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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…

The President of Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, who was a Customs Officer but retired , Mr. Yahaya Oladiran Idris, has expressed optimism about the proposed deep seaport in Badagry, citing the town's vast economic potentials and strategic location. The retired Deputy Comptroller revealed this during his interaction with the executive members of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) during their two- day retreat programme at the ancient city. According to Idris, Badagry's proximity to the ECOWAS and European markets, coupled with its well-developed infrastructure, makes it an ideal location for the deep seaport. He noted that…

In a historic move, Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NMJ) have come together to confer the prestigious "Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year 2024" award on the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. This unanimous decision was made by all maritime journalists covering the maritime beat, representing various media outlets and associations . The award recognizes CG Adeniyi's outstanding performance since assuming office, particularly in areas such as revenue collection, anti-smuggling activities, trade facilitation, and national security. His leadership has also been praised for its impact on staff welfare, inter-agency collaboration, and infrastructural upgrading. According to the…

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Vice President, Segun Musa, has criticized Nigeria's African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) coordination body for lacking seriousness and effectiveness in its approach. Musa described the body's methods as overly theoretical, preferring "talk shows" over practical solutions . Musa expressed frustration with the committee's lack of progress, citing their absence from critical meetings and ineffective virtual meetings. "They are not doing anything... We need dialogue, practical strategies, and action plans," he said. The NAGAFF Vice President emphasized the importance of practical engagement, urging the AfCFTA coordination body to involve stakeholders in…

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking within Nigeria's maritime domain. During a courtesy visit by the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), to the NIMASA Towers in Lagos, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the NDLEA for its remarkable achievements in combating drug-related crimes across Nigeria . Dr. Mobereola pledged that NIMASA would collaborate with the NDLEA to secure Nigeria's maritime space against the illicit shipment of drugs. He emphasized that the…

Despite facing numerous challenges, Nigeria's maritime industry has the potential for growth and development, according to a recent report by the Sea Empowerment Research Centre. The report, which reviewed the industry's performance in 2024, highlighted the strategic impact of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Tantita Security on security, as well as the advocacy efforts of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN). The report noted that the industry is hampered by safety and security concerns, including piracy, sea robbery, and illegal bunkering. However, it acknowledged the efforts of NIMASA and Tantita Security in tackling these challenges.…

As the year 2024 comes to a close, the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne, has achieved significant success in revenue generation, surpassing its target of 618 billion naira by generating a total revenue of 634 billion naira. This represents a 98% increase over the 2023 generated revenue. celebrating its remarkable achievements in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade. The  Customs Area Controller( CAC) of the  Command Comptroller Mohammed Babandede reiterated that the command has successfully intercepted and seized 12 containers of illicit medicine, valued at ₦20,309,890,800. The seized items include: 1,721,100 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine…

  The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Port Command, has issued a statement to address misleading claims made by a 70-year-old US returnee, Mr. Olukayode David-Albert. The Command is setting the record straight regarding the alleged ₦76 million demanded to clear Mr. David-Albert's two vehicles and personal belongings. According to the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022–2026, Nigerian citizens who have resided outside Nigeria for at least nine months can import their personal belongings duty-free. However, this provision excludes vehicles or goods intended for sale, barter, or exchange . In Mr. David-Albert's case, while he is eligible to import his…