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The organised labour has warned that it may be forced to take decisive action that could disrupt national economic activities if the state of emergency declared in Rivers State is not reversed within a reasonable timeframe.
The threat was issued in a statement jointly signed by the Rivers State chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Alex Agwanwor, state chairperson of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Ikechukwu Onyefuru and chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council, JNC, Chuku Emecheta.
The labour unions raised concerns about the legality, economic impact and consequences of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
They described the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of the elected governor, Siminalayi Fubara, deputy governor, Ngozi Odu and House of Assembly members as premature and baseless.
The union leaders insisted that the people of Rivers State freely elected these officials, and any attempt to remove them outside constitutional processes undermines democracy.
According to the labour leaders, such actions must be reversed to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.
They highlighted the immediate hardship the state of emergency has caused for local government workers, many of whom have yet to receive their salaries.
The statement noted that withholding workers’ wages has exposed them to avoidable economic suffering, particularly at a time when the cost of living is already high.
The organised labour warned that the state of emergency could have devastating economic consequences, emphasising Rivers State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and the Niger Delta region.
It said with the nation already grappling with inflation, naira devaluation, high exchange rates, rising unemployment and skyrocketing living costs, further instability in Rivers State could worsen the situation nationwide.
The statement also pointed out that the political uncertainty caused by the state of emergency has driven away potential investors who had expressed interest in the state’s economic initiative.
“This loss of investment is damaging the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and will have long-term consequences for economic development and employment opportunities in the region.
“While we acknowledge the need for maintaining law and order, such actions must be carried out within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution. Suspending elected officials and allegedly disrupting salary payments for workers violate fundamental rights and could worsen security and economic challenges.
“Let the Federal Government prioritize the safety and welfare of citizens over political interests. Any governance approach that sacrifices workers’ well-being for political maneuvers would only heighten tensions and resistance,” organized labour said.
[DailyPost]
Veteran actor Jide Kosoko has shared intimate details about his polygamous marriage, revealing that he has lost three wives under different circumstances.
He is married to one wife and hoped that God will not allow him to lose her.
In an interview on the Honest Bunch podcast, Kosoko clarified that he did not have four wives at the same time, but rather married two, lost them, and then married another two.
He emphasised that he is not advocating for polygamy, acknowledging that not everyone can navigate its complexities as smoothly as he has.
The actor shared insights into how he manages his polygamous household, particularly when it comes to celebrating his children’s birthdays.
Kosoko explained that his children and their mothers understand when he is not financially buoyant to celebrate every birthday elaborately.
Instead, he prioritises showing love and care to all his children and wives in other ways.
Kosoko emphasised that he does not feel obligated to buy gifts for all his children simultaneously, stating that each child’s needs are addressed individually.
He said: “I lost three wives under different circumstances, I’m with one at the moment, God will not allow me lose her. I didn’t have four wives at the same time o! Don’t get it wrong because people are not getting it. I had two, I lost them. I married another two.
“I am not supporting polygamy. Not everybody can be this lucky. Do you know that in some polygamous homes, you have mothers with different children, and your own daughter’s or child’s birthday is tomorrow? Fortunately, we celebrated it elaborately. But when it comes to another child’s birthday, and I am not buoyant enough, my children and their mothers understand that with me.
“If it’s your birthday and I have money, I will do it. If your own comes when I don’t have money, that’s your fate. It’s a matter of luck with me. But you must have shown them that you love them all. You must have given them that love in other ways, so when it’s not coming at that material time, they will easily understand.
“Another one will tell me, ‘Daddy, anytime you get money, you still need to buy me something for my birthday.’ I will say, ‘By God’s grace, remind me.’ And when the money comes and they remind me, I give them what they ought to have gotten for their birthday.
“But don’t tell me that because I bought something for your co-wife’s son, I must also buy for your son. If you do so, you lose it. I won’t buy. That’s not the way I operate.”
[TheNation]
Femi Lazarus, the lead pastor of Light Nation Church in Abuja, appears to have settled online rifts with singer Timi Dakolo over gospel artistes’ performance fees.
The controversy began last week when Lazarus criticised the high fees charged by some gospel artistes. In response, Dakolo defended the right of musicians to be paid for their work.
The cleric also shared an invoice allegedly from a gospel singer, which included extravagant demands such as a 40-man escort, first-class flight, and executive suite accommodation.
Dakolo, in his response, questioned the authenticity of the invoice and challenged Lazarus to reveal the singer’s identity.
However, in a recent Instagram post, Lazarus extended an olive branch to Dakolo, describing him as a music legend who “genuinely carries the burdens of other musicians”.
He expressed admiration for Dakolo, calling for respect within the entertainment industry. Lazarus also acknowledged the challenges facing the church, including pain and difficulties among leaders and followers.
The post was accompanied by a photo of Lazarus, Dakolo, and Emmanuel Iren, founder of Celebration Church International, suggesting that Iren may have played a role in mediating their reconciliation.
“My brother @timidakolo is a music legend. Give him his flowers. What a man! He genuinely carries the burdens of musicians. His concerns are real. I love you,” Lazarus wrote.
“Better structures will be built. Pain is real. From pulpit to the pew, the pain is real, but we will be fine.
“This generation will not have a carryover of pain. Hosts will do better. Guests will do better.”
[TheCable]
A 37-year-old woman, Linda Stephen, on Tuesday, approached a Kaduna Customary Court, seeking divorce over her husband, Felix Stephen’s excessive sexual demands.
In her petition, Mrs Stephen, a resident of Ungwan Sunday in Kaduna, also accused her husband of beating her whenever she rejected his sexual advances. They have been married for six years.
She told the court that she was no longer interested in the marriage as she can no longer cope with the husband’s excessive demand for sex.
“I urge the court to dissolve this marriage because I can’t stand his excessive sexual urge. He likes sex too much, and I can’t bear it.
“Most times, he would have sex with me from midnight till early hours of the morning. Even when I am crying, he will not stop.
“It has been three months since I moved out of his house, his relatives have been pleading with me to go back to him, but they do not know what I am facing,” she said.
She further said that her husband does not control himself whenever he needed sex, and that whenever she refused his sexual advances, he would beat her up, even in front of their two kids.
‘I’m ready to control my urge’ -Husband
Stephen, in his response, told the court that he is in love with his wife.
He pleaded with the court to help him pacify her, and not to grant her wish.
Stephen said he had been pleading with her wife not to seek for divorce, as he was now ready to control his sexual urge.
“I took my uncles and friends to her parents house to plead with her. But she refused to listen to us instead she walked out on us,’’ Stephen said.
He further pleaded with the court to give him time to sort things out and reconcile with his wife.
The judge, John Dauda, adjourned the matter until May 6 for a feedback and outcome of the reconciliation, while advising them to maintain peace.
…alleges he was found guilty of fraud by US Supreme Court
The suspended senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has filed a petition to disbar the chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition, Senator Nedamwem Imasuen, and have his name removed as a lawyer.
In the petition she filed before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), the Kogi lawmaker alleged that the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, had on May 10, 2010, indicted and debarred the Senate Ethics committee chairman “for fraud, misappropriation of client’s funds and failure to respond to disciplinary authorities”.
To back her allegation, the petitioner tendered to the LPDC a copy of the Justia New York Case Law 2010, with the title ‘Matter of Imasuen.
She equally pledged to “lead further evidence from official records of the respondent’s disbarment at the trial of this case”.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan told the LPDC that the respondent’s disbarment by the US court followed a complaint that was lodged against him by one Daphne Slyfield, a client who paid substantial legal fees to him but was abandoned without legal recourse.
“The court found that the respondent had violated multiple professional rules, resulting in the permanent revocation of his legal licence in the US.
“That following the respondent’s disbarment, he relocated to Nigeria, continued to present himself as a legal practitioner and pursued a career in politics, eventually securing a seat in the National Assembly as the senator representing Edo South Senatorial District.
“Despite this disbarment, which was hinged on unethical conduct, the respondent failed to disclose this sanction, both in the legal profession and political space, as a senator, and was eventually made the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, a position requiring unimpeachable integrity.
“That the Respondent did not remotely disclose his disbarment either in his Form EC9 – particulars of personal information submitted to INEC on oath at the time of aspiring for public office,” the petitioner added.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said her petition to the LPDC arose from a sequence of events that call into question the integrity and ethical standing of the respondent.
She alleged that Senator Imasuen had, in an attempt to expose the judiciary to odium and disrepute, publicly spurned an interim order the Federal High Court in Abuja made on March 4, which stopped his committee from proceeding with a disciplinary action that was initiated against her.
She maintained that the respondent, who was duly served with the interim order, acted in contempt of court by slamming her with a six-month suspension.
Details later.
The spokesman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chinedu Ukadike, has said the halt in the naira-to-crude deal between Dangote Refinery and the federal government was caused by speculations.
Naija News reported that Dangote Refinery announced it was halting its petrol sales in price as the duration of the naira-to-crude deal it entered with Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had elapsed.
Speaking in an interview with News Central, on Tuesday, Ukadike stated that market jobbers who did not want the importation of petrol products to stop were responsible for the speculation leading to a halt in the naira-to-crude deal.
The IPMAN spokesman explained that the government was looking at why crude oil would be sold to Dangote in naira when imported products can be sold at ₦775.
He, however, faulted the speculation, noting that no importer sold the product at such a price. He said only Dangote sells products cheaper than all others.
His words: “The federal government stated their challenges of not having enough for domestic supply, as a result of their international commitment and how they have locked up the sales of crude to some international buyers.
“This issue of naira-to-crude was just a test run and expressly approved by Mr President to be able to ensure that the product cost is a little bit more cheaper than the one that is been imported.
“It was also reported last two weeks that imported products can be sold at ₦775. If that be the case, federal government is also looking at why were we supplying Dangote product in naira and imported product is being sold at ₦775.
“Although it was speculated, none of the importers have sold product at that cost. Dangote remains the only refinery that sells petroleum product cheaper in all ramifications, even those that are being imported.
“Most of those speculations are being thrown into the market by market seekers and jobbers who don’t want to see reverse in importation of petroleum product. But definitely, we find out that within this week under review dollar has increased. So one little policy has changed the narrative and changed the pump price.”
Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has clarified that he never had four wives at the same time.
He explained that he was married to two women but lost them and then married another two.
Featuring in a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, the actor stated that he is “lucky” with polygamy because his wives and children are understanding.
He, however, said he is not advocating for polygamy, as not everyone could be as lucky as he is.
Kosoko said, “I didn’t have four wives at the same time o! Don’t get it wrong because people are not getting it. I had two, I lost them. I married another two.
“I am not supporting polygamy. Not everybody can be this lucky. Do you know that in some polygamous homes, you have mothers with different children, and your own daughter’s or child’s birthday is tomorrow? Fortunately, we celebrated it elaborately. But when it comes to another child’s birthday, and I am not buoyant enough, my children and their mothers understand that with me.
“If it’s your birthday and I have money, I will do it. If your own comes when I don’t have money, that’s your fate. It’s a matter of luck with me. But you must have shown them that you love them all. You must have given them that love in other ways, so when it’s not coming at that material time, they will easily understand.
“Another one will tell me, ‘Daddy, anytime you get money, you still need to buy me something for my birthday.’ I will say, ‘By God’s grace, remind me.’ And when the money comes and they remind me, I give them what they ought to have gotten for their birthday.
“But don’t tell me that because I bought something for your co-wife’s son, I must also buy for your son. If you do so, you lose it. I won’t buy. That’s not the way I operate.”
Nigerian singer Cynthia Morgan, now known as Madrina, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to implement urgent measures to address the excruciating hardship in the country.
She stated that she was among those who applauded President Tinubu when he removed the subsidy on petrol, but the current hardship resulting from the subsidy removal has become unbearable.
Speaking in a video message shared via her TikTok page recently, Madrina said, “Are you guys feeling what I am feeling? I’m not even going to lie, I’m feeling it o! And it’s quite unfortunate that we might not be able to do much other than plead with the government. Because spending over $8 billion on subsidy doesn’t make any sense.
“From my findings, the total annual revenue for Nigeria in 2023/2024 was around 20-something billion dollars. So imagine spending $7 billion on subsidized petroleum products. It doesn’t make any sense.
“I was one of the persons who applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the removal of the fuel subsidy because you know what it is. But currently, I don’t think we have what it takes to live totally off subsidy removal on petroleum products.
“We don’t have the structures or anything to be able to sustain that. And that is why there’s inflation. The price of petrol controls 90 percent of every other commodity in the market. Also, the exchange rate of the Naira to the dollar has increased because what we import is higher than what we export. Right now, the GDP per capita is $860.
“We are going to be begging [the government]. I don’t think we have the right to protest or insult anyone in government. The introduction of the subsidy on petrol started with former President [Olusegun] Obasanjo, which for me was lackadaisical because, as a president, you’re supposed to handle things head-on and not try to… I can’t remember the word right now.
“So, that’s what President Tinubu is trying to do. He is trying to approach it the way it is. Because the money that we spent on subsidized PMS is a lot—enough to do many things. If we are able to invest it in other areas of the country, we will be a better nation. I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but we are not ready. We can’t do it. 100 percent subsidy removal will not work. People are hungry. Crime rates are increasing.
“But please, let’s not rant. Let us do a begging challenge. Let’s beg the government to help us, that they shouldn’t be angry. Maybe we have been irresponsible. Let the government roll back at least 50 percent of the subsidy removal. That’s my stance.”
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has stepped down from a case involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Justice Egwuatu was assigned to hear the suit, but on Tuesday, he announced that he would no longer handle the matter.
He made this decision after Senate President Godswill Akpabio wrote a petition questioning his impartiality.
Although the case was scheduled for hearing, when the court clerk called it up, the judge ruled that he was stepping aside.
He said he would return the case file to the Chief Judge, who would assign it to another judge.
On March 4, Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order stopping the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
She was accused of violating Senate rules.
The judge ruled that the disciplinary process should not continue until the case was decided.
He also gave the defendants 72 hours to explain why the court should not stop them from investigating the senator without following the rules laid out in the 1999 Constitution, the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
Justice Egwuatu allowed the senator to serve legal documents on the defendants using substituted means.
The court ordered that the documents be given to the Clerk of the National Assembly or pasted at the National Assembly premises.
They were also to be published in two national newspapers.
The interim order came after the senator filed an urgent application.
However, despite the court’s ruling, the Senate Committee still held its meeting and suspended her for six months.
Later, after the defendants applied, Justice Egwuatu amended his earlier order.
He removed the part that prevented the Senate from taking any action while the case was ongoing.
Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, questioned the court’s authority to interfere in Senate affairs.
A presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, has cautioned former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, to be mindful of his statements after the former governor claimed that democracy in Nigeria had collapsed.
Obi, while speaking at the 60th birthday colloquium for former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, in Abuja on Monday, said the progress made since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 had been eroded.
He stated, “If you looked at where we are today, it’s like, they (the PDP) started in 1999, laid the foundation. Some people came and took it to decking, and some people were trying to take it to the first floor, when some people came and knocked everything down.
“That is the situation we are now. Everything has been knocked down and nothing works. I am somebody who can say this, exemplarily. I became a governor through the courts when President Obasanjo and Atiku were in government.
“I did not pay the court one naira. I was sitting in my office and the court declared me winner, when a governor was not seeing them. This cannot happen in Nigeria today.”
Reacting to the remarks, Onanuga, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, dismissed Obi’s claims as exaggerated and lacking in logical foundation, insisting that democracy in Nigeria has only grown stronger over the past 26 years.
“I listened multiple times to former Governor Peter Obi’s statement in this clip, where he claims that democracy has collapsed in Nigeria. His hyperbolic remarks, suited for headlines, have been made without deep reflection and lack a solid logical foundation,” Onanuga wrote.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy further argued that if democracy had indeed collapsed, Obi would not have been able to express his views so freely at the colloquium.
“Only a discontented and disgruntled Peter, who benefits from the very free speech democracy provides, could perceive such a democratic downfall through his lens. If democracy had indeed collapsed, as Peter claims, and we were living under a regime antithetical to democratic principles, he would not have been able to make his comments on Monday,” he stated.
Onanuga warned Obi against making statements that could mislead the public, urging him to exercise restraint and avoid what he described as playing to the gallery.
“I will urge him to watch what he says and restrain himself from playing to the gallery,” he added.
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The Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, has resigned his appointment.
The resignation of the HoS, who served under the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara was contained in a statement issued by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator and obtained by newsmen on Tuesday morning.
The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), thanked Nwaeke for his service to him within the short period since he assumed office and wished him well in his future endeavours.
The statement reads, “The office of His Excellency, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (retd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, is saddened to announce the resignation of the Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke, FCA, Mni.
“His Excellency, the Administrator appreciates the immense contributions he has shown this administration in the short period he served and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”
Meanwhile, Ibas has appointed Prof. Ibibi Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government.
Worika’s appointment was also contained in a statement from the office of the Sole Administrator also obtained on Tuesday morning.
The statement reads, “His Excellency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) CFR, the Administrator of Rivers State, is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG).
“His appointment follows careful consideration of his credentials, extensive experience, and performance during rigorous selection process.
“Professor Worika’s distinguished career spans academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles, making him uniquely qualified to support the administrator in the onerous task of achieving Mr President’s mandate. His appointment takes immediate effect.
“Professor Worika’s appointment reflects the administrator’s commitment to harnessing the great human capital of the Rivers’ people to work with him to achieve the much-needed peace, stability and security.”
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Diran Odeyemi, has advised governors to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers State.
Naija News reported that former spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Anabs Sara-Igbe, also called on opposition parties governors and members of the National Assembly to be wary of the President’s action in Rivers State as he may come for their states.
In an interview with News Central on Monday, Odeyemi noted that there was no justification for the President’s action.
He argued that it was the desire to secure major ground ahead of the 2027 election that made President Tinubu declare a state of emergency in Rivers.
The PDP chieftain stated that the call by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the same state of emergency to be declared in Osun State showed what the party’s intention was.
He said, “All politicians, usually at the presidency, they always have their target on three good states, that is Lagos, Rivers, and Kano. This is simply because they know that the turnout of votes from these three states and considering their economic stand, is always states that they want to have in their city. So, for my Ahmed Bola Tinubu, if anything minute, is happening in Rivers, and he is seizing that opportunity to take over Rivers, that is the reason why the governors and everybody are saying there are not enough evidence or criteria to demonstrate that emergency rule should come down.
“Bola Tinubu as a governor in Lagos state then, all what he fought against are exactly what he is doing now. We have read many of his statements where he condemned, absolutely, an emergency rule. And you will think as a democrat, if he has that opportunity to become the president, he will never repeat the idea of instituting an emergency rule anywhere in the country.
“He has started with Rivers, and if you are concerned with what is happening elsewhere, immediately after it happened in Rivers, even the politicians, the APC in Osun, have started calling for emergency rule in Osun simply because of mere community clash. That is, what they cannot get through the ballot box. They believe they can get it through emergency, through the adoption of emergency rule, or through the back door.
“And this is why it is very important, not only for the governors to challenge this. It is a good exercise to test the Constitution on the right of the president to declare emergency rule anywhere in the country. Because if care is not taken, and if the Rivers state issue is taken lightly or allowed to go, you can be rest assured that it may extend to other states, irrespective of whatever is the minor occurrence or situation that does not even warrant emergency rule. If you think there is anything, be a risk for some coronavirus who will makeista come from the right of the United States is safe.”
[NaijaNews]
Nigeria’s abandoned ₦50b floating dock: 1,102 local vessels rely on Ghana, others for routine maintenance
Admin
• Nigeria loses $148m yearly to other West African countries
• Outdated infrastructure, limited capacity, crippling Nigeria’s shipyard industry
• Dozens of Nigerian shipyards facilities left to rot away
Nigeria continues to miss out on the windfall accruing from vessel maintenance due to the absence of functional shipyards and dockyards, The Guardian understands.
Consequently, 1,102 Cabotage (local vessels) vessels are compelled to fulfil their repair and maintenance requirements in neighbouring countries. Numerous international vessels which dock on Nigeria’s shores also look elsewhere for maintenance.
Nigeria presently has an idle N50 billion modular floating dock acquired in June 2018 by NIMASA alongside other abandoned and inactive dockyards in the country.
This results in substantial financial losses, estimated at $147.8 million in docking fees, repair services and other additional costs for each vessel yearly.
The figure is based on a conservative single general maintenance every five years. This supposes that 220 or 20 per cent of the Nigerian vessels carry out maintenance yearly at an average cost of $670,000 (per visit).
The costs are incurred when vessels are transported to neighbouring countries for repairs and maintenance.
According to data from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria currently has a fleet of 4,610 flagged vessels with a total tonnage of 6,131,814.55 gross registered tonnage (GRT) and 1,102 cabotage vessels with a combined tonnage of 2,037,184.63 GRT.
Whereas the flagged vessels could also carry out their maintenance in Nigeria, they have the choice of doing it elsewhere. But Cabotage vessels move within the countries but would need to visit neighbouring countries for repairs.
Due to the limitations of local shipyards and dockyards, the owners of the vessels resort to taking them to neighbouring countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Togo, Ivory Coast, Benin Republic and Cameroon for dry docking and repairs. This practice does not only lead to increased unemployment but also impedes the development of skills in the maritime sector, experts said.
The Guardian gathered that Nigerian vessels visit various African countries for maintenance and dry docking, despite their limited shipyard facilities.
One notable example is PSC Tema Shipyard in Tema Harbour, Ghana. The shipyard has a functional floating dock with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes and a graving dock that can accommodate vessels up to 200 meters in length.
The Durban Dry Dock, one of the largest dry docks in the Southern Hemisphere, can accommodate vessels up to 350 meters in length. It also offers services for smaller vessels and is renowned for its efficiency and high standards.
Also, Cape Town Dry Dock in South Africa is equipped with modern facilities and can handle a wide range of vessels, including large cargo ships and oil tankers.
The facilities are positioned along major shipping routes, making it a convenient stop for vessels travelling between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. They offer a full range of repair and maintenance services, including hull repairs, engine overhauls and electronic system upgrades.
The African Marine & General Engineering Company Limited, located in Mombasa, Kenya, is an ISO-certified facility that offers dry docking and repair services for a variety of vessels, including cargo ships, tankers, and fishing vessels.
The facility is conveniently located for vessels travelling between Europe, the Cape, India and the Far East.
Nigeria’s inability to fully meet the dry docking and repair needs of ship owners has significant financial implications, experts said.
The frequency of ship repairs, maintenance and dry docking varies based on several factors, including the type of vessel, its age and its usage to ensure that ships remain in optimal condition and comply with international safety and regulatory standards.
According to information gathered by The Guardian, most ships are required to undergo dry-docking at least once every five years. This process involves taking the ship out of the water for thorough inspection, cleaning and repairs.
For some vessels, such as cruise ships, dry docking may be required more frequently, with inspections of the ship’s bottom every year and dry docking twice within five years.
The Secretary-General of the Merchant Seafarers Association of Nigeria (MESAN), Captain Alfred Oniye, explained that regular maintenance and repairs are usually performed more frequently than dry docking.
Dry docking, which may involve routine inspections, minor repairs and preventive maintenance, can occur monthly or yearly depending on the vessel’s operational schedule and specific maintenance requirements.
The Guardian learnt that the cost of transporting a vessel for dry-docking, maintenance and repairs to Kenya, Ghana and South Africa varies significantly among Nigerian-flagged vessels and foreign vessels that call at Nigeria’s ports. Several factors influence this variation, including the vessel’s size, the distance to the repair facility and the mode of transportation, such as towing or self-propulsion.
For towing, smaller vessels incur costs ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, while larger vessels may cost up to $100,000 or more. Self-propelled vessels face fuel costs ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the distance and fuel prices.
Docking fees also vary based on the vessel’s size, the duration of the stay and the specific services required. Small to medium-sized vessels pay daily docking fees between $1,000 and $5,000, while for a typical repair period of 10-30 days, total docking fees can range from $10,000 to $150,000.
Large vessels incur daily docking fees between $5,000 and $20,000, and for a similar repair period, total docking fees can range from $50,000 to $600,000.
These figures amount to an average of $595,000 per vessel, which does not include other additional costs including crew wages, insurance and port fees.
Nigeria’s non-functional ship repair yards and dockyards are due to a combination of financial constraints – lack of investment, outdated equipment and broader economic challenges.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dockyard located in Apapa, Lagos, has been inactive for many years due to lack of maintenance and funding. The same applies to the Federal Ship Repair Yard in Port Harcourt which has been neglected over a decade due to mismanagement.
Others are the Calabar Ship Repair Yard, which has been abandoned and is currently in a state of disrepair, Warri Ship Repair Yard, Rivers State Ship Repair Yard, Koko Ship Repair Yard and Burutu Ship Repair Yard among others.
The former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, last year stated that Nigeria lost over 110,000 vessels yearly to Togo, Ghana and the Republic of Benin for dry docking and repairs.
Nigeria also failed to secure N350 billion this year due to the idle N50 billion modular floating dock acquired in June 2018 by NIMASA. The facility is yet to commence operation.
Oniye, who is also a dean at City University, Cambodia, said despite the notable shipyards including Nigerdock FZE and the Naval Dockyard Limited, the country’s shipyards face challenges such as outdated infrastructure, limited capacity and insufficient investment, which hinder their ability to meet the demands of modern maritime operations.
He said the financial implication of Nigeria’s inability to fully meet the dry docking and repair needs of ship owners is significant as ship owners incur additional costs for transporting vessels to other countries for repairs as well as higher fees in foreign shipyards compared to local facilities.
Oniye also noted the extended repair time, stressing longer repair times due to travel and scheduling delays that can lead to increased operational downtime, noting that ships out of service for extended periods result in lost revenue for ship owners. On the economic impact, Oniye said Nigeria misses out on potential revenue from docking fees, repair services and associated economic activities, adding that the limited functionality of local shipyards affects job creation and skill development in the maritime sector.
He said enhancing the functionality of Nigerian shipyards and ship repair yards is crucial for the country’s maritime industry.
Onyie said investment in modern infrastructure, capacity building and adherence to international standards can help Nigeria become a preferred destination for ship repairs, reducing financial burdens on ship owners and boosting the local economy.
NIMASA had last year released a list of 15 private accredited ship/boat building, repairs and maintenance yards in the country with the construction and designs of vessels to be flagged or registered under the Nigerian Flag Administration to be restricted to these facilities.
Also, all dry-dock maintenance by Nigerian and foreign-flagged vessels is required to be conducted at the accredited yards, with a warning that failure to comply would attract appropriate sanctions.
The accredited marine vessels building, repairs and maintenance yards include, Naval Dockyard Limited, Niger dock FZE and IGA Shipbuilding and Repair Yard in Lagos State as well as MG Vowgas Limited, Elschon Nigeria Limited, Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited and West Atlantic Shipyard in Rivers State.
Others located in Delta State are Python Engineering Company Limited, Gredor Nigeria Limited, Tuwasco Marine Services Limited, Warri Boat Yard, Niger- Benue Transport Company, Big Fingers Oil Services Limited, West High Logistics Resources Limited and Yade Barge Operator Limited.
Despite the many facilities, vessels are taken outside for repairs, maintenance and drydocking, costing the country huge foreign exchange losses.
The Founding President of the Nigerian Ship Owners Association (NISA), Isaac Jolapamo, explained that ship repairs and maintenance in these foreign countries incur high additional costs, including voyage expenses, fuel consumption, and international service rates, all priced in U.S. dollars, making it even more expensive given the current exchange rate challenges.
Jolapamo lamented that while Nigeria’s major shipyard, Niger Dock, is no longer operational due to mismanagement and lack of patronage, small shipyards in Ghana have remained functional for over seven decades.
Jolapamo also condemned the mismanagement of funds intended to support ship maintenance and industry development.
He criticised the failure of NIMASA’s modular floating dock project, calling it a misallocation of resources that has hindered local ship development.
He pointed to the NIMASA’s floating dockyard project as a failed initiative that diverted crucial resources, saying. “Instead of using funds to refurbish local ships, allowing them to compete with foreign vessels, the money was wasted on an ill-conceived floating dock project.”
“If Nigeria wants to revive its maritime sector, there must be a concerted effort to invest in local shipyards, provide financial support for shipowners, and enforce policies that genuinely encourage local participation,” Jolapamo urged.
A former member of the Presidential and Ministerial Committee on Fiscal Policy Measures, Lucky Amiwero, said the country’s shipyard industry is crumbling under poor infrastructure, political negligence and lack of implementation of existing maritime laws, such as the Cabotage Act.
Amiwero criticised the deteriorating state of the nation’s shipyards, the inability to repair vessels locally and the devastating economic losses the country suffers due to this oversight.
Amiwero pointed out that vessels are left to decay on Nigerian waters, while shipowners are forced to take their ships to other African countries for repairs.
He said Nigeria is losing significant foreign exchange because of a lack of functional shipyards, noting that small nations like Ghana and Togo have advanced beyond Nigeria in maritime infrastructure, while Nigeria, despite its potential, remains stagnant.
Amiwero emphasised the importance of the Cabotage Act, which was designed to boost the country’s shipbuilding, repairs and maintenance capacity as well as encourage local operators.
The decline of Nigeria’s shipyards is also hurting employment, as Amiwero lamented that students who study maritime-related subjects in institutions locally and abroad are left jobless upon returning, as the infrastructure to support their skills does not exist in Nigeria.
He urged the government to refocus on infrastructure development that can create jobs and boost the economy, pointing out that the shipyard industry is a critical part of maritime infrastructure, which, if developed, could provide employment and generate wealth domestically.
“We must develop our shipyards, implement the Cabotage regime and create a sustainable maritime industry that benefits our economy and future generations,” he stated.
The Vice Chairman of the Business Action Against Corruption (BAAC) Integrity Alliance, Jonathan Nicol, highlighted the ongoing struggles of Nigeria’s ship repair industry, noting that owners are increasingly spending a fortune in neighbouring repairs due to the inefficiency of local dry docking facilities.
Nicol, who is a former president of the Shippers Association of Lagos (SALS), explained that Nigeria once had functional ship repair yards, including facilities run by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the well-known Niger Dock, which have either become too expensive or have fallen into disuse.
He said the NPA’s dockyard, which used to service smaller vessels at competitive rates, has long ceased operations, while the once thriving Niger Dock shipyard, has also struggled due to its high costs, leading ship owners to seek alternatives abroad.
One of the biggest issues, Nicol pointed out, is the inefficiency of the ship repair process in Nigeria.
He said shipowners often face extended repair times, with some dry docking procedures taking up to six months, noting that this is in stark contrast to neighbouring countries like Ghana, where repairs can be completed in a matter of weeks at much lower costs.
Nicol also emphasised the importance of certification and international recognition in the ship repair industry, pointing out that Nigeria lacks the facilities and certifications, such as Lloyd’s shipping certification, that are available in other countries.
[Guardian]
Benue State government and the Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI) have taken to the trenches over the alleged bribery of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to influence its proceedings on the removal of the state’s chief judge.
The CJI fired the first shot yesterday when it charged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to probe the alleged allocation of N500 million by the state government to bribe the NJC.
CJI also attributed the strike embarked by the state judiciary since December 2024 to the government’s failure to implement the new N75,000 minimum wage for judiciary workers.
CJI convener, Solomon Adodo, who addressed journalists in Abuja yesterday claimed that some state appointees allocated over N500 million to influence the proceedings of the NJC on the removal of the chief judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese.
But in a swift reaction the chief press secretary to the governor Tersoo Kula described the allegations as nothing other than a forlorn attempt by disgruntled political elements in Abuja to sabotage the integrity of his principal who has persistently sided with the principles of justice and good governance.
He said, “We strongly refute the groundless claims generated by the Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI) about Governor Hyacinth Alia’s alleged involvement in buying off members of the judiciary.
“If the CJI and their allies have any evidence to bolster their outrageous claims, we challenge them to produce it publicly or face the consequences of their thoughtless denunciations.
“’Disseminating such concoctions without substantiation merely affirms the true nature of those individuals who are enthusiastic to pollute the reputation of respected institutions for personal benefit. Governor Alia has consistently held the judiciary in tremendous regard and would never negotiate its integrity for any reason,” the CPS said.
CJI had claimed that substantial sum of the money was channelled through three Benue State officials who have been making frantic trips to Abuja in an apparent attempt to compromise NJC processes by engaging with key officials within the judiciary.
Adodo argued that the actions of the government functionaries reflect a dangerous level of ignorance about the fundamental workings of governance, wherein institutions like the judiciary must be shielded from political interference.
He said CJI was privy to information that some members of the NJC refused to accept any money from the government functionaries, adding that their principled stance against corruption reinforces the integrity of the NJC and strengthens public trust in the judicial system.
CJI argued that rather than engage in constructive dialogue and governance, Governor Hyacinth Alia- led administration had allowed the state’s judicial system to remain paralysed.
The centre noted that the inability to grasp the critical role of an independent judiciary in a democracy further proved the administration’s lack of experience in governance and public service.
CJI therefore urged the anti-corruption agencies and relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged misappropriation of N500 million aimed at influencing NJC proceedings.
It called on the NJC to remain steadfast in its duty to protect the judiciary from external pressures and to ensure that any proceedings concerning judicial officers are conducted impartially and in strict adherence to constitutional provisions.
The CPS further said the call for a “state of emergency” in Benue State is not purely vexatious but also a flagrant display of political opportunism. It is evident that these irritated political operatives are sponsored by unscrupulous factions desperate and eager to capitalize on any situation for their advantage. Their motives are clear: to undermine a state that is presently going through effective governance and progress under Governor Alia’s leadership. There is no unrest in Benue State. Gov. Hyacinth Alia is fully in charge and control of the state.
“We warn these wholesalers of crisis to steer clear of Benue State. The people of Benue are not persuaded by unjustifiable allegations or political maneuvers. Instead, they are witnessing transformational governance that prioritizes their welfare and well-being. Governor Alia is fixated on shaping the narrative around governance in the state, demystifying the process, and ensuring that the government works for the people.
“The inhabitants of Benue are happy and supportive of their governor, praying daily for his prosperity and the advanced progress of the state. Governor Alia has no wealth to corrupt anyone, specifically not an esteemed institution like the judiciary. His responsibility is transparency, accountability, and the rule of law”
“Finally, we appeal to all forces involved in this smear campaign to reflect on their activities and examine the damage they wreak on the democratic process. The people of Benue deserve better than the disruptive ploys and fabricated allegations that threaten their progress,” the CPS said.
[Leadership]