Comelec warns public vs fake posts, messages

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday warned the public against circulating posts and messages online offering paid assistance to obtain a voter certification, reminding the public that the document is issued free of charge.

According to the Comelec in an advisory, such posts and messages are not authorized by the commission.

‘Voter certification is free of charge. Comelec personnel do not collect any fees for processing it,’ Comelec said.

The poll body explained that voter certificates contain personal and sensitive information that can only be obtained personally by the voter or by a person authorized by the voter through an authorization letter.

With this, Comelec then told the public to transact only with the Comelec Main Office in Intramuros, Manila, or with Comelec field offices in their respective city, district or municipality.

Count your sufferings: Tinubu’s gospel of comparison

THERE is a joke about a child who failed his promotion examination. The child devised a painless get away to break the bad news to his no nonsense parents. Striding home with all smiles, the child opened the conversation with his parents. First, he asked his father if he remembered Orikogbo Orimoogunje, the brilliant boy who represented the school in a science quiz competition, a year before. The father affirmed that he could picture the boy. Then the child announced: ‘He failed the promotion examination, and the parents both exclaimed: ‘What!’ Next, the smart boy turned to the mother and asked if she remembered Idiileke, the daughter of her friend, Ibadiaran.

The mother answered in affirmation. The child asked again if the mother could also remember that Idiileke led her class the previous session, in all subjects, and he got another affirmation. Then he dropped the bombshell: ‘This session, she came last; at the bottom of the class!’

The bewildered parents then asked the child about his own result to which the child responded: ‘We should thank God for not allowing me to be at the bottom of the class like Idiileke. At least, I took the 29th position out of the 30 of us in my class.’ He dropped his result card and strolled into his room.

The parents were too paralysed to process what had just happened. Before they came back to their senses, their mischievously prodigious child was already out, playing and planning other strategies with which he would outsmart his parents!

I asked Apollo, the Greek god of music to lend me its golden lyre for the remix of Johnson Oatman, Jr’s (1856-1897), lyrics: Count Your Blessings. The leader of the Muses granted my request. Here is what I produced:

When upon life’s billows Nigerians ‘re economically tossed/ When they are badly battered, thinking all hope is lost/ Let them count their many blessings, name them one by one/ And it will surprise them what Tinubu hath done/ Refrain: Count their blessings, name them one by one/ Count their blessings, name them one by one/ Count their blessings, name them one by one/ and it will surprise them what Tinubu hath done/

Apologies to my All Saints Anglican Church, Oke Bola, Ikole Ekiti, choir masters, particularly, Mr. Olowomeye, for my not too good rendition of the above lyrics. I may not have turned out to be a fantastic vocalist; but I better pass President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He could not convey his thoughts in music last Friday in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, the way I did here. The proverbial lizard, after jumping down from the high Iroko tree, quips: if nobody praises me, I will praise myself. I know say I sabi sing better pass our President!

The thematic preoccupation of the prodigious child’s joke above finds its missing cousin in President Tinubu’s outing in Yenagoa last week. The President was in his element that Friday. After commissioning some projects executed by Governor Duoye Diri, the President took time to review the pain his administration has subjected Nigerians to since he assumed office in May 2023.

‘Let’s just thank God together that you are better off listening to them in Kenya and other African countries. What they are going through. The fuel prices are biting hard. But look around. We will continue to find ways to ameliorate the suffering of the vulnerable. This is a government that cares. We will look at the numbers with the finance, economic planning and budgeting, and we will see what we can do to ease the burden.’

The above statements by President Tinubu define why nothing appears to be moving in his government. Like he did on May 29, 2023, with his spur of the moment ‘subsidy is gone’ declaration, Tinubu again asked Nigerians to compare their living conditions with those of Kenyans and thank God for being better off! Why should Kenya be the parameter to measure good living standards in Nigeria? How did the President conclude that Nigerians are better off than Kenyans?

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have repeatedly submitted that before the coming of the APC locusts and wasters, Nigeria’s economy had always been far better than that of Kenya. In 2014 under the leadership of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, both Kenya and Nigeria underwent a GDP rebasing of their economies having experienced strong economic growth that put Nigeria’s GDP growth at 6.3% and Kenya’s GDP growth at 5.4% to 5.5% During that period, Nigeria’s economy, the two world bodies said, ‘was driven by the non oil sector (particularly services, agriculture, and manufacturing), which grew by over 8% in the first quarter, offsetting declines in oil production’, adding that Kenya’s growth ‘was broad based, led by agriculture, finance, and transportation, alongside significant infrastructure investment.

‘In 2014, Nigeria rebased its economy, resulting in an 89% increase in its GDP estimate, officially making it Africa’s largest economy at the time. Kenya also rebased its GDP, increasing its size by about a quarter. While Nigeria had a larger overall economy, Kenya’s growth was considered more balanced across sectors, whereas Nigeria remained heavily dependent on oil revenues. Both nations outpaced the regional average in 2014, but Nigeria’s headline growth rate of 6.3% was higher than Kenya’s 5.4% 5.5%,’ the report stated.

Another expert report added that: ‘As is well known, available figures, statistics and ratings show that the Nigerian economy has consistently maintained an unprecedented growth rate of 6 7 per cent under the Jonathan administration. They also show that the Nigerian economy is now the leading economy in Africa and the 26th largest in the world, with a gross domestic product of over $500 billion per annum.’

Now go back to 2016, two years later, when the APC led government had taken over from President Jonathan, ‘Kenya’s economy’ the world economic bodies stated, ‘grew by approximately 5.9% to 6%, while Nigeria’s economy contracted by 1.51% to 1.6%. While Kenya was considered one of the fastest growing economies in Africa that year, Nigeria suffered from a severe economic downturn driven by falling oil prices.

‘The Kenyan economy was robust, supported by agriculture, entrepreneurship, and low fuel prices, maintaining a growth rate that outpaced the sub Saharan African average. Nigeria: The economy contracted significantly due to a sharp decline in oil prices and reduced oil production caused by vandalism in the Niger Delta.’ The report added that while ‘Nigeria struggled with high inflation, Kenya enjoyed better macroeconomic stability.’

The gains recorded in the pre APC administration through an economy that was driven ‘by the non oil sector (particularly services, agriculture, and manufacturing),’ were lost when the government of the late General Muhammadu Buhari became flatfooted on the issue of security such that farmers abandoned their farmlands and those who remained paid heavy ransoms to bandits to farm and to harvest that which was planted. Nothing has changed except that the baton changed from Buhari to Tinubu.

How convenient then it is for Tinubu to compare the pain of his economic policies upon Nigerians with what the Kenyans are going through at the moment? Is the Presidency not aware that by the World Bank IMF and African Development Bank (ADB) projection for 2025, two years of the President Tinubu administration, ‘Kenya is projected to experience faster economic growth than Nigeria, continuing a trend of higher, more stable expansion, while Nigeria’s economy faces a slower, recovery focused growth trajectory?’

By those same projections, while Kenya ‘Is projected to grow between 4.8% and 5.6%, driven by robust services, agriculture, and construction,’ Nigeria, on the other hand, ‘Is projected to grow at a slower rate of around 3.0% to 3.9%, struggling with high inflation and fiscal constraints, despite expected improvements in oil production.’

The reports, which were put together by these bodies in late 2025 and early 2026, expressly stated further that while ‘Kenya is benefiting from a more diversified economy and has avoided the severe currency shocks experienced by Nigeria. Nigeria has seen a significant decline in its nominal dollar GDP in recent years, placing it as the 4th largest economy in Africa in 2025 (behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria) rather than its previous top spot.’

These are the facts that the President should consider before the skewed comparison. For crying out loud, Kenya only joined the oil producing countries of Africa in 2012, when it discovered oil in commercial quantities in the Turkana region of the country. It only exported its first batch of crude oil in 2019!

How on earth would our President draw a comparison with Kenya, when Nigeria first discovered oil in commercial quantities on June 5, 1956 and made the first exportation in 1958?

Granted that successive governments had made a waste of that natural resource, however, the profligacy of the Tinubu administration cries to high heaven.

And if we may ask, which other ‘African countries’ are in a worse situation than Nigeria that Tinubu wanted us to be grateful to God for? Is the President, by any stretch of wild imagination, comparing Nigerians’ living conditions with those of war torn nations like Libya, Angola and the Republic of Congo? Why should the failures of other nations be this government’s barometer to measure its lacklustre outings?

In Angola for instance, petrol sells for $0.328 a litre, which is approximately N509, compared to Nigeria where the same one litre goes for N1,300! Yeah, while Kenya has a higher price of an equivalent N1,800 litre, the cost of living in Kenya is lower than Nigeria’s, with a minimum wage put at N140,000, twice the debatable minimum wage of N70,000 in Nigeria.

That differential makes the purchasing power of an average Kenyan to be double that of his Nigerian counterpart. Affordability, elementary economics posits, will no doubt result in better living conditions.

A simple money guide for uncertain times: Metrobank introduces H.A.N.D.S. for everyday financial decisions

With many Filipinos becoming more mindful of how they spend and save amid ongoing economic and market uncertainties, having a clear approach to managing money has never been more important.

Leveraging its experience in overcoming different economic cycles and crises, Metrobank introduces H.A.N.D.S., which outlines a set of straightforward financial actions designed to help Filipinos strengthen control over their finances in a volatile environment.

H.A.N.D.S. centers on five key actions: Having a plan and taking control of one’s finances, Acting intentionally to avoid overspending, Nurturing different income sources, Defending oneself against scams and unexpected events, and Spotting opportunities for future growth. Each one reflects everyday financial behaviors that Filipinos can apply immediately, regardless of income level.

Each component focuses on everyday financial actions-from budgeting and managing debt to avoiding overspending, building income streams, protecting oneself against risks, and identifying better financial options.

H.A.N.D.S. encourages Filipinos to:

Have a plan and take control of your finances by organizing your money and setting clear priorities. Know where your money goes by tracking your income, expenses, and debt. This allows you allocate your resources more effectively.

Act intentionally to avoid overspending. Think twice before spending, and be clear about what you need versus what can wait. Be more mindful of your day-to-day financial decisions. Making use of financial tools, such as cashback or rebate offers of credit cards can also help you maximize savings.

Nurture your income sources by looking for ways to grow and sustain earnings. This could mean keeping your savings accessible, finding ways to earn extra, or simply making better use of the financial tools available to you. Having flexibility in your income can help you stay steady even when conditions change.

Defend yourself from scams and unexpected events by staying vigilant and informed. Practice simple but critical habits, such as never sharing sensitive personal information, one-time passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and using only official banking platforms. To further cushion you, consider solutions such as insurance that can help safeguard your finances during unforeseen situations.

Spot opportunities for future growth by staying informed and continuously upgrading your skills and financial knowledge you can identify real opportunities that can lead you to future growth while allowing you to manage the conditions today.

In uncertain times, having a clear plan can make all the difference. And sometimes, it begins with small steps that lead to better control, stronger habits, and greater peace of mind.

‘Filipinos should not fear or panic in times like these. What matters is knowing that there are practical steps they can take to stay in control. H.A.N.D.S. is Metrobank’s way of helping people to take that step, with guidance that is simple, relevant, and immediately useful during these uncertain times. In periods of stability, it is easy to overlook the fundamentals. In periods of uncertainty, they become essential. The ability to plan, exercise discipline, protect assets, and remain alert to opportunities can determine how well individuals and businesses navigate changing conditions,” said Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer Digs Dimagiba.

Dimagiba underscores that while no single approach can eliminate uncertainty, a clear set of actions can help restore a sense of control for Filipinos. And in an environment where unpredictability is likely to persist, that sense of control can help influence achieving a positive outcome.

Pope Leo makes first papal visit to Algeria

In his first speech in Algiers, Pope Leo yesterday paid tribute to victims of the Algeria’s 1954-1962 war of independence from France and called for ‘forgiveness’.

The remarks came amid heightened tensions between Algeria and France, and followed a meeting days ago with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Vatican.

‘In this place, let us remember that God desires peace for every nation,’ he said at the Algerian Martyrs Memorial in the capital.

Leo’s two-day visit to Algeria was infused with personal significance for the pope. Algeria was the home of Saint Augustine (354-430), whose spiritual legacy permeates Leo’s pontificate.

The influential Christian theologian laid the foundations for the 13th-century Augustinian order to which Leo belongs, one based on communal living and service.

In his very first speech as pope, Leo presented himself as a ‘son’ of Augustine, whose writings he often quotes.

The pope called his trip to Algeria ‘a very precious opportunity’ to promote ‘peace and reconciliation with respect and consideration for all peoples’.

He had also criticised as ‘unacceptable’ Trump’s threats against civilians in Iran and he had also previously criticised the administration’s ‘inhuman’ treatment of migrants.

Trump had called the pontiff ‘WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy’, suggesting that cardinals only elected Leo pope in May 2025 because he was American.

Trump also posted an AI-generated image seemingly depicting himself as Jesus Christ, later deleting it.

Speaking during his flight, Leo said: ‘We’re not politicians, we’re not looking to make foreign policy as he calls it with the same perspective that he might understand it.

CJN Kekere-Ekun urges judges toalways uphold professional ethics

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged judges to always uphold professional ethics to give a good impression about the way the public perceives the judicial system.

Justice Kekere-Ekun said: ‘The legitimacy of judicial authority depends not only on the correctness of decisions but also on the confidence reposed in the courts by the public.

‘That confidence is sustained, in large measure, by the ethical conduct of judicial officers. Judicial ethics, therefore, remains central to the administration of justice and to the preservation of the rule of law,’ she said.

The CJN spoke yesterday in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the national workshop on judicial ethics for judges of the superior courts, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

Justice Kekere-Ekun, who said the role of the judiciary is now attracting considerable public attention, stressed that ethical standards in judicial office extend beyond formal compliance with established rules.

She explained that ethical standards encompass a disciplined adherence to the principles of independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, equality, competence, and diligence.

The CJN said it was important that these principles guide judicial conduct at all times – within and outside the courtroom.

She added: ‘The judge must consistently act in a manner that preserves the dignity of the office and reinforces confidence in the justice system.

‘The ethical environment within which judicial officers operate has become increasingly complex.

‘Developments in technology, particularly the expansion of digital communication and social media, have introduced new dimensions to judicial conduct. Judicial actions and expressions are now subject to immediate and widespread public scrutiny.

‘These realities require judicial officers to exercise heightened caution, sound judgment, and a clear understanding of the ethical boundaries of judicial engagement.’

Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that although the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers provides the framework for ethical behaviour within the Judiciary, its application often requires careful interpretation in the context of specific situations.

The CJN averred that issues relating to conflicts of interest, recusal, extra-judicial engagements, and interactions with counsel and litigants frequently call for the exercise of informed discretion.

She said it was important that judicial officers approach such issues with clarity of purpose, guided by both the letter and spirit of the Code.

Justice Kekere-Ekun added: ‘Judicial ethics is also closely linked to the manner in which judicial functions are performed.

‘The control of proceedings, the treatment of counsel and litigants, and the maintenance of decorum in the courtroom all have ethical implications.

‘A judge who conducts proceedings with fairness, firmness, and courtesy enhances the credibility of the court and promotes confidence in the administration of justice.

‘Conversely, lapses in conduct, however unintended, may undermine that confidence. It must also be recognised that the conduct of judges of the superior courts carries broader institutional implications.

‘Their actions frequently set standards that guide judicial practice across the Federation.

‘Clear, consistent, and principled conduct contributes to coherence and predictability within the justice system, while inconsistency may weaken public trust.

‘Strengthening ethical awareness is, therefore, essential to sustaining a credible and respected Judiciary,’ the CJN said.

Nigeria Becomes Net Petrol Exporter With Dangote Refinery

Rising output from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, has enabled Nigeria to record a historic shift in its downstream petroleum trade in March, emerging as a net exporter of gasoline for the first time, according to data from market intelligence firm Kpler on Monday.

It showed that gasoline imports into the country dropped sharply to 41,000 barrels per day (b/d) during the month, the lowest level on record.

Besides, crude supply to the Dangote facility rose to about 565,000 b/d, the second-highest intake since the 650,000 b/d refinery commenced operations in late 2023, indicating strong processing rates and increased product yield, the data said.

According to the data, total gasoline exports from the refinery rose to 44,000 b/d in March, compared to no exports recorded in January and February. This shift enabled Nigeria to post a net export position of approximately 3,000 b/d for the month.

Boosting its market reach, the Dangote Refinery exported gasoline to East Africa for the first time, shipping a 317,000-barrel cargo to Mozambique.

The move reflects growing demand in the region as buyers seek alternatives to Middle East Gulf supplies amid ongoing disruptions. Another April shipment from the refinery is also bound for Beira, Mozambique.

Nigeria’s emergence as a gasoline exporter is expected to reshape regional trade flows and intensify competition in global markets. Analysts note that the development adds pressure to Europe’s already oversupplied gasoline market, as Nigeria transitions from a key import destination to a potential competing supplier.

The March milestone signals a significant step in Nigeria’s drive towards self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products and its ambition to become a net exporter in the global energy market.

President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, recently described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing economic and energy sector reforms as critical to restoring market confidence and enabling large-scale investments in domestic refining.

Global Leaders To Scale Energy Investment At NOG Week 2026

Global energy leaders, policymakers, and investors are set to converge in Abuja for the 25th anniversary of NOG Energy Week 2026, with a strong focus on scaling investment, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing resilience across Africa’s energy landscape.

Scheduled for July 5-9, 2026, the event will be held under the theme ‘Advancing Energy Ambitions for Competitive and Resilient Economies,’ bringing together stakeholders from across the continent and beyond to drive actionable strategies for energy security and sustainable growth.

Against the backdrop of shifting global geopolitics and tightening energy supply chains, the conference will spotlight Africa-and Nigeria in particular-as a critical hub for oil, gas, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply to international markets. Organisers say the 2026 edition will move beyond high-level dialogue, focusing instead on eight strategic pillars aimed at translating policy discussions into measurable outcomes.

The programme reflects a fully integrated energy systems approach, linking upstream exploration and production with midstream infrastructure and downstream distribution networks. This alignment is seen as essential to delivering energy at scale and addressing persistent infrastructure gaps across the region.

A major highlight of the conference will be the growing role of gas and LNG as foundational drivers of industrialisation and export-led growth. With Nigeria increasingly positioning gas as a transition fuel, discussions will centre on how to unlock investments that can accelerate processing, refining, and distribution capacity.

Technology and innovation will also take centre stage, with sessions exploring the role of artificial intelligence and digital solutions in improving exploration success rates, boosting production efficiency, and optimising energy systems. This comes amid rising global energy demand driven by data centres and expanding digital infrastructure.

In parallel, the conference will examine emerging opportunities in decarbonisation and renewable energy, reflecting the global shift towards cleaner energy sources while maintaining supply stability.

Key government officials expected at the event include Heineken Lokpobiri, Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, alongside leading industry figures such as Bayo Bashir Ojulari and Proscovia Nabbanja.

Multilateral institutions including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and Africa Finance Corporation are also expected to play prominent roles in discussions around financing, investment mobilisation, and regional energy integration.

With an estimated 7,500 attendees, 300 exhibitors, and participants from 85 countries, the event will serve as a key platform for deal-making, capital alignment, and cross-border collaboration. Platforms such as the NOG Energy Club and the Deals Lounge are expected to facilitate high-level negotiations and partnerships.

Organisers say the 2026 edition will prioritise practical solutions to industry bottlenecks, ensuring that discussions translate into concrete actions that can strengthen Africa’s position in the global energy market.

As global uncertainty continues to reshape energy priorities, NOG Energy Week 2026 is positioned to reinforce Nigeria and Africa’s role as reliable and competitive energy partners, while advancing a more secure, diversified, and sustainable energy future.

Terra Cube Wins ADVAN’s Brand Of The Year Award

Terra Cube has emerged as the winner at the 2026 Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) Marketing Excellence Awards.

In a statement, the firm said the award recognised as the highly coveted Brand of the Year title reflected an honour accorded to the recipient’s marketing excellence in Nigeria.

The ADVAN Awards stand as the gold standard for marketing performance, celebrating brands that demonstrate outstanding strategic thinking, creativity, execution, and measurable impact.

‘Winning the top prize is not just an achievement; it is a definitive validation of sustained marketing brilliance at the highest level.

‘For Terra Cube, this recognition marks the culmination of a remarkable journey powered by consistent marketing excellence.

‘In its debut year, the brand set the tone for its trajectory by winning Campaign of the Year at the 2023 ADVAN awards, an early signal of its disruptive potential and strategic clarity,’ the statement read.

Speaking on the recognition, Ediri Ose-Ediale, ADVAN’s Chief Executive Officer highlighted the criteria used to score Terra Cube as the winner.

‘Terra Cube exemplifies the essence of the ADVAN Awards with a strong strategy, bold execution, and measurable impact.

‘From Campaign of the Year in 2023 to Brand of the Year in 2026, the brand reflects sustained marketing excellence. We commend the marketing team behind the brand for consistently delivering impactful campaigns and meaningful consumer connections at scale,’ he said.

Commenting on the recognition, Probal Bhattacharya, Chief Marketing Officer at TGI Group, expressed delight over the award.

‘We are delighted with this achievement, which reflects a clear and consistent brand strategy built on deep consumer understanding, strong execution, and sustained investment across all touchpoints. I commend the entire marketing team for their creativity, discipline, and commitment in bringing this vision to life.’

‘Receiving this accolade for marketing excellence is a profound affirmation of the values we uphold at TGI Group. We accept this honour with immense pride, not just for our organisation, but for the partners and consumers who have championed Terra Cube from the very beginning. Their trust has been the true architect of our success, he added.

PTDF Screens 2,102 Candidates For PhD Scholarship

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has commenced the interview of 2,102 applicants for Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) for PhD in France, Germany and Malaysia.

Speaking during the exercise yesterday in Abuja, PTDF’s Deputy General Manager of Education and Training, Dr. Mohamed Bello Mustafa, said the number is from a pool of over 30,000 that applied for both MSc and PhD programmes.

‘We are in the second week of the overseas scholarships scheme interviews. Last week we did for the MSc in four centres we have two centres that we did the MSc and the PhD, now we are commencing the second week for the PhD programmes.’

He added that the final candidates will be selected based on merit budgetary provisions and it is a management decision that will be taken at the end of the day.

‘Once we are done with all these processes, we’ll forward our recommendation to management. But usually, like last year, we gave one per state, then we gave an additional one for oil producing states.’

One of the panelists, Prof. Bashir Aliyu, said the exercise was progressing well.

He said the panel was basically looking at the quality of candidates from their first degree, masters, capacity, ability, and the quality of the work they present.

Port Gridlock: Stakeholders Urge FG To Suspend National Single Window

A former Acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Kayode Farinto, has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend the National Single Window system, citing severe disruptions to port operations and trade activities.

The National Single Window initiative, designed to streamline trade processes through a unified digital platform, has come under increasing scrutiny following its troubled rollout, with stakeholders urging decisive government action to restore normalcy at the nation’s ports.

Daily Trust reports that the first phase of the rollout covers the processing of import licences, permits, and certificates for key regulatory agencies, including NAFDAC and SON, through the single platform.

Speaking in an interview, Farinto expressed frustration over the system’s performance since its rollout on March 27, noting that stakeholders have been unable to carry out cargo declarations, one of the most critical processes in port operations.

‘Ordinarily, when a new system is introduced, we expect some glitches. But what we are experiencing now goes beyond that; it is a total blockage. Since March 27, we have been unable to make any declaration. This is very unfortunate,’ he said.

He described the situation as a full-blown crisis, warning that cargoes are piling up at ports while importers continue to incur heavy demurrage and storage costs.

‘People’s cargoes are trapped. Demurrage is accumulating, storage charges are increasing, and businesses are suffering. This is clearly a state of crisis,’ Farinto stressed.

A Freight Forwarder, Kayode Ibrahim claimed that some service providers are exploiting the situation by increasing charges, thereby compounding the burden on already struggling importers.

Farinto attributed the crisis to inadequate planning and poor stakeholder engagement prior to the system’s launch.

He argued that key players, including shipping companies and terminal operators, were not fully integrated into the implementation process.

‘These are issues that should have been addressed before the takeoff. You don’t roll out a system of this magnitude without proper alignment with stakeholders. Now the system is down, and authorities are looking for solutions after the fact,’ he said.

He also questioned the capacity of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to enforce compliance among international shipping companies, noting that effective collaboration should have preceded the rollout.

‘Shippers’ Council cannot compel shipping lines. What should have been done was consultation and collaboration before rollout-not after the system has already failed,’ he added.

Describing the development as a ‘total collapse of the industry,’ Farinto warned that the paralysis in port operations is already impacting the Nigerian economy.

‘This is a national emergency. The economy is at a standstill because port activities are blocked. Urgent decisions must be taken. There is no time for delays,’ he said.

Another Maritime expert, Lucky Amiwero, estimated that losses since the system’s introduction run into hundreds of billions of naira, with the risk of escalating further if urgent measures are not taken.

As a way forward, he advocated a temporary return to the previous system while authorities address the technical and operational challenges affecting the platform.

‘They should suspend it immediately and revert to the old system. Let them fix the loopholes and reintroduce it properly, possibly next quarter. There is no shame in admitting challenges-what matters is protecting the national interest,’ he advised.

He also stressed the need for a strong legal framework to support the implementation of the initiative, noting that its absence has contributed to the current difficulties.

Calling for presidential intervention, Farinto urged Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly to prevent further economic losses and restore confidence in the system.

‘Mr. President should intervene. The government has invested heavily in this project. It is a good initiative, but at the moment, it is not working. It should be suspended and properly re-strategised,’ he said.