Category: Maritime Sector

  • Nigerian Navy Foils Oil Theft In Lagos, Nab 4 Suspects

    Nigerian Navy Foils Oil Theft In Lagos, Nab 4 Suspects


    The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT have apprehended four individuals for their alleged involvement in an attempt to smuggle approximately 11,000 liters of suspected stolen crude oil into Lagos. The detainees, reportedly affiliated with Tantita Security Limited, have been identified as Asonja Goddey (28), Obajimi Oluwaseyifunmi (38), Awoowo Aribo (35), and Oluwadaisi Balogun (40).

    Their arrest took place on August 29 in the vicinity of Itolu community, Ibeju Lekki, along the waterways.

    In addition to the four apprehended suspects, the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Owoyele Omotuyi, was also taken into custody by the navy. Omotuyi had attempted to secure the release of the detainees on bail.

    The Nigerian Navy’s intervention was prompted by a distress call from residents of the Itolu community. The residents had reported sounds of gunfire and the alleged hijacking of an outboard engine boat owned by Ishola Ojubuyi (42). Acting swiftly in response to the distress call, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Lekki dispatched personnel who subsequently arrested the four suspects. The individuals were found wearing black TANTITA-branded t-shirts.

    According to Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, the suspects were in the process of recovering a disassembled outboard engine from a local individual. Upon the apprehension of these four Tantita employees, the patrol team made a further discovery. They realized that the detainees were connected to the movement of a large wooden boat accompanied by two fiber boats.

    The suspects, along with the recovered materials, were presented to the public during a parade at Apapa. Oguntuga emphasized the prompt action taken by his team in response to the distress call and highlighted the circumstances leading to the arrests of the four individuals.

    “The four arrested individuals beckoned on the two fiber boats to approach them but when they noticed NN patrol teams, the boats altered courses, fled and abandoned the large wooden boat laden with 11 x 1000L Geepee tanks with products suspected to be stolen crude oil.

    “The Nigerian Navy has initiated an investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident particularly the possession of firearms used in the community, economic sabotage, how the product came from Ondo to Lagos state as well as attempting to steal a boat engine from the locals.

    “One Mr Owoyele Omotuyi, who was identified as a Tantita staff, came to secure the release of the four apprehended, claiming they are Tantita employees.

    “All suspects along with the confiscated exhibits, will be handed over to appropriate agencies for further necessary action and prosecution.

    “The Nigerian Navy under the watch of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, remains resolute towards ensuring the maritime environment is conducive for legitimate businesses necessary for economic prosperity of the nation,” he said.

    In response to the arrest, the Coordinator of TANTITA in Ondo State, Chief Idowu Asonja, issued a statement asserting that the detained individuals were not engaged in the criminal activity, but rather had intercepted the wooden boats. He expressed deep concern and dismay over the arrest of these individuals, and he alleged that the navy had initially showcased the boat publicly but subsequently released it.

    Nevertheless, one of the individuals paraded as suspects recounted to journalists that they were involved in an illicit operation.

    He further disclosed that certain personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) were accompanying them, but these individuals fled upon spotting the naval officers approaching.

  • Nigerian Navy Delivers 13 Sacks of Cannabis Sativa and Hands Over One Suspect to NDLEA in Badagry

    Nigerian Navy Delivers 13 Sacks of Cannabis Sativa and Hands Over One Suspect to NDLEA in Badagry

    The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Badagry, on Tuesday, transferred custody of one suspect along with 13 sacks of cannabis sativa valued at N5,500,000 to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the same locality.

    Navy Captain Adams Aliu, the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base in Badagry, provided details regarding the arrest. He indicated that the items were apprehended on August 24 and 27 at separate locations within the Badagry area.

    “On Aug.24, at about 10.00.p.m, the Base quick response team acting on intelligent report raided some hideout at Ashipa, in Seme border.

    “We discovered a particular building where cannabis sativa is being brought in from Benin Republic and then distributed.

    “One suspect was arrested with four sacks of cannabis sativa,” he said.

    Adams-Aliu stated that on Aug.27, the team apprehended 9 sacks of cannabis sativa valued at N5m.

    “Another different raid on Aug.27 at about 2.30.p.m., the team seized another 9 sacks of cannabis sativa at a place called Akoro beach near Seme border.

    “On sighting us, they fled but we were able to recover the cannabis sativa. The hard drugs were smuggled into the country from Benin Republic.

    “No suspect was arrested because they ran away,” he said.

    He mentioned that the combined value of the confiscated items was N5,500,000.

    Addressing the gathering as he handed over the responsibility to Chief Superintendent of Narcotics Alli Gambo, stationed at Badagry Marine, Adams-Aliu stated that this action was in accordance with the Nigerian Navy’s three-fold approach.

    The commanding officer further explained that this approach encompasses surveillance, responsive initiatives, and law enforcement.

    “Our response initiative is what led to this arrest, why we are here today, which means we are in third phase of action.

    “This is handing over of the suspect and the arrested items to NDLEA for them to take over the case.

    “The Commanding Officer recalled that after the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla was appointed in June, 2023, he came out with his strategic directive.

    “CNS strategic directive no.6 of 2023, paragraph 9, states clearly that the strategic end-state of Nigeria Navy operations is to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment.

    “It is not possible that criminals will have safe passage within Nigeria waters. This is a warning to all criminal element thinking that Nigeria waters can be for criminal activities,” he said.

    Upon receiving the exhibit, Ali Gambo provided assurance that the Agency would thoroughly investigate the matter to uncover the true owner of the items. He emphasized that the results of the investigation would ascertain the impact of the exhibit.

    The suspect, Mr. Wasiu Taofeek, explained that he turned to trafficking hard drugs after his house was consumed by fire and he found himself unable to provide for his family.

    He made an earnest appeal, expressing his commitment to abandoning the drug trade if granted forgiveness.

    Taofeek explicitly claimed ownership of the cannabis sativa.

  • Navy Apprehends Five Stowaways

    Navy Apprehends Five Stowaways

    Five stowaways were apprehended aboard the ship MSC MARTHA as a consequence of a remarkable operation by the Nigerian Navy’s NNS BEECROFT patrol unit.

    Following a trustworthy tip-off, the operation was conducted on August 26, 2023, at approximately 2350 hours.

    The five stowaways are named as Christian Joseph (25), Effiong Okon (44), Ayewuni Daniel (27), Ajagboma Asiko (29), and Adebanjo Ayewumi (23).

    While they were attempting to smuggle the vessel out of the country, they were apprehended close to the Lagos anchorage.

    They were found to be in possession of three mobile phones, some personal items, and N7,900 in cash.

    These seized objects are currently in guardianship as proof in the ongoing inquiry.

    The Navy’s commitment to preserving the security and integrity of the nation’s maritime borders is demonstrated by the NNS BEECROFT patrol team’s prompt and effective response. Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla is the Chief of the Naval Staff.

    The discovered stowaways are being held in our care while we work with the right authorities to ensure that the proper legal actions are taken.

  • Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla Vows To Support Sport Development In All Commands 

    Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla Vows To Support Sport Development In All Commands 

    The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla has vowed to support and encourage sports development in all commands. 

    The CNS who was represented by Rear Admiral Musa Madugu, Admiral Superintendent Naval Ordinances Depot made the vow at the closing ceremony of the NAVTRAC Games 2023 which held from Aug. 20 to 26 at Nigerian Navy Sports Complex, Navy Town, Ojo.

    The CNS said the encouragement and support would promote talents and also contribute to national development through sporting activities

    “This game started some few days ago with high hope and expectations by the competing athletes to win laurels and emerge as overall winners, I hope these wishes were fulfilled.  

    “Therefore, it is my honour to welcome all our guests and well-wishers to this auspicious event marking the end of the 5 days sporting fiesta that lived up to its biddings. I am delighted to give this closing remarks.  

    “I wish to reiterate here that, the quality of competition displayed by the athletes under a thorough and fair officiation is quite commendable. I therefore expressed my complete confidence that athletes, officials, invited guests and indeed professional sports scouts enjoyed the event.

    “Thus, both winners and losers are victors and you should be proud of your performances. It is my sincere advise that you carry with great resolution your efforts into future competitions.  

    “I appreciate the honour of being here to once again witness the impressive events and displays to mark the closing of the NAVTRAC Games 2023. To this, I say well done to the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, athletes, Officials and organisers for putting up this beautiful display.

    “Permit me to reinforce your confidence that the Nigerian Navy will continue to give necessary supports and encouragement to sports development in all commands. This is to promote talents and also contribute to national development through sporting activities such as this. 

    “The new talents discovered during this event will be harnessed for future competitions and please don’t rest on your oars. Continue to practice your skills for greater future that awaits you in the ever-promising global sports industry.  

    “Importantly, I believe the professional scouts have identified individual talents for engagement. Let me mention here that the Nigerian Navy doors are opened to welcome collaboration with relevant stakeholders in sports development for both local and international exposures,” he said.

    The CNS added that it was his moral duty to “order our sports men and women to remain loyal and dedicated to the service of the Nigerian Navy and allegiance to the nation.”

    “We shall continue to see sports as a national symbol for unity. Past and recent events have shown that sports is a unifying factor for the heterogenous constituents of this great nation and collectively we are duty bound to uphold this civil responsibility of one indivisible Nigeria’ he said. 

    The CNS added that the military has always been involved in sports and it is one of the traditions in the military but in recent times have not really had intra-Command competition. 

    “So, this time we are having the competition at the instance of the Flag Officer Commanding, Navy Training Command.

    “This will go a long way in keeping our men fit both physically and mentally. So, that’s why we need to be having this competition more regularly than what it used to be.

    “Introducing sports also goes a long way in keeping the officers fit and this fitness is paramount in military. With competitions like this, we are actually enhancing the capacity of the men that participated. We are equally encouraging others to be part of it.

    “Having watched the finals that was played today, I’m sure you were entertained. Other people who were watching we’re almost jumping into the field to participate because of the excitement.

    “Besides the physical aspect of the training, these games also foster unity and creates an avenue for bonding among the participants. The competition brings people from different units who may not have seen themselves since the days in the training school. 

    “The FOC NAVTRAC has done a great thing by organizing this competition and I commend his efforts. Other Commands will begin to emulate what he has done and in no time this could become a regular event in the Navy,” he said.

    On his part, the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu who commended the CNS for his support towards making the games a successful one said it will improve the Nigerian Navy’s fighting efficiency. 

    “We want to thank the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla for his overriding decision to ensure the Navy boasts an agile force that depends the nation.

    “Riding on that initiative from the CNS, we decided that the Command should institutionalize competitions like this. It didn’t take too long for us to catch the initiative the CNS has for the Navy and this is one of the outcomes of the new Nigerian Navy under the CNC, Vice Admiral Ogalla. 

    “I’m also certain that many more similar initiatives will spring up across the Navy and this will improve our fighting efficiency amid all the troubles the nation is going through.

    “With the enormous security challenges in the country, it is pertinent to have the Navy fit and this is one of the ways to achieve that. We are starting from this level but we expect it to grow bigger to enable the Navy become the best fighting force in Africa,” he said. 

    The FOC said that the games which will become an annual event is also part of National security as it keeps the officers fit and combat ready.

  • Effective Deployment, Operational Status Achieved For Deep Blue Assets, Managed By Project Team – Jamoh

    Effective Deployment, Operational Status Achieved For Deep Blue Assets, Managed By Project Team – Jamoh

    The Nigerian Navy has announced the deployment of assets procured by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) through the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, commonly referred to as the Deep Blue project.

    These assets have been strategically positioned across the South West, Central, and Eastern Zonal operations, effectively reinforcing patrols within the Nigerian maritime expanse.

    Commodore Victor Choji, the Acting Fleet Commander of the Western Naval Command and Commander of the Deep Blue Project, conveyed this update during an official visit by Rear Admiral Mohammed Abdullahi, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command, to NIMASA’s management. Commodore Choji also emphasized that Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, leads the Nigerian Navy with unwavering dedication to the successful realization of the Deep Blue Project.

    According to him, “The assets have already been well deployed. As we speak 5 armoured vehicles are deployed in Port Harcourt and 3 in Bonny.”

    Continuing his remarks, he mentioned that the project team had introduced an additional 10 vehicles and a drone unit to the Bonny area, along with a complement of personnel. He alluded to the fact that during the recent national elections, the mere existence of the deep blue assets in those regions yielded the necessary influence that was needed.

    Choji added that within the Central Zone Command, the Navy had dispatched three sets of specialized mission components to the brass area, as well as two interceptor boats carrying the special intervention force elements within the central command.

    “In Lagos, just last week, we got a directive that there is a requirement and we are about to deploy 2 interceptor boats to support the operations that are ongoing in Lagos Inland waters. I can state categorically that we have the full backing of the Nigerian Navy for the success of the Deep Blue Project,” he noted.

    Speaking, Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, pointed out that the assets procured by the Agency as part of the Deep Blue Project are under the management of a specialized project group led by a Commodore from the Nigerian Navy. He reiterated the Agency’s dedication to fostering a strong partnership with the Nigerian Navy, aiming to contribute to the economic advancement of the nation.

    “I believe that the Agency and the Nigerian Navy have a lot in common to ensure safety and security in the nation’s waters. While the Nigerian Navy takes care of the kinetic operations, NIMASA concentrates on non-kinetic operations, and the two will have to go hand in hand if we must succeed. If you look at the armed forces act, the Nigerian Navy has a role to play in ensuring the implementation and enforcement of the NIMASA and Customs & Excise act”, he noted.

    Jamoh has articulated NIMASA’s aspiration to maximize returns on the investments made and still being made in the Deep Blue Project. He additionally highlighted that the Agency maintains consistent communication with the National Assembly.

    This communication aims to ensure that the nation’s maritime laws, particularly the Merchant Shipping Act, are updated appropriately. This update would include incorporating robust punitive measures within the legal framework to effectively discourage criminal activities within Nigerian waters.

    In acknowledging the commendable efforts of the Nigerian Navy in tracing vessels that deactivate their Automatic Identification System (AIS) within Nigerian waters, Dr Jamoh urged for enhanced collaboration among all governmental bodies within the maritime sector.

    He specifically emphasized the importance of synergizing efforts between the Nigerian Navy and the maritime division of the Nigerian Police. This collaborative approach is crucial in promptly addressing the recent instances of criminal activities occurring in the vicinity of the Lagos anchorage and inland waterways.

  • Nigerian Army Troops Destroy Illegal Refinery In Anti-Oil Theft Operation

    Nigerian Army Troops Destroy Illegal Refinery In Anti-Oil Theft Operation


    Troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army have continued to crack down on saboteurs of Nigeria’s oil sector in South South Nigeria as it destroyed massive illegal refinery in Delta State.

    A statement signed by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations revealed that troops conducting anti oil theft operations, responding to actionable intelligence on Aug. 23 swooped on an illegal oil refinery site in the general area of Ogbokoko and Atu in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. 

    “During the operations, troops destroyed 8 active Ovens used for illegal refining of stolen crude oil, 14 storage reservoirs containing stolen crude oil estimated  at 200,000 litres and 90,000 litres of locally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). 

    “The oil thieves fled the scene, on sighting the advancement of troops. The Illegal refining site was destroyed in-situ in line with extant guidelines of Operation Delta Safe. Investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing criminals.

    “Members of the public are please implored to report any suspected act of sabotage or criminality to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations to curb  economic sabotage in the country,” it read.

  • NIMASA Fostering Growth Of Nigerian Seafarers Through Cabotage Implementation

    NIMASA Fostering Growth Of Nigerian Seafarers Through Cabotage Implementation

    Central to the Cabotage regime is the principle of enhancing local involvement in the crewing of vessels operating within Nigerian waters.

    NIMASA has been dedicated to ensuring that Nigerian seafarers are placed on board Cabotage vessels, aligning with its role in placements and the provisions of the Cabotage Act of 2003.

    A significant stride has been made in this regard, as applications for Cabotage crew placements now come with the stipulation that all foreign crew, particularly Ratings on vessels, must be replaced with Nigerian seafarers or cadets within a period of two to three weeks of commencing operations. As a result, a total of 539 Nigerian seafarers have been recommended for such replacements in the initial quarter of 2023.

    Under the leadership of Dr. Bashir Jamoh, NIMASA, in the current administration, achieved the placement of 3,705 seafarers on Cabotage vessels in 2021, followed by 7,238 seafarers in 2022, and an additional 1,013 seafarers from January to July 2023. This cumulative effort has led to the successful placement of 11,956 Nigerian seafarers on Cabotage vessels between January 2021 and July 2023.

    Streamlining administrative processes, NIMASA has digitized the registration and documentation procedures. The establishment of the e-registration platform facilitates the online and real-time registration of maritime labor participants such as seafarers, dockworkers, maritime labor employers (including shipping companies, manning/crewing agents, stevedoring companies, and terminal operators), as well as various operators in the maritime sector. This digitalization aims to enhance efficiency and accuracy while also serving as a valuable database for statistical analysis, national planning, policy formulation, and research purposes. The intention is to host this e-registration platform on the NIMASA website.

    In addition, the years 2021 and 2022 saw the registration of 3,219 and 3,619 seafarers, respectively, with 1,176 registrations recorded from January to July 2023. In the same timeframe, the issuance of MLC, 2006 certificates amounted to 24 in 2021, 49 in 2022, and 63 from January to July 2023. Consequently, a total of 8,014 seafarers were registered from 2021 to 2023 (January to July), with 136 MLC, 2006 certificates issued after inspections during the same period.

    Furthermore, a total of 65 stevedoring companies, 26 terminal/jetty operators, and 1,395 dockworkers were duly registered between 2021 and 2023 (January to July).

    In 2008, NIMASA initiated the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) with the primary objective of training Nigerian youths as seafarers and Naval Architects, contributing to the enhancement of maritime capacity. This program was designed to provide comprehensive education up to degree level in Marine Engineering, Nautical Sciences, and Naval Architecture at select Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs) abroad.

    The aim was to equip beneficiaries with the skills to effectively compete in the global maritime industry and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

    Notably, in December 2022, NIMASA sent off 235 Nigerian youths to India and Greece as Batch B of a total of 435 young Nigerians to be trained under the NSDP as Licensed Deck and Engine Officers, including Naval Architects. This batch followed an earlier sponsorship of 200 individuals under Batch A.

    During this initiative, NIMASA Director-General Dr. Bashir Jamoh, highlighted the importance of mutual recognition of Certificate of Competency (CoC) in collaboration with countries that support this understanding, which influenced the selection of training institutes for beneficiaries. It’s also noteworthy that NIMASA has succeeded in providing “seatime” experience for all NSDP beneficiaries, laying the foundation for them to earn foreign currencies and contribute to the nation’s remittances.

  • Nigerian Navy Flags Off Inaugural NAVTRAC Games 2023

    Nigerian Navy Flags Off Inaugural NAVTRAC Games 2023


    Amidst an air of anticipation and camaraderie, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has flagged off the highly awaited NAVTRAC Games 2023 which kicked off with great enthusiasm at the Nigerian Navy Sports Complex in Navy Town, Ojo.

    The event, spanning from August 20 to August 26, marks a significant step forward in the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to nurturing sports talent and promoting physical wellbeing.

    Ogalla who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mohammed Abdullahi expressed his delight at the burgeoning role of sports as a rapidly growing profession on the global stage, with both governmental and non-governmental bodies making substantial investments in its development.

    He lauded the NAVTRAC Games 2023 as an initiative by the Naval Training Command to unearth and celebrate exceptional sportsmen and women within the Nigerian Navy. He noted that the event stands as a testament to the Navy’s dedication to fostering mental and physical wellbeing among its officers and ratings.

    “The NAVTRAC GAMES 2023″ is yet another Nigerian Navy demonstration of interest to be one of the leading sports developers in Nigeria. I am hopeful that this sporting competition will further reveal new talents that would fortify our chances of being a power house in the Nigerian sports industry. I have no doubts in the capacity of the organiser that the competitors will strive to create new national records for future local and international competitions.

    Certainly, the event will not just entertain us but also project positively the image of the Nigerian Navy as sports enthusiast as well as developer. Therefore, I am confident that this event will avail talent hunters the opportunity to hand pick new talents for greater adventures. Let me also state that the NN Department of Sports and Physical Training use this event to identify talents that will be NN representative in future competitions,” he said.

    Referencing the successful NN Games 2022, Vice Admiral Ogalla underscored the Navy’s enduring commitment to sports development and its role in strengthening civil-military relations.

    The NAVTRAC GAMES 2023, he emphasized, is a continuation of this commitment and a demonstration of the Navy’s aspirations to become a prominent player in Nigeria’s sports arena.

    The Chief of the Naval Staff expressed optimism that the competition would act as a catalyst for discovering fresh talents that would elevate Nigeria’s standing in the international sports domain.

    He confidently anticipated that participants would set new national records, setting the stage for future local and international competitions. This event, he noted, would not only provide entertainment but also enhance the Nigerian Navy’s image as a sports enthusiast and developer.

    He praised the establishment of professional sporting clubs within the Nigerian Navy, such as the Navy Spikers, Admiralty Football Club, and Polo Club, as promising initiatives that are already making their mark in the local sports landscape.

    According to him, “Today all over the world both military and civil organisations recognise sports as a key sector to invest not just for health benefits but to create a very dependable sources of employment for the teeming youths. Thus, the Nigerian Navy places high premium on sports entertainment through events such as this.

    “Presently, the Nigerian navy has taken initiative by establishing professional sporting clubs like the Navy Spikers, Admiralty Football Club and Polo Club amongst others. These are clubs already making impacts in the local sports industry in the country. It is hoped that these clubs will join professional leagues in the nearest future.”

    With an eye on the future, Vice Admiral Ogalla urged participants to view the NAVTRAC Games 2023 as a platform to launch their sporting ambitions and to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship.

    He urged strict adherence to the rules of the games to ensure fairness and camaraderie.

    The Chief of the Naval Staff also urged officiating staff to uphold professionalism, impartiality, and fairness throughout the competition.

    In his address, the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu, believed the games will engender comradeship, enable NAVTRAC personnel channel their energy into productive activities and unveil new talents to the Nigerian sports industry.

    “Being the first of its kind in recent years, this event is aimed at achieving 3 things. First, the 2023 NAVTRAC GAMES is aimed at engendering comradeship amongst NAVTRAC personnel while consolidating physical and mental aspect of training. Secondly, considering the vices in our society, this games will go a long way to enabling NAVTRAC personnel channel their energy into productive activities and away from negative vices.

    This sporting competition will further unveil new talents that would fortify our chances of being a power house in the Nigerian sports industry. I am hopeful that these would be achieved by the end of this event,” he said.

    “Dear athletes, rest assured that we all are standing with you, cheering and supporting you. May this encourage you to go faster, to aim higher and to become stronger – together. It is in this light that I urge participants to see this competition as a platform to make new friends and launch their sporting ambition in the spirit of good sportsmanship,” he said.

    Participants of the games include: Nigerian Navy Logistics College Kano, Nigerian Navy College of Account & Finance, Owerrita, Nigerian Navy College Onne, Nigerian Navy Basic Training School, Nigerian Navy Hydrographic School.

    Others are Nigerian Navy Engineering College Sapele, Nigerian Navy Ship QUORRA, Nigerian Navy School of Armament Technology, Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School, Nigeria Navy Centre of Education And Training Technology, Lagos, Nigerian Navy College of Health Sciences in Offa, Kwara State.

    Similar to other developing countries worldwide, the Nigerian Navy is well aware of the contemporary security challenges prevalent in society. This awareness drives their unwavering commitment to the 2023 Naval Training Command games, aimed at ensuring their physical and psychological preparedness for combat. Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who at the opening ceremony, emphasized the Navy’s fervor for sports, aligning with global best practices.

    Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu, the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, elucidated that these games are a pivotal component of the Nigerian Navy’s strategy to cultivate talents capable of elevating Nigeria’s influence not only within Africa but also on the global stage.

    One noteworthy football match featured the under-15 boys from Navy Barracks Mobile Road, who held the host team from Ojo Barracks to an equitable 1-1 draw. Beyond football, athletes showcased their prowess in handball, basketball, and swimming, contributing to the overarching goal of boosting productivity and efficiency in their professional responsibilities.

  • Acting CGC Affirms Intention To Promote Awareness Of Service’s Activities Through Purposeful Measures

    Acting CGC Affirms Intention To Promote Awareness Of Service’s Activities Through Purposeful Measures

    The Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has emphasized the intention to proactively enhance awareness regarding the operations of the service.

    He made this declaration during his presentation titled “Addressing Public Relations Challenges in the Nigeria Customs Service” at the 17th International Public Relations Congress on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

    Adeniyi stressed the significance of cultivating curiosity to foster a more profound comprehension of the service’s functions.

    “We discovered that in so many cases, people are always very ignorant of what we do, and it is based on the ignorance that they’re impatient to criticise us”, he said.

    “So, we will also want to make a deliberate action to create awareness and let people have knowledge about what we do”, he stated.

    On Customs Strategic Communication Plan, the Ag. CGC says, “It has been our culture to complement our vigorous appearances with a consistently soothing voice in line with the overall corporate objectives”.

    “The strategy of putting the media in the middle is something we do to ensure we get our information across to the people.

    The Customs Chief also emphasized the significance of the Customs Community Consultative forum in addressing challenges that are giving rise to conflicts, particularly in border regions.

    This platform, as described by him, involves high-ranking officers and management members from Customs Area Commands on one side, and representatives from traditional institutions, community leaders, traders’ unions, and youth leaders on the other side.

    “This program featured periodic engagement with traditional leaders, meetings with associations, traders, and youth leaders, dialogues, identifying their problems, and showing them what the laws say, what is permitted, and what is prohibited. We laughed, prayed, and talked with them without compromising professionalism”, he noted.

    “In a couple of years, major issues causing crises, clashes, and conflicts have been mitigated, majority of the communities became at peace with Customs activities, and we became at peace with the community residents”, he revealed.

    “I must confess that this CCF initiative has been very successful, especially in border states, evidenced in Ogun, Katsina and Lagos, where this strategy has miraculously stemmed the rate of conflicts. The secret of this success, dear friends was not ammunition but communication”, he emphasised.

    The Acting CGC also emphasized that the Customs community relations strategy extends beyond mere communication forums. The service has actively undertaken collaborative endeavors aimed at fostering community projects with wide-reaching benefits, extending to border communities and beyond.

    Notable examples of such initiatives encompass the Karu Hospital, recognized as the flagship Customs CSR program, as well as the establishment of the NCS Primary and Secondary School in Idiroko, among various others.
    “We are also working on a deliberate recruitment plan for the indigenes of border communities into the Nigeria Customs Service.

    We believe there are gaps, and we can do better”, he noted.

  • Murtala Muhammed Airport Customs Command Exceeds Revenue Targets, Achieves Significant Anti-Smuggling Milestones

    Murtala Muhammed Airport Customs Command Exceeds Revenue Targets, Achieves Significant Anti-Smuggling Milestones

    The Murtala Muhammed Airport Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Muhammed Sanni Yusuf, said the command raked in ₦47,249,785,020.44 from January to July 2023.

    During the review period, the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command accomplished a remarkable feat by generating a total revenue of ₦47,249,785,020.44.

    This impressive figure constitutes an impressive 83.24% of the set revenue target. In comparison to the same period in 2022, which saw a revenue generation of ₦40,335,607,654.90, the current revenue reflects a substantial growth of ₦6,914,177,365.55k, marking a significant 17.14% increase.

    According to Yusuf, “During the period under review, Murtala Muhammed Airport Command generated a total of Forty-seven Billion, two hundred and forty nine million, Seven hundred and eight five thousand, Twenty Naira forty five kobo (₦47,249,785, 020.44) which represents 83.24% of target met. When compared to the same period in 2022 of Forty Billion, Three hundred and thirty-five Million, Six hundred and seven Thousand, Six hundred and fifty four Naira, Ninety Kobo. (₦40,335,607,654.90) a progressive difference of Six Billion, Nine hundred and fourteen Million, One hundred and seventy seven Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty Five Naira, Fifty five Kobo (₦6,914,177,365.55k) representing 17.14% increase.”

    The command demonstrated its commitment to combating smuggling activities through coordinated actions in collaboration with key stakeholders.

    The result of these efforts was the seizure of six packages of suspected Dried Shark Fins with a FOB value of ₦221,885,769.02, and twenty-five packages of suspected Dried Donkey Genitals with a FOB value of ₦1,010,372,761.98. These seizures translate to a total value of ₦1,232,258,531.

    The seizures were carried out due to various violations of export guidelines and non-compliance with CITES Law on endangered species, as stipulated in the Nigeria Customs Service Act.

    The individuals involved in these illegal export attempts have been apprehended, and ongoing investigations are underway.

    Comptroller Muhammed Sanni Yusuf took the opportunity to express his heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering dedication of his officers and staff to the Customs Service.

    He urged them to maintain their commitment to adhering strictly to the rules and regulations governing their roles.

    In closing, Comptroller Yusuf extended gratitude to CGC BA Adeniyi MFR and his management team for their continuous support, which has empowered the command to excel. He also recognized the vital contributions of critical stakeholders and sister agencies who collaborate closely with the Customs Service.

    He reserved special acknowledgment for the press, applauding their objective and accurate reporting.

    The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command’s exemplary performance in revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities stands as a testament to the command’s dedication to upholding the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service and ensuring the nation’s economic security.

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