Esther Komolafe

The Maritime Reporters' Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has extended its warmest congratulations to Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his historic election as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Nigeria and Africa, demonstrating the continent's growing influence in global trade and customs affairs. A Well-Deserved Global Recognition MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, hailed the appointment as a "well-deserved global recognition" of CGC Adeniyi's visionary leadership. Under his reforms, the Nigeria Customs Service has been repositioned as a model institution in Africa, driving growth and development in the region. A Commitment…

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his unanimous election as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council. This historic achievement marks a significant milestone for Nigeria, with Adeniyi becoming the first Nigerian to lead the 73-year-old organisation. A New Era for Nigeria's Customs Service Adeniyi's election is a testament to his exceptional leadership and the Nigeria Customs Service's commitment to excellence. Under his leadership, the NCS has achieved remarkable success, including increased revenue collections, improved stakeholder relations, and modernized operations. A Global Platform for Nigeria The WCO…

Nigeria has joined the global community to celebrate the Day of the Seafarer, recognizing the invaluable contributions of seafarers to international trade, economic growth, and the global supply chain. The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized the significance of seafarers' roles in powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans. *Theme: "My Harassment-Free Ship"* This year's theme highlights the need for a safe, respectful, and professional work environment onboard ships. Dr. Mobereola stressed that seafarers' welfare is paramount, and ships should reflect the highest standards of dignity and professionalism, fostering…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has raised concerns over a surge in online scams involving fake recruitment and auction offers falsely linked to the Service. The NCS urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to fraudsters. Fake Accounts: Scammers are impersonating senior Customs officials on social media to deceive citizens. Recruitment and Auctions: The NCS does not conduct recruitment or auctions via social media. Recent Arrest: The NCS arrested a suspect, Okoli Okana Boniface, for allegedly manipulating the recruitment process. Verification and Caution: The NCS advised the public to verify information through official communication channels and disregard…

The Republic of Korea has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria's maritime industry development, pledging to share technical expertise, enhance institutional knowledge, and provide training programs to build a skilled maritime workforce. Maritime Partnership During a courtesy visit to NIMASA's Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Korean Consul General Mr. Lee Sang-ho emphasized the importance of maritime capacity development for economic growth and sustainable governance. Both parties explored areas of mutual interest, strengthening bilateral ties and paving the way for a stronger, safer, and more efficient maritime industry. A Shared Vision The meeting underscored a shared vision for Nigeria's maritime sector,…

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…