News
Maritime Academy Targets N24bn Windfall as Reform Drive Gains Pace
By Gloria Ikibah
The Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, Akwa Ibom State has set an ambitious revenue target of N24.01 billion for the 2026 financial year, signalling a renewed push to strengthen its financial footing and operational capacity.
Acting Rector, Dr Kevin Okonna, presented the projection during a budget defence session before the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration on Wednesday.
From the proposed figure, a statutory remittance of N10.8 million to the Consolidated Revenue Fund is expected, leaving the academy with a net revenue of approximately N23.99 billion.
A significant portion of the projected income is to come from the five per cent statutory contribution from NIMASA, estimated at over N13.33 billion. Additional inflows are expected from the release of outstanding 2025 budget allocations worth N55 million and contributions from the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa fund, put at about N696.66 million.
Student-related revenue is also set to play a role, with cadet and tuition fees projected to generate N697.38 million. Other internally generated sources, including rent, are expected to contribute just over N30.17 million.
On the expenditure side, the academy plans to commit N8.79 billion to overhead costs, while personnel expenses are estimated at N1.36 billion. Capital projects are to take the largest share, with a proposed allocation of N13.86 billion.
Overall spending is expected to match the net revenue figure of N23.99 billion.
Okonna noted that the institution has undergone significant repositioning over the past year, aimed at boosting performance and aligning the academy with higher standards.
“In 2025 during the graduation ceremony out 2021 cadets that graduated we were able to get automatic employment and sea time experience for 80 of them.
“We mobilized intensively with stakeholders in the Maritime industry in particular the ship owners and that resulted in what we had in November 2025 during the graduation ceremony
“In addition to that between December and February 2026, we signed and MOU with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited for a three year duration agreement to provide onboard training opportunities for cadets of MAN. That has been implemented and we have successfully placed 43 of the cadets on nlng ships and they are sailing with the vessels,” he said.
The Maritime Academy of Nigeria has secured two international certifications covering its quality management systems, alongside a separate accreditation for its education management framework, marking a notable step in aligning its operations with global standards.
The institution has also improved campus living conditions, with uninterrupted 24-hour electricity now available to cadets and students.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Khadija Waziri-Bukar Ibrahim, highlighted the academy’s strategic importance in strengthening Nigeria’s maritime capabilities and developing skilled manpower.
She also underscored the broader significance of the maritime industry, describing it as a key driver of the nation’s economy.
“It supports international trade, enhances national security, and creates employment opportunities for our teeming youth. As a foremost training institution, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron plays a critical role in producing skilled manpower required to sustain and grow this sector.
“However, we are not unmindful of the challenges confronting the Academy-ranging from infrastructure deficits, training equipment gaps, accreditation requirements, to the need for modern simulation facilities that meet global maritime standards. These issues must be adequately reflected in your budget proposals, with clear justifications and measurable outcomes,” she said.
According to her, the Committee is committed to supporting initiatives that will enhance the quality of maritime education and training; improve infrastructure and learning facilities; strengthen staff capacity and welfare; promote international certifications and standards compliance; and ensure prudent and transparent use of public funds.
“At the same time, we expect the Management of the Academy to demonstrate a high level of fiscal discipline, accountability, and strategic planning. Budgetary allocations must translate into tangible improvements that can be seen and felt by cadets, staff, and the nation at large.
“As you present your budget, we urge you to be concise, factual, and transparent. Provide clear insights into your revenue projections, expenditure framework, ongoing projects, and priority areas for the fiscal year. The Committee will engage constructively, ask necessary questions, and make recommendations in the best interest of the sector and the Nigerian people,” she said.
She said the engagement was not adversarial but collaborative.
“Our shared goal is to strengthen the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron into a world-class institution capable of competing globally and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s blue economy,” she said.
By Nicholas Ojo
The Elders of the Gongola Peoples in Adamawa State have declared their strong opposition to what they described as attempts by unnamed interests within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to impose a governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, Markus Gundiri on behalf of the group, which represents ethnic nationalities from the former Gongola region, warned that any attempt to circumvent internal democracy in the selection of the party’s flagbearer would be firmly resisted.
The elders insisted that while they support the continuation of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the broader objectives of the APC at the national level, such support does not extend to what they termed “undemocratic imposition” of candidates at the state level.
“We will not accept, tolerate, or allow any form of imposition on our people,” the group said. “Such tendencies are an affront to internal party democracy and a dangerous slide towards political authoritarianism.”
They stressed that the choice of a governorship candidate must emerge from a transparent, free and fair primary election, warning that any manipulation of the process could weaken the party’s chances in the general election.
“All aspirants must be given a level playing field. Whoever emerges must do so through the genuine choice of party members and delegates, not through the dictates of a powerful few,” the elders added.
The group further cautioned that disregard for the collective will of party stakeholders in Adamawa State could trigger resistance from ethnic nationalities within the region.
“Imposition only breeds resentment, weakens the party, and ultimately guarantees defeat at the general elections,” they warned.
They called on the APC leadership at both national and state levels to ensure adherence to internal democratic processes, insisting that credibility and fairness remain essential to the party’s stability and electoral success.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to justice, equity, fairness, and the empowerment of the people, urging political actors to respect democratic norms as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
The court fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of trial proceedings and the hearing of bail applications filed by the defendants.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has granted an accelerated hearing in the trial of six suspects accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The court fixed April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the commencement of trial proceedings and the hearing of bail applications filed by the defendants.
During proceedings, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution had witnesses available, subject to the convenience of the court.
Counsel for the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, indicated that his client’s bail application was due for a hearing.
Justice Abdulmalik, however, ruled that the trial would commence before any bail applications were considered.
Counsel for the second, third, and sixth defendants, Paul Erokoro, A. I. Yeru, and N. S. Diri, respectively, expressed reservations about their readiness to proceed, citing the short notice given to them and the complex nature of the case.
Justice Abdulmalik then directed all counsel to agree on dates suitable for a speedy trial.
The court subsequently fixed the hearing dates for the accelerated trial.
The Federal Government had last Wednesday arraigned the suspects.
The defendants, including Major General Ibrahim Gana (retd), who was in a wheelchair; retired naval captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani, pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge when it was read in their hearing.
Following their plea of not guilty, Fagbemi asked that they be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and for an expeditious trial.
Justice Abdulmalik, therefore, ordered an accelerated trial and that the defendants be placed in the custody of the DSS.
The case was adjourned to April 27 for trial and an accelerated hearing.
The government filed a 13-count charge against the suspects last Tuesday before the court against the suspects.
Also listed in the charge, but said to be at large, was a former Minister of Petroleum, Timiprye Sylva.
The charge, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), accused the defendants of offences ranging from alleged treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired in 2025 “to levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.
Earlier, journalists were barred from covering the trial of six alleged coup plotters, raising concerns about the transparency in handling the matter.
Judiciary correspondents were on Monday left uncertain about developments in the case, particularly as the suspects’ bail application was pending before the court.
Trump shared photos of the suspect handcuffed on the carpeted hotel floor, lying shirtless and face down.
A California man accused of storming a gala dinner attended by President Donald Trump is expected to appear in court Today over a shooting that marks the latest spasm of political violence in deeply divided America.
Administration officials said the suspect in Saturday night’s shocking attack apparently aimed to kill Trump and senior officials at the press dinner in a Washington hotel, in what would be the third attempt on the president’s life in two years.
Trump, who was rushed out of the ballroom in Washington by Secret Service agents, posted surveillance footage of the gunman attempting to sprint past a checkpoint one floor above the room where the dinner was held.
After a brief exchange of gunfire with agents, the suspect was detained at the scene.
Trump shared photos of the suspect handcuffed on the carpeted hotel floor, lying shirtless and face down.
Members of the FBI knock on the doors of neighbors of a home (out of frame) associated with the suspected White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooter in Torrance, California, on April 26, 2026.
In an interview aired Sunday night on the CBS programme “60 Minutes” Trump was asked if he feared there would be casualties as the chaotic scene unfolded before him: Washington’s government and media elite in formal attire ducking for cover at a fancy dinner.
“I wasn’t worried. I understand life. We live in a crazy world,” Trump said.
“He’s not actively cooperating. I expect that he will be formally charged tomorrow morning in federal court in Washington,” acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche told CBS’s “Face The Nation” earlier in the day.
“We do believe, based upon just a very preliminary start to understanding what happened, that he was targeting members of the administration.”
Blanche added that no further motive was known for the attack, and confirmed the suspect — who officials said was armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives — was staying at the Washington Hilton hotel where the black-tie White House Correspondents’ Dinner was held.
Guests Hid Under Tables
Trump, without providing details, said the gunman had written an “anti-Christian” manifesto.
“The guy is a sick guy. His sister or his brother actually was complaining about it. They were even complaining to law enforcement,” Trump told Fox News.
The New York Post said the suspect, widely named as Cole Allen, 31, had written in a message shared with his family shortly before the attack that his targets would be “prioritised from highest-ranking to lowest.”
In the seconds after the shooting on a floor above, Secret Service agents swarmed into the ballroom, prompting chaotic scenes as attendees dove under tables.
Crowded into the ballroom were Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, several cabinet members and top lawmakers, and hundreds of guests in black tie.
Trump said at a hastily arranged late-night news conference at the White House that he first thought the noise was a tray being dropped, before realizing it was gunfire.
He said he hoped the annual gala, hosted by the White House Correspondents Association, would be rescheduled within a month.
“They seem to think he was a lone wolf, and I feel that too,” the president said.
One officer was shot at close range in his safety vest and appeared to be not seriously harmed.
Trump added that the hotel venue was “not a particularly secure” facility, as questions swirled about the president’s safety protocols.
Multiple Attempts On Trump’s Life
Trump was the target of an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024.
A gunman fired several shots, killing an audience member and lightly wounding the president in the ear.
Agents draw their guns after loud bangs were heard during the White House Correspondents’ dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC, on April 25, 2026.
A few months later, another man was arrested after a Secret Service agent saw the barrel of a rifle poking from the bushes on the perimeter of the West Palm Beach golf course where Trump was playing a round.
The Washington Hilton, where Saturday’s gala was taking place, is the site where Republican President Ronald Reagan was shot by a would-be assassin in 1981.
Trump on Sunday said the shooting underlined the security reasons that he has cited for planning a huge new ballroom next to the White House, a project that has faced legal challenges.
The White House Correspondents’ Association invited Trump to its gala this year despite his repeated attacks on the media.
Before this year and unlike all other presidents from the past 100 years, Trump had never attended while in office.
The dinner brings together journalists and the who’s who of Washington to raise funds for scholarships and awards.
The incident came less than 48 hours before King Charles III and Queen Camilla begin a four-day state visit to Washington.
AFP
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