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Chaotic Transport Policy Hurts Economy – Bello

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Alhaji Adeshina Bello, chairman and chief executive officer, Asha-Sea Traffic Agencies, a subsidiary of G.Morufat (Nigeria) Enterprises, had worked in various government agencies and public bodies in the Nigerian maritime industry. He spoke to peter ugwu on his expectations of the reform process of the nation’s transport system. 

Industrial practice
Clearing and forwarding has changed in so many ways. Things were done orderly and not the noisy manner we see today, particularly with non-professionals permeating the industry – they form bulk of problems facing maritime industry today. For instance, in the time past, you cannot practice clearing and forwarding without being licensed by the Customs and Excise, now Nigerian Customs Service. Then established companies will not transact business with individuals or unregistered firms. And if you are seeking an operational license it will be based on the area of your focus.
If you wanted to do clearing for companies, government will grant you Excise license to practice, but when it’s for individual company’s use, there is a separate license covering that aspect as well. The wharf (port) was peaceful and calm.
Even the Customs were divided into Maritime and the Plaintiff divisions. The Maritime section was in-charge of Customs related issues at the port, while the plaintiff engaged in combating smuggling. The war against smuggling was without bias or for personal inclinations or aggrandizement like we see today.

Shipping lines
Up to till the reign of former President Shehu Shagari, from 1999 – 1983 the ports administration was very functional because of the existence then of the Nigerian National Shipping Lines (NNSL) and other private shipping firms.
There was also no reliance on the roads for bulk transportation of goods from the ports in Lagos to the North and other parts of the country as it is today. The railway system used to be functional and quite effective too. Subsequently, bulk cargoes moving up North were through the railway, there was less pressure on the road.
The inability of governments overtime to be futuristic in national planning has led to the present deplete state of infrastructure, especially with obsolete transport policies.

Reforms
Whatever transformation agenda the present government has for the nation’s transport system must be made to stand the test of time. How do I mean? We need to have long-term template. If we are leaving a large chunk of the work in the hands of the private sector, then we must have policies that cannot be booted out my successive government. For instance, during Late Sanni Abacha’s regime, the Nigerian ports were turned to jamboree sites. It was during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s government that the managers started adjusting to the principles of ports operations.
If successive government should continue with its own policy on how our ports should be managed, it implies that we are not serious about ports reform. There must be a national transport policy capable of bettering the worth of the sector. As it is now, the sector is suffering from neglect. If government is thinking of resuscitate the rail system, that is welcome, but what happened to previous governments’ programmes on railways?
Until we begin to understand that short-term programmes do not favour transport system as such, then we are beating about the bush.

Regulations
I think the present government is operating towards the right direction by trying to consolidate the achievements made since the ports concession five years ago. However, they need to make it water tight by making sure that the private investors recoup their investment. What I mean here is that, there should be an enabling environment. Nevertheless, any port operator that fails to perform should not be treated as a sacred cow, so that the general public and the economy at large will benefit from that. And legislative matters concerning transport sector should be explicit to the level of fares driver collect, things are haphazardly done in the country as far as transport is concerned. 


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Myitura Launches Women-Focused Healthcare Financing Solutions to Bridge Access Gap

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In commemoration of Women’s Month, health-tech platform Myitura has released a new white paper addressing the critical gaps in healthcare financing for women in Nigeria.

Titled “Closing the Gap: Healthcare Financing for Women in Nigeria,” the report highlights how high out-of-pocket costs, limited insurance coverage, and socio-economic factors continue to prevent women from accessing timely healthcare.

According to the report, over 70% of healthcare expenses in Nigeria are paid out-of-pocket, disproportionately affecting women who often delay care due to financial and social constraints.

“When women can afford to take care of their health early, we don’t just save lives; we strengthen families, communities, and the economy,” said Chialuka Kelechi, MyItura’s Chief of Staff.

Key Insights from the White Paper:

  • Preventable conditions often escalate due to delayed care
  • Women are more likely to deprioritize their own health
  • Affordable, structured healthcare financing can significantly improve outcomes

Introducing a Women’s Health Initiative

As part of its commitment, Myitura is launching affordable women-focused health packages (powered by Mediloan), starting at ₦58,180, designed to encourage preventive care and early detection.

The package provides access to:

  • Fasting/Random Blood Sugar
  • Urinalysis
  • Electrolytes
  • Urea
  • Creatinine
  • Pap Smear Submitted slides
  • HIV I & II Rapid (Qualitative)
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Screening (Rapid)
  • Hepatitis C Virus Screening (Rapid)
  • Abdominopelvic Ultrasound
  • Ongoing support via the Myitura platform

Access:

Women can access these packages by downloading the Myitura app, which makes healthcare more accessible and convenient.

Myitura is a health-tech platform focused on improving access to healthcare through financing, technology, and preventive care solutions.

 


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DBI Unveils Nigeria Digital Economy Outlook 2026: Q1 Report Highlights Strategic Trends, Risks

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DigitalSENSE Business Intelligence (DBI), powered by ITREALMS Media, has launched the Nigeria Digital Economy Outlook 2026: Q1 Intelligence Report (Executive Edition), delivering vital insights for navigating Nigeria’s fast-paced digital landscape.

DBI Unveils Nigeria Digital Economy Outlook 2026: Q1 Report Highlights Strategic Trends, Risks

This executive summary spotlights trends, risks, and opportunities in telecommunications, fintech, digital infrastructure, policy shifts, and investment flows. It underscores digital transformation’s pivotal role in boosting economic growth, financial inclusion, and nationwide innovation.

DBI Publisher, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, emphasized its value for leaders: “This Executive Edition offers a sharp, strategic view of Nigeria’s digital economy during a pivotal moment. As the sector surges ahead, reliable intelligence is key to seizing opportunities and tackling risks.”

Key highlights include:

  • Broadband infrastructure expansion.

  • Surge in digital payments adoption.

  • Evolving regulations.

  • Investor pivot to sustainable, profitable ventures.

The report urges action on digital financial inclusion, infrastructure funding, skills training, and public sector digitization.

Freely accessible, the Executive Edition complements the premium Full Edition with in-depth analysis for executives and institutions. Stakeholders can request full access or briefings.

Media & Access Contacts:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.itrealms.com.ng


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NASENI Renewable Energy Industrial Park Underway as Construction Gains Momentum

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The on-going construction works at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI’s Renewable Energy Industrial Park, Gora, Nasarawa State is gathering momentum as the project is envisioned to address the country’s energy needs.

NASENI Renewable Energy Industrial Park Underway as Construction Gains Momentum

NASENI’s Renewable Energy Industrial Park, Gora, Nasarawa State

The project occupying a 40-hectare park designed as a multi-energy hub will help curb capital flight and save foreign exchange expenditure by enabling local production of key renewable energy components such as solar panels, mounting racks, wind systems and biomass technologies.

Speaking during an inspection visit on the project site on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Special Adviser to the Executive Vice Chairman on Renewable Energy, Engr. Suyud Abdullahi Muhammad, who also serves as the Gora Project Manager, disclosed that the initiative is designed to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported renewable energy equipment.

“There will be a wind assembly plant, small hydro power equipment production, and solar panel manufacturing; Renewable energy goes beyond just solar, and this park reflects that broader vision,” he said.

Abdullahi noted that the project aligns with NASENI’s goal of reducing energy poverty in Nigeria, where over 80 million citizens remain off-grid, while many connected to the national grid continue to experience inadequate power supply.

The Special Adviser also emphasised on the project’s industrialisation potential, highlighting its role in job creation and value chain development. The park is expected to generate 2,000 direct jobs, with an additional 50,000 indirect employment opportunities across supporting industries when completed.

“This initiative will localise the renewable energy value chain. Instead of relying on imports, Nigeria will begin to produce and eventually export these technologies, starting with the West African market and scaling up to the rest of the continent,” he added.

On sustainability and long-term viability, he revealed that the project is being executed in collaboration with private sector players, academia and other stakeholders, in line with NASENI’s “3Cs” principle of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation.

The ongoing construction is being handled by about 35 contracting firms, each handling specific components at varying levels of execution such as Multipurpose Halls for industrial productions, Research and Development (R&D) Centre, Knowledge Park, Energy Centre, Workshops, Researchers Lodge, Studio Apartments, Clinic, Restaurant, Wellness Centre, Solar Farm, Drivers Lounge, Gate House, Internal roads and drainage system and Fencing.

The Gora Renewable Energy Industrial Energy Park is considered a key component of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at strengthening local manufacturing, enhancing energy security and positioning Nigeria as a renewable energy hub in Africa.


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