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Oyetola Ends Maritime Employers and Union’s conflicts for Better Workers’ Welfare

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Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for minimum condition of service for workers.

The MoU signing ceremony, held at Eko Hotel in Lagos,  on Saturday,  was witnessed by the Minister of Marine amd Blue Economy, Adegboyea Oyetola.
The event was also  graced by several industry bigwigs including the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr. Badmus; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr. Jubril Abba; Principal Partner, Jean-Chiazor and Partners, Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN); former Director, Consumer Affairs, NSC, Chief Cajetan Agu; among others.

Oyetola said that the agreement ensures that the industry is built on respect as the workforce are treated with dignity.

“We are showing by this agreement that we nurture and support all those who are contributing to the growth of the blue economy.

This is a reflection of the trajectory of the administration of President Bola Tinubu and by establishing this, the federal government is enhancing workers welfare.”

“We have seen today that a lot can be achieved through collaboration and mutual respect. We are also promoting safety standards, encouraging fair competition for level-playing field and enhancing trust in the system,” the Minister said.

We can’t operate without our workers and we are so glad that we have set a minimum standard that every player in the industry must adhere to.

In his welcome remarks, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council, Barr. Pius Akutah, commended the MWUN and SACFEA leaders.

“One thing I have picked from the Minister is his love for the welfare of workers. You have pushed us to get to this level and I want to take this opportunity to commend your Chief of Staff for pushing us to achieve excellence via teamwork and collaboration,” Akutah said.

Also, the President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, expressed delight at the agreement which he described as the end of an exhausting journey spanning several years and countless engaging meetings and hiccups.

“We finally arrive at this glorious moment of the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the eventual implementation of Industry Minimum Standards of Condition of Service for Workers in the Regulated Sector with specific reference to the Shipping sub-sector.”

On her part, the President of SACFEA, Mrs. Boma Alabi, applauded the roles of the Executive Secretary of NSC, Barr. Pius Akutah, and the President General of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju.

“I truly believe that this is a social partnership for progress. The most valuable asset we have is our human assets which is our workers. We can’t operate without our workers and we are so glad that we have set a minimum standard that every player in the industry must adhere to. I am happy to announce that this standard is the highest in any industry in the country,” Alabi said.

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Akwa Ibom APC Adopts Governor Umo Eno for Second Term Bid

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has thrown its weight behind Governor Umo Eno as its candidate for the 2027 governorship election, paving the way for his second-term ambition under the ruling party.

Governor Eno, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in 2025, formally submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms for the APC governorship primaries in early May 2026. He described the second term as necessary to complete ongoing projects and consolidate the gains of his ARISE Agenda.

Speaking after submitting the forms in Abuja, Governor Eno called on APC members to support his nomination during the primaries, expressing confidence that his administration’s developmental strides would earn him the party’s backing and the people’s mandate.

“I have just submitted the nomination form. We call on members of APC to support our nomination during the primaries, as we will continue to pray and trust God for more development to thrive in the state,” he said.

Several APC stakeholders and local government chapters in the state have already endorsed Governor Eno’s second-term bid, describing it as a move for continuity and project completion. The governor has repeatedly highlighted numerous ongoing infrastructure and developmental initiatives that require additional time to deliver maximum impact.

The development marks a significant political realignment in Akwa Ibom, as Eno positions the state under the APC platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party sources indicate that the APC leadership is working towards a smooth process for the governor’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer, though the formal primaries are yet to be held.

Governor Eno was first elected in 2023 under the PDP before switching to the APC.

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Lagos Captures 6.4 Million Residents in Major Digital Identity Drive

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The Lagos State Government has successfully registered over 6.4 million residents into its digital identity database, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance governance, planning, and public service delivery.

The achievement was announced under the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and the Lagos Identity Card Project (LAG ID). According to officials, the initiative aims to create a comprehensive, reliable database of residents to improve targeted service delivery, urban planning, and overall governance efficiency.

Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, who provided the update, described the Lagos Identity Card Project as a critical tool for the state’s digital transformation agenda. He emphasized that the captured data will support better resource allocation and more effective delivery of government services.

The exercise forms part of Lagos State’s broader push toward a digital economy, enabling smoother access to services such as healthcare, social welfare, transportation, and other citizen-centric programmes. Officials noted that the database will help in accurate planning for infrastructure and social interventions.

With Lagos being Nigeria’s most populous state, estimated to have over 20 million residents, the registration of 6.4 million people represents a substantial step forward, though authorities say efforts are ongoing to capture more residents.

The state government has reiterated its commitment to data-driven governance and urged residents yet to register to take advantage of the ongoing exercise for better inclusion in government services.

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EFCC Invasion Forces Uni. Uyo Teaching Hospital to Suspend Operations (Video)

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Operations at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) were dramatically disrupted on Wednesday after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) allegedly invaded the facility, detained some management staff, and assaulted others, prompting the hospital to suspend services.

The Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Dr. Emem Bassey, told journalists that the unannounced raid created a hostile environment, forcing the hospital management to halt clinical services to ensure the safety of both staff and patients. The Accident and Emergency Unit, however, remains operational.

Dr. Bassey expressed disappointment over the incident, noting that the hospital had maintained cordial relations with the EFCC and was fully cooperating on the matter under investigation. He revealed that the requested report had already been prepared and was awaiting his signature when the operatives arrived.

“The use of force and detention of staff was unnecessary,” Dr. Bassey said. “Dialogue would have resolved this issue peacefully.”

Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council, who was reportedly among those assaulted, described the EFCC’s action as an “unprovoked invasion.” He claimed he had shown the team leader the completed report before the situation escalated into violence.

The hospital management has called for an independent investigation into the incident and urged the EFCC to use proper channels when engaging with public institutions.

In an earlier statement, the EFCC said its operatives were attacked and trapped inside the hospital while conducting an operation linked to an ongoing fraud investigation. The case reportedly involves a suspect accused of defrauding multiple microfinance banks in Akwa Ibom State.

The development has raised concerns about the impact on healthcare delivery in the region, with patients and staff caught in the middle of the confrontation between the anti-graft agency and the hospital.

As of Thursday, normal services at the hospital remained suspended pending further resolution.

Watch Video below:

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