Category: Maritime Sector

In response to escalating smuggling activities, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has declared a state of emergency at the Onne Port following the seizure of illicit goods worth ₦31.2 billion. Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, addressing the media, revealed the interception of twelve containers containing dangerous items, including military-grade boots, codeine-based cough syrup, tramadol, and other prohibited pharmaceuticals.

This seizure follows a pattern of increasing attempts by criminal elements to exploit Nigeria’s trade-friendly policies, posing a significant threat to national security. Adeniyi expressed concern over the port’s use as a hub for smuggling illicit goods, despite recent seizures of a large cache of arms. He stressed that these activities jeopardize the nation’s security and health, prompting the Customs Service to take decisive action.

The seized goods, discovered through intelligence and inter-agency cooperation, underline the severity of the situation. As part of the emergency measures, all suspected containers will undergo thorough inspections for the next three months, with unclaimed containers being opened for examination.

Adeniyi assured that while these protocols are in place, legitimate businesses will not be affected. He urged the public to provide intelligence on smuggling activities, reaffirming the NCS’s dedication to protecting the nation’s borders. The intercepted pharmaceuticals will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and action.

The Comptroller-General lauded the efforts of the officers at Area 2 Command for their vigilance and commitment, emphasizing the NCS’s resolve to continue cracking down on illegal importation and safeguarding Nigeria’s security.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Oyo/Osun Area Command, under the leadership of Dr. Ben Oramalugo, PhD, FCIA, FNIM, has made significant strides in both revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities. During the period from June 14th to August 29th, 2024, the Command achieved a total revenue collection of ₦18.07 billion. This figure includes ₦13.31 billion generated in June and July and an additional ₦4.77 billion collected in August. When combined with the ₦30.66 billion collected between January and May 2024, the total revenue for the year so far reaches ₦48.74 billion—a 2.74% increase compared to the ₦47.41 billion collected during the same period in 2023.

The improved revenue performance is attributed to enhanced monitoring and enforcement, strategic collaboration with stakeholders, and the adoption of advanced technologies. These efforts have streamlined operations, reduced bottlenecks, and strengthened the Command’s ability to detect and prevent revenue leakages.

In addition to its financial achievements, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has intensified its anti-smuggling operations. Between June 14th and August 29th, 2024, the Command intercepted and seized various contraband goods, including 2,448 wraps and 11 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, valued at ₦148.93 million. These items have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Oyo State, demonstrating effective interagency collaboration.

Moreover, the Command received approval to auction 40,915 liters of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) with a Duty Paid Value of ₦27.89 million. The auction was part of ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and protect the economy from the risks associated with illicit trade.

Dr. Oramalugo highlighted the Command’s commitment to adopting technological innovations and fostering collaboration with other security agencies, stakeholders, and the general public. He emphasized that these measures are crucial in countering the evolving tactics of smugglers and securing economic stability.

As the Command looks ahead, Dr. Oramalugo reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service. He extended his gratitude to key supporters, including the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, Traditional Rulers in Oyo and Osun States, Sister Security Agencies, Sister Units of the Customs Service, and other stakeholders, for their ongoing support and collaboration.

In conclusion, Dr. Oramalugo assured that the Command would continue to leverage technology and innovative practices, in line with the new NCS Act of 2023, to further enhance its operations and deliver on its mandate.

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has handed over 72 bags of cannabis sativa, each weighing 40 kilograms, along with four suspects to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Marine Command. The suspects include three Ghanaians and one Beninese national.

The interception, which took place on August 25, 2024, was carried out by NNS BEECROFT’s Quick Response Team following credible intelligence on suspicious activities around the Lekki Beach area. The operation resulted in the seizure of 2,880 kilograms of cannabis sativa.

Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo, Commander of NNS BEECROFT, represented by Navy Captain Mutalib Raji, highlighted that the arrest was part of the Nigerian Navy’s strategic directive under Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla to ensure a secure maritime environment. The operation underscores NNS BEECROFT’s commitment to combating illicit drug activities along Lagos waterways.

Captain Raji warned against the perpetuation of illegal drug activities, reaffirming the Navy’s determination to clamp down on criminal elements threatening national security and public health. The successful operation reflects the Navy’s ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of illicit drugs among Nigerian youth.

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has urged Nigerians to prioritize the construction of local vessels as a strategic move to enhance international trade and support the maritime industry. Adeniyi made this call on Thursday during the Annual Finance Conference organized by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) in collaboration with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) in Lagos.

Represented by Comptroller Dera Nnadi, the Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Command, Adeniyi emphasized the critical role of vessels in facilitating efficient international trade. He noted that with the current scarcity of foreign larger vessels, there is a pressing need to focus on developing smaller, locally constructed vessels.

Adeniyi highlighted the importance of supporting vessel construction within the country, stating that it is vital for the growth and sustainability of the maritime industry. He pointed out that the introduction of barge operations by the Customs Service has already contributed to easing cargo movement, creating a significant investment opportunity in the maritime sector.

“We should look inwards, particularly at this time when we are experiencing scarce resources. Mr. President is encouraging us to promote homegrown technology and move forward,” Adeniyi said. “We need to appreciate locally constructed vessels. We don’t need to wait until we build bigger vessels to demonstrate our expertise. Starting with smaller vessels, the low-hanging fruits, is a practical and necessary step.”

The Customs CG’s call aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader initiative to encourage local innovation and reduce reliance on foreign resources, especially in critical sectors like maritime.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) dedication to transparency and merit-based promotions as the 2024 promotion examinations for officers and men commenced this week. Speaking during an inspection visit to one of the examination venues at SASCON in Maitama District, Abuja, on August 20, 2024, CGC Adeniyi assured that the Service will uphold the rigorous standards that have become synonymous with its promotion exercises.

“We are committed to applying the same rigorous standards as in the previous promotion exercise, which was widely recognized for its fairness. Our goal remains to ensure that every deserving candidate is promoted on merit,” Adeniyi stated during his visit.

Emphasizing the importance of transparency, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the security measures implemented to maintain the examination’s integrity. “We are ready to put in enough effort to ensure tight security in the venues and essentialize the arrangements. We’ve done enough to ensure that we build a lot of integrity into the process, thus, we want them to believe in the outcome of promotion exams,” he added.

With limited vacancies available for Deputy Comptroller and Comptroller positions, Adeniyi acknowledged the competitive nature of this year’s promotion cycle. However, he assured that the NCS is determined to identify and promote the most qualified officers.

To ensure inclusivity, CGC Adeniyi confirmed that technological provisions had been made for officers posted abroad, allowing them to participate in the examination simultaneously with their counterparts in Nigeria. “We have a few candidates who are not in the country, and we have made significant efforts to apply some technological approach to engage them in the examination process at the same time with their colleagues in Nigeria, through the assistance of the National Intelligence Agency,” he explained.

The Comptroller-General reiterated that the promotion exercise is not only statutory but also crucial to maintaining the high standards of the NCS. “Every eligible officer will be promoted based on their performance. Whoever is deemed to have done well can rest assured that their promotion will fairly be granted as it will be based on merit,” he concluded.

The 2024 promotion exercise is expected to uphold the NCS’s reputation for fairness, integrity, and dedication to recognizing the hard work and qualifications of its officers.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has appointed new members to its management team in acting capacities, following the statutory retirement of several senior officials. Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, approved these appointments to bolster strategic service delivery within the Service.

BM Jibo has been appointed as the Acting Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) of Finance Administration and Technical Services (FATS). OA Alajogun will serve as the Acting DCG for Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation (EI&I), while IG Umar takes on the role of Acting Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Headquarters. OA Salefu has been named Acting ACG for Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and BA Makinde will assume the position of Acting ACG for Human Resource Development (HRD). Additionally, T Bomodi will act as the ACG for Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation (EI&I).

These appointments reflect the officers’ commendable service and dedication to the NCS. CGC Adeniyi expressed gratitude to the retiring management members for their contributions and urged the new appointees to enhance the Service’s efforts in revenue generation, smuggling suppression, and trade facilitation.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) commitment to bolstering its collaboration with Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) to enhance the Nigerian economy. This was made known during a courtesy visit by a delegation from NLNG, led by its Managing Director, Philip Mshelbila, to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

In his welcome address, CGC Adeniyi expressed deep appreciation for the visit, underscoring the significance of the longstanding partnership between the NCS and NLNG. He highlighted the crucial role NLNG plays in the nation’s energy sector, noting that the collaboration between the two institutions is vital for the country’s economic progress.

“Your organisation’s contributions to our nation’s energy sector cannot be overemphasised,” Adeniyi stated. “We value the productive partnership between us and are committed to sustaining this collaboration to further our shared mandates of fostering national growth and development.”

Adeniyi also praised NLNG’s proactive approach and dedication to compliance with customs regulations, noting that such collaboration is essential for the smooth operation of Nigeria’s trade and economic systems. He remarked, “It is commendable that your organisation not only engages with the Nigeria Customs Service when issues arise but also takes the initiative to visit us out of courtesy. This gesture signifies the mutual respect and understanding that are the bedrock of our relationship.”

In his remarks, NLNG Managing Director, Philip Mshelbila, expressed gratitude to the CGC and his team for their warm reception. He reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with the NCS, recognising the critical role the Service plays in facilitating trade and ensuring the smooth operation of NLNG’s activities.

“At NLNG, we recognise the Nigeria Customs Service’s vital role in facilitating trade and ensuring the smooth operation of our activities,” Mshelbila said. “Our relationship has been one of mutual benefit, and we are committed to continuing our work together to promote the economic well-being of Nigeria.”

Mshelbila further expressed NLNG’s appreciation for the support received from the NCS, emphasizing that the visit was a testament to NLNG’s desire to deepen its collaboration with the Customs Service, which he believes is key to national development.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of souvenirs, symbolising the goodwill and mutual respect that underpin the relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria LNG Limited.

The West African maritime domain, once plagued by piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking, witnessed a significant milestone with the launch of Operation SAFE DOMAIN III on August 5, 2024. Spearheaded by the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone E, this operation marked a renewed commitment to securing the region’s waters, reflecting the strategic collaboration among the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), member nations, and international partners.

*Strengthening the Blue Economy*

The operation, themed “Protecting the Blue Economy of ECOWAS Zone E through Maritime Security Collaboration,” emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding maritime resources. Navy Commodore Aniedi A. Ibok, Director of MMCC Zone E, set the tone during the launch ceremony, highlighting the persistent threats of sea robbery, piracy, and illegal activities that have long hindered economic growth in the region. The initiative is part of a broader strategy rooted in the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS), which aims to establish a comprehensive maritime security framework across West Africa.

Since its inception, Operation SAFE DOMAIN has made significant strides in reducing maritime crime. Reported piracy incidents have plummeted from 49 in 2018 to just two in 2023, a testament to the effectiveness of the coordinated efforts by ECOWAS, regional navies, and international allies. This decline not only enhances security but also fosters economic stability, enabling the region’s blue economy to flourish.

*A Multi-National Effort*

The third iteration of the operation saw the deployment of a robust task force comprising naval vessels, helicopters, UAVs, and special forces teams from Benin, Nigeria, Togo, and Niger. Over the course of five days, these units conducted extensive maritime patrols, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions across 105,746 square nautical miles, covering territorial waters, contiguous zones, and exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Zone E member states.

The operation’s success hinged on the seamless coordination among the participating forces. Rear Admiral MB Hassan, who represented the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, at the launch, underscored the significance of such joint efforts in transforming the Gulf of Guinea from one of the world’s most dangerous waters into a safer maritime environment. The transition from international sponsorship to full ownership by Zone E member states further demonstrated the region’s commitment to maritime security.

*Operational Achievements and Challenges*

Throughout the operation, multiple naval units carried out surveillance and boarding inspections, ensuring compliance with maritime regulations. Key exercises, such as anti-piracy interdictions and anti-IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing operations, were successfully executed, demonstrating the enhanced capabilities of the participating navies. The integration of advanced surveillance technology, including UAVs and helicopters, played a pivotal role in real-time intelligence gathering, enabling the swift identification and tracking of vessels of interest.

However, the operation was not without its challenges. Initial communication issues and technical disruptions with satellite links posed significant hurdles. Despite these setbacks, the use of alternative communication channels and the resilience of the task force ensured that the operation’s objectives were met.

*Looking Ahead: The Future of Maritime Security*

As Operation SAFE DOMAIN III drew to a close on August 9, 2024, the debrief by Capt. Idongesit Udoessien, Commanding Officer of DB ABUJA and Officer in Tactical Command (OTC), highlighted the operation’s successes and the lessons learned. He emphasized the need for continued investment in advanced surveillance technology and regular joint exercises to maintain and improve the region’s maritime security capabilities.

Looking to the future, Commodore Ibok reassured stakeholders that the assets deployed would continue patrolling their respective waters, maintaining vigilance against maritime threats. The operation’s success serves as a precursor to the next phase, Operation SAFE DOMAIN IV, slated for launch in March 2025, which will build on the achievements and lessons of its predecessor.

The launch and successful execution of Operation SAFE DOMAIN III represent a pivotal moment for West African maritime security. By strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing the capabilities of its naval forces, ECOWAS is paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for the blue economy of Zone E. As Commodore Ibok aptly stated, “Our collective efforts today are paving the way for a safer, more secure maritime future in Zone E.”