Author: Dodo Elias Denen

Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT recently handed over 58 bags of arrested foreign parboiled rice to the officials of Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.

According to an official press statement duly signed by Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, Base Information Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT.

The contraband was intercepted on 31 August 2025 by the NNS BEECROFT Patrol Team stationed at Liverpool Apapa. The team while acting on credible intelligence intercepted 2 wooden boats laden with a total of 58 bags of suspected smuggled foreign parboiled rice. However, the suspects abandoned the boats on sighting the patrol team.

During the handover, the Commander NNS BEECROFT, Rear Admiral Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, represented by the Executive Officer, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, asserted that the interception is part of the concerted efforts by the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of Vice Admiral ldi Abbas, Admiralty Medal, to curtail all forms of illegal activities — particularly the smuggling of contraband and other maritime crimes within Nigeria’s coastal waters.

He reiterated that the Nigerian Navy is committed to working with other security agencies to protect Nigerian’s maritime domain for socio-economic activities to thrive. Captain Udoessien commended the vigilance and professionalism of NNS BEECROFT personnel and urged the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to enhance security and safety across the Lagos state.

The contraband was handed over to the Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Kehinde Alade Saliman of Western Marine Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa, for necessary action.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kaduna Area Command, under the leadership of the Comptroller Sa’ad Garba Hassan has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration and fostering robust inter-agency synergy with sister security agencies across Kaduna State. This renewed commitment formed the highlight of the Controller’s courtesy visits to heads of security and law enforcement agencies within the state.

The information was contained in an official press statement signed by DSC Dauda Adamu, Command Public Relations Officer of the Command.

In separate engagements with the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, CP Muhammad Rabiu; the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army Kaduna Maj. Gen. ASM Wase; the State Director, State Security Service (SSS), Kaduna State Mr. Hakeem Abiola fsi the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kaduna State Command Corp Commander Tijjani Yusuf the Zonal Director, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna Zonal Directorate Mr. Usman Bawa Kaltungo and the State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Kaduna Command Comdt Panam Musa Buba Compt. Hassan emphasized the strategic importance of cooperation, information sharing, and mutual support in achieving national security objectives.

He also noted that the Nigeria Customs Service cannot operate in isolation, especially at a time when the nation continues to contend with evolving security challenges, smuggling networks, economic sabotage, and threats to public safety. He reaffirmed that sustained collaboration among security agencies remains critical for enhanced operational success, intelligence-driven enforcement, and improved service delivery to Nigerians.

The Controller commended the sister agencies for their long-standing partnership with the Command, acknowledging the support they have consistently extended in joint operations, information exchange, personnel protection, and crisis response. He appealed for the strengthening of the existing synergy to ensure seamless cooperation and greater operational impact across all areas of shared responsibility.

Responding, the heads of the respective agencies applauded the Customs Area Controller (CAC) for taking proactive steps toward deepening inter-agency relations. They pledged continued support to the Nigeria Customs Service, assuring the Controller of their readiness to explore new areas of collaboration, enhance intelligence sharing, and participate in joint operational initiatives aimed at safeguarding the nation’s economic growth and security interests.

The CAC added that the Command will continue to pursue partnerships that promote legal trade facilitation, National security, enhance border management, and contribute to the economic stability of the country. The Command remains committed to maintaining strong institutional relationships built on trust, professionalism, and mutual respect.

Following the 2-day pre-pitch for the grand finale, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s leading innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has announced the Top 20 finalists for Hackaholics 6.0. The 2-day pre-pitch took place on December 16 and 17, 2025.

The Top 20 finalists for Hackaholics 6.0 include Top 10 for the Hackathon stream and Top 10 for the Ideathon Stream. The Hackathon finalists are Rapid DEV, Secure IT, Neurafeed, Trust Lock Babcock, Pulse Track, IlluminiTrust, Trust Lock FUTA, Fix Fraud AI, KASH Flow and VOC AI. The Ideathon finalists are PLOY, Fertitude, VarsityScape, Mama ALERT, StockMed, Chao, All Arbitrate, FarmSlate, Sane AI and Cycle X.

Expounding on the unique approach implemented for Hackaholics 6.0, Moruf Oseni, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO commented, “Hackaholics started off as a hackathon and morphed into an ideation. For Hackaholics 6.0, the sixth edition, we decided to give both the builders of new solutions and the refiners of existing ones, an opportunity to make meaningful impact. For us at Wema Bank, we understand that innovation isn’t just building from scratch. Sometimes, it’s looking at what exists and developing new ways to optimise that and create more efficiency. This is the idea behind our two-stream Ideathon-Hackathon structure”.

“Every year , Hackaholics shows us just how eager and motivated Nigerian youth are when it comes to exploring creativity and innovation, and we are honoured to be the institution that provides them with the platform and resources to put this drive to good use. We toured 7 cities, indulged 1,460 participants and discovered hundreds of remarkable ideas; some of which needed some refining and some of which deserved to move to the next stage. For those who needed to go back to the drawing board, we provided useful guidance and for the top contenders, we were able to shortlist to the Top 43, who proceeded to the pre-pitch. To every participant, Wema Bank is proud of you. This is just the beginning”, Oseni added.

The Pre-pitch saw the Top 43 contenders battle in a game of innovation and problem solving, presenting compelling pitches for a chance to make it to Top 10 in their respective streams. After a rigorous stretch of pitches and presentations, the Top 20 emerged, securing their spot in the grand finale of Hackaholics 6.0.

Scheduled to take place on December 19, 2025, the grand finale of Hackaholics 6.0 will convene the top players in Africa’s tech and innovation ecosystem, creating an avenue for these finalists to not only put their creativity to the ultimate test but also give their solutions visibility to potential investors for additional funding opportunities beyond the prizes to be won.

The prizes to be won for the Ideathon include N25 million for the Winner, N20 million for the first runner-up, N15 million for the second runner-up and N5 million each for 2 women-led teams. In the Hackathon category, the first to fourth-place winners will receive N20 million, N15 million, N10 million and N5 million respectively.

Anyone interested in watching the grand finale of Hackaholics 6.0 live, is invited to join virtually via Wema Bank’s official YouTube channel @Wema Bank and keep track of the conversation on social media using #Hackaholics6

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has commended the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh Moshood, for the remarkable improvement in security across the state.

Rt. Hon. Obasa noted that the Police boss’s proactive strategies, intelligence-driven operations, and effective coordination with other security agencies have greatly strengthened public safety in Lagos. According to him, this renewed approach to policing has not only curtailed criminal activities but has also boosted investor confidence and improved the overall quality of life for residents.

He added that CP Jimoh Moshood has successfully changed the narrative of policing in Lagos State, fostering trust between the police and the public. This, Obasa said, has created a safer and more stable environment where Lagosians can now sleep with both eyes closed, confident in the ability of the police to protect lives and property.

Nigeria has consolidated its role as a regional hydrographic powerhouse with the validation and release of three Electronic Navigational Chart cells for the Calabar–Bakassi axis, expanding safe navigation coverage for vessels accessing Calabar Port and the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport.

The National Hydrographic Agency announced that the charts—NG455150 (Jamestown), NG525190 (Queenstown to Ikot Abasi), and NG542550 (Ports of Calabar)—have been approved by the International Centre for Electronic Navigational Charts and integrated into global ENC networks used by mariners worldwide.

With the release, all ships navigating Nigeria’s eastern coastal approaches through the inner port limits are required to depend on the newly produced Nigerian ENCs. The charts deliver an integrated digital view of depths, seabed characteristics, navigational hazards, aids to navigation and port infrastructure necessary for safe passage and efficient port operations.

The ENCs were produced following a comprehensive high-resolution survey of the Calabar–Bakassi corridor conducted to international standards comparable to IHO S-44 Order 1. The survey was formally initiated on 21 December 2024, with intensive hydrographic, geophysical and geotechnical data acquisition commencing on 6 January 2025 using advanced NHA survey and processing capabilities.

The Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the NHA, Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, described accurate hydrographic data as fundamental to maritime safety and economic growth. “The sea is our largest unexplored resource, and if we don’t map it, we can’t manage it,” he said.

Rear Admiral Olugbode stated that chart production for key maritime corridors such as Lagos, Calabar and the Bonny axis remains central to the NHA’s phased national mapping strategy. He disclosed that over 85,325 square kilometres of Nigeria’s maritime domain has already been mapped, with the Calabar sector identified as a critical link in the national ENC network.

The charts replace older legacy products with modern digital navigational tools and directly support the Bakassi Deep Seaport project and Calabar Port operations. The development aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and was previously identified by Rear Admiral Olugbode as a core pillar of the President’s blue economy agenda during the 2025 World Hydrography Day and the maiden West African Hydrographic Summit in Abuja.

By combining accurate seabed mapping with training, regional data sharing and the establishment of a new ENC regional office, Nigeria continues to align its hydrographic efforts with the UN Decade of Ocean Science and the Seabed 2030 Initiative, reinforcing safe navigation and long-term growth in maritime revenue.

In a landmark move set to redefine urban mobility and promote financial inclusion in Nigeria, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced a $100 million financing partnership scheme with CIG Motors, Lagride and Lagos State Government.

By the partnership, tagged “Drive to Own”, UBA will be the key financier, offering loan subscriptions that will allow beneficiaries to own a CIG/Lagride vehicle by contributing an equity payment of just 10% of the total vehicle cost, with the remaining amount payable over a period of 48 months.

The scheme, which was unveiled during a ceremony in Alausa, Lagos on Wednesday, is aimed at empowering 3,500 drivers in the state, with transformative asset ownership opportunities, thus setting a new benchmark for structured credit in Africa’s mobility sector.

UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, who delivered the keynote remarks at the event, highlighted the bank’s visionary commitment to inclusive economic growth, fostering MSME development, and creating tangible opportunities for the younger generation.

He said, “This partnership with Lagride is transformational. It will drive inclusivity for economic growth and ensure progress for everyone. We are committed to helping you, and please believe me, this is just the beginning.”

He took the opportunity to share a deeply personal testament about the power of opportunity; “My father started as a driver. I went to school thanks to that income… That will be the story of some of you, and even better,” he said.

Alawuba also emphasised UBA’s focus on solving immediate, on-the-ground challenges, adding, “I am personally looking at the immediate problems we have right here in Lagos as we will be connecting the initiative to broader urban development. Lagos will change because of us. And we will not stop in Lagos; we will move beyond.”

Echoing the GMD’s vision, UBA’s Head, SME Banking, Babatunde Ajayi, noted that this partnership is built on a fundamental rethinking of traditional banking models.

“Not every business has a shop. Some businesses have wheels. Every commercial driver is running a business, yet they have remained outside formal finance. We did not ask if they fit our old structures; we designed credit that fits their reality, and that is the way we work at UBA,” Ajayi added.

The Chairman, Lagride, Diana Chen, who noted that the company has built a data-driven and credit-ready mobility platform for drivers, stressed that transportation is the backbone of Africa’s economic future.

“Lagride now stands as the most structured, data-driven and credit-ready mobility platform in Nigeria,” Chen said. “This data enables UBA to evaluate driver performance with accuracy and confidence, creating a new standard for bankable driver financing,” he said.

The partnership strategically aligns the strengths of the three organisations, with UBA providing the financial backbone, CIG acting as a trusted provider of viable business opportunities, and Lagride offering a technology-driven platform that guarantees a sustainable and dignified livelihood for its driver-partners.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has noted instances of delayed remittance of Customs revenue by some Designated Banks following reconciliation of collections processed through the B’odogwu platform. Such delays constitute a breach of remittance obligations and negatively impact the efficiency, transparency, and integrity of government revenue administration.

In line with the provisions of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) executed between the Nigeria Customs Service and Designated Banks, the Service hereby notifies stakeholders of the commencement of enforcement actions against banks found to be in default of agreed remittance timelines.

This was disclosed in a press release signed by Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, MNIPR, MNIIA, Deputy Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer. “Accordingly, any Designated Bank that fails to remit collected Customs revenue within the prescribed period shall be liable to penalty interest calculated at three percent (3%) above the prevailing Nigerian Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) for the duration of the delay. Affected banks will receive formal notifications indicating the delayed amount, applicable penalty, and the timeline for settlement.

The Service further notes that persistent or repeated non-compliance with the terms of the SLA may attract additional sanctions, including regulatory and administrative measures, as provided under the Agreement and relevant laws guiding Customs revenue collection.

The NCS reiterates that prompt, accurate, and complete remittance of Customs revenue is a fundamental obligation of Designated Banks. Any payment of collected revenue into unauthorised accounts, whether deliberate or erroneous, will be treated as a serious violation and addressed in accordance with the SLA and applicable legal frameworks.

Designated Banks are therefore advised to strengthen internal controls, ensure strict adherence to remittance timelines, and comply fully with the provisions of the SLA. The Service remains committed to enforcing accountability, safeguarding government revenue, and promoting a transparent and predictable financial system in support of national economic development.

Comptroller Joe Anani, Customs Area Controller of the Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of Nigeria Customs Service has disclosed a total revenue collection of ₦424,584,608,992.26 as at Friday December 12 , 2025.

According to a press release signed by CSC Abdullahi Tsafe Abubakar, Customs Public Relations Officer, PTML Command. “Speaking at the 2025 end of the year party organised by the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), PTML Chapter, Anani said the collection showed a greater prospect for more benefits in the ful implementation of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) also known as B’Odogwu

Anani said the command has already surpassed it’s 2024 total collection of ₦362.5b with over ₦62b even when this year has not ended.

While describing 2025 as an eventful year that featured various accomplishments for the command under the guidance of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, the Area Controller disclosed readiness to achieve one hour clearance time for compliant Roll On Roll Off (RoRo) cargoes in 2026.

On anti smuggling,Comptroller Anani recalled the successes made by the command in preventing illicit and expired drugs, arms and ammunition and other prohibited items capable of endangering the lives of Nigerians from entering the country .

He lauded the seizure of N29.4bn worth of cocaine which the command handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as a great anti smuggling feat.

He also attributed all the command’s achievements to the massive support it is enjoying from all the government and private sector stakeholders

He specially thanked the Nigeria Police, Department of State Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control and other sister agencies for their support

Also speaking at the end of the year party, COWA Chairperson for PTML Chapter, Mrs Caroline Ifeoluwa Anani described the party as a continuation of PTML Command’s tradition of togetherness

She stated further that the year 2025 has been very eventful with COWA playing critical roles in the Command’s productivity as according to her,a productive workforce can be made or marred from the home front.

Mrs Anani recalled that This year , the Command’s chapter of COWA carried out mental health awareness programme, Blood pressure and sugar test, eye screening/ treatment and donation of medicated glasses .

COWA, according to her, the chapteralso held seminars on home management, food / nutrition and family care products and provision of souvenirs for each COWA husband in PTML

Highpoint of the event was the donation of food items by the Chairperson of COWA PTML chapter to women and children in the spirit of Christmas.

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded an unprecedented anti-smuggling breakthrough, intercepting contraband goods with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦2,006,008,898.00 within just 11 days of the assumption of office by its new Customs Area Controller.

This milestone was disclosed on Tuesday, 17 December 2025, during the maiden press briefing of the Ag. Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, held at the Command headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State.

Deputy Comptroller Afeni, who assumed office on 4th December 2025, described the seizures as the highest ever recorded within such a short period in the history of the Command, underscoring a renewed resolve to combat smuggling, economic sabotage, and trans-border crimes.

Addressing journalists, partner agencies, stakeholders, and officers of the Service, the Controller reaffirmed that the Command under his leadership would operate a zero-tolerance policy against smuggling, driven by intelligence, professionalism, and inter-agency collaboration.

“From my first day in office, I made it clear that Ogun I Command will not tolerate economic sabotage. Our strategy is firm, fair, intelligence-driven, and uncompromising,” he said.

He attributed the success to intensified surveillance, enhanced risk profiling, deployment of actionable intelligence, and cooperation with sister security agencies and host communities.

Among the notable interceptions were: An Iveco truck (RMY-354-XA) conveying 4,998 cartons of Doga Spaghetti (10kg) and 419 cartons of Oba Spaghetti (10kg) illegally imported from Turkey; A DAF truck (JHN-590-XA) carrying 2,200 kegs of 25-litre vegetable oil of Indonesian origin.

The combined DPV of the food items stood at ₦291,260,000, while the seized trucks used as means of conveyance were valued at ₦220,000,000. The Controller warned that such unregulated food imports pose grave health risks, having bypassed mandatory quality and safety checks.

Other seizures made across multiple locations in Ogun State included: Crystal Meth (Ice): 11 wraps (12kg); Heroin: 16 wraps (16kg); Cannabis Sativa: Donut size – 128 wraps, Coconut size – 2,752 wraps, Booklet size – 401 wraps, Totalling: 3,373 wraps weighing 1,502kg. Also Premium Motor Spirit (PMS): 6,750 litres; Foreign parboiled rice (50kg): 4,738 bags; Foreign-used vehicles: 2 units; Used pneumatic tyres: 309 bundles; Means of conveyance: 8 units. The seizures were recorded across the Idiroko/Owode, Ipokia, Imeko, Abeokuta, Lusada/Ado-Odo, and Abule-Kazeem/Igbo-Ora axes, among others.

Deputy Comptroller Afeni described the narcotics seizures as particularly alarming, given their implications for youth development, public health, and national security. Citing the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2025, he noted that cannabis remains the most abused illicit substance globally, with one in three users requiring treatment.

“These seizures are not just statistics; they represent lives saved and communities protected,” he stressed.

Despite being primarily an enforcement-driven Command, Ogun I Customs also generated ₦27,291,861.00 in revenue as of 16 December 2025, reflecting improved compliance by legitimate traders. In line with inter-agency protocols, the seized narcotics were formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Area Command.

Receiving the exhibits, NDLEA Commander Ekundayo Williams Omoniyi, on behalf of the Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the Customs Controller for strengthening collaboration between both agencies. “This is a spectacular seizure. If these drugs had entered society, especially during this festive period, the consequences would have been devastating,” Omoniyi said, assuring that investigations would be intensified to trace and arrest those behind the consignment.

During an interactive session, the Controller disclosed that postings within the Command would be merit-based and performance-driven, adding that Customs operations under his watch would prioritize trade facilitation without compromising enforcement. “We rely heavily on intelligence. Legitimate trade will not be delayed, but contraband will not slip through,” he emphasized.

Deputy Comptroller Afeni expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his visionary leadership and support, while commending officers of Ogun I Command for their courage and dedication.

He also acknowledged the role of traditional institutions, community leaders, informants, youth groups, and the media in enhancing operational success.

Afeni issued a stern warning to smugglers and their collaborators, declaring that Ogun I Command remains vigilant, proactive, and fully prepared to protect Nigeria’s economic and security interests. “Smugglers should steer clear of Ogun I Command. We will sustain this momentum with integrity, courage, and professionalism,” he said.

The press briefing was attended by representatives of sister agencies, key stakeholders, and officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service.

After over 200 days in detention awaiting trial, we are pleased to announce that the High Court has today, 16th of December 2025, discharged and acquitted Comrade Emmanuel Acha of all trumped-up charges of unlawful possession of firearms and fueling of communal clashes levelled against him in a strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPP).

In an official press statement signed by Spaces for Change (S4C), all that Comrade Emmanuel Acha did was to challenge, via a lawsuit, the manner in which the Ebonyi State Government handled the Effium-Ezza land dispute. Comrade Acha’s case represents a troubling precedent of how state actors continue to weaponize laws and state institutions to stifle dissent.

Today’s victory comes after months of sustained advocacy by Spaces for Change and members of the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) against the State government, drawing public attention to the plight of Comrade Acha. We appreciate the legal team comprising Ikeazor Akaraiwe, SAN and Spaces for Changes’ legal officers, whose collective efforts were instrumental to this judicial victory. We are grateful to the members of the AGFCS for their consistent pursuit of justice and defence of the civic space. We are also thankful for the generous support of the Funds for Global Human Rights (FGHR).

Spaces for Change and partners remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that state laws and institutions are used to expand rather than restrict the exercise of civil and political rights.