Esther Komolafe

The Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI) is hosting a one-day seminar to tackle risks facing Nigeria's National Single Window (NSW) project, a flagship trade facilitation initiative aimed at streamlining import, export, and transit documentation. The seminar, themed "National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure", will bring together policymakers, regulators, and private sector leaders to chart tamper-proof strategies for the NSW's effective implementation. Experts warn that Nigeria's history of reform failures underscores the need for robust implementation safeguards . Key highlights include insights from Customs controllers, freight forwarders, and regulators, with discussions on transparency, inter-agency collaboration, and sustainability. Would you like to…

Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for deeper collaboration with the European Union to address emerging maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea, including illegal fishing, trafficking, and environmental crimes. Speaking in Abuja, Oyetola emphasized the need for a broader, integrated response anchored on strong international partnerships, citing the success of the Deep Blue Project in reducing piracy and armed robbery at sea. He urged stakeholders to consolidate gains made by the EU-funded GoGIN II programme and ensure long-term sustainability through stronger regional ownership mechanisms . The EU delegation, led by Ms. Stéphanie Vergniault,…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is set to honor its past presidents in a grand appreciation event on April 24, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa. The event will recognize the contributions of living past leaders and pay tribute to four departed presidents, with their families receiving posthumous awards [1]. According to MARAN's Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tunde Ayodele, the celebration acknowledges the vision, passion, and sacrifices of past presidents who transformed the association into a formidable voice in maritime reporting. The event coincides with the appointment of past president Dr. Bolaji Akinola as Special Adviser on Communications to the…

Freight forwarders and customs agents are up in arms against shipping companies and the Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) over a recent increase in shipping charges. Despite protests, the NSC claims it has attempted to engage stakeholders in dialogue, but protesters insist they've never been invited to talks ¹ ² ³. The Executive Secretary of NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, urged protesters to embrace dialogue, warning that prolonged disputes could disrupt port operations and harm trade. However, protesters claim the NSC has been evasive, citing a cancelled meeting on February 23, 2026, and accuse the council of siding with shipping companies. The…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 13 containers with contraband goods worth ₦6.38 billion at Apapa Port, Lagos. The seized items include expired pharmaceuticals, codeine-based cough syrups, cannabis, and restricted security equipment . Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi stated that the seizures resulted from intelligence-driven operations, cargo scanning, and targeted inspections. The seized goods include: Expired pharmaceuticals and food items Codeine-based products concealed in toilet cisterns and luxury flasks Cannabis hidden in a vehicle Restricted security equipment without End User Certificates Adeniyi warned that importing expired drugs and controlled substances risks public health and fuels substance abuse. The seized goods are…

The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has commissioned a Data Analytics Centre and inspected a Drive-Through Scanner at Apapa Port, Lagos, marking a significant step towards modernizing customs operations. The analytics centre will enhance risk management, decision-making, and collaboration, while the scanner will streamline cargo clearance, improve accuracy, and strengthen security checks . Adeniyi emphasized that data is crucial for international business and global cooperation, and the new centre will drive efficiency and compliance. The facility includes a state-of-the-art Analytics Centre of Excellence, Customs Intelligence Unit, and a clinic for officers' welfare. The scanner, with a…

The Nigerian Ports Authority is beaming with pride as we honor the incredible women shaping our maritime sector! From firefighting to piloting, and from engineering to administration, these phenomenal women are crushing stereotypes and breaking barriers. *Kudos to our women champions! 🙌* MD Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho shares, "We’ve intentionally prioritized gender equality, with women holding 60% of key roles in my team. This is just the beginning!" We celebrate the strength, dedication, and passion of NPA women and all women in maritime. You’re driving progress, inspiring change, and paving the way for a brighter future”. *Happy International Women’s Day to…