Esther Komolafe

IDIROKO, OGUN — Sept 30th 2026— There is no hiding place for smugglers and economic saboteurs in Ogun border corridors. This was the warning from the new Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Command, Deputy Comptroller A.A. Ibrahim, as he assumed office on Wednesday at Idiroko. Ibrahim, who took over from Deputy Comptroller O.O. Afeni, said strict adherence to professionalism, integrity, discipline and ethical conduct in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, would be his watchword. Describing Afeni’s tenure as a legacy worthy of emulation, he commended him for landmark strides in anti-smuggling, revenue generation and stakeholder collaboration.…

LAGOS, SEPT 30, 2026 — The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja-Lagos, has a new Acting Comptroller. Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, formally assumed office as the 30th Acting Comptroller of the Unit, taking over from Comptroller Gambo Aliyu who retired after a distinguished service. The handing-over ceremony, held at the Unit’s conference hall, was attended by friends, colleagues and well-wishers, including Acting Customs Area Controllers of PTML, Ogun 1, and Enugu/Ebonyi/Anambra Commands, senior officers and stakeholders. Afeni: Intelligence-Led, Firm But Humane Enforcement In his inaugural address, Acting Comptroller Afeni pledged…

LAGOS, SEPT 29, 2026— The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Western Marine Command, has confirmed a fire outbreak at its premises in Apapa, Lagos. The incident, according to a press statement issued by the Command on Monday, September 29, occurred earlier in the day, Monday, September 28, 2026, at about 10:35am. The statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Customs and Ag. Public Relations Officer, Nwosu Clarine Chibunna, on behalf of the Ag. Customs Area Controller, said the fire was first detected within some offices of the Command, with thick smoke initially noticed emanating from the newly constructed conference hall. *How It…

APAPA, LAGOS — SEPT 24, 2026— The New Experience Newspaper marked its 9th anniversary with a loud call for urgent, coordinated action to unlock Nigeria’s vast blue economy as a pathway to a $1 trillion economy, massive job creation and food security. The call was the central resolution at its 5th Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, with the theme: “Blue Economy in Action: Financing, Innovation and Policy for Nigeria’s Maritime Future.” The colourful event drew regulators, operators, financiers, security agencies and media leaders including officials of NIMASA, NPA, SIFAX…

APAPA, LAGOS — SEPT 24, 2026 — It was a day of profound joy and deep gratitude. Welcoming guests to the 5th edition of The New Experience Newspaper Annual Lecture and Awards, Publisher and CEO, Prince Benson Davies, said September 24, 2026, is not just another event, but history. On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of The New Experience Newspaper, Davies thanked God Almighty and every stakeholder who kept the faith since the newspaper’s maiden voyage on May 17, 2017. “Today is not just another event on our calendar. Today is history. It marks exactly nine years since…

  LAGOS, SEPT 21, 2026— The war against corruption may have just gained a new weapon — the media. Executive members of the Media Anti-Corruption Initiative, MACI, led by its President, Mr. Funso Olojo, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos Zonal Office of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, to strengthen collaboration against corruption. The visit, which took place on Tuesday, September 21, 2026, was aimed at exploring strategic partnership in tackling corruption and related offences. *We Align With ICPC — MACI* Speaking during the meeting, MACI President, Funso Olojo, said MACI is a non-governmental organization committed…

High charges, decaying infrastructure, and manual operations are choking Nigerian ports — and may drive cargo to neighbouring countries. That was the verdict of maritime stakeholders at the 4th MARAN Maritime Annual Lecture, MAMAL 2026, held at the Nigerian Air Force Events Centre, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The lecture, organised by the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria, MARAN, was themed *“Nigerian Ports Modernisation, Charges and the Competitiveness Question.”* Moderating the panel, Mr. Emmanuel Maigunwa said competitiveness is not just about cheaper imports, but about making Nigeria the preferred transit hub for West Africa. “When ports are efficient and…

IDIROKO, OGUN — SEPT 17, 2026 — The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has declared Idiroko a “no-go area” for smugglers after intercepting 3,893 parcels of cannabis weighing 1.878 tonnes and a brand new 2026 Range Rover Sport worth N417 million. The Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Thursday at the Command headquarters in Idiroko during a press briefing where the seized cannabis was handed over to the NDLEA. Afeni said the seizures were recorded between August and September 2025, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of  N2,469,153,523.68, “One of the highlights of…

LAGOS, SEPT 10, 2026— As Nigeria pushes to maximize its Blue Economy, two maritime leaders are demanding a double upgrade: a stronger maritime press and real leadership roles for women. Speaking at the 4th Annual Maritime Lecture of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN, President of the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria, MAAN, Chief Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN, and President of WISTA Nigeria, Dr. Odunayo Ani, said accountability and inclusion must move from talk to action. "Credible Journalism Builds Confidence" Represented by Mrs Oyeyemi Jimi-Salami, Anishere commended MARAN for its responsible reportage and consistent engagement on industry issues. She…

LAGOS, SEPT 11, 2026* — Nine years of reporting, and now it’s time for action. The New Experience Newspaper (NEN), will mark its 9th anniversary on Thursday, September 24, 2026, with the 5th edition of its Annual Lecture and Awards at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, starting 11:00am prompt. This year’s theme is: “Blue Economy in Action: Financing, Innovation and Policy for Nigeria’s Maritime Future.” According to the organizers, the focus will be on practical steps to unlock investments, drive innovation, and align policies needed for Nigeria to tap the full economic potential of its oceans, ports, and maritime assets.…