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In a vibrant display of patriotism and resilience, members of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers & Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC) braved heavy downpour to celebrate the launch of Nigeria's first privately-owned indigenous container vessel, MV Ocean Dragon, operated by Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited. The roadshow, which wound through Apapa's major roads, was a testament to the sector's optimism about the future. A New Era in Maritime Trade The MV Ocean Dragon, with a capacity of 349 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), is set to revolutionize Nigeria's maritime industry by providing a reliable alternative to road transport, reducing congestion, and increasing…

The Federal Operations Unit Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, seizing contraband worth over N1.2 billion in a six-week period. Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, the unit's commander, disclosed this during a press briefing on October 7, 2025. Seizures The unit seized: 5,015 bags of foreign rice: (equivalent to 8 trailer loads) 15 used vehicles: 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa:: (approximately 431.8kg) 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit: (about 11,500 litres) Various other contraband: including used clothing, shoes, and pharmaceuticals. Arrests and Prosecution Four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and will be handed…

Stakeholders in Nigeria's transportation industry are set to converge on October 29, 2025, at the Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, for the maiden summit of JustAlive Communications Limited. The summit, themed "Nigeria's Transport Infrastructure: Innovation For A Sustainable Future," aims to discuss the nation's transport infrastructure challenges and explore innovative solutions. Key Objectives: Holistic Review: Examine the infrastructure aspects of the transport sector, including aviation, maritime, waterways, rail, and road. Knowledge Sharing: Provide a platform for experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to share knowledge, best practices, and standards. Innovative Solutions: Offer solutions to address challenges facing Nigeria's transport infrastructure, including inadequate…

The New Experience Newspaper marked its 8th anniversary with a call to action to reposition Nigeria’s maritime industry. Prince Benson Davies, Publisher of the newspaper, emphasized the need for innovation, policy reform, and inclusive participation to harness the sector’s potential. Key Takeaways Maritime Sector as a Cornerstone of Economic Transformation:  Davies stressed that the maritime sector is more than a trade route, it’s the heartbeat of the economy. Collaboration is Key: Government, private sector, and media must work together to unlock opportunities and boost competitiveness. Importance of Maritime Education and Private Sector Partnerships: Discussions centered on improving port efficiency, enhancing…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a two-day stakeholders’ summit at the Seme Border to address border-related crimes and improve legitimate trade. Comptroller Wale Adenuga, Controller of Seme Area Command, emphasized the need for collective honesty and cooperation among stakeholders to tackle challenges affecting the border axis. Key Objectives of the Summit Enhance Trade Facilitation*: Promote safer, smarter, and more efficient cross-border trade Improve Security*: Address border-related crimes and irregularities Foster Collaboration*: Encourage inter-agency collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders Stakeholders' Concerns Multiple Checkpoints*: Residents and villagers complain about harassment from unauthorized personnel, particularly "camp boys" recruited by security agencies…

Lekki Port has welcomed Hauwa Abubakar as its new Customs Area Controller, promising maximum cooperation to drive revenue growth and profitability. The port’s Managing Director, Wang Qiang, praised Abubakar’s appointment, describing her as a "round peg in a round hole" due to her outstanding contributions to the Nigeria Customs Service. A Vote of Confidence Qiang commended Abubakar’s professionalism and assured her of the port’s full support. He also thanked the outgoing controller for his service, wishing Abubakar well in her new role. A Bright Future Ahead Abubakar expressed her commitment to building on her predecessor’s successes and pledged to work…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have held a productive strategic engagement to strengthen collaboration in support of Nigeria's industrial growth and economic development objectives. The meeting was convened following the Ministry of Finance's directive regarding the temporary suspension of the 4% FOB charge, which provided an opportunity for comprehensive stakeholder consultation. Key Outcomes The meeting resulted in several key outcomes, including: Strategic Exemptions: Approval has been granted for strategic exemptions from the 4% FOB charges on importation of raw materials, spares, and machines by manufacturers who are beneficiaries of concessions contained in Chapters…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have strengthened their partnership to boost the economy and promote industrial growth. The collaboration aims to address operational issues, enhance policy formulation, and create a more inclusive and efficient business environment. A Historic Bond The President of MAN Otunba Francis Meshioye highlighted the historic bond between the two organizations, noting that they have co-created platforms for dialogue and consultation in the past. The meeting marked the enactment of this bond, with both parties committed to institutionalizing the arrangement to resolve operational issues and promote inclusive policy formulation .…

Dr. Basil Nwolisa, President of the Association of Nigeria Customs Brokers and the National Compliance Joint Task Force of Licensed Customs Agents (NCJTFLCA), has unveiled a handbook aimed at unraveling corruption in Nigeria. Titled "The Toll of Corruption in Nigeria," the book exposes the tricks and game plans of those who exploit ordinary citizens, particularly along major routes like the East-West Road and Lagos-Barracks-West Road”. Dr. Nwolisa is urging Nigerians to rise against "socialized corruption," warning that the nation risks collapse if systemic extortion and abuse are left unchecked. He emphasizes that the book is a call to revolution against…

Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited has launched a groundbreaking direct shipping service from China to Nigeria, offering a range of incentives to attract Nigerian shippers, freight forwarders, and the trading community. The company’s Vice President, Mrs. Bernadine Eloka, announced the initiative at the unveiling of its newly acquired container vessel, MV Ocean Dragon, in Lagos. Incentives Galore The incentives include $500 reduction in freight charges for every 40ft container*: A significant discount to make Nigerian cargo more affordable and globally competitive $300 reduction for every 20ft container*: Further cost savings for shippers and freight forwarders Zero-container-deposit policy*: Freeing up capital…