Esther Komolafe

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has launched a groundbreaking publication, "Fifty Drivers of the Nigerian Maritime and Blue Economy," honouring individuals and institutions driving the country's maritime growth. Highlights: Celebrating Excellence: Recognizing 50 champions shaping Nigeria's blue economy Industry Insights: Research-driven publication examining maritime governance, innovation, and reforms Collaborative Effort : Showcasing collective efforts driving sectoral growth and sustainability The launch event brought together industry stakeholders, including former ministers, executives, and maritime leaders, to celebrate the contributions of past and present champions. Industry Leaders' Praise: Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho: Nigeria's maritime industry is a "vital component" of the national…

I In a heartwarming ceremony, the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service bid farewell to Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Isah Sulaiman and Deputy Comptroller Audu Samson Edime, honouring their dedication and service. A Tribute to Excellence: CSC Sulaiman: Praised for professionalism, humility, and dedication DC Edime: Celebrated for integrity and decades of service Comptroller Wale Adenuga, Customs Area Controller, described Sulaiman as a "model officer" and "image maker per excellence", while colleagues and media professionals hailed him as a "journalist's delight". A New Chapter: Sulaiman's New Role : Assumes new position at Apapa Command Edime's Retirement: Embarks…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has extended its warmest congratulations to the Federal Government on Nigeria's election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, a testament to the country's growing influence in the global maritime community. Key Highlights: Historic Victory: Nigeria returns to IMO Council after 14-year absence Strategic Win: Reflects international trust in Nigeria's maritime reforms and security efforts Global Impact: Reinforces Nigeria's role in shaping international maritime decisions MARAN Chairman, Jayeolatunde Ayodele, praised the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their tireless efforts…

In a ceremony marked by respect and anticipation, Comptroller Godwin Otunla assumed office as the new Customs Area Controller of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, Nigeria's premier aviation hub. In his inaugural address, Otunla paid tribute to his predecessor, Comptroller MT AWE, who is retiring after distinguished service, and outlined his vision for the Command. "I am committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service delivery," he declared. Key Priorities: Trade Facilitation: Streamlining cargo clearance and enhancing efficiency Revenue Protection:  Safeguarding government revenue with renewed vigor Anti-Corruption: Zero tolerance for corruption and compromise Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with…

The Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC) of the Nigeria Customs Service has ended the year on a high note, with Comptroller Michael Toyin Awe announcing a staggering ₦179.91 billion revenue generation, surpassing its annual target and outperforming the previous year's figures by over 9%. Highlights: Revenue Generation: ₦179.91 billion, exceeding annual target Enforcement Operations: Seizures worth ₦7.2 billion, including contraband and prohibited items Stakeholder Engagement :Improved relationships with clearing agents, partner agencies, and traders Leadership: Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi's guidance credited for Command's success Comptroller Awe attributed the Command's success to its culture of integrity, accuracy, and vigilance, as well…

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has announced new management appointments and special promotions, effective immediately, following its 64th Regular Meeting on November 25, 2025. New Appointments: - Five Deputy Comptroller-Generals of Customs (DCGs):     - Baba Imam (North-East)     - Isah Umar (North-West)     - Tijjani Abe (North-West)     - Timi Bomodi (South-South)     - Oluyomi Adebakin (South-West) - Eight Assistant Comptroller-Generals of Customs (ACGs):     - C.G. Ogbonna (South-East)     - I. Abba-Aji (North-East)     - G.M. Haruna (South-South)     - E.J. Edelduok (South-South)     - G. Gaura…

The Comptroller-General of Customs,  Dr Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, has announced that the Nigeria Customs Service will be conducting mandatory drug tests for all incoming recruits and serving officers. This move is aimed at ensuring a drug-free institution and maintaining the integrity of the Service. Mandatory Drug Test: All incoming recruits and serving officers will be required to undergo a drug test Objective: To prevent substance abuse and ensure sound judgment among officers Scope: Applies to all officers and men across all Zones, Commands, and Headquarters Reasoning: To address instances of erratic behavior and poor decision-making linked to substance misuse CGC…

The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking, intercepting a lion cub and two Patas monkeys being smuggled to Benin Republic. The animals were discovered in a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA during a stop-and-search operation at Gbaji, along the Badagry-Seme Expressway . The two suspects, Mr. Mathew Kofi, a Beninese national, and Mr. Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian, claimed ownership of the animals and confessed to purchasing them in Kano for export. The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, reaffirmed the Command's commitment to…

BREAKING: Access Bank Resolves Customs Glitch, Restores Transaction Services Access Bank Plc has announced the restoration of its customs transaction services, bringing relief to clearing agents and importers at Lagos ports who were affected by a temporary disruption earlier this week. The bank's statement explained that the issue, caused by a connectivity problem between its network and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) system, was fully resolved on November 12, 2025 . The disruption, which occurred between November 10 and 12, 2025, had hindered payment processing and related transactions via the ACCESS PAY (B’ODOGWU) platform, leaving cargoes trapped at the ports…

The Nigeria Customs Service has introduced a simplified cargo clearance framework under its One Stop Shop (OSS) initiative, aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and trade facilitation across the nation's ports. How OSS Works: - Importers file declarations through the Bodobo platform - Customs Processing Center (CPC) evaluates submissions against risk parameters - Joint review by Customs units, including valuation, intelligence, and physical examination - Digital authorization for cargo release and exit - Dispute resolution within 14 hours, with escalation reducing timelines to 48 hours Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, ACG Mohammed Babadende, emphasized the importance of sincere declaration by importers…