Maritime

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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
Customs Chief Delivers on Promises: Bolsters Command with Fleet of New, Refurbished Vehicles
19 Jul

Customs Chief Delivers on Promises: Bolsters Command with Fleet of New, Refurbished Vehicles

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
In a bold demonstration of leadership that matches words with actions, Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi and his management team have allocated *six brand-new and six refurbished operational Hilux vehicles* to the command. This strategic move is set to enhance operational performance and drive efficiency in customs operations. Leadership in Action: Transformational Leadership: Comptroller Balofun highlights the Comptroller General of Customs' (CGC) continued efforts in transforming the Customs Service through visionary leadership. Key Focus Areas: Trade facilitation, modernization, and officers' welfare are central to the CGC's agenda, painting a bright future for the Service. International Recognition: CGC's recent appointment…
Read More
NIMASA’s War on War Risk Premiums: Campaign’s Impact Questioned Amidst Staggering Costs
19 Jul

NIMASA’s War on War Risk Premiums: Campaign’s Impact Questioned Amidst Staggering Costs

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has expressed commitment to eliminating exorbitant War Risk Insurance (WRI) premiums imposed on Nigerian-bound ships. However, the actual impact of their aggressive campaign remains uncertain amidst continued financial strain on the Nigerian economy. Key Issues with War Risk Premiums: Financial Drain: Estimated at *$500 million annually*, with $1.5 billion paid in WRI premiums in the past three years. No Piracy Incidents: Nigeria removed from piracy-prone list; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy confirms no pirate incidents in over three years. Continued Levies:  Foreign insurance companies like Lloyd's of London still impose WRI…
Read More
Customs Cracks Down on Smuggling in Zone A: N1.7 Billion Worth of Contraband Seized in 4 Week
19 Jul

Customs Cracks Down on Smuggling in Zone A: N1.7 Billion Worth of Contraband Seized in 4 Week

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
s The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, ably represented by ACG Ejibunu briefed the press on the activities of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja-Lagos, from June 3rd to July 18th, 2025. During this period, the Unit recorded significant achievements in curbing smuggling and illicit trade in southwestern Nigeria. Operational Highlights: Enforcement Interventions: 102 enforcement actions led to seizures of prohibited and smuggled goods. Major Seizures: Included 3,500 bags of foreign rice, 304kg of cannabis, 7,900 liters of PMS, used clothing, vehicles, and other contraband. Duty Paid Value: Seized items valued at *N1,784,432,000*. 9 suspects arrested;…
Read More
Customs Paves Way for Brighter Futures: Renovates Lagos Schools Ushers in New Era of Learning
18 Jul

Customs Paves Way for Brighter Futures: Renovates Lagos Schools Ushers in New Era of Learning

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant stride in giving back to the community by renovating and commissioning Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in Olodi Apapa, Lagos State. This initiative is part of the NCS's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, showcasing the service's commitment to improving learning conditions and supporting education. School Renovation:  The school was in a dilapidated state before the NCS intervention. The renovation reflects the service's belief in the potential of the pupils and commitment to quality education. Adoption of School: Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced that the NCS has adopted…
Read More
Customs Hands Over N9.2 Billion Worth of Seized Pharmaceuticals to NAFDAC
11 Jul

Customs Hands Over N9.2 Billion Worth of Seized Pharmaceuticals to NAFDAC

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
The Nigeria Customs Service has handed over 25 containers of seized pharmaceutical products worth N9.2 billion to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The seized products include unregistered medications, counterfeit drugs and codeine-based preparations that pose a significant threat to public health. Seized Products Unregistered Pharmaceuticals: The containers held various unregistered pharmaceutical products, including sexual enhancement drugs like REDSUN and HYEGRA sildenafil citrate products, codeine-containing cough syrups and antibiotic injections. Expired Food Products: Expired food items such as margarine and chocolate were also among the seized products. Fake NAFDAC Registration Numbers: Some of the products…
Read More
Lekki Deep Seaport Emerges as West Africa’s Maritime Hub, Sees 394.8% Surge in Cargo handling
10 Jul

Lekki Deep Seaport Emerges as West Africa’s Maritime Hub, Sees 394.8% Surge in Cargo handling

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
With the commencement of international transhipment services to ports in Togo, Benin Republic, Abidjan, and Ghana, the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport has established Nigeria as a prominent maritime hub in the West and Central African region. Having begun commercial operations in 2023, the port is now focused on increasing its throughput, aiming to reach 500,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) by the end of 2025, up from 287,000 TEUs handled in 2024 . Transhipment Operations: The port is actively targeting additional transhipment opportunities with several West African nations, with current operations gaining momentum, particularly to neighboring and landlocked countries. Cargo…
Read More
WAR RISK PREMIUMS: MARAN Slams Foreign Shipping Lines for Exploiting Nigeria, Gulf of Guinea
09 Jul

WAR RISK PREMIUMS: MARAN Slams Foreign Shipping Lines for Exploiting Nigeria, Gulf of Guinea

Esther Komolafe0 CommentsMaritime
The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is set to host its 3rd Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL) on August 28, 2025, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, to expose the ongoing international fraud perpetuated by foreign shipping lines under the guise of "War Risk Premiums" on vessels calling at Nigerian ports. The Burden of War Risk Insurance MARAN has condemned the war risk insurance, describing it as an international fraud burdening Nigeria's economy and other developing countries in the Gulf of Guinea. The association revealed that extra war risk insurance levied on Nigerian-bound vessels varies significantly, with .…
Read More