Esther Komolafe

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing media engagement and capacity building for journalists in 2026. Speaking at the 2025 Zone 'A' End-of-Year Media Parley, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada emphasized the importance of impactful reporting and public understanding . Highlights: Journalist Training*: Structured programs to be rolled out across regional clusters Media Relations*: Evolving role of PR department as a bridge between Service and public Technology Integration*: AI tools to enhance engagement with journalists and stakeholders Officer Training*: Focus on emotional intelligence, professionalism, and humility Maiwada urged Customs officers to foster respectful communication, stating that "the…

A new era in maritime journalism has begun in Nigeria with the launch of the Centre for Maritime Media & Capacity Development. The centre was unveiled at the 10th anniversary of the Annual Seminar for Maritime Journalists, organized by First Mediacon Network Limited . The centre aims to equip maritime journalists with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape, driven by digitalization, artificial intelligence, and social media. CEO of First Mediacon Network Limited, Mr. Sesan Onileimo, emphasized the importance of future-proofing maritime reporting, stating that the centre will provide continuous training and development programs…

The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant breakthrough, intercepting contraband goods worth over ₦2 billion within just 11 days, including two exotic cars valued at ₦28 million. The seized items include: Narcotics: 16 parcels of heroin (16kg) worth ₦240 million and 3,355 wraps of Cannabis Sativa valued at ₦435.08 million Food Items: 2,200 kegs of foreign groundnut oil worth ₦264 million and 5,417 cartons of foreign spaghetti estimated at ₦162.51 million. Deputy Comptroller OO Afeni warned that smugglers will face severe consequences, stating, "there will be no hiding place" for perpetrators within the…

Lekki Deep Sea Port, Nigeria's first deep seaport, has reached a significant milestone, operating at nearly 50% of its designed capacity. The port's Managing Director, Mr. Wang Qiang, attributes this growth to increasing confidence from shipping lines and cargo owners, with container throughput rising steadily since September. To sustain this growth, Lekki Port is focusing on multimodal connectivity and digital integration. Barge operations currently account for 10% of cargo movement, but rail connectivity is essential for long-term efficiency, particularly with the Lekki Free Zone's industrial activities. The ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project will improve road access, but rail infrastructure is…

The African Women in Maritime (WIMA) Nigerian chapter has a new leader, as Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze takes over as President, succeeding Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, who has been appointed Vice President, WIMA Africa (Anglophone). Highlights: Leadership Transition: Macfoy hands over to Nwaeze, citing "unity, dignity, and quiet strength" New Vision: Nwaeze pledges empowerment, innovation, collaboration, and visibility Executive Council : Fresh team includes Mrs. Temilade Ogunniyi as Vice President, Mrs. Obiageli Benjamin as Secretary, and others The event was attended by prominent maritime women, including Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN, Chief (Mrs.) Carol Ufere, and Mrs. Odunayo Ani, among others.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has disowned the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) MV Skipper, arrested by the US Navy for alleged crude oil theft and other crimes. Points: Not Nigerian-Flagged: MV Skipper is not registered with NIMASA Owners Not Recognized: Thomarose Global Ventures Limited not registered as a shipping company with NIMASA Last Sighting: Vessel was in Nigerian waters on July 1, 2024, before moving to Asia and Caribbean NIMASA's Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, assures collaboration with US authorities in ongoing investigations, emphasizing zero tolerance for criminality in Nigerian waters.

In a formal ceremony held at the Headquarters in Bauchi, Comptroller Abubakar Lawal Umar has handed over the leadership of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone D to Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, marking a seamless transition of authority. Highlights: Leadership Transition: Comptroller Umar hands over to Comptroller Kaila Appreciation: Umar thanks CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and management team for support Unit's Achievement: Significant success in anti-smuggling operations and revenue protection across 9 states Comptroller Kaila takes over the helm of FOU Zone D, which covers Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, and Nassarawa states, with a mandate to…

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has a new leader, as Compt Gambo Aliyu takes over from ACG Mohammed Shuaibu, who has been promoted to Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Customs. Highlights: Leadership Transition:  ACG Shuaibu hands over to Compt Aliyu, citing "significant milestone" in his career Achievements: 476 interceptions, 761 seizures, and N10.1billion worth of items seized under Shuaibu's leadership New Vision*: Compt Aliyu pledges to strengthen enforcement, uphold professionalism, and enhance collaboration Compt Aliyu outlined three guiding principles for his administration: Change Management, Compliance Management, and Reputational Management, assuring officers of…

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have launched a joint safety campaign to ensure safe travel on Lagos waterways during the busy festive season. Key Safety Measures: Life Jackets: Mandatory use of standard, certified life jackets    Passenger Safety: Accurate manifests, no trips after 7:00 p.m, and routine vessel checks Weather Alerts: Monitor weather advisories and suspend trips when instructed The agencies will intensify patrols and surveillance along busy waterways and terminals, and urge passengers to support safety efforts by reporting any unsafe practices. Passenger Responsibilities: Wear Life Jackets: Properly wear life jackets…

Former Minister of Interior and leading shipowner, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, has emphasized the crucial role of Nigeria's maritime sector in unlocking the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a market of 1.3 billion people and $3.4 trillion GDP. Highlights: Strategic Opportunity: AfCFTA presents a transformative channel for national growth Maritime Sector: Central to AfCFTA's success, with shipping as primary mode for cross-border trade Challenges: Inadequate infrastructure, bureaucratic inefficiencies, maritime insecurity, and skills gaps Ihenacho urged stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and plan strategically to position Nigeria competitively within continental and global value chains. Opportunities Ahead: Expanded Trade…