Esther Komolafe

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its international cooperation efforts through a high-level engagement with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) in Beijing on July 25, 2025. The meeting focused on bilateral knowledge exchange and capacity development in customs administration. Customs Training: GACC shared its structured training system, incorporating virtual reality (VR), 5G-enabled systems, and blended e-learning approaches. Capacity Building: Over 200 African customs officers, including 89 from Nigeria, have received training since 2023 in areas like trade facilitation and anti-smuggling enforcement. Technical Cooperation: Both parties expressed interest in technical exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and officer…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has raised concerns about the deteriorating environmental and health conditions around major industrial facilities in Apapa and Tin Can Island, particularly those operated by Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, Dangote Group, and others. Airborne Particles: Hazardous dust from processing activities affecting port users, workers, and security personnel. Health Symptoms: Eye irritation, coughing, and respiratory discomfort reported by individuals frequenting the area. Environmental Impact: Dust accumulation potentially accelerating infrastructure deterioration and undermining public investment. Air Quality Assessment: MARAN urges the Federal Ministry of Environment and LASEPA to conduct an independent assessment and compare findings with…

The Lekki Deep Sea Port was hailed for its seamless efficiency and transshipment capabilities at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Freight Forwarders Group Conference. Held on July 23, 2025, in Victoria Island, Lagos, the conference highlighted the port's growing role in unlocking value for West Africa. Transshipment Success: Over 40,000 TEUs moved across West African ports since June 2023, with nearly half in the first six months of 2025. Operational Efficiency: Lekki Port's scanning machine processes containers in *30 seconds*, showcasing real-time efficiency. Industry Praise: Stakeholders praised the port's performance, with one speaker noting, "Lekki Port is…

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has sounded a warning to smugglers after a series of significant seizures worth over ₦1.2 billion in Duty Paid Value. The command's operatives intercepted five trucks laden with contraband goods, including 2,800 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 250 bales of second-hand clothing, along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor between July 1 and 19, 2025. Contraband Items: 898 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 1,319 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 40 bags of sugar, 64 bags of flour, and other goods. Duty Paid Value:  ₦1,268,794,474 for all seizures during the period. Revenue Generation*: ₦1,593,676,123.26 generated in May…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Single Window (NSW) Steering Committee to ensure the platform becomes fully operational by the first quarter of 2026. The directive was given during the fifth steering committee meeting at the State House, Abuja, with Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila representing the President. Transformative Initiative: NSW aims to streamline trade processes via a centralized electronic platform for importers/exporters. Economic Goals: Boost investment/trade revenues, improve transparency, and strengthen Nigeria's global business credibility. Deadline for Phase : All agencies urged to meet Q1 2026 deadline for rollout. Ministerial Support: Ministers Wale Edun and Jumoke Oduwole…

The Nigeria Customs Service plans to reintroduce a *4% Free-on-Board (FOB) Levy* on imported goods, five months after suspending it due to stakeholder concerns. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, hinted at this during a town hall meeting on July 21, 2025, in Lagos. Purpose: Fund technology and modernization of Customs operations via the indigenous B'Odogwu trade platform. Replacement for CISS: The 4% FOB levy will replace the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme. No Extra Charges: CGC assured no additional charges beyond the 4% FOB. Context and Justification: Funding Tech Evolution: Transition to B'Odogwu requires significant funding. WCO Council Chairmanship: Nigeria's…

In a landmark operation showcasing strengthened inter-agency ties, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have intercepted  16 containers loaded with illicit pharmaceutical products valued at over ₦20.5 billion at the Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne. Illicit Pharmaceuticals: Included 1.3 million bottles of Codeine syrup, 9.3 million tablets of Diclofenac, 12.6 million tablets of Tramadol, and other dangerous, unregistered drugs. Concealment Tactics: Smugglers disguised drugs as imports like tomato paste, ceiling fans, and plumbing materials. Inter-Agency Collaboration: Operation involved NCS, NAFDAC, NDLEA, DSS, and ONSA. CGC Adewale Adeniyi: Warned…

In a bold demonstration of leadership that matches words with actions, Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi and his management team have allocated *six brand-new and six refurbished operational Hilux vehicles* to the command. This strategic move is set to enhance operational performance and drive efficiency in customs operations. Leadership in Action: Transformational Leadership: Comptroller Balofun highlights the Comptroller General of Customs' (CGC) continued efforts in transforming the Customs Service through visionary leadership. Key Focus Areas: Trade facilitation, modernization, and officers' welfare are central to the CGC's agenda, painting a bright future for the Service. International Recognition: CGC's recent appointment…

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has expressed commitment to eliminating exorbitant War Risk Insurance (WRI) premiums imposed on Nigerian-bound ships. However, the actual impact of their aggressive campaign remains uncertain amidst continued financial strain on the Nigerian economy. Key Issues with War Risk Premiums: Financial Drain: Estimated at *$500 million annually*, with $1.5 billion paid in WRI premiums in the past three years. No Piracy Incidents: Nigeria removed from piracy-prone list; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy confirms no pirate incidents in over three years. Continued Levies:  Foreign insurance companies like Lloyd's of London still impose WRI…

s The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, ably represented by ACG Ejibunu briefed the press on the activities of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja-Lagos, from June 3rd to July 18th, 2025. During this period, the Unit recorded significant achievements in curbing smuggling and illicit trade in southwestern Nigeria. Operational Highlights: Enforcement Interventions: 102 enforcement actions led to seizures of prohibited and smuggled goods. Major Seizures: Included 3,500 bags of foreign rice, 304kg of cannabis, 7,900 liters of PMS, used clothing, vehicles, and other contraband. Duty Paid Value: Seized items valued at *N1,784,432,000*. 9 suspects arrested;…