Esther Komolafe

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…

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone C Owerri, has recorded another major enforcement win with the seizure of over 3,310 jerrycans and cartons of smuggled foreign vegetable oil, valued at N403,491,000 in Duty Paid Value. In a statement issued on Sunday, Comptroller Bishir Balogun commended the officers for what he described as a job well done through strategic intelligence coordination and swift operational action. The Seizure: Operatives intercepted two trucks carrying the contraband: 1. 3,310 jerrycans of 25-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil 2. 10 jerrycans of 10-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil 3. 20 cartons of 5-litre sunflower vegetable…

The Nigeria Customs Service has dismantled a major wildlife trafficking syndicate after a joint intelligence-led operation with NESREA and the Wildlife Justice Commission led to the seizure of 22 elephant tusks worth N126.39 million on the black market. The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, intercepted the tusks weighing 130.84kg at about 4:30 p.m. on June 13, 2026, in Ofada, Mowe area of Ogun State. Four suspects were arrested at different locations across Lagos State, and the vehicle used to transport the contraband was confiscated. Customs said the breakthrough followed months of surveillance and investigation targeting an organized trafficking network operating…

At the   9th edition of National Economic Growth Forum (NEGF) round table organized by Adisa Olamillekan today 11th of June 2016 at Rockview Hotel in Apapa. The conference hall was full when Abdulazeez Mariam stepped up to speak. On behalf of Mickey Excellency Nigeria Limited, he had one lesson to teach the gathering of CEOs, business leaders, and policymakers: if Nigeria wants lasting prosperity, it must learn to grow its own economy from the inside out. Hajia Bola Idayat Muse and Engr. Dr. Michael Sese Atina presided as chairpersons, but the message was for everyone. Mariam opened with a…