Esther Komolafe

Dr. Segun Musa, a renowned freight forwarder and Managing Director of Widescope Nigeria Limited, has vehemently condemned the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) as a "fraud" that will further cripple the Nigerian economy. Musa, who is also the National Vice President of the Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), made this assertion while interacting with the leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN). Musa emphasized that the ICTN is essentially a duplicate of the Customs Risk Assessment Report, which already profiles all cargo entering Nigeria. He warned that the reintroduction of ICTN would lead to increased costs…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has congratulated Dr. Charles Okaga on his new appointment as Technical Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. MARAN's President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, described the appointment as "a square peg in a square hole," citing Okaga's impressive track record as General Manager of Operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) . Okaga's innovative approaches to port management resulted in significant improvements in cargo operations, and MARAN is confident that he will bring similar expertise to his new role. As Technical Adviser, Okaga is expected to advise on policies and…

The Registrar/CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Mr. Kingsley Igwe, has advocated for a National Single Window Proficiency Certification to be made mandatory for freight forwarders and logistics service providers in Nigeria. Igwe emphasized the need for this certification, citing the benefits of the National Single Window system, which includes transparency, harmonization, standardization, and simplification of processes. He noted that the current customs procedure in Nigeria is not standardized, leading to high costs of logistics and trade. The CRFFN boss expressed concern over the inadequate professional knowledge of freight forwarders in Nigeria, stating…

In a landmark achievement, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has signed the Act establishing the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, in Delta State. High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the President for this historic move . Tompolo, in a letter to the President, stated that the signing of the Act has validated the hopes and aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta, demonstrating the President's goodwill and commitment to the region's growth and development. The Nigeria Maritime University, established in 2014, had been struggling to…

  The Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMA) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a remarkable achievement, generating N180.7 billion in revenue in 2024. This surpasses the command's revenue target of N179.73 billion by over N1 billion. Comptroller Micheal Awe, Customs Area Controller, MMA, revealed that the command's success is attributed to its commitment to enforcing customs laws and regulations, facilitating trade, and upholding integrity and professionalism. The command also recorded significant seizures, including 21 packages of tramadol hydrochloride, 50 rounds of live ammunition, and 54 pieces of military hardware, among others. These seized items have a cumulative Duty-Paid…

After a decade of unsuccessful attempts, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) is gearing up to implement the National Single Window (NSW) project, a trade facilitation concept that enables traders and businesses to submit standardized information and documents through a single entry point. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has identified the major obstacles that have hindered previous efforts, including fragmented technological systems, institutional bottlenecks, and misaligned stakeholder expectations. To overcome these challenges, Adeniyi emphasizes the need for a unified vision, strong political will, and institutional commitment. The Path to Success For the NSW to succeed, Adeniyi stresses that all relevant agencies…

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has charged senior officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to mentor and guide younger officers to become better professionals. He gave this charge during the decoration of newly appointed and promoted officers at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, January 23, 2025. Adeniyi emphasized that senior officers must operate at a strategic level, involving themselves in decision-making and policy implementation. He reminded them that this responsibility requires personal discipline, dedication, professionalism, and adherence to the ethics of the job . The CGC also highlighted the importance of mentorship, stating that senior…

  The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has congratulated Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka on his appointment as the Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Tin-can Island Port Customs Command. MARAN described the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of Onyeka's  exceptional career achievements. In a letter signed by MARAN President Godfrey Bivbere, the association commended Onyeka's promotion, highlighting his impressive career trajectory, commitment to excellence, and academic achievements, including a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in Public Administration. MARAN expressed confidence in Onyeka's ability to excel in his new role, citing his intellectual…

The Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) has announced plans to commence implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) by the second quarter of 2025. This move is expected to enhance revenue generation and operational oversight in the maritime sector. According to the Executive Secretary of NSC, Pius Akutah, the Council's 2025 budget will be anchored on a 1% freight stabilization fee, which will be collected upon presidential assent to the Nigerian Shipping and Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) bill ¹. Akutah emphasized that the implementation of the freight stabilization fee will not introduce additional costs at the ports, as it…