Category: Maritime Sector

In a significant move to strengthen strategic communication and professionalise its Public Relations workforce, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has inducted seventy Public Relations officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), marking the Service’s first mass induction into the Institute since 2013.

The ceremony, held on Monday, 13 July 2026, at the Service Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja, reflects the Service’s commitment to building a corps of certified communication professionals equipped to effectively project its reforms, operations and institutional achievements.

Addressing the newly inducted officers, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, described the induction as a strategic investment in the future of the Service’s communication architecture. He noted that the Service’s transformation, including its recognition as the best-performing government agency in Ease of Doing Business, was the result of deliberate reforms that require competent professionals to communicate the Service’s successes with clarity, credibility and purpose.

He added that as the Service transitions to a technology-driven Customs administration, Public Relations practitioners must remain proactive in countering misinformation, managing public perception and sustaining stakeholders’ confidence. “Rumours will be heard, narratives will be pushed, so be ready to use your communication with clarity and the necessary measures so rumours can be addressed swiftly and decisively,” the Comptroller-General charged.

CGC Adeniyi also revealed that the Service’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative – Customs Cares, is set to receive recognition at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, describing it as a legacy project whose impact must continue to be amplified through strategic, ethical and professional communication.

In his remarks, the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku commended the Service for prioritising professionalism and investing in the development of certified communication practitioners. He observed that under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, the Service has evolved into a national institution admired for its reforms, corporate excellence and growing influence within the global Customs community. “You can no longer dismiss matters concerning the Service. You must be proud of this as a Nigerian,” Dr. Neliaku stated.

Also speaking, retired Comptroller of Customs and former National Public Relations Officer Joseph Attah urged the newly inducted officers to uphold the ethics of the Public Relations profession by remaining truthful, accurate and responsible in their communication. He encouraged them to embrace continuous professional development through seminars, workshops and active participation in NIPR activities, stressing that effective crisis communication demands composure, empathy and strategic thinking.

In his welcome remarks, the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Aliyu Maiwada, asserted that this milestone would not have been achieved without the commitment of the Comptroller General of Customs as well other former Spokespersons of the Service who nurtured the unit to this enviable height.

The induction of the seventy officers marks another milestone in the Service’s ongoing reform agenda and reinforces its commitment to institutionalising excellence in strategic communication.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has seized Twenty-Six Billion, Five Hundred and Sixty-Five Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand,Seven Hundred and Seventy-One Naira (₦26,569,847,771) only worth of Cannabis Indica weighing 4,143.5 kilograms during a routine examination together with the personnel of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Command’s Enforcement Unit.

According to the press release by
Isah Sulaiman, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Public Relations Officer
Apapa Area Command. Relying on credible intelligence together with the NDLEA, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba had directed that the 1×40ft container number FANU1933352, be subjected to thorough examination which resulted in the discovery on Friday, 10 July 2026.

The container was found to contain Three (3) used vehicles- Red Nissan Micra (2015 model) Black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model) and Gray Toyota Corolla (2015 model) A thorough search of the container led to the discovery of 162 bags containing a total of 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica. Each parcel weighs 500 grams.

A breakdown of the seizure shows that Four (4) bags were found concealed inside the Red Nissan Micra (2015 model). The remaining 158 bags were recovered from the floor of the container and in the spaces between the 3 vehicles. No illicit substances were found in the Black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model) or the Gray Toyota Corolla (2015 model).

Comptroller Oshoba stated that the seizure highlights the Apapa Area Command’s unwavering vigilance and dedication to intercepting prohibited items, particularly illicit drugs that endanger public health, safety and national security. He emphasized that the action aligns with the zero-tolerance directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR against all forms of illicit trade in the nation’s ports.

The CAC reaffirms the Command’s resolve to facilitate legitimate trade while rigorously enforcing the law against the importation of prohibited and restricted goods while commending the officers of the Command for their diligence and professionalism in carrying out the examination.

He said: “This seizure once again demonstrates our untiring commitment in ensuring that only lawful trade thrives in Apapa Port. As we intensify investigation into the matter, I want to reiterate that this command has made the port a no go area for any thing forbidden by our laws.

“Let me use this opportunity to rebuild the confidence of our compliant traders and assure them once again that they would always enjoy the many trade facilitation incentives emplaced by the Comptroller General of Customs” He concluded

Comptroller Oshoba has ordered the seizure of the 1×40ft container in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and extant laws.

The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral KC Ezete, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Bassey Edet Otu, at the Governor’s Office on Tuesday 26 August 2025.

The FOC was accompanied by a delegation of officers including the Chief Staff Officer Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral DM Ndanusa; the Command Operations Officer, Commodore CE Oji; the Commander Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, Commodore A. Oride; and other principal staff officers of the Command.

During the visit, the Flag Officer Eastern Naval Command, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Navy. He particularly appreciated the Governor for granting the Navy the opportunity to conduct a survey of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port and for supporting the deployment of a security houseboat in the Bakassi area. He also conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of the Naval Staff for the State Government’s continued collaboration with the Navy.

In his response, Governor Otu warmly welcomed the FOC and his team, commending the Nigerian Navy for its significant role in maintaining maritime security in the state. He acknowledged the Navy’s strong surveillance presence and its contribution to tackling insecurity challenges in the region.

The Governor further praised the Chief of the Naval staff for his good works , the professionalism of naval personnel and assured the Navy of the State Government’s continuous support and cooperation.

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission (EAtHC) delegation, in company of the Director Hydrography, Rear Admiral GE Kwetishe, was warmly received by the Director General of International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION), Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia (Rtd).

The IHO delegation comprised Capt Henri Dolou (Rtd) and Lt Cdr Gabin Sogorb, who also serves as the Capacity Building Coordinator of the EAtHC.

In his remarks, the Director Hydrography provided an overview of the objectives of the IHO delegation’s visit to Nigeria, underscoring the overarching goal of establishing a Regional Hydrographic Center of Excellence in the country. He emphasized that such a visit would be incomplete without the team engaging with IMION, given its central role in maritime knowledge and strategy development as a Think Tank chamber for the Maritime Stakeholders local and international.

The visiting IHO Team explained that the exercise forms part of a suitability assessment for establishing a Hydrographic Centre of Excellence for the English-speaking part of the West Africa, which is positively postponed for the slot.

Lt Cdr Gabin noted the need to train hydrographers, Oceanographers and Cartographers in the region. He also said that outside the West African region only Egypt has such an institute to train individuals in that field of study.

On his part, the Director General of IMION expressed delight at receiving the IHO team.

He highlighted IMION’s mandate as a strategic think-tank and research institute aimed at allied stakeholders among the Blue Economy Sector of Nigeria, the Gulf of Guinea nations and the world. He mentioned that IMION is saddled with the responsibility to conduct research in support of Nigeria’s Blue Economy and sustainable ocean governance in which hydrographic factors are key.

He further commended the efforts of the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Department (NNHD) in advancing hydrographic development in the country. Additionally, he noted IMION’s readiness to establish strategic collaborations with French maritime institutes, as well as with other international institutions of excellence.

The visit of the IHO Team further reinforces Nigeria’s position as a key player in regional hydrography and represents another milestone in the country’s quest for greater involvement in global hydrographic initiatives. The visit concluded with an exchange of souvenirs and facility tour of the Institute.

Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu has given reassurances that the Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu will pick up and surpass user expectations soon and announced a collection of ₦161,258,483,474.63 within three weeks

According to a statement signed by SC JT AYAGBALO, Public Relations Officer Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Olomu who following series of intense stakeholders engagement championed by the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, said there are prospects of improvement in the B’Odogwu system

While commending stakeholders for their patience and understanding with the NCS particular those in Apapa Command, the Area Controller disclosed that between August 1 and 22, 2025 the command collected ₦161, 258,483,474.63( one hundred and sixty one billion, four hundred and eighty three thousand, seven hundred and seventy four naira, sixty three kobo) using the B’Odogwu system

He expressed optimism in the capability of the B’Odogwu platform facilitating more trade than previous ICT systems hitherto deployed by the NCS and that the stakeholders’ patience will not be in vain. He stated further that the dedicated ICT department of the service has been working round the clock to achieve a permanent solution to the impasse.

Describing Apapa Command as a critical and strategic area for the realisation of the NCS goals, Comptroller Olomu said the CGC has initiated and sustained dialogue with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council with a view to ameliorate the effects of recent downtime experienced in the course of their transactions.

The stakeholders’ engagements have also cascaded to the command level with the Zonal Coordinator, Charles Orbih physically present at Apapa Command to address the concerns of importers, licensed customs agents and freight forwarding companies.

“I am pleased with the maturity, patience, understanding and support we have received from our stakeholders in the past and most recent times. Their confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service ability to overcome and resolve all network glitches is not misplaced. It further underscores our shared values as patriotic Nigerians who want to see our homegrown ICT initiative thrive”.

“Let me restate that the CGC is deeply concerned and persistently overseeing the solution process while interfacing with sister government agencies like the Nigerian Shippers Council to mediate the process of demurrage waivers with terminal operators and shipping companies”.

“Beyond the usual Monday to Friday work, I have directed our officers to work extra hours and weekends to fasten the process of clearing the backlog of undone jobs and reduce delays associated with conventional closing periods” Comptroller Olomu said.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has urged young officers of the Service to embrace innovation, discipline, and resilience as they advance in their careers, stressing that the Service’s future depends on their commitment to excellence.

Represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, DCG Greg Itotoh, the Customs boss gave the charge on Friday, 22 August 2025, at the graduation ceremony of 50 students of Junior Course 22 at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada.

The event, held at the Ahmad Makarfi Hall, marked another milestone in the College’s mission to groom officers for higher responsibilities.

DCG Itotoh congratulated the graduates and said their success resulted from hard work, resilience, and zeal to maintain the high level of discipline demanded by the institution.

He urged the officers not to rest on their laurels but to apply the lessons learnt to practical outcomes in their daily assignments.

“We can forget the harsh corrections, the restrictions, and the pain of training, but let us never forget the lessons learnt. As you return to your units, face the unknown with courage and determination, because as Customs officers, our duties are laced with challenges,” he said.

He further reminded the officers that under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership, the Service prioritises innovation, and he encouraged them to take on tasks that improve efficiency and strengthen the Service’s global standing.

The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Oluyomi Adebakin, described the occasion as “a unique day” for the institution, noting that the graduating officers had endured rigorous training focused on leadership, discipline, and professional development.

The Junior Course was designed to prepare young officers for the growing service demands in a complex and evolving operational environment. This cohort has invested significant mental, emotional, and physical effort, and their dedication has paid off,” ACG Adebakin said.

She added that, beyond academics, the course incorporated health checks, physical exercises, and activities that tested punctuality, teamwork, and conduct, all of which aimed to produce well-rounded officers.

Outstanding participants were awarded in leadership, discipline, marksmanship, and academic excellence categories, underscoring the training’s overall impact.

All 50 graduating students were also presented with certificates, signifying their successful course completion. The commandant urged them to serve as “good ambassadors” of the College as they returned to their Commands.