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Remain an elder statesman Datti tells Atiku
In a significant political development within Nigeria’s political landscape, Garba Datti Muhammad, the National Vice Chairman (North West) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued thoughtful advice to two prominent political figures—former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai—regarding their political futures as the nation looks toward the 2027 general elections.
Muhammad, who previously served in the House of Representatives, directed particularly pointed counsel to Atiku Abubakar, suggesting that the former Vice President should reconsider his apparent presidential ambitions. “As we approach the next general elections, you are at it again,” Muhammad noted, referencing what he perceives as Atiku’s strategic maneuvering within and potentially beyond his current party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The APC leader’s concern stems from indicators that Atiku may be contemplating coalition-building with “aggrieved politicians” to mount a challenge against incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections. Muhammad frames his advice to Atiku in terms of both personal and national interest, noting that by the next presidential election, Atiku would have reached 80 years of age—suggesting that maintaining his current role as an elder statesman might better serve both him and the nation.
To reinforce this perspective, Muhammad invoked the example of former Vice President Muhammad Namadi Sambo, who has maintained a dignified elder statesman position since completing his term in 2015, implying this represents a more appropriate post-service role.
Muhammad’s counsel extends beyond age considerations to question what new policy approaches Atiku might offer, particularly noting that Atiku himself has historically advocated for subsidy removal policies similar to those currently being implemented. The APC official pointedly referenced Atiku’s leadership role in privatization initiatives during the Obasanjo administration, when he chaired the privatization committee while El-Rufai served as Director General of the Bureau for Public Privatization.
In addressing former Governor El-Rufai, Muhammad expressed profound disappointment regarding his departure from the APC, particularly given El-Rufai’s foundational role in establishing the party and his eight-year governance under its banner. Muhammad highlighted an apparent contradiction between El-Rufai’s current actions and his previous statement in 2022 that leaving the APC would mean quitting politics altogether—suggesting El-Rufai should either reconcile with the party or honor his earlier commitment to exit politics completely.
The APC leader further questioned El-Rufai’s transition to critic of the current administration, noting that El-Rufai himself had previously declared disinterest in positions within President Tinubu’s government. “Why should you turn to a critic overnight just because you perceived things were not going your way when you had unfettered access to the leadership of the party and the President?” Muhammad asked.
On broader strategic political considerations, Muhammad cautioned against what he termed potential “political miscalculations,” particularly speculating about party defections. He specifically addressed rumors about PDP governors potentially joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP), arguing that established political structures would likely prevent such movements: “No PDP governor will join the SDP because their party already has a structure on the ground. Who will leave certainty for uncertainty?”
Muhammad also emphasized the importance of regional rotation principles in Nigerian politics, suggesting that as someone who supported shifting the presidency to the South in 2023, El-Rufai should now support allowing the South to complete a full eight-year tenure before advocating for returning the presidency to the North.
The APC official concluded his address by highlighting what he characterized as significant achievements under President Tinubu’s administration, particularly noting unprecedented representation of the North West in national leadership positions. He detailed the region’s current prominence, including holding both the Speaker of the House of Representatives position (from Kaduna State) and the Deputy President of the Senate position (from Kano State)—marking the first time in Nigerian history that two presiding officers of the National Assembly have come from the same geopolitical zone.
Muhammad further cataloged numerous ministerial appointments from the North West region, including leadership of critical ministries such as Defense, Budget and National Planning, and Environment, along with key military appointments like the Chief of Defense Staff and Chief of Air Staff.
In his regional assessment, Muhammad highlighted specific developments in Kaduna State, including the establishment of seven higher education institutions and approval of a metro rail line valued at approximately 250 billion Naira, which he suggested would significantly improve transportation challenges for Kaduna residents.
His statement concluded with a positive assessment of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, noting strengthening of the Naira currency, decreasing food prices, and what he characterized as a gradually improving economic outlook following subsidy removal policies.
SWAAADO Launches 2026 Waterways Safety Sensitization Campaign in Lagos Waterfront Communities
Onisiwo Island, Lagos State
– The Sustainable Waterways Awareness Advancement and Advocacy Organization (SWAAADO), supported by key industry stakeholders, today conducted a comprehensive waterways safety sensitization campaign at Bishop-Kodji and Whala-Kodji communities on Onisiwo Island, Lagos. The event brought together over 120 community members and representatives from key maritime regulatory agencies.
The event, tagged “Waterways Safety Sensitization Campaign for Waterfront Communities and Waterways Users in Lagos State,” drew participation from the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), SWYRE Marine, and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).
The campaign is supported by key industry leaders committed to advancing waterways safety across Nigeria. Supporting organizations include Simtop Ventures International Limited, Best-Time Global Logistics and Solutions Ltd, SWYRE Marine, Waterways Integrated Synergy Limited, and Nigeria Waterways Directory, demonstrating strong private sector commitment to maritime safety advocacy.
Chief Raymond Gold, Head of Corporate Communication and Strategy at SWAAADO, unveiled the organization’s ambitious plan to train 5,000 boat skippers across Nigeria’s eight coastal states and five inland states. Lagos State will account for 300 trainees, while the other seven coastal states will receive 200 trainees each, with the remaining slots distributed among the five inland states.
“This initiative was born out of the tragic boat mishaps that happened in the mid northern part of the country, where many lives were lost due to lack of waterways safety awareness,” Chief Gold explained during the event.
SWAAADO’s intervention follows extensive research into the root causes of recurrent boat accidents across Nigerian waterways. The organization has developed a multi-pronged approach that includes community awareness campaigns, professional training for boat operators, and the creation of a regulatory support platform.
Central to this strategy is the Nigeria Waterways Directory (www.nigeriawaterwaysdirectory.com), an online publication that is registered with the National Library (EISSN: 3122-0045). The platform is designed to list trained and certified boat operators while providing regulatory authorities with the capability to blacklist non-compliant operators.
Engr. Sola Fumilugba delivered a lecture on waterways safety codes and enforcement, emphasizing the critical need for boat operators to obtain proper licensing. His presentation highlighted regulatory requirements that many operators currently overlook.
Mr. Shittu Oladimeji, representing LASWA, outlined the Lagos State Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure waterways safety and urged all waterways users to maintain constant safety consciousness.
Mrs. Ada Okpanige Agbo of SWYRE Marine, a NIMASA-accredited training institution (ATI) and key partner of the initiative, stressed on the importance of professional training, certification and licensing for boat skippers, explaining the standards required for proper licensing.
Comrade Owolabi Omotayo, newly elected Chairman of Lagos Commercial Private Boat District of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria-MWUN, provided candid advice to boat workers on safety compliance and licensing requirements before operating vessels.
Comrade Osaweren O. Larry, representing the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), reinforced the message of safety code compliance while clarifying the distinct roles of the Maritime Workers Union and various boat owners associations.
The sensitization campaign concluded with concrete results: five waterways safety volunteers were identified for interviews and subsequent training, life jackets were distributed to attendees, and campaign materials were shared among all participants.
The event represents a significant step in SWAAADO’s broader mission to reduce waterways accidents through education, training, and improved regulatory compliance across Nigerian waterways, bolstered by the commitment of its industry partners.
For more information about SWAAADO’s initiatives, visit www.swaaado.org
For information on how to list your business or skill on the Nigeria Waterways Directory visit www.nigeriawaterwaysdirectory.com
Supporting Partners: Simtop International Limited | Best-Time Global Logistics and Solutions Ltd | SWYRE Marine | Waterways Integrated Synergy Limited | Nigeria Waterways Directory
Governor Sanwo-Olu Launches €410 Million Omi Eko Project to Transform Lagos Waterways
Lagos, Nigeria – Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday officially launched the Omi Eko Project at the Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo, Ikoyi, marking a transformative milestone in Lagos State’s push toward sustainable urban mobility and clean energy transportation.
The ambitious €410 million (approximately $440 million) initiative, spearheaded by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), aims to revolutionise water transportation across Africa’s most populous city by introducing over 70 electric-powered ferries, upgrading jetties, and modernising waterway infrastructure.
Addressing dignitaries, government officials, development partners, and key stakeholders from the transport and maritime sectors, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the launch as “a pivotal moment” in Lagos State’s journey toward environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
“Lagos was born on water. Today, we honour the pioneers of this journey who laid the foundation upon which we build,” said Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager of LASWA, during the ceremony. “As we say in Yoruba, Omi ni iye—water is life, water is connectivity, water is the soul of Lagos.”
The Governor emphasised that the project represents a comprehensive, future-oriented blueprint for sustainable mobility that merges technology, environmental responsibility, and economic opportunity. He acknowledged the collaborative effort between the Lagos State Government, development partners, private investors, and the people of Lagos in making the project a reality.
The Omi Eko Project is financed through the Global Gateway Initiative, with significant support from international development institutions. The funding structure includes €360 million from the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with Lagos State Government providing a counterpart fund of €40 million and an additional €10 million from the private sector.
Governor Sanwo-Olu specifically acknowledged the roles of President Emmanuel Macron of France and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending their commitment to partnerships that drive innovation and sustainable development.
The Omi Eko Project encompasses several transformative components designed to modernise Lagos’ waterways:
Fleet Modernisation: Deployment of over 75 electric-powered ferries to replace outdated, polluting vessels, with the capacity to move 25 million passengers annually by 2030.
Infrastructure Development: Construction and rehabilitation of 25 ferry terminals equipped with charging stations, parking facilities, waiting areas, digital payment systems, and safety equipment.
Waterway Enhancement: Dredging and navigation marking of 140 kilometres across 15 priority ferry routes, addressing challenges posed by abandoned shipwrecks and invasive water hyacinth.
Smart Technology Integration: Implementation of an intelligence tracking system and the Cowry Card smart ticketing system to improve passenger convenience and reduce waiting times.
The project is designed to address multiple critical challenges facing Lagos, including chronic road congestion, carbon emissions, and the existential threat of rising sea levels. According to LASWA, the initiative will slash annual carbon emissions by 41,000 tons and reduce water travel times across key routes to under an hour.
Beyond transportation, the project envisions Lagos’ waterways as hubs for innovation, commerce, and community life. It is expected to create significant employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities along waterfront communities and tourism hubs through public-private partnerships.
The launch comes just two weeks after Lagos captured global attention by hosting Africa’s first electric powerboat race, the E1 Series, along the Five Cowries corridor. This demonstrated the state’s readiness to embrace climate-smart transport systems in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to environmental preservation.
The project commenced in 2024 and is scheduled for completion by 2030. The phased implementation will allow for gradual transition, including opportunities for licensed banana boat operators to bid for the new Omi Buses with government support.
The choice of Five Cowries Terminal as the launch venue underscores its central role in Lagos’ intermodal transport network and the broader Lagos Urban Mobility Plan, which integrates road, rail, and water systems for seamless movement across the megacity.
As Lagos sets a benchmark for sustainable urban development in Africa, the Omi Eko Project represents more than infrastructure development—it is a vision of a cleaner, smarter, and more connected future for millions of Lagos residents.
For more coverage on waterways transportation and maritime development in Nigeria, visit www.waterwaysnews.ng
Lagos Hosts Landmark Waterfront Summit Amid Growing Lagoon Crisis
Experts, Policymakers Unite to Address “Pressure on the Lagoon” at Inaugural Event
By Captain Larry| WaterwaysNews.ng
Lagos, September 11, 2025
The Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development today convened the inaugural Lagos Waterfront Summit at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, bringing together Africa’s foremost experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to address critical challenges facing the Lagos Lagoon system.
Themed “Pressure on the Lagoon: The Lagos Experience,” the landmark summit served as a pivotal platform to examine the mounting environmental threats to one of West Africa’s most significant waterfront ecosystems and explore sustainable solutions for the region’s coastal development.
The summit comes at a time when Lagos State Government has issued grave warnings about the rapidly deteriorating state of the Lagos Lagoon. Recent assessments have revealed alarming levels of illegal activities that threaten the waterway’s ecosystem, with illegal sand dredging operations reportedly extracting 10,625 cubic metres of sand daily from the lagoon.
A cross section of participants at the summit
Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, who spearheaded the organization of the summit, has described the current situation as an “impending environmental and social catastrophe” requiring urgent intervention.
The summit addressed several critical challenges plaguing the Lagos waterfront:
Illegal Sand Dredging: The massive scale of unauthorized sand extraction operations that are fundamentally altering the lagoon’s depth and ecological balance.
Environmental Degradation: The cumulative impact of human activities on water quality, marine life, and coastal erosion patterns.
Sustainable Development: Balancing economic development needs with environmental conservation along Lagos’s extensive waterfront.
Community Impact: Addressing the effects of lagoon degradation on waterfront communities from Makoko to Tarkwa Bay.
The summit attracted a diverse array of participants including:
– Government officials and policymakers
– International waterfront development experts
– Environmental scientists and researchers
– Community leaders from affected waterfront areas
– Private sector developers and investors
– Civil society organizations
In his keynote address, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu delivered a sobering assessment of Lagos’s waterfront crisis, revealing the staggering extent of coastal degradation facing the state.
Our reporter, Captain Larry at the summit
“This is the human face of coastal erosion… a wake-up call that we must act urgently and decisively,” Sanwo-Olu declared, noting that over 80% of Lagos’ shoreline has been lost in the past 50 years.
The Governor cited the tragic case of Idotun Village, which “no longer exists today,” as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of unchecked coastal erosion and illegal activities on waterfront communities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu issued a stern warning to individuals and entities engaged in illegal dredging operations, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting the state’s coastal heritage from further degradation.
The summit also featured prominent speakers including legal expert Muiz Banire and Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, who raised the alarm about powerful forces that were fast eroding Lagos’ coastal heritage.
Commissioner Bush-Alebiosu reinforced the urgency of the situation, calling for immediate collaborative action from all stakeholders to address the mounting pressure on the lagoon system.
The summit represents a crucial step in mobilizing collective action to preserve Lagos’s vital waterfront resources. Officials emphasized the far-reaching implications of decisions made regarding Lagos’s waterfront future, with impacts extending from Makoko to Tarkwa Bay and beyond.
Governor Sanwo-Olu revealed ongoing efforts being made to strengthen the state’s response to the waterfront crisis, indicating that his administration is working on comprehensive measures to address illegal dredging and coastal protection.
The Governor’s administration has been particularly focused on stamping out illegal activities through coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Physical Planning, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency.
The summit aims to develop comprehensive strategies for sustainable waterfront development while addressing the immediate threats to the Lagos Lagoon ecosystem. The outcomes of today’s discussions are expected to inform policy decisions and intervention strategies to protect one of Nigeria’s most important coastal waterways.
As Lagos continues to grow as a major African megacity, the summit’s findings will be crucial in ensuring that development along the waterfront proceeds in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible manner.
The Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development has indicated that this inaugural summit marks the beginning of regular engagements with stakeholders to address ongoing waterfront challenges.
For more coverage of waterfront development and maritime news across Nigeria, visit waterwaysnews.ng
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