Esther Komolafe

The newly appointed Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has held its maiden meeting in Lagos, committing to support the Agency's Executive Management in delivering on its mandate. Board's Commitment The Chairman of the Board, Hon. Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, expressed satisfaction and confidence in the current Executive Management's ability to pilot the affairs of the Agency. He assured that the Board would stand firmly by the Agency to help realize its mandate and actualize a robust Blue Economy in Nigeria. Performance Bond The Management of NIMASA has signed a performance bond with the Ministry of…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat illicit imports and threats to national security. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced the seizure of 16 containers loaded with contraband goods valued at over ₦10 billion. The seized items include: Drugs and Prohibited Medicaments: Seven containers of expired drugs and medicaments. Food Items: Three containers of expired food items, notably margarine. Banned Used Clothing: Three containers of banned used clothing. Counterfeit Goods:  A container with 305 cartons of counterfeit toothpaste infringing on a Nigerian company's brand. Firearms and Ammunition: Two fully operational rifles,…

The Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) has thrown its weight behind the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria's (MARAN) advocacy against war risk premiums. The NSC's Executive Secretary, Dr. Akutah Pius MON, has expressed his organization's commitment to reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports. Unjustified Classification Dr. Akutah questioned the classification of Nigeria as a war risk zone, citing the absence of terrorist attacks in Nigerian waters over the past three years. He emphasized that this classification imposes additional costs on the Nigerian economy and undermines the competitiveness of the nation's ports. The NSC boss praised MARAN's efforts in…

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, has declared his support for the 2025 Maritime Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL), organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN). MAMAL 2025: A Critical Platform The lecture, scheduled for August 27, 2025, at the Four Points By Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, will focus on critical issues affecting the maritime industry. Comptroller Ntadi expressed his willingness to attend the event, citing the relevance of the topic in addressing factors contributing to the rising cost of goods in the country. Command Facelift: A New Look During a courtesy…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is uniting the maritime industry's top stakeholders, including Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, Tantita Security Services Limited, and the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), for the 2025 Maritime Lecture. New Date and Venue: MAMAL 2025 has been rescheduled to August 27, 2025, at the Four Point by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event will focus on addressing the burden of War Risk Insurance on Nigerian Maritime Trade. Keynote Speakers and Participants: Dr. Emeka Akabogu SAN: Expected to deliver the keynote address. Mrs. Funke Agbor SAN: A frontline maritime lawyer and participant. Barr.…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is uniting the maritime industry's top stakeholders, including Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, Tantita Security Services Limited, and the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), for the 2025 Maritime Lecture. New Date and Venue: MAMAL 2025 has been rescheduled to August 27, 2025, at the Four Point by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event will focus on addressing the burden of War Risk Insurance on Nigerian Maritime Trade. Dr. Emeka Akabogu SAN*: Expected to deliver the keynote address. Mrs. Funke Agbor SAN:  A frontline maritime lawyer and participant. Barr. Temisan Omatseye: Former DG,…

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has been praised as a prime candidate for ministerial appointment by Dr. Oluwasegun Alade Musa, Chairman and Chief Consultant of Global Transport Policy (GTP). Adeniyi's recent election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council and the extension of his tenure by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have solidified his reputation as a visionary leader. A Leader of International Standing: Dr. Musa highlighted Adeniyi's exceptional leadership qualities, vast knowledge, and unwavering passion for customs administration. He emphasized that Adeniyi's elevation to the WCO Council is a testament…

Esther Komolafe The recent decision by President Tinubu to extend the tenure of Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is a testament to his exceptional leadership and achievements. The phrase "He who the cap fits, let him wear it" aptly applies to this situation, as Adeniyi's impressive track record makes him an ideal candidate for continued service. Global Recognition: Adeniyi's appointment as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) is a significant milestone, showcasing his global influence and expertise in customs administration. This achievement underscores his ability to drive international cooperation and shape global customs policies. Transformative Leadership at…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is migrating from the Fast Track Scheme to the globally recognized Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme. This strategic move aligns Nigeria's trade facilitation procedures with international best practices. Key Highlights: AEO Programme:  Offers trusted traders priority treatment in Customs processes, including pre-arrival clearance and expedited release. The current Fast Track Scheme will be officially decommissioned on December 31, 2025. Application Process: Beneficiaries must initiate their migration to the AEO Compliance Programme through the dedicated portal. Stakeholder Engagement: Forum: A Stakeholders Engagement Forum will be held on August 6, 2025, in Lagos to sensitize stakeholders on…

A retired senior Customs officer, Oba James Babatunde Ajiboye, has been enthroned as the Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, adopting the royal title "Otutubiosun 1, Ajigbotulu." This development highlights the officer's remarkable journey from serving the Nigeria Customs Service to reigning as a First-Class Traditional Ruler. A Royal Legacy: Oba Ajiboye's coronation marks another milestone in the tradition of Customs officers transitioning into royal roles. Previously, a retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Imra Ayodeji Akintola, was crowned the Alua of Erin-Oke Kingdom in Osun State. A Life of Service: Before retirement, Oba Ajiboye served at various Customs formations, including FOU 'A', PTML…