Maritime

Adewale Adeniyi’s Tenure Extension: A Global Leader’s Continued Impact
04 Aug

Adewale Adeniyi’s Tenure Extension: A Global Leader’s Continued Impact

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
Esther Komolafe The recent decision by President Tinubu to extend the tenure of Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is a testament to his exceptional leadership and achievements. The phrase "He who the cap fits, let him wear it" aptly applies to this situation, as Adeniyi's impressive track record makes him an ideal candidate for continued service. Global Recognition: Adeniyi's appointment as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) is a significant milestone, showcasing his global influence and expertise in customs administration. This achievement underscores his ability to drive international cooperation and shape global customs policies. Transformative Leadership at…
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NCS Transitions to Authorised Economic Operator Programme for Enhanced Trade Facilitation
02 Aug

NCS Transitions to Authorised Economic Operator Programme for Enhanced Trade Facilitation

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is migrating from the Fast Track Scheme to the globally recognized Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme. This strategic move aligns Nigeria's trade facilitation procedures with international best practices. Key Highlights: AEO Programme:  Offers trusted traders priority treatment in Customs processes, including pre-arrival clearance and expedited release. The current Fast Track Scheme will be officially decommissioned on December 31, 2025. Application Process: Beneficiaries must initiate their migration to the AEO Compliance Programme through the dedicated portal. Stakeholder Engagement: Forum: A Stakeholders Engagement Forum will be held on August 6, 2025, in Lagos to sensitize stakeholders on…
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Customs Legend Crowned: Retired Officer Enthroned as Ekiti’s First-Class Oba
28 Jul

Customs Legend Crowned: Retired Officer Enthroned as Ekiti’s First-Class Oba

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
A retired senior Customs officer, Oba James Babatunde Ajiboye, has been enthroned as the Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, adopting the royal title "Otutubiosun 1, Ajigbotulu." This development highlights the officer's remarkable journey from serving the Nigeria Customs Service to reigning as a First-Class Traditional Ruler. A Royal Legacy: Oba Ajiboye's coronation marks another milestone in the tradition of Customs officers transitioning into royal roles. Previously, a retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Imra Ayodeji Akintola, was crowned the Alua of Erin-Oke Kingdom in Osun State. A Life of Service: Before retirement, Oba Ajiboye served at various Customs formations, including FOU 'A', PTML…
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Nigeria Customs Service and China’s GACC Deepen Cooperation on Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building
28 Jul

Nigeria Customs Service and China’s GACC Deepen Cooperation on Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its international cooperation efforts through a high-level engagement with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) in Beijing on July 25, 2025. The meeting focused on bilateral knowledge exchange and capacity development in customs administration. Customs Training: GACC shared its structured training system, incorporating virtual reality (VR), 5G-enabled systems, and blended e-learning approaches. Capacity Building: Over 200 African customs officers, including 89 from Nigeria, have received training since 2023 in areas like trade facilitation and anti-smuggling enforcement. Technical Cooperation: Both parties expressed interest in technical exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and officer…
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MARAN Sounds Alarm on Hazardous Conditions Near Apapa, Tin Can Industrial Zones
28 Jul

MARAN Sounds Alarm on Hazardous Conditions Near Apapa, Tin Can Industrial Zones

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has raised concerns about the deteriorating environmental and health conditions around major industrial facilities in Apapa and Tin Can Island, particularly those operated by Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, Dangote Group, and others. Airborne Particles: Hazardous dust from processing activities affecting port users, workers, and security personnel. Health Symptoms: Eye irritation, coughing, and respiratory discomfort reported by individuals frequenting the area. Environmental Impact: Dust accumulation potentially accelerating infrastructure deterioration and undermining public investment. Air Quality Assessment: MARAN urges the Federal Ministry of Environment and LASEPA to conduct an independent assessment and compare findings with…
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Lekki Port Wins Applause for Transshipment Milestone and Operational Excellence at LCCI Conference
26 Jul

Lekki Port Wins Applause for Transshipment Milestone and Operational Excellence at LCCI Conference

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
The Lekki Deep Sea Port was hailed for its seamless efficiency and transshipment capabilities at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Freight Forwarders Group Conference. Held on July 23, 2025, in Victoria Island, Lagos, the conference highlighted the port's growing role in unlocking value for West Africa. Transshipment Success: Over 40,000 TEUs moved across West African ports since June 2023, with nearly half in the first six months of 2025. Operational Efficiency: Lekki Port's scanning machine processes containers in *30 seconds*, showcasing real-time efficiency. Industry Praise: Stakeholders praised the port's performance, with one speaker noting, "Lekki Port is…
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Seme Customs Command Warns Smugglers with ₦1.2 Billion Seizure, Generates ₦1.5 Billion Revenue
24 Jul

Seme Customs Command Warns Smugglers with ₦1.2 Billion Seizure, Generates ₦1.5 Billion Revenue

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has sounded a warning to smugglers after a series of significant seizures worth over ₦1.2 billion in Duty Paid Value. The command's operatives intercepted five trucks laden with contraband goods, including 2,800 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 250 bales of second-hand clothing, along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor between July 1 and 19, 2025. Contraband Items: 898 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 1,319 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 40 bags of sugar, 64 bags of flour, and other goods. Duty Paid Value:  ₦1,268,794,474 for all seizures during the period. Revenue Generation*: ₦1,593,676,123.26 generated in May…
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President Tinubu Orders Full Operationalization of National Single Window by Q1 2026 for $1 Trillion Economy Push
23 Jul

President Tinubu Orders Full Operationalization of National Single Window by Q1 2026 for $1 Trillion Economy Push

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Single Window (NSW) Steering Committee to ensure the platform becomes fully operational by the first quarter of 2026. The directive was given during the fifth steering committee meeting at the State House, Abuja, with Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila representing the President. Transformative Initiative: NSW aims to streamline trade processes via a centralized electronic platform for importers/exporters. Economic Goals: Boost investment/trade revenues, improve transparency, and strengthen Nigeria's global business credibility. Deadline for Phase : All agencies urged to meet Q1 2026 deadline for rollout. Ministerial Support: Ministers Wale Edun and Jumoke Oduwole…
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Customs to Reintroduce 4% FOB Levy on Imports for Tech Upgrade
21 Jul

Customs to Reintroduce 4% FOB Levy on Imports for Tech Upgrade

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
The Nigeria Customs Service plans to reintroduce a *4% Free-on-Board (FOB) Levy* on imported goods, five months after suspending it due to stakeholder concerns. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, hinted at this during a town hall meeting on July 21, 2025, in Lagos. Purpose: Fund technology and modernization of Customs operations via the indigenous B'Odogwu trade platform. Replacement for CISS: The 4% FOB levy will replace the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme. No Extra Charges: CGC assured no additional charges beyond the 4% FOB. Context and Justification: Funding Tech Evolution: Transition to B'Odogwu requires significant funding. WCO Council Chairmanship: Nigeria's…
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Customs, NAFDAC Deal Blow to Drug Smugglers: ₦20.5bn Worth of Illicit Pharmaceuticals Seized in Onne
20 Jul

Customs, NAFDAC Deal Blow to Drug Smugglers: ₦20.5bn Worth of Illicit Pharmaceuticals Seized in Onne

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
In a landmark operation showcasing strengthened inter-agency ties, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have intercepted  16 containers loaded with illicit pharmaceutical products valued at over ₦20.5 billion at the Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne. Illicit Pharmaceuticals: Included 1.3 million bottles of Codeine syrup, 9.3 million tablets of Diclofenac, 12.6 million tablets of Tramadol, and other dangerous, unregistered drugs. Concealment Tactics: Smugglers disguised drugs as imports like tomato paste, ceiling fans, and plumbing materials. Inter-Agency Collaboration: Operation involved NCS, NAFDAC, NDLEA, DSS, and ONSA. CGC Adewale Adeniyi: Warned…
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