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NIWA To Phase Out Wooden Boats Amid Rising Accident Rates

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The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is taking decisive action to enhance safety on Nigerian waterways by proposing the phased elimination of wooden boats, particularly those used for passenger transport.

Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji announced this initiative during a press conference in Lagos on Friday, highlighting the urgent need to address the rising incidence of boat accidents across the nation.

READ MORE: Court Summons DSS DG For Obstructing Nnamdi Kanu’s Legal Rights

Describing the initiative as a comprehensive approach to improving safety, Oyebamiji stated that he plans to engage the Marine and Blue Economy Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Presidency to establish this proposal as a national directive.

“We are considering phasing out wooden boats, especially passenger boats,” he said, emphasizing the need for a structured implementation plan that includes short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals to ensure minimal disruption to inland waterway operations.

In conjunction with this proposal, NIWA is intensifying its safety awareness efforts within riverine communities.

The agency has increased collaboration with traditional and religious leaders to amplify grassroots education on safe water transportation practices.

Oyebamiji noted that the recent launch of the Inland Waterways Transportation Code has prompted these heightened outreach activities.

To strengthen enforcement of safety regulations, NIWA has boosted the number of waterways marshals from 80 to 350.

According to him, these marshals will be tasked with ensuring compliance with safety protocols. “Our experience in Gbajigbo, Niger State, led us to engage Transportation Commissioners from the 24 states with navigable waterways, with 23 of them participating in a recent meeting in Abuja,” he added.

Oyebamiji also called on state governments with navigable waterways and private sector operators to invest in safety measures and operational efficiency.

He underscored the importance of using standard life jackets and advised against nighttime travel on waterways to mitigate accident risks.

While wrecks on the waterways pose significant navigational hazards, Oyebamiji reassured that NIWA is working closely with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to tackle this issue.

However, he pointed out that human errors—such as overloading, unsafe nighttime travel, and inadequate boating skills—remain the most frequent causes of accidents.

As the nation grapples with a surge in boat accidents, NIWA’s initiative to phase out wooden boats represents a crucial step toward ensuring safer water transportation in Nigeria.

 

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NEWS

TCN Restores Power Supply to Katampe Substation After Shiroro Line Fault

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has restored bulk power supply to its Katampe 330kV Transmission Substation in Abuja following an earlier disruption caused by a fault on the Shiroro–Katampe 330kV Line 1.

The development was disclosed in a statement released by TCN management on Friday, October 9, 2026.

SEE ALSO: Kainji–Birnin Kebbi Power Line: TCN Begins Final Phase of Restoration

According to the statement, bulk power supply was restored to the Katampe substation at 4:15 p.m. through the Gwagwalada–Katampe 330kV Line 1.

TCN explained that the Shiroro–Katampe 330kV Line 1 remains out of service due to a fault, necessitating the use of the Gwagwalada–Katampe line to restore supply to the substation.

The company also announced the suspension of planned maintenance work on the Gwagwalada–Katampe 330kV Line 1 to enable the line to continue supplying the Katampe substation.

The suspended maintenance work involved replacing defective line isolators and the associated earthing switch.

TCN apologised to electricity consumers in the affected areas for any inconvenience caused by the disruption and maintenance arrangements.

 

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NEWS

2027 Elections: FG Warns Politicians Against Promises on Fuel Subsidy

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The Federal Government has warned politicians against making promises that could reverse Nigeria’s economic reforms, insisting that it will not restore fuel subsidy amid renewed debate over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC) petrol discount.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, saying the government would not bring back subsidies on petroleum products.

“This government is not bringing back subsidy on fuel products. We need to be clear,” Oyedele said.

ALSO READ: NNPC Petrol Discount: Oyedele Explains How Lower Margins Could Boost Profits

The minister also criticised politicians who, according to him, make promises to win elections without fully considering the implications of implementing them.

He suggested that some politicians make sweeping promises during election campaigns only to offer excuses when confronted with the realities of governance.

“I think I would pardon people who say all manner of things because they want to get elected. It’s almost like ‘whatever I need to say, when I get there, I’ll give excuses.’ But we have the data,” he said.

Oyedele added that he felt a personal responsibility not to remain silent about the economic realities known to the government or allow populist positions to push Nigeria in the wrong direction.

“I feel the personal responsibility that I cannot see what I see and keep quiet, or populism to move our country in the wrong direction,” he said.

NNPC Petrol Discount Sparks Fresh Subsidy Debate

The minister’s remarks come amid renewed debate over fuel subsidy following the Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day petrol discount at NNPC retail stations.

The initiative was introduced as a temporary measure to provide relief to Nigerians amid elevated global crude oil prices and concerns about the cost of petroleum products.

NNPC Retail had also announced a N66-per-litre petrol discount to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with the offer scheduled to run until October 31, 2026, across its retail stations nationwide.

The company maintained that the discount was a customer-relief initiative and did not represent a return to the petroleum subsidy regime.

The distinction has become central to the debate, with the government insisting that temporary price relief at NNPC stations does not amount to restoring the subsidy policy abolished in May 2023.

The administration has maintained that the current arrangement differs from the former subsidy system, under which the government intervened to cover part of the cost of petrol.

FG Defends Economic Reforms

During the interview, Oyedele also referred to a World Bank update, saying the institution had acknowledged a reduction in poverty levels and increased spending on infrastructure, particularly roads.

He urged Nigerians not to reverse the progress he said had been made, arguing that the country was approaching a point where the benefits of ongoing reforms should begin to emerge.

 

 

 

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Kaduna Moves to Clear 5-Year Promotion Backlog for 24,000 Teachers

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The Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has commenced a promotion exercise for 24,000 eligible staff as part of efforts to clear outstanding teachers’ promotions dating back to 2021.

The development was disclosed on Friday as the administration of Governor Uba Sani intensifies efforts to address promotion backlogs, recognise teachers’ years of service and improve staff welfare across the state.

The exercise covers outstanding promotions from 2021 to 2026 and is expected to provide eligible teachers and other staff with opportunities for career progression.

SEE ALSO: Kaduna Clears N18bn Pension Arrears, Raises Agric Funding to N100bn

According to the announcement, eligible personnel will undergo an assessment process, after which promotions will be implemented for those who successfully meet the requirements.

The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen the education sector by recognising the contributions of teachers and supporting their professional development.

The state government has emphasised the importance of investing in teachers, noting that a motivated and valued teaching workforce is essential to building a stronger education system.

The exercise is also expected to address long-standing staff concerns relating to career advancement within the state’s basic education sector.

 

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