Esther Komolafe

President Bola Tinubu has commissioned the newly completed office complex of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), located in Iperu, Ogun State. The project, estimated to cost N73 billion, aims to enhance the welfare of customs officers and improve trade facilitation. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, revealed that only 45% of the project is completed, and the service is seeking presidential approval to revise the budget. Adeniyi expressed optimism that the project would be completed within President Tinubu's tenure . The relocation from the Ikeja base was necessitated by operational expansion, and the…

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is set to revolutionise the nation's ports with the implementation of the National Single Window Project and Ports Modernisation system. The initiative, covering all ports nationwide, aims to tackle pressing issues such as port congestion and delays in cargo clearance. NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed that the modernisation project will kick off in Lagos with a significant investment of $700 million from the Federal Government. The agency is also working to improve logistics, including rail transportation and alternative cargo transport options. The NPA is reviewing the Efficiency, Throughput, and Optimization (ETO) initiative to…

The Nigerian government is working to modernise its ports, with a $700 million investment aimed at improving efficiency and reducing congestion. The project, which covers all ports in Nigeria, is expected to address issues such as cargo clearance and transportation. Stakeholders are advised to exercise patience as the government works to create a conducive environment for trade and commerce. Alternative modes of transportation, including waterways and rail, are available for cargo evacuation. The government emphasizes that the success of the modernisation project depends on collaboration and a robust legal framework, which is essential for attracting investors and ensuring sustainable growth.…

The Electronic Tagging Operation (ETO) has been a game-changer for Nigeria's logistics chain, addressing challenges and benefiting residents of Apapa. A lady who participated in the International Women's Day celebration noted that the ETO has made travel easier, citing her experience driving from Gbagada to Apapa without a visa. However, with the contract expiring, a review is underway to identify areas for improvement. The  Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dr Dantosho has assured during an interactive session with the media in Lagos that NPA  is working with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the system's effectiveness.…

The Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI) is hosting a one-day seminar to tackle risks facing Nigeria's National Single Window (NSW) project, a flagship trade facilitation initiative aimed at streamlining import, export, and transit documentation. The seminar, themed "National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure", will bring together policymakers, regulators, and private sector leaders to chart tamper-proof strategies for the NSW's effective implementation. Experts warn that Nigeria's history of reform failures underscores the need for robust implementation safeguards . Key highlights include insights from Customs controllers, freight forwarders, and regulators, with discussions on transparency, inter-agency collaboration, and sustainability. Would you like to…

Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for deeper collaboration with the European Union to address emerging maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea, including illegal fishing, trafficking, and environmental crimes. Speaking in Abuja, Oyetola emphasized the need for a broader, integrated response anchored on strong international partnerships, citing the success of the Deep Blue Project in reducing piracy and armed robbery at sea. He urged stakeholders to consolidate gains made by the EU-funded GoGIN II programme and ensure long-term sustainability through stronger regional ownership mechanisms . The EU delegation, led by Ms. Stéphanie Vergniault,…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is set to honor its past presidents in a grand appreciation event on April 24, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa. The event will recognize the contributions of living past leaders and pay tribute to four departed presidents, with their families receiving posthumous awards [1]. According to MARAN's Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tunde Ayodele, the celebration acknowledges the vision, passion, and sacrifices of past presidents who transformed the association into a formidable voice in maritime reporting. The event coincides with the appointment of past president Dr. Bolaji Akinola as Special Adviser on Communications to the…

Freight forwarders and customs agents are up in arms against shipping companies and the Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) over a recent increase in shipping charges. Despite protests, the NSC claims it has attempted to engage stakeholders in dialogue, but protesters insist they've never been invited to talks ¹ ² ³. The Executive Secretary of NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, urged protesters to embrace dialogue, warning that prolonged disputes could disrupt port operations and harm trade. However, protesters claim the NSC has been evasive, citing a cancelled meeting on February 23, 2026, and accuse the council of siding with shipping companies. The…