Esther Komolafe

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, has called for stronger regional collaboration, harmonised inspection standards and sustained capacity-building to strengthen maritime safety, facilitate trade and unlock the full economic potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Dr. Ukeyima made the call on Monday while speaking at the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (Abuja MoU) Regional Workshop for Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of Maritime Administrations held in Lagos. Speaking on the theme, "A Future-Ready Port State Control Regime: Leadership, People, Governance, and Performance for Safer Maritime Systems," he…

The Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI) has praised the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for setting up a multi-agency task force aimed at tackling the renewed traffic congestion along the Lagos port access roads. The advocacy group, which has consistently spoken on issues affecting Nigeria’s economic and governance landscape, said the move is a positive step toward restoring order around the nation’s busiest ports. It expressed optimism that the initiative would produce lasting improvements rather than temporary fixes, allowing for the smooth movement of trucks and other road users. The task force was inaugurated by the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr.…

Nigeria has strengthened its position as a leading maritime nation in West and Central Africa after surpassing the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (Abuja MoU) benchmark for Port State Control (PSC) inspections, recording an impressive 917 vessel inspections in 2025. The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, disclosed this on Monday during the Abuja MoU Regional Workshop for Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of Maritime Administrations held in Lagos. According to Mobereola, Nigeria achieved a Port State Control inspection rate of 23.5 per cent, significantly exceeding the Abuja MoU regional minimum target of 15…

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has been commended for one of its largest anti-smuggling operations this year after intercepting illicit drugs, expired pharmaceuticals and counterfeit medical products worth N53.39 billion at the Apapa Port, Lagos. The seizure, described by stakeholders as a major win for public health and national security, underscores the growing impact of intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency collaboration at Nigeria’s busiest seaport. Intelligence, Technology and Teamwork at Work: Speaking during the formal handover of the consignments at the Apapa Area Command today  the 1st of July 2026, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, said the…

The Media Anti-Corruption Initiative, MACI, has raised concerns over the resurgence of truck congestion along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, warning that the bottleneck is again affecting the movement of goods to and from the Lagos seaport. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Captain Adamu Mshelia, MACI said the gridlock is creating delays for businesses and commuters, raising costs across the cargo supply chain. *From ETO Relief to Renewed Congestion* The Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, introduced the Electronic Truck Call-Up System, ETO, on February 27, 2021, to manage truck movement into the ports. The system initially eased traffic along the corridor.…

 The Area Controller of the Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller JA Anani, has reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, stakeholder engagement, and enhanced operational efficiency as he held his maiden interactive session with members of the press on Wednesday. Addressing journalists at the Command headquarters, Comptroller Anani described the media as a strategic partner in advancing the Customs Service's mandate, emphasizing that the success of port operations depends significantly on accurate and professional reportage. He noted that since assuming office, he has prioritized engagement with key stakeholders in the maritime industry, stressing that the media…

Stakeholders across Nigeria’s maritime industry have underscored the importance of ethical journalism in driving transparency, accountability, security, and sustainable development within the sector, urging maritime journalists to remain steadfast in professionalism and responsible reporting. The charge was given on Tuesday in Lagos during the inauguration of the newly elected Executive Council of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), led by its President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde. The event brought together key industry stakeholders, government officials, security agencies, freight forwarders, and media practitioners under the theme, “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development.” Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of…

All roads will lead to Rockview Hotel, Apapa, on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, as the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN, inaugurates its newly elected Executive Council and charts a renewed course for responsible journalism in Nigeria’s maritime sector. The inauguration, themed *"Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development"*, is expected to draw the who’s who of shipping, logistics, security and media. Heads of key regulatory agencies and presidents of major maritime associations have confirmed attendance for the 10:00 a.m. ceremony. *Who Will Be There* MASPAN President, Emmanuel Maiguwa Gankino, will chair the occasion. Renowned PR and event management expert Bolaji…

The Customs Officers’ Wives Association, COWA PTML Chapter, ushered in a new era on Wednesday as Hajiya Nabila Nura Miko was formally inaugurated as Chairperson during a well-attended taking over ceremony at the PTML Command. In her inaugural address, Hajiya Miko expressed gratitude to Almighty God and pledged to lead with humility and responsibility. She lauded COWA National President Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi for her “visionary leadership” that continues to strengthen COWA chapters nationwide, and commended outgoing Chairperson Mrs. Ifeoluwa Anani for laying a solid foundation through impactful programmes. “Her tenure’s impact is visible across all our programmes. I am committed…

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has intercepted 1.81 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa “Canadian Loud” and large consignments of expired pharmaceuticals worth N12.78 billion in two intelligence-led operations, dealing a major blow to drug traffickers and economic saboteurs. How the Drug Bust Unfolded Acting on credible intelligence and advanced risk assessment tools, Customs officers in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, intercepted a 40ft container, CAAU7569127, on Monday, 15 June 2026 at 12:00hrs. Concealed inside a black Toyota Sienna vehicle, bags, and drums were 3,639 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, each weighing 500 grams. Total weight: approximately…