Headlines
NIMASA jerks up Manning Bond by 400% to N5m

THE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has jerked up the financial bond for manning agencies in Nigeria to N5 million from N1 million with a view to keeping quarks away from the industry.
Disclosing this to Vanguard, Emmanuel Maiguwa, Chief Executive of a manning agency and President of Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria, MASPAN, said the reason for the increase in the financial bond requirement was because some manning agencies were not operating up to the standard.
He explained that the increase in the financial bond requirement will not solve the problem of quackery in the manning sub-sector of the maritime industry, adding that anybody can meet up with bond requirements and still decide not to play by the rules and regulations guiding the operation of the manning agency.
He said: “The fee for the manning licence is not the issue but there is a bond requirement and we understand why NIMASA raised the bond because some companies are actually cutting corners.
READ ALSO: NOA signs agreement with ILO to end child labour in Nigeria
“There are lots of what we nickname mushroom companies and in NIMASA’s wisdom; they feel raising the financial requirements will eliminate them. We are of the opinion that it will not solve the problem. If I do not want to play by the rules, all I need to do is to get the money.
“So, the more money I have to acquire the licence and the more opportunities to have more companies under my portfolio but without improving my standards.
“Compliance with regulations, developing industry standards and enforcement and monitoring is what will actually improve the standard of manning agencies in Nigeria.
“And in the Maritime Safety Convention (MSC) the requirements are there, NIMASA is supposed to be carrying out a monthly audit and generating reports of what the manning agencies are doing. It is only when they do that that they can get feedback from the manning agencies as to what issues they are having with ship owners that is not enabling them to comply and these issues can be fixed.
“So, develop a standard for the industry that is higher than MSC. If you have a proper standard, do not bring the MSC and dump it on us. When you raise the standard, for example, certification, training and control, it will wither off the unserious players.”
Headlines
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Headlines
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Headlines
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
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