Category: Maritime

Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON: A Hearty Salute to Doctoral Excellence

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Sooth News proudly extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, on this monumental academic milestone: a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law (International Criminal Cooperation) conferred at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi. By masterfully bridging the gap between high-level scholarship and maritime leadership, you have soothly signaled a new era for the industry. We are certain that your doctoral insights will serve as a powerful catalyst, fueling more efficient port operations, equitable justice…

Doctoral Milestone for Shippers’ Council Chief, Akutah: Charting a Sooth Course for Port Efficiency, Equitable Justice, and Effective Governance

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In a momentous fusion of academic rigor and visionary governance, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, PhD was formally conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in nternational Criminal Cooperation (Law) at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) during the University 8th Combined Convocation and 25th Anniversary held on Saturday April 11, 2026. This scholarly milestone reinforces Dr. Akutah’s commitment to a knowledge-driven agenda, as he continues to spearhead critical port automation reforms and regulatory strategies aimed at optimizing efficiency…

Port Efficiency: Shippers’ Council & NRS Engage Service Providers to Resolve Single Window Technical Latency

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To bolster port efficiency, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) are partnering with shipping companies and terminal operators to grant relief to stakeholders hit by National Single Window (NSW) implementation delays. This intervention ensures THAT stakeholders (importers and clearing agents) are not unfairly penalized by system-induced “glitches” as the nation migrates to a more streamlined digital trade platform. At a high-stakes meeting held Friday, April 10, at the NSC’s Lagos headquarters, maritime regulators and private sector leaders gathered to fine-tune the nation’s new digital trade landscape.…

Hormuz Lockdown: Iran Defies Peace Deal, Shuts Key Waterway to Oil Tankers

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Despite the 14-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran, hopes for a swift resumption of maritime traffic in the Gulf have been dashed. More than 24 hours after President Trump announced the truce—conditioned specifically on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—commercial shipping remains at a near-standstill. AIS tracking data from Pole Star Global reveals that while a handful of vessels have transited the waterway since the ceasefire took effect, the vast majority were bound exclusively for Iranian ports. According to AXSMarine, approximately 959 vessels are currently positioned west of the Strait…

Driving Maritime Growth: Shippers’ Council Signs 2026 Bond with Minister Oyetola After Record-Breaking 2025

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A historic milestone was achieved as the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq., MON, FCILT, Ph.D., formally signed the Council’s 2026 Sectoral Performance Bond. The signing ceremony took place during the recently concluded stakeholders’ engagement held at the Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos. In a landmark move for the sector, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, signed the 2026 Performance Bond, solidifying the strategic roadmap for the Council’s upcoming fiscal year. The Honourable…

National Economic Surge: FG Authorizes Shippers’ Council to Commence ICTN Procurement Process

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In a major boost for Nigeria’s maritime industry, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq., MON, FCILT, Ph.D, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, announced on Thursday, April 4th, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has approved the commencement of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) procurement process. Speaking at a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy event in Lagos, Dr. Akutah confirmed that the Council is set for the full implementation of the ICTN—a critical tool for trade facilitation. ICTN Implementation Guaranteed by Year-End: Dr. Akutah gave this…

Marwa Showcases NDLEA’s Global Reach; Bolsters International Ties at North European Maritime Summit

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In a continuous drive to curb narcotics trafficking—an effort that has earned significant global acclaim—Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has lauded the agency’s maritime intelligence officers. This commendation follows their successful participation in the North Sea and Channel Maritime Information Group meeting in Southampton, alongside strategic operational exchanges in Felixstowe and Portsmouth, United Kingdom. In a statement released Friday, April 3rd, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi highlighted Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa’s (Rtd) praise…

Unlocking the East: FG Pledges 21st-Century Upgrade for Regional Maritime Hubs

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Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has cleared the air on the Federal Government’s port modernization agenda, confirming it is a nationwide sweep rather than a Lagos-centric project. Minister Adegboyega Oyetola’s remarks during the first-quarter sectoral performance review underscore a strategic shift to decentralize Nigeria’s maritime economy. While the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island are undergoing a landmark $700 million modernization funded by the UK, the Minister confirmed that this “infrastructure drive” is now moving into the procurement phase for regional hubs including Warri, Port…

Professional Ties: CILT Nigeria President Boboye Oyeyemi Meets NBTE Executive Secretary Idris Bugaje to Foster Logistics-Education Synergy

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“In a strategic move to bolster Nigeria’s transport and logistics value chain, CILT Nigeria President Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi (OFR, mni, NPoM, FCILT) paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje. The visit at the Board’s headquarters reaffirms both institutions’ dedication to professional collaboration and national development. However, during the visit, the Institute and the NBTE explored key areas of partnership, focusing on enhancing professional competency and skills development within the transport sector under the national qualifications framework. The CILT delegation included key professional members:…

Emir of Zazzau Invests Maritime Expert, Aircraft Engineer, and CILT Leader Ibrahim Jibril as Sarkin Yakin Zazzau

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Celebrating a lifetime of selfless leadership, the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, has honored Mallam Ibrahim Abubakar Jibril, FCILT, with the prestigious title of Sarkin Yakin Zazzau.(Permanent Member of the Emirate Council and King Maker) Mallam Jibril, a retired NIMASA Director, previously served as the President of CILT Nigeria and as an International Vice President, marking a distinguished career in the maritime and logistics sectors. An invitation extended to the management of Sooth News confirms that the turbaning ceremony is slated for Friday, April 3rd. The event…