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Tag: NSC

  • Lies, Falcons’ $100,000 bonuses fully paid — NSC

    Lies, Falcons’ $100,000 bonuses fully paid — NSC

    Hon Bukola Olopade, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) has dismissed the reports that the Super Falcons have not received their tournament bonuses, insisting that all entitlements have been paid except for a few cases affected by banking issues.

    Olopade while speaking on Arise News TV’s ‘The Morning Show’ said he had personally confirmed with the team’s captain, Rasheedat Ajibade and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that the players’ bonuses had been settled.

    “I have spoken to Ajibade directly and I have in my phone messages between Ajibade and Mallam Shehu Dikko, the chairman of the Sports Commission, where she vehemently denied ever saying their bonuses have not been paid.

    “I know authoritatively that all their bonuses, without going into figures, have been paid,” Olopade stated. “I have confirmed from NFF and I have confirmed from Ajibade, but for only one or two whose accounts have issues with the CBN, all of their monies have been paid in terms of the bonuses.”

    The NSC boss said it was misleading to suggest otherwise, adding, “To now say the bonuses have not been paid is not true. I don’t think we should put the young woman (Ajibade) in the predicament of denying or saying she said something she didn’t say, when in the real sense, the money is in their accounts.”

    On the $100,000 presidential gift, Olopade also addressed the delay in delivering the $100,000 cash gift and three-bedroom apartments promised by President Bola Tinubu to each Falcons player following their victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

    The DG assured that the government was committed to fulfilling the promise and that discussions were ongoing to fast-track the process.

    “On the promise Mr President made, we need to stop playing politics and games with everything, it will be paid. A few days ago, Mallam Shehu Dikko was still talking to the Minister for Housing and I sat down with the gentleman in charge of the Renewed Hope Homes, and work has already started on how they will get the apartments in record time,” he explained.

  • Sports commission clarifies Ofili’s allegiance switch status

    Sports commission clarifies Ofili’s allegiance switch status

    The National Sports Commission (NSC) has clarified that it has not received any official communication from Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili regarding her alleged switch of allegiance to Turkey.

    NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, made this known during a news  conference at Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Wednesday.

    According to him, in spite of the news circulating about Ofili’s switch, she remains a Nigerian athlete for now.

    He said that Ofili’s decision is reportedly due to administrative issues and neglect by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), including missing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 100m event at the Paris Olympics.

    “The NSC has not received any official communication from Ofili regarding her switch. The NSC has been supporting Ofili through its Elite Athletes Programme (EAP), which provides grants to elite athletes to aid their preparation for major competitions.

    “The commission provides annual grants of 20,000 U.S. dollars to athletes on Category A of the Elite Programme, aiming to enhance Nigeria’s performance in international sports,” Olopade stated.

    Olopade emphasised the commission’s commitment to supporting athletes both in their sporting endeavors and in life beyond competition.

    “Athletes’ welfare is non-negotiable,” he said,

    He highlighted the establishment of an Elite Athletes and Podium Board to address issues related to athlete support and performance.

    Olopade said that the commission  has done a lot behind the scenes to support athletes and will continue.

  • We have lost a true icon in Chukwu — NSC D-G

    We have lost a true icon in Chukwu — NSC D-G

    The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has described the late Christian Chukwu as a true icon and national hero who contributed immensely to the growth of Nigerian football.

    Olopade stated this in a condolence message on Saturday in Abuja following the passing of the legendary former Super Eagles captain and coach.

    The NSC D-G extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Chukwu and the entire Nigerian football community.

    Recall that Chukwu, 74, died on Saturday after a period of illness.

    He was one of Nigeria’s most iconic football figures, fondly called ‘Chairman’, he captained Nigeria’s national team to its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980, defeating Algeria 3–0 in the final at the National Stadium in Lagos.

    He later served as head coach of the Super Eagles and remained a towering figure in Nigerian football.

    Olopade who expressed shock at his demise, described him as a leader of men.

    “Chukwu is a true icon, a leader of men, and a national hero whose contributions to the growth of Nigerian football will never be forgotten.

    “He was not just a footballer; he was a symbol of pride, discipline, and excellence.

    “His leadership on and off the field inspired generations, and his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of millions of Nigerians. The nation mourns the loss of a giant, Olopade said.

    The former Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development said the NSC will continue to pay tribute to the Enugu-born icon whose influence remain etched in the annals of African football history.

    NAN reports that Chukwu began his football journey with Enugu Rangers, leading the club to domestic dominance and continental success, including the now-defunct African Cup Winners Cup in 1977.

    He also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s golden football era, assisting Dutch tactician Clemens Westerhof when the Super Eagles won the 1994 AFCON and qualified for their first FIFA World Cup.

    As head coach, he guided the team to a third-place finish at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia.

  • New NSC boss pledges to transform sports in Nigeria

    New NSC boss pledges to transform sports in Nigeria

    Newly appointed National Sports Commission Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko has pledged to establish a robust framework for the transformation of sports in Nigeria.

    Dikko disclosed this after a closed door meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the immediate past Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh, on Friday in Abuja.

    Dikko said that the meeting was part of early consultations and groundwork aimed at transforming the sports sector in line with international best practices.

    “The meeting is part of early groundwork to establish a robust framework aimed at transforming Nigeria’s sports landscape into a sustainable sports economy,” Dikko said.

    He stressed the need for all stakeholders to rally behind the NSC so as to achieve the Commission’s mandate and elevate Nigerian sports.

    “This new direction is expected to boost professionalism, create economic opportunities, and enhance sports infrastructure and development across the country.

    “The united front of all stakeholders is essential in achieving the ambitious goals of the NSC and take Nigerian sports to unprecedented heights,” he added.

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday appointed Shehu Dikko as Chairman of the National Sports Commission.

    This was after the president scrapped the Ministry of Sports Development and had its functions transferred to the Commission in order to develop a vibrant sports economy.

  • We’ve saved Nigeria billions of Naira – NSC

    We’ve saved Nigeria billions of Naira – NSC

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Pius Akutah, said it has saved Nigeria from spending billions of Naira by performing its statutory roles and functions.

    Akutah said this on Sunday at a maiden visit to Kaduna to interact with the council’s staff and the State Shippers Association (KSSA).

    He said that the council’s dispute resolution mechanism was effective and it has bolstered its operations.

    According to Akutah, complaints such as loss of cargoes and charges accompanied by it from owners, among other issues, were handled professionally and resolved by the council.

    He also said that revamping the rail transportation, which was on course by the President Bola Tinubu administration would go a long way in ensuring a viable means of moving cargoes from the sea port to land.

    Akutah said, “Rail transportation is the best and most effective and cheaper means of transporting cargoes from the hinterland to the sea port.”

    He recalled that the council and the Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) had signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance rail transport integration in ports.

    Akutah explained that the collaboration was aimed at tackling the challenges of rail transportation costs and promote the use of rail systems for efficient cargo movement.

    The executive secretary disclosed that there were ongoing discussions by the Federal Government on the repair and use of the old light gauge, which would be dedicated for cargo movements alone.

    He stated that, however expensive the rail system was, it was crucial to build rail lines, extolling efforts to revamp them by the Federal Government.

    Describing the shippers association as a critical component of what the council does, he said, they protect their interests to ensure they are very strong and work to support the activities of trade in the country.

    Akutah said, “We are working to see how the national body of the shippers association is put together so they continue the good work they are doing.”

    Speaking on the Cargo Defence Fund (CDF), he said the initiative provides comprehensive legal and technical support to importers and exporters.

    They include services like litigation loans, foreign legal representation, and risk management advice.

    He added that the CDF would ensure that cargoes were protected and business thrived.

    Akutah also commented on the Bill for an Act to repeal the NSC Act and enact the Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill and Related Matter.

    He said it aims to empower the NSC to effectively regulate the shipping industry, protect the interests of shippers, and promote economic growth.

    According to him, the proposed legislation would bring about the much-needed transparency, accountability, and efficiency to the sector.

    It will also strengthen the council’s regulatory powers, reducing costs, increasing competition, and improving service delivery.

    Akutah reassured the association of Tinubu’s commitment in giving the country a brand new maritime sector that does not deal only with maritime activities but beyond the blue economy.

    Also, the the President of the KSSA, Augustine Achilike, said the NSC in state has over the years, performed extremely well especially in the development of Inland Dry Port (IDP) and bringing shipping to their doorstep.

    He added that the council has conducted over six massive awareness seminars and workshop on the importance of trade facilitation in the hinterland and neighboring countries.

    Achilike also said that IDP has formed all clearing facilities and government agencies that their members need not to go to Lagos port to clear goods.

    He equally said their major challenge was the revitalisation of the railway system, which would reduce cost, time and increase volumes in their business.

    Achilike also solicited for an office by the council to assist in their operations, programmes and registration activities.

    The president also urged the council to activate the national association  for them to speak in one voice and support the NSC policy.

    He thanked Akuteh for the visit, stressing that it would go along way in boosting their morale to do more for development of shippers and the economy of the nation in general.

  • Shippers’ council to clear 616 containers from Lagos ports

    Shippers’ council to clear 616 containers from Lagos ports

    The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says it is taking immediate measures to remove 616 long-standing export containers trapped in Lagos ports.

    The Executive Secretary, NSC, Mr Pius Akutah, said this when his team visited the APM Terminal Complex in Apapa, Lagos, on Friday.

    He expressed concern over the growing number of abandoned export containers due to non-compliance with regulatory guidelines.

    Akutah said there were plans to engage stakeholders to address the issue while emphasising  the importance of promoting ease of documentation for exporters.

    “The council needs to quickly bring the service providers, regulators, government agencies and exporters together on one table to discuss and discover where the problem lies.

    “We would also take up issues of awareness creation to sensitise exporters on how to comply with the export procedure.

    “NSC will work towards promoting ease of documentation by exporters.

    “The council needs to do that very quickly because the present situation is not helping the economy, especially as the government is trying to promote exports to earn scarce dollars,” Akutah said.

    Akutah emphasised the need to put a mechanism in place to stop export containers that had not completed the necessary documentation from entering the port to avoid the pilling of overtime cargo.

    Earlier, Kayode Daniel, Government Relations Manager at APM Terminals, said that 1,940 containers had been in Apapa Port between zero day and 10 days, adding that 1,524 containers had stayed between 11 days and 20 days.

    Daniel said that 757 containers had stayed between 21 days and 30 days, while 616 had stayed between 31 days and over two years, noting that this classified them as abandoned export containers.

    He said that APM Terminals had been pushing for the evacuation of the trapped export containers and had received a commitment from shipping lines.

    According to him, these include Maersk, CMA, CGA and Zim to move about 2,752 export containers out of the port in the next five days.

    Daniel said that the inability of some exporters to complete the processes required for export containers to leave the port was creating operational bottlenecks for the terminal operator.

    This, he noted, was by way of multiple handling of export containers.

    Daniel said that exporters had been complaining of ineffective export procedures.

    “The export procedures are not moving fast; not knowing the technicalities of their action or inaction because Customs will not authorise the loading of an export without proper documentation.

    “There is an established process that is clearly defined by government agencies, but some exporters are not complying with it strictly,” he added.

    The terminal manager, APM Terminals, Mr Steen Knudsen, said that technically, export container was not supposed to stay within the port terminal for more than seven days, adding that all shipping lines come to Apapa on a weekly frequency.

    Knudsen said that the terminal operator could not mandate the shipping line to load the container as it was an arrangement strictly between the exporter, Customs and the shipping line.

    According to him, most of these export containers that arrive at the port were ‘good to go’ but it is only when they get to the port that Customs and other authorities will discover some missing elements.

    He said that discovering the missing element by officials would enable the shipping line not to load the containers.

    Knudsen said that the service providers, Shippers Council, Customs, Nigerian Ports Authority and other players need to work together to improve the export process in Nigerian ports.

    Also contributing, the General Manager Legal of APM terminal, Mrs Chinenye Deinde, said there was a need to critically examine the export value chain to identify the source of the problem.

    She said that the clearance needed for export was not only regulatory by the government, adding that shippers also need to pay the freight for the shipping line to lift the container.

    Deinde said that the business agreement that the exporter enters into with the shipping line made it mandatory for the shipping company to lift the export boxes if only the exporter complies with all the trade guidelines.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu appoints new CEOs for shippers council, waterways authority

    BREAKING: Tinubu appoints new CEOs for shippers council, waterways authority

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of two new Chief Executive Officers in Parastatals and Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu approved the appointment of Alhaji Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji as the Managing Director/CEO, for the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

    Tinubu has also approved the appointment of Mr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima as the Executive Secretary/CEO for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).

    According to a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, the appointments are in line with the recommendations of the Honourable Minister, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola:

    TNG reports Alhaji Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji is a graduate of Banking and Finance and holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Business Administration.

    He is an Economist with industry experience of more than 28 years before he entered the public service.

    In the public service, he first reversed the downward trajectory of the Osun State Investment Company Limited before serving as the Osun State Commissioner of Finance for eight years.

    Mr. Akutah Ukeyima on the other hand is a graduate of Law and holds a Master’s degree in Public International Law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

    He most recently served as the Head of the Central Authority Unit, International Cooperation in Criminal Matters, Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

    “President Bola Tinubu tasks the new appointees in this vital sector to faithfully implement the policies and programmes of the Honourable Minister in pursuit of the expeditious and efficient attainment of bolstered revenues and investments as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s Blue Economy strategy,” the statement by Ngelale reads.

  • NGO raises alarm over new storage charges at Nigerian ports

    NGO raises alarm over new storage charges at Nigerian ports

    The Anti Corruption Initiative (T-PACI) has raised concerns about the negative impact of the new storage charges at Nigerian ports on the country’s economy.

    The President of the organisation, Mr Stephen Ibe, at a news conference in Lagos on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government through the port regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), to look into the matter.

    Ibe highlighted a significant increase in storage charges, with a 350 per cent jump in the cost of a 40 feet container per day from N15,000 to N100,000 in port terminals.

    Ibe noted that this steep increase places a burden on Nigerians and could have adverse effects on the populace.

    Ibe also criticised the practice of stacking additional containers on top of a forty-footer container, for which each incurs a separate N100,000 charge.

    He emphasised that any attempt by terminal operators to further increase storage charges should not be tolerated.

    According to him, Nigerians should rely on the law and due process to ensure that corruption is not enabled within the port.

    “We are strongly against the sudden surge in increase of storage charges in the port and we describe this act as fraudulent and a corrupt practice being perpetuated by the terminal operators.

    “T-PACI is not saying that port concession Aries should not increase the port charges, but before such increment is effected, due consultation with relevant stakeholders should be done.

    “The issue of storage/rent charges should be a no go area. We all know that when the Nigerian Ports Authority was in charge, the final period of storage charge was not up to N1,500.

    “However, since the commencement of the current ports concessionaires took over, they have effected incessant increase in port charges almost everyday till the point we have now,” he said.

    Ibe called for the concessionaires to remove obstacles that hinder the timely clearance of cargo at the port.

    Also speaking, Mr Humphrey Okwuosa, the National Public Relations Officer of the organisation, pointed out that some of the duties paid at the port contravene the rules set by the World Customs Organisation and the World Trade Organisation.

    He stressed the need for adherence to transaction value and highlighted that current practices could lead to inflation in the country.

    “The one that baffles one is the maritime police alert which is done randomly. We should know that this hinders trade and should be checked,” he said.

    He added that the Nigerian factor in the port should be addressed, as whatever was happening now would lead to inflation in the country.

    The organisations PRO also urged the National Assembly members in charge of the oversight function in the port to rise up to address the issue at the port bfore it gets out of hand.

    A member, Capt. Isa Bawa, a member of the organisation, emphasised the necessity of providing additional equipment to facilitate the smooth evacuation of cargo at the port.

    Bawa said that despite having the capability to scan up to 500 containers per day, only 300 containers were currently being processed due to a shortage of vehicles.

    Other members present at the conference were Mr Joseph Ezeali, National Secretary, Eke Okogbue and others.

    Terminal operators in the Lagos port on Oct. 16 increased their storage charge due to high cost of operations.

  • NSC orders the re-opening of Obajana cement plant in Kogi state

    NSC orders the re-opening of Obajana cement plant in Kogi state

    The National Security Council (NSC) has issued an order for the re-opening of the Obajana cement plant shut down by the Kogi State Assembly last week.

    The decision to re-open the plant enmeshed in crisis since last week in Kogi state was taken today, (Friday) at a security meeting held in Abuja the country’s capital.

    The council also advised that all that issues in contention be resolved legally adding that the government’s commitment to providing employment was not negotiable.

    Recall that the Kogi state House of Assembly last week ordered the closure of the Obajana Cement plant until the issue surrounding ownership of the cement plant was resolved.

    The state government had claimed that available documents showed that the plant belonged to it 100 percent, a claim refuted by the Dangote industries which claimed that the Kogi State Government had no stake whatsoever in the plant adding that the Kogi state government was not entitled to any dividend in the company.

    While the Kogi state government queried Dangote over the purported transfer of Obajana to Dangote Industries Limited as well as tax evasion, an allegation that Dangote, on the other hand, came out to deny.

    In a release signed by the group managing director of Dangote Cement Plc, Michel Puchercos, the firm said the Obajana Cement plant in Kogi state is 100 percent owned by the company.

     

  • Nigeria losses $9.1bn freight revenue

    Nigeria losses $9.1bn freight revenue

    Mr Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), on Sunday said the country was losing $9.1billion yearly on freight revenue that would have accrued to its treasury.

    He said the amount was being lost to foreign ships.

    Bello, who spoke on the feasibility of the proposed National Carrier, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that foreign shipping lines were milking the country dry.

    “We need to have national carrier because of the profound economic impact it will have on our economy. We have lost so much in terms of earnings of freight to foreign shipping companies.

    “Nigerians don’t operate any ship at all that is on the part of the dry cargo. On the wet cargo, Nigerians don’t lift the crude and the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi thought that this imbalance is very dangerous to the economy.

    “So he set up a committee with the Nigeria Shippers Council as chairman to lead the private sector and we started working with PIL which is a Singaporean shipping company.

    “We signed an MOU with it about three years back but the operating atmosphere of shipping in Nigeria is murky and not profitable because there are many obstacles which include lack of incentives.

    There are also lack of government infrastructure and government support.

    ”Fourthly, unwillingness or inability of Nigeria’s private sector to support this very important enterprise is another issue,” Bello said.

    Bello said that the committee for the national fleet implementation had to go back to look at it closely. “We have now retraced our steps”.

    ”The national fleet is such an important venture that it has to be painstakingly done. We are talking about one or two-year project,” he said.

    He added that “what we have done was because the government is very serious about the economy, we were able to approach and get the audience of the Vice-President and we addressed the Economic Management Team on the vision.

    This project, if we get it right, it means much more earnings for freight.

    “Each year, we lose 9.1billion dollars in freight to foreign ships.

    ”Between 2004 and 2017, Nigeria recorded total vessel traffic of 25,256 vessels with the total gross freight of $39 billion and earning a paltry sum of $1 billion as levy for NIMASA.

    “It means greater revenue for the government, employment for our people. It means setting up of associated industries, ship building, ship repairs, involvement of our financial institutions like banks and insurance, even the pride of having ships flying the Nigerian flags”.

    He said there were lots of reforms to be made and they include the flag administration and the ship registry of Nigeria.

    ”Both had to be reformed in line with international standard so that we could attract people to come and register ships in Nigeria.

    ”We need a vessel repairs and vessel building so that we don’t tow our ships to Singapore or Ghana for repairs. That will be a drain on the business.

    ”We need a reform of our nautical colleges, MAN Oron especially, so that they would produce the best of cadets so that cadets produced would have sea time experience, using Nigerian ships.

    “If we have investments and we are able to establish the fleet, that means NIMASA will accord that fleet the status of national carrier.

    ”And if this is done, it means that they will have first priority in cargo; project cargos, Nigerian cargo, cargo belonging to federal, state and LGAs,” he said.