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Gridlock in Nigeria’s Ports will Disappear Soon- Nigerian Shippers’ Council

Published

5 years ago

September 3, 2020

. ..As Council intensify plan To Digitilization of Shipping Process.

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barrister Hassan Bello, has assured that the gridlock typically experienced around Nigeria’s port corridors will soon disappear, following rail deployement and evacuation from the port, as well as the digitalization of shipping, to ensure effectivenes and better service delivery.

He stated this on Thursday, during an interactive session with Journalists in Abuja saying, Nigeria is too big to rely on one mode of transportation.

Barrister Bello revealed that the arrangement is on top gear to make use of rail transport which will be more effective and financially beneficial for their operations in the country.

According to him, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has now encouraged rail deployment and also evacuation from the port and that will be a cheaper rate.

“Three days ago, we had a meeting with NRC, NPA, the terminals where we strengthened the issue of the Standard Operating Procedures for rail.

“The most important thing is to make sure ports are efficient because, if ports are efficient, then a lot of benefits will be accrued to the government and the entire Nigerians. Many sectors will say, I contributed a certain amount to the GDP and we want transport to also be contributing to the GDP.

“There is no doubt about it, transport drives the economy, and what are we talking about, it’s all about infrastructure, employment, content, and so on.”

Barr. Bello however, expressed that one of the challenges facing the Council in the country is over-dependency on-road transportation.

“Before now, we had some challenges with Nigerian ports, because of some distortions, our dependence on the road has caused us a lot and has made it impossible for transportation to make expected contributions to the economy in terms of revenue, employment, and infrastructure but this government is very serious, if not for COVID-19, we would not be having gridlock, we would have connected the rail to the port.

“No doubt, we have been having challenges, our dependence on the road has caused us a lot but this government is very serious now, the connection of the rail to the port is significant, we can’t rely on one means of transportation.

“And we have an alternative to road, so we will remove a lot of trucks from the road, which means the price of road transportation will crash very soon, in a time to come.

“Besides, FG has made a policy statement that all ports will be linked with rail, as I said, if not for COVID-19, the Chinese construction company would have linked not only Apapa but also Tincan Island with the rail, that will happen and the moment we have inland connectivity, the gridlock in Apapa will disappear.

He said the Council is seriously working with relevant stakeholders to put in place modalities for the safe return of normal operation within all ports in the country.

NSC boss, therefore, commended the media for their efforts in projecting the image of the Council, urging them not to relent in their effort towards the progress of the Council that will bring about growth and development to every Nigerians.

He said, Council’s Cardinal points will be the digitalization of the port; multi-modern approach to the port and multi-national co-operation, as well as 24 hours ports operation.

Speaking on the other achievement of the Council, Barr. Bello revealed that the Council is currently building a dry port in Ibadan, Kano dry port is ready and the Kano state government have earmarked money to construct good roads around the port, Kaduna is also doing well.

“As we speak, FCT has given NSC 104 hectares of land along Abaji-Lokoja that will generate more jobs to Nigerians when it materialise.”

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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