society
HOW DANTSOHO IS RENEWING HOPE AT NPA
HOW DANTSOHO IS RENEWING HOPE AT NPA
By Moses Okanga
Along Nigeria’s vibrant coastline, where the ceaseless rhythm of waves merges with the aspirations of a nation, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho is orchestrating a transformative revival at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). As a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, his visionary leadership is reshaping Nigeria’s maritime landscape, turning once-dilapidated ports into dynamic gateways of global trade.
With bold reforms, including billion-dollar infrastructure overhauls, revitalisation of underutilised Eastern ports, and the integration of cutting-edge technology, Dantsoho is dismantling decades of inefficiency. His commitment to transparency, innovation, and economic growth is not only restoring the NPA’s global stature but also igniting a beacon of hope, positioning Nigeria as a maritime powerhouse poised to lead Africa’s trade renaissance.
Established in 1954 under the Ports Act (Cap 155 of the Law of the Federation of Nigeria), the NPA initially managed the ports of Lagos and Port Harcourt. In 1969, its mandate expanded to include Warri, Koko, Burutu, and Sapele, previously operated by private merchant companies. Today, the NPA is the statutory body tasked with managing, developing, and operating Nigeria’s ports and harbours.
Its core responsibilities include overseeing port infrastructure development to meet international standards, providing nautical and harbour services such as hydrographic surveys, towage, and mooring, and ensuring the safety and security of port operations through robust regulations. The NPA also manages leasing and concession activities, sets tariff benchmarks to maintain economic competitiveness, and mitigates environmental risks to safeguard marine ecosystems.
For decades, systemic corruption, ineffective leadership, and a lack of political will undermined the NPA’s vision of becoming Africa’s maritime logistics hub, delivering efficient, secure, and customer-friendly port services. Ports suffered from decrepit infrastructure, silted channels, collapsed breakwaters, and inefficient operations, stifling Nigeria’s economic potential.
The appointment of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as Managing Director marked a pivotal shift, aligning the NPA with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reverse these negative trends and restore credibility. Upon assuming office, Dantsoho launched a forensic audit to identify and address barriers to the NPA’s potential, laying the groundwork for a holistic transformation. His leadership swiftly turned the tide, addressing crumbling infrastructure and operational inefficiencies.
Recognising the stark underutilization of Eastern ports—Port Harcourt, Onne, Warri, and Calabar, which handled less than a third of their capacity—he prioritised immediate upgrades to bring them on par with Lagos, which previously absorbed over 90% of maritime traffic. This strategic redistribution has decongested Lagos ports, boosted regional trade, and enhanced overall port efficiency.
To address the seasonal limitations of Onitsha Port due to inconsistent dredging of the River Niger, Dantsoho initiated comprehensive dredging efforts, ensuring year-round operations and unlocking the port’s economic potential. Dantsoho’s ambitious modernisation agenda includes a $1 billion reconstruction of the Tincan Island Port Complex and comprehensive rehabilitation of Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri, and Calabar ports.
These projects, supported by the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, aim to rejuvenate port facilities, streamline operations, and attract investment. His leadership has driven a remarkable 45.1% surge in cargo traffic and a 9.7% increase in container throughput, reflecting heightened trade activity and operational efficiency.
The introduction of an electronic truck call-up system has further revolutionised port operations, significantly reducing gridlock on access roads and improving traffic flow, thereby enhancing the overall user experience. Aligned with President Tinubu’s vision, Dantsoho has championed the commissioning of inland dry ports, such as the Funtua Inland Dry Port in Katsina State, to promote non-oil exports and facilitate trade.
The planned $1 billion Snake Island Port, spanning 85 hectares within the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone, represents a bold step toward solidifying Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub. These initiatives, coupled with advanced monitoring systems and port modernisation, are positioning Nigeria’s ports to compete on a global stage.
Dantsoho’s transformative vision extends beyond infrastructure. His election as president of the Port Management Association of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA) underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in the global maritime community, marking a significant milestone for the sector. His pragmatic leadership emphasises human capital development, recognising a skilled workforce as the backbone of innovation and efficiency.
Through merit-based promotions and enhanced staff welfare packages, Dantsoho has fostered a motivated workforce, driving performance and curbing corruption. These efforts have created a culture of accountability and excellence within the NPA, aligning with its mission to deliver world-class port services.
In line with President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” policy, Dantsoho supports the establishment of the Nigeria Revenue Service, which will centralise revenue collection for the NPA, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigeria Customs Service. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in revenue management. Additionally, promoting indigenous ownership of shipping vessels aligns with the administration’s goal of strengthening Nigeria’s maritime sovereignty and economic independence.
Dantsoho’s leadership is a testament to the power of proficiency, dedication, and patriotism. His bold reforms and tangible achievements are not only revitalising the NPA but also contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth. By addressing systemic challenges and implementing strategic initiatives, he is transforming Nigeria’s ports into engines of prosperity, enhancing trade, and improving the lives of Nigerians.
Dantsoho’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda is evident in every facet of his work, from infrastructure development to operational efficiency and global competitiveness. As a steadfast apostle of President Tinubu’s blueprint, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho exemplifies the potential for transformative change in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
His dynamic leadership is redefining the NPA’s role as a catalyst for economic development, restoring national pride, and positioning Nigeria as a global maritime leader. Through his visionary initiatives, Dantsoho is not just renewing hope at the NPA—he is charting a bold course for Nigeria’s maritime future, ensuring its ports shine as beacons of progress and opportunity in Africa and beyond.
*Okanga writes from Abuja
Alleged Manipulation of Defilement Case Sparks Call for Review of Legal Advice in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A legal controversy has emerged in Lagos following a petition seeking a review of a legal advice issued in a case involving two female teachers accused of negligence in a child injury incident at a nursery school in Ikorodu.
The petition, submitted by Crown Cannan Attorneys, urges the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to reconsider the legal advice issued on September 16, 2022, in the case titled Commissioner of Police vs. Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba and Rukayat Lawal.
Addressed to the former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the application argues that the legal advice may have been influenced by what the petition describes as a “deliberate manipulation of facts.”
According to counsel representing the defendants, the allegations stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on October 26, 2021, at Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School located in the Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
The defendants, Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, 26, and Rukayat Lawal, 24, were reportedly the class teacher and assistant class teacher respectively in charge of a Nursery One class where the incident occurred.
Court documents indicate that a three-year-old pupil, identified as Victim A, was reportedly injured after another pupil allegedly pierced a pencil into her private part during school hours.
The prosecution claims the incident occurred due to the failure of the teachers to exercise adequate care and supervision over the children under their custody.
Based on this allegation, the two educators were charged with negligence under Section 252 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which addresses acts that may cause harm through lack of proper care.
The defendants were subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Court No. 2 in Ikeja on April 19, 2022, where they faced a one-count charge relating to the incident.
During the investigation conducted at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, several civil society groups reportedly monitored the proceedings.
Among them were representatives of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and other non-governmental organizations.
These groups reportedly raised concerns about what they described as a growing tendency to weaponise allegations of child abuse in ways that could unfairly damage reputations and careers.
In its petition, the defence team argued that the case deserves a fresh review to ensure that justice is served based on verified facts rather than assumptions or public pressure.
They urged the Ministry of Justice to carefully reassess the legal advice and the circumstances surrounding the investigation to determine whether the prosecution should proceed as currently framed.
Legal observers say the outcome of the requested review could determine the next stage of the case and may also highlight broader concerns about investigative procedures and child protection cases within the justice system.
Reacting to a viral social media post by Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, who claimed she might be jailed for defilement, the head teacher of Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Edaolaropin Toyin, provided the school’s account of events.
According to her, the pupil identified as Victim A was enrolled in the Nursery One class on September 20, 2021, which had about 15 pupils.
She explained that on October 26, 2021, the pupil was transported home on the school bus after closing hours and handed over to her father around 4:30 p.m.
“Later that night, the pupil’s mother allegedly contacted the head teacher, claiming her daughter cried while bathing and alleged that a male classmate, Victim B, had inserted a pencil into her private part during school hours,” she said.
The school, however, rejected the allegation, maintaining that no such incident occurred while the child was in its custody.
“The following morning, the teacher visited the pupil’s home, where the father reportedly denied the mother’s account of the incident,” Toyin added.
She said the situation escalated later that day when the child’s parents arrived at the school with police officers from Imota Police Station demanding that the alleged male classmate be produced.
The head teacher further stated that the school management had supported Tobiloba throughout the legal process.
“Since the incident happened, the school management has never stopped supporting Tobiloba’s welfare until last year when she sent a WhatsApp message saying she was no longer interested in the court matter, claiming she had relocated to Ibadan,” she said.
She described the claims currently circulating on social media as “defamatory narratives.”
*GEN CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE MOURNS FALLEN HEROES AND URGES UNITY IN SECURITY SUPPORT
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) expresses its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Grand Patron of the Initiative, and the families of the fallen heroes who courageously lost their lives in a recent attack by ISWAP in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Dalori in Borno State, northeast Nigeria. Among the tragic losses were three senior military commanders: Major U.I. Mairiga, Lt-Col Umar Faruq, and Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, who dedicated their lives to the service of our nation.
The GCGMSI implores the public to continue supporting our security agencies, emphasizing that the safety and security of our nation is a collective responsibility. Every day, our security forces pay the ultimate price to safeguard our country. We urge the public to remain supportive, pray for their success, and refrain from politicizing the security challenges we face.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, which has been made available to the press. The statement highlights the initiative’s profound concern for the losses sustained by our security personnel and reflects on the broader security situation in Nigeria.
In his unwavering commitment to addressing the insecurity plaguing our nation, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, has consistently engaged in urgent meetings with service chiefs, reinforcing strategic plans to combat threats and enhance national security. His leadership and decisive actions demonstrate a dedication to restoring peace and stability across our regions, ensuring a safer environment for all Nigerians.
society
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
By Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
In these challenging times, it is essential for all Nigerians to rally behind our leaders, particularly His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the Minister of Defence. The security of our nation is not a matter to be taken lightly or politicized. Gen. Musa, recognized for his unwavering dedication and sacrifice, has served our country commendably throughout his life.
Following the recent reshuffle of service chiefs by President Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu GCFR, which resulted in Gen. Musa’s retirement as Chief of Defence Staff, many voiced their concerns. Yet, upon his appointment as Minister of Defence, there was a renewed sense of hope among the populace. Gen. Musa has embraced his role with an unwavering commitment, often sacrificing his rest to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.
While it is undeniable that Nigeria faces security challenges, we must approach these issues with unity rather than division. It is crucial to recognize that those who politicize our national security are often those who have not contributed positively to the success of our security agencies. Instead of spreading negativity, we should support Gen. Musa in his mission to restore peace and stability.
To achieve our collective goal of a secure Nigeria, we must provide Gen. Musa with the trust he deserves. His vision and determination, paired with our support and prayers, can pave the way to overcoming the challenges we face. It’s time for every Nigerian to put aside political differences and work together for the common good. Let us have faith in our leaders and trust in Gen. Musa’s ability to steer our nation towards safety and security.
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