Esther Komolafe

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has achieved unprecedented revenue milestones in 2025, generating ₦15.6 billion, a 117% increase from 2024. December 2025 saw a historic high of ₦3.6 billion, attributed to the One-Stop Shop initiative. Revenue Growth : ₦15,598,945,794 collected in 2025, up from ₦7,166,576,397 in 2024 Seizures: 685 parcels of Cannabis sativa, 495 packs of Tramadol, and 2,000 packs of Super Power Sildenafil tablets Trade Facilitation: Reduced checkpoints along Lagos-Abidjan corridor, easing legitimate trade Community Engagement: Launched Green Border Initiative, empowering local women and providing medical outreach. Comptroller Wale Adenuga warns smugglers that Seme borders are no…

The Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt II Command, has exceeded its 2025 revenue target, collecting N731.2 billion and surpassing the set goal by N31.25 billion (4.46%). Highlights Revenue Milestone: N731.2bn collected, exceeding target by N31.25bn Leadership Credit:  Comptroller Aliyu M Alkali's effective implementation of policies Stakeholder Appreciation: Cooperation from stakeholders and management contributed to success Seizures: 75 containers with N47.6bn DPV intercepted, including expired pharmaceuticals Comptroller Alkali praised officers' dedication and professionalism, encouraging importers and agents to make honest declarations. The Command remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade and enforcing regulations .

Textron Systems Corporation has secured a deal to deliver three Aerosonde Mk 4.7 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to Tantita Security Services, enhancing Nigeria's security operations. Highlights: Contract Win: Textron Systems to deliver Aerosonde Mk 4.7 VTOL UAS to Tantita Security Services Security Boost: UAS will protect Nigeria's vital oil and gas infrastructure Proven Performance: Aerosonde UAS has over 700,000 flight hours in challenging environments Multi-Mission Capability: System offers VTOL and fixed-wing options, adaptable to various security operations "This award builds on the Aerosonde UAS family of systems' support to international customers," said David Phillips, Senior…

The 2026 Nigerian Maritime Merit Awards (NMMA) has recognized outstanding contributions to Nigeria's maritime industry, with top honours going to industry leaders and professionals. Winners: Maritime Man of the Year*: Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi (47.7% of votes) Best Maritime Reporter*: Godfrey Bivbere (42% of 2,403 responses) Maritime Woman of the Year*: Faith Zibs Godwin (36% of votes) Best Duty Collecting Bank*: Access Bank (38.7% of votes) Lifetime Maritime Achievement Award*: Prince Olayiwola Shittu (41.2% of votes) Other notable winners include Taiwo Afolabi, who came second in the Maritime Man of the Year category, and Tantita Security Services, which won…

Nigeria's port security agencies have started the new year with a bang, intercepting 30.1 kilograms of cocaine at the Apapa Port, Lagos, on January 2, 2026. The joint operation by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) discovered the drugs concealed onboard the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, MV Aruna, at the Greenview Terminal. Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, praised the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency collaboration, warning that Apapa Port remains hostile terrain for smugglers. "This seizure sends a clear message that there will be no hiding place for illicit cargo, whether in…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is calling on maritime stakeholders to gear up for a year of greater impact, as the nation steps into 2026. Greater Impact: MARAN urges stakeholders to recommit to improved service delivery and robust maritime reportage Collaboration: Partnerships crucial to making Nigeria's maritime space admired and celebrated Unity: Collective efforts in 2025 contributed to sector growth, sustain spirit of unity and collaboration in 2026 MARAN Chairman, Tunde Ayodele, expresses appreciation for 2025 support, seeking renewed commitment in 2026. He wishes members and stakeholders, a happy new year, and welcomes them to a year of…

Four suspected oil thieves have been arrested in Delta State, with their vessel, MT Thor, intercepted, as authorities crack down on economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta. Highlights: Arrest: 4 suspects caught with unspecified quantity of suspected stolen petroleum products Vessel Seized: MT Thor, allegedly laden with crude oil, linked to Ebenco Global Services Limited Investigation: Joint team collects samples, examines documents, and reviews court orders Prosecution: Suspects face trial for economic sabotage, as Federal Government vows to dismantle oil theft networks Tantita Security Services Limited intercepted the vessel, with Police Marine Unit involvement reportedly linked to Force Intelligence Department…

The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has smashed its 2025 revenue target, generating ₦111111111111111111.5trn, surpassing the target by ₦51.8bn. Revenue Generated*: ₦1.576trn (exceeds target by ₦51.84bn) Major Drivers:  Bulk cargo, general merchandise, and used vehicles Achievements : Streamlined alert management, robust stakeholder engagement, and intelligence-driven operations Seizures:  Significant prohibited and improperly declared goods intercepted Comptroller Frank Onyeka attributes success to officers' discipline, professionalism, and collective responsibility. Wa He assures sustained revenue collection, enforcement, and transparency, aligning with the Service's reform agenda .

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has expressed gratitude to Nigerian journalists, particularly the maritime media, for their role in Nigeria's recent success at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) elections. Highlights: IMO Election Win: Nigeria wins Category C council election after 14 years Media Support: NIMASA acknowledges maritime media's contribution to showcasing Nigeria's maritime potential Developmental Journalism:  Agency emphasizes importance of responsible reporting Continued Support: NIMASA pledges backing for Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) NIMASA's Deputy Director, Edward Osagie, commended MARAN for responsible journalism, noting that the agency values the association's support despite perceived shortcomings. MARAN President,…

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers worth ₦769.5 million in the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, containing goods like vitrified tiles, diesel engine oil, and medical supplies. *Key Highlights:* Intercepted Goods: Vitrified tiles, diesel engine oil, polyester fabrics, used clothing, and more Prohibited Imports: Several items fall under Common External Tariff (CET) restrictions Conviction: Abdulrahman Sani Adam sentenced to 3 years in prison or ₦3 million fine Tracking System: Electronic container tracking rollout nears completion, offering real-time monitoring CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi warns that cargo diversion undermines revenue, compromises security, and damages Nigeria's international standing. Importers and logistics…