Business – Page 6 – Eavesdropper online

13 May

Apapa Customs Command Rallies Officers on Revenue Growth, Discipline, and Trade Efficiency

Esther KomolafeBusiness

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has charged its officers to scale up revenue generation, tighten anti-smuggling operations, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline. Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, gave the directive during the Command’s monthly parade on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at the command headquarters in Apapa, Lagos. Oshoba called for stronger operational interventions across terminals to close revenue leakages while ensuring faster trade facilitation and timely cargo clearance. “Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. Any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated. Even at the gates. If…

13 May

MARAN, NPA Align on Port Modernisation Push, Pledge Stronger Media-Industry Collaboration

Esther KomolafeBusiness

The newly elected leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria has pledged to deepen its partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority to support the federal government’s port modernisation drive and boost capacity building in the sector. During a courtesy visit to the NPA headquarters in Lagos, MARAN President Oluyinka Onigbinde led the new executive team in talks with Ikechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager of Corporate and Strategic Communications. Onyemekara commended the peaceful and credible transition within MARAN, describing it as a sign of institutional maturity. He praised the association for producing professionals who have distinguished themselves across the economy and…

12 May

FG Rolls Out School Drug Testing Program to Safeguard Student Health and Learning

Esther KomolafeBusiness

The federal government is introducing mandatory drug screening for secondary school students nationwide as part of a new initiative to strengthen safe learning environments and support student wellbeing. Outlined in the ‘National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria,’ the policy requires all newly admitted students to undergo drug tests at entry, with periodic checks for returning students at least once per academic session. Officials say the measure is designed to reduce the impact of substance abuse on mental health and academic performance, and to create a more conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning. The move…

12 May

NPA Mourns Paul ‘Texas’ Erakhifu, Celebrates Life of Diligence and Service in Thanksgiving to God

Esther KomolafeBusiness

By Ikechukwu Onyemekara GM, Corporate Affairs, NPA The Nigerian Ports Authority bows in gratitude to God and in solemn remembrance of Paul Ikherovba Erakhifu, fondly known as “Texas,” who passed to glory on Friday, May 1, 2026. From his appointment on October 17, 1994, as a junior staff on Grade Level 3, Texas rose through diligence, discipline, and determination to become a senior officer on Grade Level 13. His career at the NPA was marked by sterling contributions, professionalism, and an indelible impact on colleagues and the Authority at large. While we mourn his transition, we also give thanks to…

11 May

SIFAX Group Hails Onigbinde’s MARAN Presidency Win, Calls It a Win for Maritime Journalism

Esther KomolafeBusiness

SIFAX Group has congratulated Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde on his election as President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, saying the outcome reflects his professionalism and long-standing commitment to maritime journalism. In a congratulatory letter signed by Chairman Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, CON, on behalf of the Board, Management, and Staff, the conglomerate described Onigbinde’s emergence as well-deserved. “Your emergence as the President is proof of your professionalism, dedication, and consistent contributions to maritime journalism and the broader maritime industry over the years,” Afolabi stated. As Patron of MARAN, Afolabi expressed confidence that the association would continue to uphold professionalism, ethical…

11 May

Nigerian Ports Post Strong Q1 Surge as Larger Ships , Vehicle Imports Fuel Growth

Esther KomolafeBusiness

Nigeria’s maritime sector kicked off 2026 with robust gains, as the Nigerian Ports Authority reported a 19.5% rise in Gross Registered Tonnage and an 11.6% jump in cargo throughput for Q1, driven by bigger vessels and expanding trade. According to the Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review, ocean-going vessels calling at Nigerian ports recorded a combined 46.75 million GRT, up from the previous year. The NPA credited the increase to a shift toward larger, more efficient ships, supported by the operational impact of Lekki Deep Sea Port and growing trade demand under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Total cargo throughput…

08 May

Onigbinde Clinches MARAN Presidency in Decisive Vote, Leads New Executive Slate

Esther KomolafeBusiness

Oluyinka Onigbinde, Assistant Editor of Shipping Position Daily, has been elected the new President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria following a keenly-contested poll at the association’s elective congress. Onigbinde secured 20 votes to defeat veteran maritime journalist Rev. John Iwori, who garnered 13 votes out of 33 total ballots cast. The congress, marked by strong member turnout, also produced a full slate of executives to steer MARAN for the next tenure. Obasi Sylvanus emerged unopposed as Vice President, while Fabian Anawo was elected General Secretary. Ojelabi Amina was voted in as Assistant General Secretary and Ayanfeoluwa Providence emerged…

07 May

Fit to Serve: Customs Controller Turns Command into Fitness Hub, Makes Wellness a Mandate for Officers

Esther KomolafeBusiness

At the Nigeria Customs Service, discipline isn’t just about uniforms and enforcement anymore. For Comptroller Samuel Olusanya Ariyibi of the Lillypond Export Command, sports activities holds every Thursday at 4 00 pm with push-ups, stretches, Long tennis, football , skipping etc. Since assuming office few months ago, Ariyibi has made physical fitness a non-negotiable pillar of command culture, transforming what was once an optional routine into a weekly mission for all officers under his watch. The result: sharper officers, stronger morale, and a command that’s earning praise for both operational efficiency and officer welfare. “I tell my officers, for the…

06 May

Smugglers Beware: Customs FOU ‘A’ Crushes 473 Smuggling Rings, Seizes ₦7.85BN in Drugs , Contraband in 8 Weeks

Esther KomolafeBusiness

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, has delivered a stern warning to smuggling syndicates after thwarting 473 illicit trade attempts across the South-West in just eight weeks, with seizures valued at ₦7.85 billion. Customs Controller, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, disclosed this at a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, stating that the unit intercepted contraband worth ₦5.5 billion in Duty Paid Value and narcotics valued at ₦2.35 billion through intensified surveillance and intelligence-driven operations. “This is a clear message to economic saboteurs. There is no safe corridor for smugglers in the South-West,” Aliyu declared. The…

01 May

WIMA Nigeria President Hails Women’s Role in Maritime Growth, Celebrates Workers’ Day with Message of Appreciation

Esther KomolafeBusiness

The President of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA Nigeria), Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze, has commended the dedication and resilience of maritime professionals, especially women, as Nigeria marks Workers’ Day and the start of May. In a statement issued to members, partners, and stakeholders, Nwaeze described May as a month of renewed opportunity and a time to honour the “invaluable contributions of workers across all sectors.” “I celebrate every woman and professional who continues to demonstrate excellence, commitment, and strength in advancing not only their careers but also the growth and sustainability of the maritime industry and the blue economy,” she said.…