Esther Komolafe

  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…

The President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Jonathan Lokpobiri, has praised Tantita Security Nigeria Limited for its impressive strides at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in the United States. Lokpobiti visited the Tantita Security stand at the event and commended the company's capabilities, urging them to expand their services globally. Key Highlights: Global Expansion*: Lokpobiri believes Tantita Security should extend its services beyond Nigeria, citing its expertise in securing oil pipelines and facilities. Impressive Capabilities*: He expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver, citing its success in increasing Nigeria's oil production through effective monitoring and policing. nternational Recognition*:…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant seizure of contraband goods worth N921 billion in the first quarter of 2025, comprising 11 seizures of unregistered pharmaceutical products, expired food items, and controlled technology. The Comptroller General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, warned that importers are diversifying their contraband portfolios, combining pharmaceuticals, food items, and controlled technology in systematic shipments. Key Highlights: Seizure Details*: The seizures include five units of 40-foot containers, two units of 20-foot containers, and four additional seizures of loosely concealed contraband items. Diversification Tactics*: Adeniyi noted that importers are adopting sophisticated tactics, including strategic country of…

Nigeria has taken a significant step towards promoting the welfare and rights of seafarers by endorsing amendments to eight codes of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006. The amendments focus on protecting seafarers against discrimination, identifying them as key workers, enhancing access to shore-based welfare, and addressing shipboard violence, harassment, and bullying. Key Highlights: Seafarers' Welfare*: The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring decent working and living conditions for seafarers, in line with International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards. Maritime Labour Standards*: The endorsement demonstrates Nigeria's dedication to fostering dialogue on maritime labour standards and promoting fair labour practices.…