Twelve years after the mass abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) says 89 girls remain unaccounted for, warning the tragedy now symbolises a wider failure of accountability.

The foundation made the statement on the anniversary of the April 14, 2014 attack in northeast Nigeria, where 276 students were kidnapped from their school.

It said that while 187 girls have been rescued or escaped over the years, progress has slowed, with no confirmed recovery recorded in the past year.

“A Metaphor for Neglect”

The Chief Executive Officer of MMF, Aisha Muhammed Oyebode, said the incident has taken on a broader meaning.

“Chibok has become more than a place or a moment in time. It is now a metaphor for neglect—of responsibility, of accountability, and of our collective empathy.”

She added that the global outrage that once followed the abduction has faded, leaving many families still waiting for answers.

Why It Matters

The Chibok abduction became a defining moment in global advocacy, sparking the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.

However, MMF says the lack of sustained attention reflects deeper systemic challenges.

“What Chibok exposed was not only a security failure, but a failure of sustained attention—the inability to begin and to finish, to respond and to follow through.”

The foundation warns that continued kidnappings across Nigeria have reinforced fear, particularly among families considering education for girls.

Long-Term Impact on Survivors

Beyond those still missing, the report highlights lasting consequences for survivors and their communities.

Many of the girls who returned experienced disrupted education, trauma, and uncertain futures.

The foundation also noted that more than 40 children were born in captivity and later returned with their mothers, underscoring the prolonged human impact of the crisis.

Calls for Action

MMF is urging the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to locate the remaining girls and ensure transparency in its operations.

It also called on international bodies, including the United Nations, to renew coordinated action to protect children in conflict-affected areas.

“Chibok must not be remembered only as a tragedy. It must remain a call to action. Until every missing girl is accounted for, this responsibility remains unfinished.”

What’s Next

The foundation says it will continue advocacy efforts through research and storytelling, including a photographic exhibition drawn from Stolen Daughters of Chibok.

The exhibition aims to keep global attention on the human stories behind the statistics.

Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been recognised for its growing global role in tackling drug trafficking, following its participation in a major maritime security conference in the United Kingdom.

The agency’s Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the invitation to the North Sea and Channel Maritime Information Group meeting as a “significant recognition” of Nigeria’s operational capacity.

Nigeria was the only African country represented at the gathering, which took place in Southampton, with additional operational exchanges in Felixstowe and Portsmouth between 4 and 12 March 2026.

Why it matters

The participation highlights Nigeria’s increasing importance in global counter-narcotics efforts, particularly as drug trafficking networks become more sophisticated and transnational.

Marwa said the exposure to international best practices would strengthen Nigeria’s ability to police its waterways and disrupt illicit drug routes.

“The exposure of NDLEA officers to advanced interdiction techniques, intelligence-sharing frameworks, and real-time maritime operations will further enhance the Agency’s ability,” he said.

Experts say maritime routes remain one of the most difficult channels to monitor, making international collaboration essential.

Nigeria’s growing global role

Marwa said the agency’s involvement in joint exercises with the UK Border Force marked a “major milestone” in strengthening cooperation against organised crime.

“The invitation extended to Nigeria as the only African country represented… is a significant recognition of NDLEA’s growing operational capacity, professionalism, and strategic relevance,” he added.

He also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to building an intelligence-driven system capable of responding to evolving drug trafficking patterns.

Inside the UK engagement

The NDLEA delegation was led by Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Aminu Jega, who said the visit focused on strengthening intelligence sharing and operational collaboration.

According to him, the conference brought together maritime security stakeholders from across Europe and the UK to discuss emerging threats and coordinated responses.

“The primary objective of the visit was to strengthen operational cooperation, intelligence sharing, and maritime security collaboration,” Jega said.

He added that NDLEA’s presentation at the event drew “significant interest” and positive feedback from international counterparts.

Industry and international reactions

Marwa expressed appreciation to UK authorities, including the Home Office International Operations and Border Force, for supporting Nigeria’s participation.

Security analysts say such partnerships are critical as West Africa continues to be a transit hub for global drug trafficking networks.

They note that improved intelligence-sharing could help Nigeria intercept shipments earlier and reduce the impact of narcotics on local communities.

What’s next

The NDLEA says it plans to deepen partnerships with global agencies and leverage international platforms to improve operational efficiency.

Marwa stressed that collaboration would remain central to Nigeria’s strategy in combating drug-related crimes.

“The Agency will continue to leverage such platforms to improve operational efficiency and achieve its mandate,” he said.

Historic Surge in Cargo Signals Maritime Transformation

Nigeria’s maritime sector, which handles over 80% of the country’s international trade, is experiencing a major overhaul under the leadership of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho.

The NPA’s 2025 Operational Performance Report reveals a record-breaking 24.8% increase in total cargo throughput, rising from 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to 129.3 million metric tons in 2025. Dr. Dantsoho described this as “one of the most significant annual increases in Nigeria’s maritime history,” underscoring the nation’s growing competitiveness in regional and global trade.

Why Port Modernisation Matters

For decades, Nigeria’s ports struggled with congestion, outdated infrastructure, and operational inefficiencies. Experts estimate the country loses over N1 trillion annually due to delays, administrative duplication, and lack of automation. Neighboring ports in Ghana, Togo, and Benin Republic have capitalized on modern facilities, diverting cargo that would otherwise pass through Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration, in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under Adegboyega Oyetola, is reversing this trend through comprehensive port modernisation and the deployment of the National Single Window (NSW) digital platform.

“Efficient ports are indispensable to economic growth. Modernisation will reduce vessel turnaround time, lower freight costs, and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness,” – Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, NPA MD.

Ports Reconstruction and Modern Infrastructure

The federal government is undertaking a major infrastructure renewal at key ports, including Apapa, Tin Can Island, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Calabar. Projects include:

Upgrading quay walls

Deepening channels

Modernising cargo-handling equipment

Expanding terminal capacity

These upgrades aim to reduce vessel waiting times, accelerate cargo clearance, and cut logistics costs. Early indicators show ship calls exceeding 4,000 vessels and container traffic at 1.74 million TEUs, reflecting rising trade activity.

Digital Transformation Through the National Single Window

The NSW is a digital platform designed to streamline all import, export, and transit documentation through a single portal, eliminating the need to interact with multiple government agencies.

Last week, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila announced the NSW launch for March 27, calling it a “monumental fiscal reform” to improve trade efficiency and Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

 “We are about to launch yet another reform, fiscal reform by this administration, which in its nature will be very transformational,” – Femi Gbajabiamila.

NSW aims to:

Reduce cargo dwell time by 35–45%

Cut trade transaction costs by up to 25%

Boost customs revenue by 10–20% annually (an estimated N600 billion to N1.2 trillion)

Integration with NPA systems, including the Revenue Invoice Management System (RIMS 2.0), ensures seamless data sharing and improved accountability.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

Modernised ports and digital trade systems are expected to stimulate economic growth by:

Enhancing export competitiveness

Reducing logistics costs for businesses

Attracting foreign direct investment in shipping, logistics, and manufacturing

Analysts project that a fully operational digital maritime ecosystem could generate over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs in logistics and ICT sectors.

Institutional Leadership Driving Change

The NPA has deployed advanced tools like the Port Community System, Vessel Traffic Management System, and digital cargo tracking platforms to support the NSW rollout. In 2024, NPA revenue reached N894.86 billion, with N400.8 billion remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, nearly double the previous year.

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, led by Adegboyega Oyetola, provides policy direction and regulatory coordination, positioning Nigeria’s ports as a major regional logistics hub.

Looking Ahead: Nigeria’s Maritime Future

With modernised infrastructure and digital integration, Nigeria is poised to become a key maritime hub in West and Central Africa. Ports like Lekki Deep Sea Port are already showing strong growth in container traffic and trans-shipment volumes, signalling a potential regional redistribution role.

If sustained, these reforms could transform Nigeria’s maritime sector into a driver of industrial expansion, trade integration, and long-term economic prosperity, reshaping the country’s role in global trade.