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  • PEBEC, NPA set to achieve 7-day cargo dwell time, facilitates seamless trade

    PEBEC, NPA set to achieve 7-day cargo dwell time, facilitates seamless trade

    The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has concluded a three-day high-level stakeholder engagement in Lagos, to reduce cargo dwell time and improve vessel turnaround time to attract investment and facilitate seamless trade.

    Titled “Achieving a 7-Day Cargo Dwell Time,” the session brought together the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee (PCEC) under the Business Environment Enhancement Programme Accelerator (BEEPA) framework and hosted by the NPA was geared towards streamlining port processes to bolster the ease of doing business across the nation’s sea ports.

    The engagement, which was held at the Lagos Port Complex (LPC) in Apapa, followed an extensive “shadowing” exercise where officials observed real-time vessel berthing and cargo clearance operations at both the Tin-Can Island and Lagos Port Complexes (LPC).

    Speaking at the event, the Director General of PEBEC, Zahrah Mustapha emphasised that the session was designed to move beyond identifying hurdles toward implementing long-overdue practical solutions.

    “Nigeria loses significantly every day due to operational inefficiencies.These are not just numbers; they represent missed opportunities, jobs not created, and delayed economic growth. This reform is about resilience and unlocking the nation’s economic potential,” Mustapha said.

    Read Also: Summit targets $500m investment in Nigeria

    He noted that the initiative integrates both government regulators and private sector stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability, with the ultimate goal of reducing cargo dwell time and improving vessel turnaround time.

    In his address, the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho reiterated the Authority’s commitment to supporting PEBEC’s mandates.

    He highlighted the NPA’s progress including collaborating with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to deploy the Port Community System (PCS) which will serve as the digital backbone for the National Single Window, a move expected to eliminate manual bottlenecks and synchronize port operations.

    Recall that the NPA achieved a 100% success rate in PEBEC reforms, ranking 5th among agencies in 2025 with an 84.2% compliance rating.

    The outcomes of this engagement are expected to be implemented within the coming months. By closing the operational gaps identified during the port inspections, the NPA and PEBEC aim to create a more competitive maritime environment that attracts investment and facilitates seamless trade.

  • Nigerian social media tracking App, Kluoto, thrives in UK

    Nigerian social media tracking App, Kluoto, thrives in UK

    A Nigerian-developed social media tracking and monetisation application, Kluoto, is recording strong traction in the United Kingdom, marking a major milestone in its push to expand beyond Africa.

    The platform, founded by Nigerian tech entrepreneur Chukwuemeka Martins Osuofia, is currently based in the UK, where it now attracts the bulk of its user traffic, even as plans are underway to extend operations to the United States.

    Speaking recently on Lagos Television, Osuofia said the app was built to empower youths, businesses and content creators by offering financial rewards largely unavailable on conventional social media platforms.

    He explained that Kluoto was designed with a strong economic focus, aimed at giving users tangible value for the time and engagement they invest online, while also contributing to Nigeria’s broader digital economy.

    According to him, Nigerian users enjoy exclusive benefits on the platform, including an hourly earning feature, introduced to ensure local content creators are compensated for the time they spend engaging on the app.

    Osuofia noted that unlike platforms such as YouTube, where users must meet specific thresholds before monetisation begins, Kluoto allows instant earnings as users interact with content.

    He added that the company is open to granting exclusivity to its Nigerian database, provided it receives the necessary institutional and ecosystem support.

    Read Also: Insecurity in Nigeria, globally sign of end times —Prophet Abiara

    The founder also disclosed that content regulation remains a priority for the developers, particularly amid the growing spread of deepfake materials online, stressing that measures have been put in place to ensure authenticity on the platform.

    Kluoto was registered in Nigeria last year and is currently in its first year of operations in the country.

    The firm recently unveiled its new brand identity alongside a tracking feature that enables users to monitor engagement and earnings in real time.

    In a statement signed by the company’s Social Media Manager, Didi Edem, the firm said the rebrand signals a new phase in its mission to redefine how users interact, create content and earn online.

    The statement added that the new tracking tool provides engagement insights via an intuitive dashboard, allowing users to see how consistency on the platform translates into rewards, as Kluoto gains momentum not just as an app, but as a growing movement centred on African creators.

  • Davis Cup: Adeleye fights back to secure vital win over Uzbekistan

    Davis Cup: Adeleye fights back to secure vital win over Uzbekistan

    Nigeria’s number one player, Daniel Adeleye, produced a determined comeback to defeat Abdulaziz Usmonjonov of Uzbekistan in the Davis Cup World Group II Playoffs on Saturday at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club.

    After dropping the opening set, Adeleye showed composure and grit to record a 4–6, 6–2, 6–4 victory, earning Nigeria a crucial point and reigniting the home side’s challenge in the tie.

    Usmonjonov started brightly, using his consistency and court coverage to edge the first set. Adeleye, however, responded like a top-ranked player, raising his intensity in the second set as he began to dictate rallies and put pressure on his opponent’s serve, racing to a 6–2 win.

    The deciding set was tightly contested, with both players refusing to give ground.

    Backed by a lively Lagos crowd, Adeleye displayed resilience and maturity in the key moments, breaking late before calmly serving out the match to seal a memorable victory.

    Read Also: Victor Osimhen not leaving AFCON camp — NFF official

    Speaking after the match, the Nigerian number one highlighted the importance of staying mentally strong.

    “I knew I had to be patient and trust my game, even after losing the first set,” Adeleye said. “Playing at home gives me extra motivation, and I’m happy I could deliver for the team.”

    Usmonjonov acknowledged the shift in momentum, admitting Adeleye’s improved level made the difference.

    The win proved pivotal for Nigeria as the tie remained finely balanced, with Adeleye’s performance underlining his leadership role and importance to the team’s hopes in the World Group II Playoffs.

  • Ladipo: I’ll use new role as CASS patron to unify African supporters club

    Ladipo: I’ll use new role as CASS patron to unify African supporters club

    By Olusegun Raphael

    President General of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club (NFSC) worldwide, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, has described his election as Patron of the Confederation of African Sports Supporters (CASS), as one of the biggest achievements of his career. 

    Speaking during a media briefing, Ladipo said the recognition marked a major milestone in his career and reflects years of dedication to promoting sports, unity, and positive fan culture on the continent and beyond.

    “I invited you today to celebrate this moment because when I started this journey, I never knew it would take me to this level,” he said. “Just last month in Casablanca, Morocco, I was elected and nominated as Patron for the Confederation of African Sports Supporters. That, to me, is a very big one.”

    Read Also: Victor Osimhen not leaving AFCON camp — NFF official

    According to him, the investiture ceremony will be held in Nigeria in March, with delegates from several African countries expected to attend. He revealed that Reverend Samuel Ikpea has been unanimously approved as chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the event.

    Ladipo also disclosed that at least 65 members of the Ghana National Supporters Union will be in Nigeria to celebrate his election, describing the gesture as a strong sign of continental solidarity.

    “If supporters from another country can travel down to honour me, it shows what this appointment means for African football unity,” he said.

    He explained that CASS serves as the umbrella body for supporters’ groups across Africa, similar to how CAF oversees football associations, with a mandate to promote peaceful and organised fan engagement.

  • Ikoyi Lady Captain Onwu bows out on a high

    Ikoyi Lady Captain Onwu bows out on a high

    Lady Captain of the Ladies Subsection of Ikoyi Club 1938, Peggy Onwu, has concluded her tenure as the 2025–2026 golfing year draws to a close, capping what members described as an impactful administration driven by environmental sustainability, youth development, and increased women’s participation in golf under her ‘Go Beyond’ theme.

    Speaking at the end-of-year tournament tagged ‘Peggy’s Final’, held recently at the club, Onwu said the event symbolised a fitting conclusion to a year defined by progress and purposeful engagement within and beyond the golfing community.

    “It has been another brilliant day and we are extremely grateful. We had good weather and great company. Today marks the end of this golfing year, and it has been a year of going beyond just playing golf,” she said.

    Onwu noted that her administration placed strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and climate change awareness, introducing eco-friendly initiatives around the golf course and in neighbouring communities.

    According to her, golfers typically spend three to four hours on the course and require hydration, which often results in plastic waste. To tackle this, the Ladies Subsection installed waste receptacles across the course to promote cleanliness and responsible waste disposal.

    She added that the environmental advocacy extended beyond the club through climate sensitisation campaigns and tree-planting exercises in nearby schools.

    Read Also: FCC Boss targets national unity through strategic NFF partnership

    “We visited schools around us, carried out climate awareness programmes and encouraged each child to plant and adopt a tree. The idea is that they will return in the future and be inspired by the environment they helped nurture,” she said.

    Onwu also highlighted efforts to boost members’ financial literacy through enlightenment sessions on tax reforms and digital banking, noting that the initiative improved members’ understanding of safe and efficient financial transactions.

    A major milestone of her tenure, she said, was the hosting of the 50th Ladies Open tournament at Ikoyi Club 1938, which attracted participants from 12 countries.

    Looking ahead, Onwu disclosed plans to sustain youth development through the establishment of a golf training academy for girls aged five to 18, stressing that the sport plays a vital role in mental development, focus, strategy and confidence building.

  • Man Utd beat Tottenham to win fourth straight game under Carrick

    Man Utd beat Tottenham to win fourth straight game under Carrick

    Tottenham skipper Cristian Romero was accused of letting his team-mates down as his first-half red card helped condemn his side to defeat as Manchester United extended their winning run under Michael Carrick.

    Bryan Mbeumo put United in front after 38 minutes at Old Trafford when he applied a brilliant finish to a superb corner routine involving Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.

    Fernandes wrapped up the win late on as he turned home Diogo Dalot’s inswinging cross.

    But the main focus was on Romero. So critical of Tottenham’s board in midweek, the Argentine gave referee Michael Oliver no option other than to brandish a red card with a tackle that caught Casemiro just above the ankle and left the Brazilian screaming in pain.

    It was Romero’s second red card of the season, which means he will miss four games, including the north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February.

    Read Also: Victor Osimhen not leaving AFCON camp — NFF official

    The result means Tottenham have now gone seven Premier League games without a win, a run that has yielded just four points and leaves them 14th and too close to the relegation places for comfort.

    Although they were not at their best, United at least avoided the same embarrassment they suffered against an Everton side reduced to 10 men even earlier in the game in November, when David Moyes’ side claimed victory.

    The result led to more chants backing interim manager Carrick as United consolidated their position in the top four.

    With each passing game, Ruben Amorim’s decision to condemn Mainoo to the substitutes bench for the entire Premier League season looks more ridiculous.

  • U20 WWC Qualifier: Nigeria walk tight rope as Ifeanyi’s goal lifts Falconets over Senegal

    U20 WWC Qualifier: Nigeria walk tight rope as Ifeanyi’s goal lifts Falconets over Senegal

    Nigeria created several opportunities but had only Kindness Ifeanyi’s 51st-minute goal to show for their dominance in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup third-round, first-leg qualifier against Senegal.

    Substitute Ifeanyi powered home a header from a corner kick by defender Tumininu Adeshina to give Nigeria victory, with the fixture delicately poised as both teams will again be at each other’s jugular in seven days in Dakar, in the concluding leg of the fixture.

    Nigeria’s top striker, Janet Akokoromowei was forced off the encounter in the first period by injury, but Shakirat Moshood and Taiwo Afolabi initiated many telling moves that could have resulted in more goals for the two-time World Cup silver medallists.

    Read Also: FCC Boss targets national unity through strategic NFF partnership

    Nigeria dominated for large spells of the encounter, covering every blade of grass and creating numerous chances, but were unfortunate not to convert most of them. The Falconets recorded their first incursion into the opponents’ goal area in the 12th minute, when Moshood weaved past two defenders, but her cross was blocked and then cleared by the Senegalese defence.

    Nigeria finally broke the deadlock six minutes after the restart when Ifeanyi rose highest to head home a well-taken corner kick, giving the Falconets the lead.

    She came close to doubling the advantage in the 66th minute, but Ndiaye stretched full length to push her effort away.

  • Niger Delta Games: Coaches urged to discover future talents

    Niger Delta Games: Coaches urged to discover future talents

    State Sports Commissions and Councils of the Niger Delta Region have been invited to take advantage of the Niger Delta Games to create long-term athletes development structures rather than seeking immediate results.

    At the screening of registered athletes presented by Akwa Ibom State at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Braveman Wodi, who led a four-member screening panel, noted that one of the cardinal objectives of the Games is to discover, groom and prepare young athletes to become national champions in the future.

    Read Also: Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

    “Our coaches must prioritise long-term athlete development over immediate medal ambitions, which is the overall aim of the games” Wodi advised.

    Addressing journalists after the event, Wodi stated that the exercise was aimed at ensuring eligibility and providing a level playing field for all participants at the games, which he noted were organised to engender grassroots engagement, as well as to identify and promote budding talents.

  • 13 journalists injured in Bauchi autocrash

    13 journalists injured in Bauchi autocrash

    No fewer than 13 journalists from various media organisations in Bauchi were injured on Friday in a road crash while covering the commissioning of projects by the North-East Development Commission (NEDC).

    The incident occurred along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state when the vehicle conveying the journalists veered off the road and tumbled several times, throwing the occupants out.

    The crash happened shortly after the delegation, led by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, commissioned and handed over a newly constructed Government Secondary School (GSS) in Yelwan Duguri.

    The victims sustained various injuries, including compound fractures, head injuries and bruises. They were initially taken to Yelwan Duguri Cottage Hospital for emergency treatment before being transferred to Bauchi General Hospital for further medical attention.

    The injured journalists include a reporter from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), correspondents from The Guardian, The Nation and the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) along with its cameraman, correspondents and cameramen from Channels Television and Arise TV, a correspondent from AIT, two reporters from Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC), a cameraman from Bauchi State Television (BATV), an online media reporter and the driver.

    Read Also: Understanding Nigeria’s security crisis beyond the noise

    Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau Mohammed, led the minister, NEDC management and board members on a sympathy visit to the Cottage Hospital and directed that the injured be moved to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) for more specialised care.

    Rescue operations were carried out by fellow journalists, NEDC officials and other sympathisers, who helped evacuate the victims to the hospital.

    Several mobile phones and other journalistic equipment, including cameras, were damaged in the crash.

  • EPL: Arsenal open nine-point gap ahead of Liverpool, Man City clash

    EPL: Arsenal open nine-point gap ahead of Liverpool, Man City clash

    Arsenal, on Saturday, opened a nine-point advantage at the top of the Premier League, thanks to a 3-0 thrashing of Sunderland.

    The Gunners came into the game knowing that they could stretch their lead, with two of their title rivals, Liverpool and Manchester City, facing off at Anfield tomorrow.

    Although they struggled to break down the Black Cats for most of the first half, Mikel Arteta’s men eventually went in front, with Martin Zubimendi lashing home an effort from outside the box.

    Read Also: Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

    Viktor Gyokeres came off the bench to grab a brace as Arsenal finished the game comfortably.

    With Aston Villa drawing 1-1 at Bournemouth, the gap between Arsenal and the teams in second and third is nine points.

    City could cut the lead back to six if they beat Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.