Esther Komolafe

  The Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMA) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a remarkable achievement, generating N180.7 billion in revenue in 2024. This surpasses the command's revenue target of N179.73 billion by over N1 billion. Comptroller Micheal Awe, Customs Area Controller, MMA, revealed that the command's success is attributed to its commitment to enforcing customs laws and regulations, facilitating trade, and upholding integrity and professionalism. The command also recorded significant seizures, including 21 packages of tramadol hydrochloride, 50 rounds of live ammunition, and 54 pieces of military hardware, among others. These seized items have a cumulative Duty-Paid…

After a decade of unsuccessful attempts, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) is gearing up to implement the National Single Window (NSW) project, a trade facilitation concept that enables traders and businesses to submit standardized information and documents through a single entry point. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has identified the major obstacles that have hindered previous efforts, including fragmented technological systems, institutional bottlenecks, and misaligned stakeholder expectations. To overcome these challenges, Adeniyi emphasizes the need for a unified vision, strong political will, and institutional commitment. The Path to Success For the NSW to succeed, Adeniyi stresses that all relevant agencies…

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has charged senior officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to mentor and guide younger officers to become better professionals. He gave this charge during the decoration of newly appointed and promoted officers at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, January 23, 2025. Adeniyi emphasized that senior officers must operate at a strategic level, involving themselves in decision-making and policy implementation. He reminded them that this responsibility requires personal discipline, dedication, professionalism, and adherence to the ethics of the job . The CGC also highlighted the importance of mentorship, stating that senior…

  The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has congratulated Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka on his appointment as the Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Tin-can Island Port Customs Command. MARAN described the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of Onyeka's  exceptional career achievements. In a letter signed by MARAN President Godfrey Bivbere, the association commended Onyeka's promotion, highlighting his impressive career trajectory, commitment to excellence, and academic achievements, including a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in Public Administration. MARAN expressed confidence in Onyeka's ability to excel in his new role, citing his intellectual…

The Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) has announced plans to commence implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) by the second quarter of 2025. This move is expected to enhance revenue generation and operational oversight in the maritime sector. According to the Executive Secretary of NSC, Pius Akutah, the Council's 2025 budget will be anchored on a 1% freight stabilization fee, which will be collected upon presidential assent to the Nigerian Shipping and Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) bill ¹. Akutah emphasized that the implementation of the freight stabilization fee will not introduce additional costs at the ports, as it…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) kicked off its 2025 activities with a thanksgiving ceremony, prayers, and birthday celebrations for its members at the International Maritime Press Centre in Apapa, Lagos. MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, declared the event open, expressing gratitude to God for the safety and successes of the association's members and their families in 2024. He charged members to prepare for the tasks ahead in the new year, promising a packed schedule of activities. The event featured the celebration of members' birthdays between July and December 2024, with a custom-made MARAN birthday cake. The birthday celebrants…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has congratulated Dr. Kayode Opeifa on his appointment as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC). In a congratulatory letter, MARAN President Godfrey Bivbere described Opeifa's appointment as well-deserved, citing his exceptional track record in the transportation sector . Opeifa, a highly accomplished transport expert, has demonstrated exceptional leadership, intellectual brilliance, and a strong work ethic in his previous roles, including serving as Commissioner of Transport in Lagos State. MARAN expressed confidence in his ability to build on the successes of his predecessor and drive the NRC to greater heights. The…

  Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command, has unveiled his strategy to meet and surpass the revenue target set by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Onyeka revealed that his focus will be on facilitating legitimate trade and businesses, ensuring 100% examination of all imports, and energizing his officers to key into his vision . "I'll facilitate trade, but it has to be legitimate trade. That's what I feel I should do in the strict sense," Onyeka said, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and accountability. He also expressed his gratitude to…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined millions of well-wishers worldwide to celebrate Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, as he marks his 59th birthday on January 19, 2025. In a heartfelt message, Tinubu praised Adeniyi's innovative and inspiring leadership, which has significantly impacted the image and performance of the Customs Service ¹. Under Adeniyi's guidance, the agency has made remarkable progress in various areas, including: Revenue Generation: The Customs Service has surpassed revenue targets, yielding positive effects on the national economy. Trade Facilitation: Adeniyi's leadership has bolstered trade facilitation, making it easier for businesses to operate. Automation and Digitization:The agency…

In a move that has left industry experts stunned, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance has jerked up the revenue target for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) from N6.5 trillion to N12 trillion for 2025. This decision was made despite the NCS already surpassing its 2024 revenue target of N5.08 trillion by N1.03 trillion, collecting a total of N6.11 trillion . The implications of this decision are far-reaching. *Increased Pressure on Customs*: The new target is nearly double the initial projection, putting immense pressure on the NCS to deliver. This could lead to more aggressive revenue collection strategies, potentially…