligence, and jointly monitored petroleum product movements along border corridors, leading to a significant reduction in cross-border diversion.

He said the visit was to brief the Comptroller-General on newly developed guidelines for the designation of export points for petroleum products, in line with Nigeria’s expanding refining capacity.

According to him, the NMDPRA is engaging critical institutions, including the Nigeria Customs Service, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Nigerian Navy, to ensure the guidelines reflect operational realities before implementation.

Ukoha recalled joint field operations and strategic engagements with Customs leadership, including the launch of Operation Whirlwind in Yola, where both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the domestic supply chain.

He added that while enforcement efforts have significantly reduced irregular movements of petroleum products, the removal of fuel subsidy has also lowered the economic incentive for cross-border smuggling.

The Executive Director assured that the NMDPRA would continue to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service to sustain progress and ensure petroleum exports are properly regulated without compromising Nigeria’s energy security.

CREDICORP Launches 10,000 Women in Mobility Scheme to Boost Economic Inclusion

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CREDICORP Launches 10,000 Women in Mobility Scheme to Boost Economic Inclusion

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, CREDICORP, has formally rolled out the 10,000 Women in Mobility programme.

The scheme is designed to empower 10,000 women across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by granting them access to vehicles, tricycles (popularly known as Keke), and motorcycles.

It aims to empower more women to participate in transportation, logistics, delivery services, and other mobility-related ventures, thereby enhancing their economic participation and financial independence.

At the launch, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women’s Affairs, emphasized the importance of creating economic opportunities for women to enhance their creditworthiness and financial success. She disclosed that the Abuja pilot phase saw mobility assets handed over to 1,000 women, noting that the programme will be expanded nationwide to reach 10,000 beneficiaries.

She applauded the CREDICORP Managing Director, Engr. Uzoma Nwagba, for his commitment to driving inclusive access to consumer credit and for championing initiatives that translate policy into tangible economic opportunities for women. According to her, the programme reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to remove structural barriers that limit women’s participation in key sectors of the economy.

The Minister further noted that by enabling women to own and operate mobility assets, the initiative not only creates sustainable livelihoods but also helps build credible financial histories that can unlock future access to credit. “Empowering women economically has a multiplier effect on families and communities, contributing to broader national development,” she stated.

“Because women are over 50 per cent of the population of this country, and they participate across sectors, so we would like to strengthen their participation so that it translates into value, not just for them and their families, but for the country at large”, she further added.

Earlier, MD of CREDICORP, Engr. Uzoma Nwagba described the programme as a practical step towards expanding financial inclusion and deepening Nigeria’s consumer credit ecosystem. He explained that CREDICORP is working with key partners to integrate financing, asset supply, training, and business support, ensuring that beneficiaries go beyond accessing credit to achieving success in their mobility businesses.

In their separate goodwill messages, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Director General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Oluwemimo Osanipin, as well as the National President, National Council for Women Society (NCWS), Princess Edna Azura, commended the Federal Government and CREDICORP for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would expand women’s participation in the mobility and transport sector.

They noted that the programme aligns with national efforts to promote decent work, industrial growth, and gender inclusion, while urging beneficiaries to utilise the opportunity responsibly to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to economic development.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to reporters, including Jemila Abdulkadir, Christiana Michael, Maryam Adamu, Sakinat Lawan, and Maryam Abawu, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and CREDICORP for the opportunity, describing the programme as life-changing and timely.

They said the initiative would enable them to become financially independent, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to the economy, while pledging to make judicious use of the mobility assets and comply fully with the repayment terms.

NIMC Promotes 523 Staff in 2025 Exercise

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NIMC Pushes Digital Public Infrastructure to Improve Service Delivery, National Security

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, Engr (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has approved the promotion of 523 staff of the Commission as part of the 2025 promotion exercise.

The promotions, which align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, were carried out in line with the Public Service Rules and form part of the Commission’s performance reward system for staff who met the required criteria.

According to a breakdown of the exercise, two staff members were promoted to the Director cadre on Grade Level 17, while eight advanced to the Deputy Director cadre on Grade Level 16. Thirty-five officers were promoted to the Assistant Director cadre on Grade Level 15.

In addition, thirty-five staff members were elevated to the rank of Chief Identity Officer on Grade Level 14, while one hundred and nine moved to Assistant Chief Identity Officer on Grade Level 13. One hundred and thirteen officers were promoted to Principal Identity Officer on Grade Level 12, eighty-two to Senior Identity Officer on Grade Level 10, and one hundred and thirty to Identity Officer I on Grade Level 9.

Congratulating the newly promoted staff, Engr Coker-Odusote urged them to see the elevation as an opportunity to serve the nation with greater commitment and professionalism. She reiterated the Commission’s zero tolerance for extortion and warned staff against engaging in any form of misconduct.

The NIMC boss also encouraged all staff to work harder in the coming year to ensure the successful implementation of the National Identification Number (NIN) project across the country.

She reaffirmed her commitment to prioritising staff welfare and upholding the dignity of labour within the Commission.

LASU Hosts Industry Day 3.0 to Shape Next Generation of Logistics Leaders

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LASU Hosts Industry Day 3.0 to Shape Next Generation of Logistics Leaders

The School of Transport and Logistics in Lagos State University, LASU, in collaboration with the Department of Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Kaduna State University, KASU, has hosted the 2025 edition of its Industry Day, tagged Industry Day 3.0.

The event, held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Femi Gbajabiamila Conference Centre, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, featured career talks, expert-led sessions, networking, a debate competition, and professional inductions, aimed at preparing students for leadership roles in the logistics and supply chain sector.

In her opening remarks, the Acting Dean, School of Transport and Logistics, Dr Ogochukwu Ugboma, described Industry Day as a bridge between academia and industry, noting that the programme was designed to equip students with practical competence, ethical grounding, and a strong professional identity.

Dr Ugboma reaffirmed LASU’s commitment to producing graduates who are academically sound, industry-ready, and globally competitive, adding that the 2025 edition was deliberately enriched to provide students with exposure to real-world industry expectations.

She commended the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, for her continued support of the School.

Represented by the Director, School of Part-Time Studies, Professor Oluwatobi Pemede, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged students to take full advantage of the programme, urging them to learn, network, and position themselves as solution-driven professionals in a rapidly evolving logistics ecosystem.

She also reiterated the University’s commitment to nurturing innovators who will transform Nigeria’s transport, logistics, and supply chain landscape.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, the Head of Department, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, KASU, Dr Usman Abbas, expressed appreciation to LASU for the collaboration and hospitality, describing the four-day engagement, held from December 8 to 11, 2025, as impactful and mutually beneficial.

A goodwill message was delivered by the Country Director of LEARN Logistics by Kuehne Foundation, Mr Stephen Akut, who urged students to maximise the opportunities provided by Industry Day to build skills, networks, and professional relationships.

A major highlight of the programme was a panel session on building successful careers in logistics, transport, and supply chain management, moderated by a former Dean, Professor C. Asenime. The session explored emerging global trends, career pathways, and opportunities available to graduates within Nigeria and beyond.

The Students’ Debate Competition featured mixed teams from LASU and KASU, who engaged on the motion: “Soft skills, particularly cross-cultural negotiation and ethical governance, are more critical to success in the AfCFTA era than mastery of disruptive technologies.”

The winning team received a cash prize of ₦500,000, while other participants received ₦200,000 each, courtesy of LEARN Logistics by Kuehne Foundation and SOTAL.

Another key moment was the induction of students into the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), conducted by the National Director, CILT Next Gen, Mr Reynolds Shodeinde. Outstanding SOTAL scholars were also recognised with cash awards for academic excellence.

Dignitaries present at the event included Professor S. G. Odewumi, Director-General, African Centre for Supply Chain, Dr Obiora Madu, Director of Procurement, Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs Aminat Idris, and the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Corps Commander Ganiyu K. Hamzat, represented by Chief Route Commander Oriyomi O. Savage.

Representatives of LASTMA, LACVIS, LAMATA, Traffic Radio, Nigeria Customs Service, NURTW, and other agencies also attended, alongside staff and students of LASU and KASU.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Acting School Officer and Administrative Secretary, Mr Herbert Olumakaye, who appreciated all partners and stakeholders for their contributions to the success of Industry Day 3.0.

The event concluded with a networking session, as Industry Week 3.0 draws to a close on Friday, December 12, 2025.

Wema Bank Launches ‘12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards’ Campaign

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blacktalker
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Wema Bank Launches ‘12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards’ Campaign

Wema Bank has launched a festive customer reward campaign tagged “12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards” as part of its efforts to celebrate customers and spread cheer during the yuletide season.

The campaign, which runs from December 14 to December 25, 2025, is designed to reward everyday banking activities while reinforcing the spirit of gratitude, giving, and shared joy that defines the Christmas season.

Under the initiative, 33 customers will be rewarded daily with five thousand naira each when they fund their accounts with five thousand naira, making a total of twelve days of rewards throughout the campaign period.

According to the Bank, the initiative is designed to transform routine banking transactions into moments of delight, particularly at a time when many households are preparing for family gatherings, end-of-year activities, and festive celebrations.

Customers can participate in the promotion by funding their accounts with five thousand naira through the ALAT app, the *945# USSD code, or debit cards. Eligible customers who meet the criteria will receive an additional five thousand naira as a reward.

Wema Bank noted that beyond the financial rewards, the campaign reflects its broader commitment to customer-centric banking, creating meaningful experiences that go beyond transactions and supporting customers during moments that matter most.

The Bank added that the festive initiative underscores its appreciation for customer loyalty and its continued drive to connect, celebrate, and give back during a season defined by generosity and goodwill.

As the year draws to a close, Wema Bank says it remains committed to delivering innovative banking solutions while ensuring customers feel valued, rewarded, and celebrated throughout the festive season.

Customs, American Business Council Agree to Deepen Collaboration on Trade Facilitation

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Customs, American Business Council Agree to Deepen Collaboration on Trade Facilitation

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the American Business Council, ABC, to enhance trade facilitation and boost investor confidence in Nigeria.

Adeniyi gave the assurance on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, when he received a delegation of the American Business Council on a courtesy visit to the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.

Welcoming the delegation, the Comptroller-General said the Nigeria Customs Service has made deliberate efforts in recent years to institutionalise transparency, stakeholder consultation, and regular engagement with industry players, noting that effective dialogue is essential for a modern customs administration.

He explained that the Service has prioritised reforms aimed at improving predictability for traders, including the deployment of the One-Stop-Shop initiative across major commands to streamline cargo examination, documentation and clearance processes.

Responding to concerns raised by ABC member companies, Adeniyi assured that Customs would continue to address operational challenges within its mandate. He added that trade facilitation is a shared responsibility among relevant government agencies and stressed the importance of sustained engagement to resolve emerging issues.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, Mrs Margaret Olele, said the visit was aimed at strengthening ties between the Council and the Nigeria Customs Service.

She acknowledged improvements in port processes, communication channels and the ease of resolving trade-related enquiries, noting that many American companies operating in Nigeria have experienced greater clarity in Customs procedures over the past year.

Olele described predictability and transparency as critical to business operations and commended the modernisation efforts being implemented under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. She also expressed optimism about deepening collaboration to address outstanding concerns.

She thanked the Comptroller-General for personally receiving the delegation, describing it as a demonstration of Customs’ commitment to partnership, and noted that stronger cooperation between the Service and the private sector would significantly enhance Nigeria’s investment climate.

Both parties agreed to institutionalise quarterly engagement sessions to review progress, address emerging challenges and sustain open communication for American companies operating in Nigeria.

Representatives of ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco, Mantrac, and the United States Embassy, among others, were present at the meeting.

LASU Restricts Unauthorised Content Creation on Campus

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LASU Dominates National Kickboxing Championship with 19 Medals Haul

The Lagos State University, LASU has issued a directive restricting the unauthorised use of its campuses and facilities for content creation, citing concerns over offensive and inappropriate materials that could harm the institution’s reputation.

In a notice issued on Friday, the University expressed concern over the growing trend of students and other individuals using LASU premises to produce skits, videos, vox pops, short films, and other audiovisual content without approval.

LASU stated that while it supports creativity and responsible self-expression, some content produced on campus misrepresents the institution’s values and undermines its integrity as a centre of learning and character development.

Consequently, the University directed that all individuals, including students, staff, and members of the public, must obtain prior approval from the Centre for Information and Public Relations (CIPR) before engaging in any cinematographic activities on any LASU campus or facility.

The management also warned that the use of drones within the University environment without authorisation from the Security Department is strictly prohibited, citing safety and security concerns.

LASU management appealed for cooperation from all stakeholders, stressing its commitment to preserving the dignity and sanctity of the University environment.

Anambra Emerges Digital Champion, Wins Four Awards at NCCIDE Forum

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Anambra Emerges Digital Champion, Wins Four Awards at NCCIDE Forum

Anambra State has emerged as Nigeria’s digital frontrunner, clinching four awards at the 13th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, NCCIDE meeting held in Jos, Plateau State.

The conference, themed “Accelerating Inclusive Digital Transformation: Bridging Gaps and Fostering Sustainable Growth Through Innovation,” brought together federal and state governments, industry experts, and innovators to review Nigeria’s digital progress and strengthen collaboration for inclusive growth.

A major highlight of the event was the State Innovation Peer Review Session (SIPRS), where states showcased technological advancements and governance reforms. Anambra distinguished itself with presentations demonstrating the strategic deployment of ICT to improve public service delivery.

The state emerged Best Overall State in ICT Development and Best State in ICT Human Capital Development, while also securing 2nd Runner-Up positions in Infrastructure Development and e-Government Implementation.

According to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Christian Aburime, the awards reflect the administration’s commitment to building a tech-enabled Smart Mega City through investments in broadband infrastructure, digital governance, and skills development.

Speaking on behalf of the governor, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), Managing Director of the Anambra State ICT Agency, attributed the achievement to strong leadership, a supportive policy environment, and the state’s “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” vision.

This marks the second time Anambra has won four awards at the NCCIDE forum, having recorded a similar feat in 2023, reinforcing its status as a model for digital transformation in Nigeria.

NCSP Hosts Chinese Consortium, Strengthens Strategic Investment Cooperation

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NCSP Hosts Chinese Consortium, Strengthens Strategic Investment Cooperation

The Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership, NCS, has hosted a high-level delegation from Newryton International Industrial Development Co. Ltd, a leading Chinese investment and industrial development consortium.

This is to advance discussions on deepening bilateral trade, industrial cooperation, and development financing between both countries.

The Newryton delegation, led by Mr. David Chen, Assistant Secretary-General of the China Hainan Investment Council, had earlier engaged with the Nigerian Association of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

They were accompanied to the NCSP by Mr. Joe Onyuike, Vice-Chairman of NACCIMA’s Agriculture and Livestock Trade Group, who conveyed NACCIMA’s support for the delegation’s engagements.

Discussions centred on the establishment of a Nigeria–China Trade and Investment Platform, including a proposed Promotion Centre in China to support Nigerian products, investors, and state governments.

The consortium also presented opportunities within Hainan Province’s Free Trade Port (FTP), which offers preferential policies that Nigerian businesses can leverage to expand exports and attract new investments.

In his address on behalf of Newryton, Mr. Pong outlined plans to collaborate with NCSP in accessing FOCAC-supported financing for strategic investments in agriculture, energy, mining, solid minerals processing, and related sectors.

The delegation identified aquaculture as a key area of interest and referenced the forthcoming Global Aquaculture Conference in Hainan Province, encouraging Nigerian stakeholders to participate. They also expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation in vocational training and employment under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Director-General, Martins Olajide, NCSP’s Head of Internal Operations, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.

He highlighted NCSP’s strong interest in the proposed Nigeria–China Trade and Investment Platform and the development of the Nigerian Oil Palm Industrial Park as a flagship demonstration project.

Also speaking at the meeting, Judy Melifonwu, NCSP’s Head of International Relations, underscored the opportunities presented by China’s zero-tariff policy and the forthcoming NAQS–GACC protocol on the export of Nigerian aquaculture products.

She noted that these frameworks would significantly enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in emerging global markets.

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