News
NPA boss reveals how oil thieves turn off vessel identification system to avoid detection

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Mohammed Bello-Koko has revealed that oil thieves usually turn off the automatic identification system (AIS) of vessels to avoid detection.

He said, the AIS which is an automatic tracking system of.vessels that uses transceivers on ships and is used by vessel traffic services, when turned off becomes undetected when passing water ways.

Bello-Koko, explained that it was common for oil thieves and those into illegal activities on Nigerian water ways to switch off the AIS.
Speaking at a press conference recently at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, he said there was arrest made recently of a vessel with stolen crude close to the Escravos channel.
According to him, “the intelligent persons bringing in vessels to steal crude, one of the things they do is, they shut down the automatic identification systems (AIS).
“This is what is needed in terms of transmission for you to even know when the vessel comes in and the location they to go to.
“They come in legally but then they go by the left-hand side to commit illegal activities after switching off their AIS. We are going ahead to deploy the vessel traffic service (VTS) and to also have information in terms of vessel movement.”
Speaking further, Bello-Koko expressed worry about the theft of buoys on shipping routes.
“Each of the buoys which serve as navigational route signs costs between N12 million and N20 million, whereas no fewer than 25 of these maritime safety equipment have been stolen from Nigerians waters this year alone,” he said.
“Apart from the cost of the buoys, it is even costly to install and deploy them on waters.’’
Bello-Koko explained that the absence of the buoys puts ships at risk of running aground.
He said as a result of the anxiety, many foreign ships’ captains choose to avoid certain areas of Nigerian waterways.
To checkmate the activities of the vandals, the NPA boss said the management had been interacting with the locals and their leaders in communities where the theft occurs.
Bello-Koko said the stolen buoys are often turned to scrap, with the perpetrators vandalising the sensors.
“And to also be fair to the communities, we have had some instances where the buoys were naturally taken away by nature, they went adrift, they ended up on the shores of some communities,” he said.
The NPA boss added that some communities have “called us a couple of times to tell us that there is a buoy that has gone adrift”.
“We believe probably the communities do not even know the individuals that are involved in these activities. So we are monitoring the buoys. And that is how we got to know how many are stolen any day it is stolen,” he said.
“Because the captains are also taking vessels in and out of the water channels, they will naturally know when they can’t find the beacons on the buoys meaning that something is missing, and they normally report it.”

News
Emergency Rule in Rivers: Senators Dickson, Abaribe, Tambuwal walk out of Senate Chambers in protest

As the Nigerian Senate approved the emergency rule declared in Rivers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senators Seriake Dickson, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal walked out of Chambers in protest of Senate’s position.

Seriake Dickson representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District (PDP), Enyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South Senatorial District (APGA) and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal representing Sokoto South Senatorial District (PDP) were unhappy over the declaration of emergency that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara out of office.

Senators Seriake Dickson and Aminu Tambuwal who was also a former Speaker of the House of Representatives are lawyers and said, the declaration was unconstitutional and would not have their support.
Notwithstanding, their objections, the Senate presided by the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio through a voice vote overwhelmingly supported the president’s move, shutting down an open debate on the matter.
Senator Dickson expressed his gratitude to colleagues who supported his stance and acknowledged the presidency’s modifications to the original declaration. However, he emphasized that the introduced oversight mechanisms did not address the core constitutional concerns.
Dickson also criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of attempting to silence opposition. “The Senate is a meeting of equals, and no lawmaker should be censored for speaking on national issues,” he stated.
The walkout by the three senators highlights the deepening divisions within the Nigerian Senate and raises concerns about the implications of the state of emergency on the country’s democratic institutions.

News
Rugby School Nigeria unveils ambitious plans at official launch event in Lagos

Rugby School Nigeria, the newest international school of the esteemed Rugby School Group, is set to open in September 2025 in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.

To celebrate this significant milestone, an exclusive launch event was held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, attracting over 100 distinguished guests and key stakeholders from the education, government, business sectors, and diplomatic communities.

At the official launch event on March 19, 2025, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter highlighted the significance of Rugby School Nigeria stating:
“Rugby School Nigeria exemplifies one of the best of UK-Nigeria collaborations, bringing another world-class British education institution to the heart of Lagos. Situated in the dynamic Eko Atlantic City, a symbol of Nigeria’s ambition and innovation, this school is poised to further shape future leaders in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Rugby School Nigeria will initially open its doors for Sixth Form students (ages 16-18) in September 2025, with boarding facilities set to be available from September 2026. The Senior School (ages 11-16) will launch in September 2026, offering a broad and engaging curriculum that prepares students for IGCSEs and future academic success.
Founding Principal of Rugby School Nigeria, Dr Adam England expressed his enthusiasm:
“Rugby School Nigeria will offer an exceptional education that nurtures both intellectual growth and character development guided by the Rugby School ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ philosophy. Students will benefit from a comprehensive A-Level programme, preparing them for top universities worldwide, alongside the Rugby 360 programme, which fosters leadership, community engagement, and personal development.
Our state-of-the-art facilities will include science labs, creative arts spaces, and world-class sporting facilities.”
Founded in 1567, Rugby School is one of the world’s most prestigious UK boarding schools, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and character development. With established sister schools in Thailand, Japan, and now Nigeria, Rugby School continues to expand its global impact, offering transformative educational experiences to students worldwide.
Dr England added, “We are excited by the substantial interest we have already received, with numerous parents’ meetings taking place daily at our offices.”

News
Senator Ipinosa scores self high, says he did a lot for constituents

Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Olajide Ipinsagba Emmanuel has scored himself high in terms of constituency projects deliveries to his constituents.

Speaking in an exclusive interview in his office with journalists, he said “he facilitated Agricultural Training Programs for youths and existing farmers, equipping them with modern techniques to enhance productivity, distributed fertilizers to farmers to address critical agricultural challenges, ensuring increased output and improved local food security.

“Constructed and fully equipped a modern health centre in Akunnu-Akoko, ensuring access to quality healthcare for the community, distributed health equipments and materials to the State Specialist Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, thereby strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving health outcomes.”
“Trained and Empowered Women and Youth in Confectioneries. He organised training in cake baking and other confectioneries, followed by the disbursement of start-up grants to empower beneficiaries to establish their businesses. Training of women on soap making with start-up funds.
In the same vein, he organized ICT training programs for youths, distributed HP Core i7 laptops, and provided start-up grants to promote innovation and employment in the tech sector.
“Trained youths in tailoring, provided sewing machines, and disbursed start-up grants to enhance self-reliance and job creation. Constructed a 1.5-kilometer road in Oka-Akoko, improving connectivity, facilitating economic activities, and easing transportation for farmers and traders. Spearheaded the construction of the Ikare Modern Civic Center, which serves as a hub for cultural, social, and civic engagements. Facilitated the construction of 28 lock-up shops in Oka -Akoko, providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and boosting local commerce.
Dist. Sen. Olajide who is passionate about education, distributed free JAMB forms to students across the Senatorial District, enabling many young people to pursue higher education without financial barriers.
Also, he sponsored a bill for the establishment of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University in Ikare-Akoko. A public hearing was successfully held on December 28, 2024, reflecting progress toward establishing this vital institution for skill development and education. Lighting up towns and villages with Solar Panels including Adekunle Ajasin University.”
These achievements underscore his commitment to fostering development in agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, he also prioritizes accountability and efficiency in national projects, which directly impacts the equitable allocation of resources to Ondo North Senatorial District and Ondo State at large.
Moreso, he empowered Small Businesses through skill acquisition programmes and provision of lock-up shops, he has laid the groundwork for entrepreneurship to flourish within the district. Strengthening Youth Engagement, by bridging the gap between education, technology, and employment. He is equipping youths with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern economy.”

-
News4 days ago
Bill to establish National Cashew Production and Research Institute in Kogi passes first reading in Senate
-
Security1 week ago
Nigerian Coast Guard: Citizens warned against extortion as passage of bill is being awaited
-
Politics1 week ago
Retired military officer, colonel Gbenga Adegbola, joins APC with 13,000 supporters
-
Politics1 week ago
CPDPL accuses Adeyanju of orchestrating smear campaign against FCT Minister Wike
-
News4 days ago
Shehu Sani debunks Governor Uba Sani’s alleged diversion of LG funds, challenges El-Rufai to publicly tender evidence
-
News3 days ago
Plateau gov’t expresses concern over violence in Shendam LGA, calls for calm
-
News4 days ago
Report of attack on Wike’s Port Harcourt residence false, misleading – Police
-
Sports5 days ago
Merino gives Arsenal win over Chelsea