Connect with us

News

Reps Demand Tougher Accountability as NIMASA Sets 2026 Targets

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives of Nigeria has resolved to tighten oversight of the maritime sector, pressing for clearer performance benchmarks as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) prepares its 2026 budget.

During a budget defence session, the Chairman House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Rep. Khadija Abba-Ibrahim, signalled a more rigorous approach, insisting that agencies must match projections with measurable results.

The committee chair, emphasised that accountability will be central to the review process, warning that weak performance and lack of transparency will no longer be overlooked in submissions from NIMASA and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria.

Advertisement

She stressed that heads of agency must take full ownership of their financial plans and operational targets, noting that the exercise goes beyond routine legislative scrutiny and serves as a critical test of performance.

Figures presented at the session show that NIMASA is projecting gross revenue of about N724 billion in 2026, with expenditure plans spanning recurrent costs, capital projects, maritime security operations, seafarer development and infrastructure upgrades.

While acknowledging the agency’s vital role in securing Nigeria’s waters and supporting maritime trade, lawmakers maintained that expectations must now be tied to tangible outcomes, signalling a shift towards stricter performance-driven oversight.

“This session is an opportunity for the agency to clearly articulate its 2026 roadmap and address pressing concerns—ranging from maritime insecurity to capacity development and operational efficiency,” she said.

Advertisement

The committee demanded comprehensive and data-driven submissions, including details on maritime safety programmes, human capital development, revenue optimisation strategies, and the status of ongoing and proposed capital projects.

Describing the maritime sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic framework, the panel warned that every budgetary allocation must translate into tangible value strengthening security, boosting indigenous shipping capacity, and driving sustainable economic growth.

The lawmakers reaffirmed their readiness to support reforms and policies that will reposition the sector but made it clear that future approvals will be tied to performance, transparency, and impact.

Defending the agency’s projections, Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and efficiency across its operations.

Advertisement

He disclosed that the agency began full automation of its processes and revenue collection systems in 2025, following approval by the Federal Executive Council, with a focus on plugging leakages and improving accountability.

At the centre of the reform is the MOKOSA platform, introduced to ensure that all revenues due to government are properly tracked and remitted.

“We are not just digitising operations—we are securing revenue and enforcing accountability across board,” Mobereola stated.

On the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), the Director-General noted that the long-delayed scheme was relaunched in January and has already drawn interest from about 60 indigenous shipping companies.

Advertisement

He explained that a more stringent, bank-led framework has been put in place to avoid the pitfalls that previously undermined the fund.

“Under the new structure, financial institutions will assess risk and guarantee repayment before any disbursement. This ensures discipline and sustainability,” he explained.

The NIMASA boss added that broader efforts to support local shipowners, including improving access to vessels and essential materials, are underway and expected to gather pace under the reformed arrangement.

He also pointed to Nigeria’s return to the council of the International Maritime Organization after a 14-year absence, describing the development as a major milestone that strengthens the country’s influence in global maritime decision-making.

Advertisement

Despite these assurances, some lawmakers expressed reservations over the timing of the 2026 budget presentation, raising concerns about the absence of a detailed review of the agency’s 2025 performance before considering new proposals.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

Wike Hails Quality of Abuja Road Projects

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing road projects across Abuja, saying residents can now “see governance in action.”

Wike spoke on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Gbazango, popularly known as Arab Road in Kubwa.

The minister commended contractors handling the various projects, particularly local construction firm Abdul Val and Zeberced, for delivering quality work within schedule.

“With what we have seen today, right from the roads in Karu down to Apo-Karshi and now to Gbazango, which is popularly called Arab Road in Kubwa, we are very satisfied with the level of work that has taken place,” Wike said.

Advertisement

He praised Abdul Val for the quality of work on the Karu road project, noting that the company had earlier delivered the Ushafa road project commissioned last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“I’m quite impressed. This is the second time. If you remember, the Ushafa road commissioned last year was also carried out by Abdul Val, and they are doing the one in Karu now. They are doing a good quality job,” he stated.

According to him, the Karu road project will be among projects slated for inauguration during President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

Speaking on the Apo-Karshi road being handled by SCC, Wike described it as a critical project frequently demanded by residents, expressing optimism that it would be completed before the end of the year.

Advertisement

He also commended Zeberced for the ongoing Gbazango road project, which he said would also be inaugurated during the President’s third anniversary celebrations.

“If you remember, this company handled the A2 to Pai road commissioned by Mr. President last year. They are also handling the Goma to Yangoji road, which will also be inaugurated during the third anniversary,” he said.

“You can see the quality of work. You can see how happy the residents are seeing us here. Without invitation, they came out to appreciate the fact that they can now see governance in action.”

Wike stressed that beyond quality delivery, meeting project timelines remained equally important.

Advertisement

“One thing is doing a quality job, another thing is keeping to timeline. I’m very happy. I think the President’s third anniversary will be full of activities,” he added.

Continue Reading

News

“I don’t play politics of enmity” — Wike defends Visit to APC Chair Yilwatda(Photos)

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed insinuations following his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, stating that he does not practice “politics of enmity”.

​Speaking with newsmen during a project inspection on Wednesday, Wike clarified that his interaction with the APC chairman was a matter of personal association and professional courtesy rather than a formal political meeting.

The Minister had inspected the ongoing construction of roads in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa, to ensure completion as scheduled.

​Responding to questions regarding the lack of a formal briefing after the visit, the Minister maintained that he is under no obligation to disclose details of his private life or social interactions.

​Wike argued that every individual has the freedom to associate with others regardless of political affiliations.

​He maintained that the visit was private, questioning why such a personal act should be announced to the “whole world”.

Advertisement

​He rejected the idea that members of different political parties, such as the APC and PDP, should avoid each other.

​Wike reminded reporters of his long-standing relationship with Yilwatda, noting that both had served as colleagues when was a minister.

​”We’re all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of APC. So what I should do anytime I see him is to hide? Anytime he sees me, he should run away so people will not say something?”

​He explained that the visit was a reciprocal gesture after Yilwatda had made several unsuccessful attempts to see him at his office.

Wike noted that as a busy minister, he often receives many visitors, and since the APC Chairman could not secure an appointment at the office, he opted to visit the APC chairman at his residence to hear what he had to say.

​The Minister emphasized that his primary concern remained the fulfillment of his duties and the satisfaction of his “appointor”.

He stated that he remained indifferent to public perception or “what somebody on the road is thinking” as long as he is carrying out his assigned tasks dutifully.

Advertisement

​”What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” Wike concluded, asserting that the results of his work hold more weight than political speculation.

Continue Reading

News

Comedian AY narrates how Ekubo was all smiles in his dying moments

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

Comedian, AYo Makun, professionally known as AY, has spoken about the late Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo’s final moments.

Recall that Alex Ekubo died in Lagos hospital on Monday, May 11 2026, after a long battle with cancer.

Alex, who was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer in 2024, underwent a transplant.

In 2026, the liver failed again, and he died from complications hours after being placed on life support.

Advertisement

Speaking about Alex’s final moments in an Instagram post, Comedian AY, who was present at the hospital, revealed that Alex was smiling when he breathed his last breath.

“Some losses do not feel real no matter how many times you try to process them. Still struggling with the reality that you are gone, Alex.

From the laughter to the conversations, the random moments, the brotherhood, and all the memories we shared in this industry. This one hurts deeply.

“I was there. I saw you still smiling even in death. I saw the tears from friends and family. And honestly, a part of me is still in shock. Rest well my brother. You will be remembered beyond the lights, the cameras, and the fame”, AY wrote.

Advertisement

Also, Alex Ekubo’s friend, Godwin Nnadiekwe, revealed that Alex prepared his will before his death.

Godwin wrote on his Instagram story “Alex Ekubo. To think you already prepared your will, It’s a heartbreak I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.”

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News