Esther Komolafe

A daring pirate attack unfolded in the Gulf of Guinea on Friday, May 30, 2025, when the MV ORAGE FROST, a Curaçao-flagged general cargo ship, was targeted approximately 75 nautical miles northwest of Santo Antonio Port, São Tomé and Príncipe. The incident occurred at coordinates 2°37’35”N, 6°46’47”E, roughly 420 nautical miles southeast of Nigeria. The ship, carrying cargo from Douala, Cameroon, to Matadi, Congo, had recently completed loading operations and was en route when the attack happened. Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) received a distress alert via the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG)…

The Nigeria Customs Service has taken a significant step towards modernizing customs operations with the launch of its Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B'Odogwu, at the Port Harcourt II Customs Area Command. This indigenous technology aims to enhance compliance, facilitate trade, and optimize revenue collection. Boosting Efficiency and Revenue Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, the Customs Area Controller, emphasized the importance of embracing this new technology, stating that it will improve efficiency, enhance compliance, and optimize revenue collection. The system's first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) was successfully released with reference number C1202505PN, marking a significant milestone for the service…

  The Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant bust at the Apapa Port, intercepting six containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals worth a staggering N3.2 billion. This recent seizure is part of a broader effort to protect Nigerians from potentially life-threatening imports. The Seized Containers: Category 1:Two containers, SUDU 8685733 and MRSU 4846204, were found with 1,698 RTPL CSC Cough syrup with codeine and 1,690 cartons of codeine syrup, respectively, cleverly concealed in water closets and toilet seats, with a street value of N2,710,400. Category 2:Containers ONEU 1153150 and MRSU 3258823 contained unregistered pharmaceuticals, including Globatin anti-marks, Clobetasol cream, Rabeprazole, and…

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has been welcomed to the Seme Command to commission the newly renovated offices of the Constant Welfare Association (COWA) and a gym house. The event marks a significant milestone for the command, highlighting its commitment to improving officer welfare and operational excellence. Key Highlights: Renovated Offices: The new facilities include renovated offices, a gym house, and a set-up art office complex, symbolizing the command's dedication to teamwork, dedication, and shared vision. Revenue Generation: The Seme Command has recorded impressive revenue generation, retaining a sum of N2,883,454,454,553 from January to…

Tanzania has pledged to support Nigeria's quest to regain the Category C seat of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a prestigious position Nigeria last held nine years ago. This development comes as the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) embarks on a 5-day visit to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to understudy its operations. Key Highlights: Tanzanian Support*: TASAC's Director General, Mohammed Salumu, has confirmed Tanzania's support for Nigeria's bid, citing Nigeria's influential role in African maritime administration. Partnership*: The visit aims to formalize a long-term partnership between NIMASA and TASAC, focusing on maritime safety, security, and environmental…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Customs Administration of Benin Republic have jointly launched the SIGMAT platform, a digital system designed to boost regional trade and eliminate bottlenecks linked to international trade. The platform's launch marks a significant milestone in the collective pursuit of seamless trade integration and regional economic transformation across West Africa. Key Highlights: Digitalization of Customs Transit Operations*: The SIGMAT platform aims to improve the visibility of goods in transit, combat diversion and fraud, and foster inter-agency coordination and collaboration. Regional Integration*: The platform has already been deployed in seven other countries along the corridor, including…

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has successfully negotiated a single-digit interest rate for beneficiaries of the Cabotage Vessels Financing Funds (CVFF) loan. Despite initial resistance from the 12 Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs) to offer their 35% equity contribution at a single-digit interest rate, NIMASA's leadership has agreed to dilute the higher interest rates by contributing 50% equity. Key Highlights: Single-Digit Interest Rate*: NIMASA's 50% equity contribution will bring the interest rate down to below 10%, despite PLIs' insistence on higher rates. Eight-Year Tenor*: Beneficiaries have up to eight years to repay the loan, with the option to…

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has confirmed that the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) will be disbursed with a single-digit interest rate, a two-year moratorium, and an eight-year tenure. The agency's Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, made the announcement at a one-day interactive forum with stakeholders. Key Highlights: Single-Digit Interest Rate*: The CVFF will attract a single-digit interest rate, making it more accessible to indigenous shipowners. Moratorium and Tenure*: A two-year moratorium and an eight-year tenure will give beneficiaries ample time to repay the loan. Collaboration with PLIs*: NIMASA is working with 12 Primary Lending Institutions to…

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has made a significant impact at the prestigious Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, showcasing the vast and untapped global opportunities available to Nigerian companies. The company's Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, described the experience as "challenging but eye-opening," revealing the immense potential for indigenous Nigerian solutions on the global stage. Key Highlights: Global Recognition*: Tantita's innovations in tackling oil theft, maritime patrol, airborne surveillance, and fisheries management drew significant attention from global stakeholders. International Interest*: Several international delegates expressed interest in bringing Tantita's solutions to their own countries, highlighting the…