Category: Maritime Sector

Ahead of completing the first half of 2025, the Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service has hit ₦1 trillion revenue collection, which is a landmark achievement in the history of the Service.

The Command’s revenue collection table shows a total of ₦1,002,968,178,694.07 this is coming more than 45 days ahead of the command’s first half report of activities.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi, the Customs Area Controller, attributed the success to a combination of leadership direction of the Comptroller General of Customs, blocking areas of revenue leakages and the diligent discharge of functions on the part of Officers and men in the area.

Hitting the ₦1 trillion mark before the middle of the fifth month, according to Dr Olomu, is a confirmation of the Command’s readiness to surpass the total of ₦2.3 trillion that was collected last year before December 2024.

While commending the Officers of the Command for sustaining the rising tempo of work which he instituted since May 2024 when he assumed office as CAC Apapa Command, the Controller called for increased efforts in ensuring maximum collection, suppression of smuggling through diligent cargo examination and facilitation of lawful trade.

The CAC also admonished all Officers in the Command to sustain and improve on the act of intelligence sharing, robust interactions, cooperation with sister government agencies and regular stakeholder engagements to achieve more and contribute to the nation’s economic well-being.

Comptroller Olomu said the policy thrust of the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, which includes deployment of a Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu has shown prospects for higher productivity by the Command.

He said that with the ongoing training of licensed Customs agents and freight forwarders ahead of the full deployment of B’Odogwu, the Command’s chances of surpassing 2024 collection and meeting 2025 target are higher.

“Our award-winning reputation remains unshaken as we intensify efforts to maintain our excellent record as the leading customs command domiciled in the nation’s premier port.

” This recent revenue collection milestone only goes to show we are not resting on our oars. Going by the examples of our CGC, we have resolved not to be complacent’’.

“It’s important we thank our compliant stakeholders for their support in this journey of national service and reiterate that any unlawful behavior that seeks to undermine national economic drive or compromise the country’s security shall be prevented with full sanctions of the law coming down on perpetrators”, Comptroller Olomu said.

Last year, the Command won several awards for revenue collection, including the CGC Award of Excellence, while Comptroller Olomu emerged ‘Best Controller of the Year’ for his exceptional leadership and improving on the command’s capacity to deliver on its mandates at the Comptroller General of Customs Award night, held in Abuja.

This was stated in a Press statement signed by SC Tunde Ayagbalo, Customs Public Relations Officer, Apapa Area Command.

….Commits to Transparent and Efficient Cargo Operations

In a landmark development for Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully processed its first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) using the indigenously developed B’Odogwu platform. The event, which took place on Monday, May 12, 2025, marked a significant step in trade facilitation, transparency, and operational efficiency at one of the country’s busiest Seaports.

According to the Press statement signed by SC OE IVARA, CPRO TIN-CAN ISLAND PORT COMMAND, “the successful deployment and processing of the inaugural SGD on the B’Odogwu platform reflect the Customs Service’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation, in line with the Federal Government’s drive to enhance ease of doing business.

Speaking on the watershed moment, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, said: “This achievement demonstrates our readiness to embrace technology that streamlines cargo clearance procedures, reduces dwell time, and improves service delivery. The B’Odogwu platform has shown great promise, and we are proud to be pioneers in its implementation.”

Comptroller Onyeka further highlighted that the Command has achieved 100% network infrastructure coverage across all terminals and the Command’s headquarters. He emphasized that the problem of network failure is now a thing of the past, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient processing of cargo and trade documentation.

According to him, the B’Odogwu platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Customs systems, providing a user-friendly interface for declarants, brokers, and other stakeholders. It enhances cargo tracking, document processing, and compliance management in real-time, reducing manual bottlenecks and opportunities for delays, he said.

Comptroller Onyeka further noted that the launch was preceded by a series of extensive training sessions and stakeholder engagements organized by the Command, in collaboration with system developers. Key industry participants—including shipping lines, customs licensed agents, terminal operators, and customs officers—took part in these capacity-building initiatives. The training sessions were designed to ensure the seamless adoption of the new platform and covered critical areas such as system navigation, document processing, cargo tracking, and compliance protocols.”

Industry stakeholders, including SteveJosh Logistics International limited whose declaration was the first to be captured on the new platform, welcomed the innovation, expressing optimism that the new platform will reduce transaction costs and improve Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.

The Tincan Island Port Command remains committed to embracing technological advancements that support the nation’s economic growth and international trade agenda.

The 62nd regular meeting of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Board was held on Tuesday, April 29 2025, at the Service’s Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. The session was chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who led a high-powered delegation to assess the Service’s first-quarter performance and chart the path forward.

The board meeting served as a statutory forum to evaluate the Service’s operational strategies, fiscal contributions, and reform-driven activities, particularly in light of its Q1 2025 performance. During the quarter, the NCS recorded a historic ₦1.75 trillion in revenue, exceeding its target by ₦106.5 billion and marking a nearly 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Following the meeting, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the Service’s progress but emphasised the need to scale up efforts to meet the country’s economic demands.

“As is expected and required, there is an improvement in the revenue of the Service, which is slightly above what was budgeted for the first quarter. However, much more is required, and more is expected of an institution that is pivotal in revenue,” he states.

Minister Edun described the board meeting as productive and reaffirmed the importance of open governance and accountability within public institutions.

“It was a good meeting. It’s important that we maintain corporate governance oversight and consultation through these regular statutory meetings. At the end of the day, we will always ask that we do more to improve the revenue and the services operations to aid the Nigerian economy and serve the good people of Nigeria”, he remarked.

The meeting also touched on modernisation initiatives such as expanding the B’Odogwu (Unified Customs Management System), implementing the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) programme, and enhancing anti-smuggling efforts—all aimed at boosting trade facilitation and national security.

The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, under the esteemed leadership of Compt. EJ Edelduok has recorded an impressive achievement in revenue generation. She recently highlighted the Command’s achievements in a media briefing on April 15, 2025.

She said that the command generated the total sum of Thirty-Eight Billion, One Hundred and Five Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifteen Naira (N38,022,972,592.00) only for the first quarter of 2025. When compared with the first quarter of 2024, which stood at Twenty-Three Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Fifty-Six Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty-Five Naira (N23,668,056,535.00) it clearly showed a progressive difference of Fourteen Billion, Four Hundred and Thirty Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty-one Thousand, Three Hundred and Eighty Naira (N14,437,931,380.00) only depicting 61% increase. She attributed the growth to the effective revenue collection strategies and the efforts of the officers and men of the command in combating smuggling and illicit trade.

She also mentioned that the command seized Nine (9) 40-foot containers of expired drugs which contravened the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and these seized items will be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action.

Comptroller Edelduok emphasized the command’s commitment to stakeholder engagement through an open-door policy, fostering positive relationships and promoting compliance.

Expressing gratitude, Comptroller Edelduok thanked the stakeholders and partner agencies for their collaboration and implored them to work together to move the country forward.

Also, she appreciated the Officers and Men of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command for demonstrating integrity in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade, and urged them to always adhere strictly to the rules of engagements while discharging their statutory duties.

Furthermore, she appreciated the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their support, motivation and the platform to excel.

Finally, she extended her appreciation to the media for their tireless efforts in keeping the community informed and connected.

Compt. EJ Edelduok reaffirmed that the command is dedicated to transparency, efficiency and national security in all operations.

The Tincan Island Port Command is pleased to report on its outstanding performance for the period covering January to March 2025. During this period, the Command has demonstrated exceptional growth, operational efficiency, and a continued commitment to safeguarding national interests.

In a statement issued by the Customs Area Controller Frank Onyeka during the visit of the House of Representative Committee on Customs and Excise to the Command, Onyeka disclosed that the Command generated a total sum of ₦347,935,672.475.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant improvement compared to the same period in 2024, which saw a revenue collection of ₦303,791,379,473.67 billion. According to the Controller, the difference of ₦44,144,293,001.87 billion highlighted the remarkable growth and the effectiveness of the Command’s revenue generation strategies, reinforcing her commitment to driving economic development through improved operations and propelling a zero tolerance for revenue leakages. The Controller also noted that the revenue generated had an increase of approximately 14.54% compared to the same period in 2024.

The first quarter collection also represents 91.2% of the total revenue target expected in the first quarter of 2025 which was given as N381,167,499,867.64 as well as 22.81% of the annual revenue target of N1,524,699,999,478.52.

Speaking on the seizures recorded in the Command for the first quarter, Comptroller Onyeka informed the law makers that the Command recently handover of illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) which included a combined total of 1,863 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 931.25 kilograms, and 97 packets of Crystal Methamphetamine, all discovered in 2x20ft containers with a total street value of over ₦8,053,125,000.00

According to the Area Controller, these achievements underscore the Command’s dedication to combating illegal activities and ensuring that national security is upheld.

With regards to stakeholders’ engagement, Comptroller Onyeka disclosed that Tincan maintains an excellent working relationship with cross sections of critical stakeholders, ranging from Customs Licensed Agents, Shipping companies executives, the Armed Forces and Para-Military agencies, as well as civil society organizations. He revealed that these collaborative efforts have played a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency, security, and the overall safety of the Port. Continuing, he said that these regular meetings, joint operations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives have further strengthened our collective ability to address security concerns and boost trade facilitation.

In the area of Capacity building, the Area Controller said the Command has recognized the importance of continuous professional development for her officers and men. He added that as part of our commitment to fostering a highly skilled and ethical workforce, the Command had organized a series of training programs in the first quarter with key topics such as integrity, emotional intelligence in the workplace, and effective inspection and clearance classification procedures. These training initiatives have empowered our officers with the necessary tools to perform their duties with the utmost professionalism, ensuring that the Port operates seamlessly and in full compliance with international standards, he said.

In light of the successes of the first quarter, the Controller offered a firm assurance that the Command will step up its administrative and operational capacity in the upcoming quarters of 2025. The Command is fully committed to ensuring the maximum collection of revenue for the government, effectively addressing any revenue leakages, and continuing to optimize its processes. Furthermore, the Command will continue to engage proactively with stakeholders, working collaboratively to enhance the revenue profile of the Port and ensure that it plays a vital role in supporting national economic objectives.

Comptroller Onyeka appreciated the members of the Committee for their visit, and noted that it was a testament to their commitment to National Development. He also praised the continued support of the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR psc (+) and his management team, as well as the critical stakeholders for their commitment to fostering a secure, efficient, and profitable operational environment at Tincan Island Port.

In his response, the Chairman of the Committee Rt. Honourable Leke Abejide applauded the Command for manifesting professionalism in the revenue collection and assured them of the continued support and corporation of the Committee. He noted that the Committee has visited the Command over Six times in the last Eight, and was quite impressed with the revenue profile of the Command.

He noted that the Committee is working assiduously to ensure that any bill relating to the Nigeria Customs Service presented before the green chamber is granted speedy hearing. He commended the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR for the ground breaking achievements recorded since his assumption in office.

The Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited PTML) Command of Nigeria Customs Service has declared a collection of ₦189,516,818,316.92k from November 2024 to mid April 2025 using the Unified Customs Management System also known as B’Odogwu.

Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan who said this at the first quarter briefing with senior officers and sectional heads, described the platform as a top notch technology defying it’s initial teething challenges to become a part of the service success in revenue collection and trade facilitation.

According to SC Abdullahi Tsafe Abubakar, Customs Public Relations Officer, PTML command also made history on April 14, 2025 when it collected ₦5,612,887,374.99 which stands out as the highest daily collection ever made in its over two decades history.

Comptroller Daniyan who attributed the successes of the command to the visionary and focused leadership of Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, said the 2025 first quarter collection indicates the sustained positive trajectory championed by the management of the service.

From January to March 2025,the command collected ₦90,204,703,451.72 which is 38.8% higher than the ₦66,920,181,586.30 collected same period of 2024.

According to the CAC, the success of the B’Odogwu application in PTML being the pilot phase area, is responsible for the CGC’s approval of it’s simultaneous spread and full deployment across various commands.

On trade facilitation, he said “The command holds the number one record of fastest cargo clearance time of two hours for compliant RoRo consignments and we are committed to improving on this by making the time shorter.

“In addition to Europe vessels coming to PTML, the port is now receiving ships from China to expand the frontiers of trade and prospect of higher revenue from increased economic activities.

“Working in line with Time Release Study (TRS) for faster cargo clearance, we are urging all our port users to make sincere declaration and stay compliant as those are the bedrock to enjoy more benefits in trade. Anyone who fails to make sincere declaration forfeits the benefits of faster clearance ” he said.

He reiterated the command’s uncompromising disposition towards smuggling either as concealment, under declaration , under valuation and outright false declaration disclosing that our officers are trained and prepared to detect such infractions for seizure and possible arrest of persons suspected to be behind such acts.

The CAC also said the command is ready for higher volume of trade including the handling of imported pharmaceutical products which was recently approved by the management of the service.

… As Compt. Olomu Assures of Higher Revenue With B’Odogwu

The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a staggering ₦694.1 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2025, setting a new benchmark in the Service’s 135-year history. The figure represents a remarkable 41.8% increase from the ₦489 billion collected in the same period in 2024.

Disclosing this during a working visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, attributed the Command’s success to the strategic leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

“Under the guidance and effective supervision of the CGC, we are optimistic about surpassing last year’s total collection of ₦2.357 trillion,” Olomu stated.

In a major milestone, the Apapa Command set a new record for the highest daily revenue collection with ₦18.9 billion generated on Friday, March 14, 2025—surpassing the previous record of ₦18.2 billion set in October 2024. Olomu described the achievement as historic and a testament to the Command’s operational efficiency.

He emphasized the vital role of the Apapa Command in Nigeria’s economy, describing it as the country’s most significant trade gateway with the capacity to handle the highest volume of imports and exports in both West and Central Africa.

Highlighting efforts to improve the ease of doing business, Olomu noted that the Command has leveraged digital innovations, particularly the B’Odogwu platform, which he said is gaining rapid acceptance among stakeholders and contributing immensely to trade facilitation.

He also reported a major breakthrough in the automation of export processes, with the Apapa Command processing exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Guided Trade Initiative (GTI). He revealed that some Nigerian exporters have now been elevated to the status of Authorised Economic Operators (AEO), enhancing their credibility and access to global markets.

The Area Controller further announced that the Command recently issued its first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) under the B’Odogwu platform, calling it a significant milestone in the journey toward a fully indigenized, ICT-driven customs system.

Chairman of the House Committee on Customs, Hon. Leke Abejide, commended Comptroller Olomu for his leadership and innovation, describing the Apapa Command as a model of productivity. He assured the CAC of the lawmakers’ continued legislative support, particularly in promoting trade facilitation through technology and global best practices.

“We are impressed by the Command’s performance and your ability to think ahead in revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Hon. Abejide remarked.

With the first quarter figures indicating strong momentum, Comptroller Olomu expressed confidence in the Command’s capacity to deliver even greater results in the months ahead.

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, on Monday, 7th April 2025, received the house of representatives committee on Customs and excise who were at the command for oversight visit, led by the Chairman, Right Honourable Leke Abejide. The visit is part of the National Assembly’s statutory oversight responsibilities as enshrined in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Welcoming the delegation, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo, PhD, expressed deep appreciation for the Committee’s presence, describing it as a strong demonstration of their commitment to enhancing Customs administration, trade facilitation, and national revenue optimization.

According to CSC Isah Sulaiman, Public Relations Officer, Seme Area Command, the Comptroller Dr. Oramalugo highlighted the strategic importance of the Joint Border Post (JBP) along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, which serves as a vital hub for regional trade. He reiterated the Command’s dedication to embracing the JBP initiative, which fosters cooperation with the Republic of Benin, promotes intelligence sharing, and improves customs clearance through the one-stop border post model.

Since assuming office on 11th February 2025, the Comptroller has focused on four key mandates: revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and inter-agency collaboration. Under his leadership, the Command has recorded significant achievements including:

*Revenue Generation*: The Command generated One Billion, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Six Million , Three Hundred and Ninety-Five Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty-Five Naira and Eighty-Five Kobo (N1, 986,395,565.86k) in the first quarter of 2025 through improved compliance, risk management, and enforcement.

*Trade Facilitation*: Export activities were notably boosted with over 96,000 metric tonnes of goods with a Free On Board value of Twenty Billion, Four hundred and Fifty-Four Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty-Two Naira and Eighty-Seven Kobo (N20, 454,888,432.87k) only, facilitated from January to March 2025.

*Anti-Smuggling*: From January to March 2025, several seizures were made ranging from petroleum products, narcotics, foreign rice, poultry, vehicles, foreign parboiled rice and more with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Eight Hundred and Fifty-Five Million, Seven Hundred Thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty-Four Naira (N855,700,524.00k) only.

Comptroller Dr. Oramalugo, however, outlined several operational challenges faced by the Command, including poor infrastructure, shortage of personnel and equipment, lack of power supply for over Seven (7) years in the entire Seme axis, and ocean encroachment. He called for urgent government intervention, especially in technology deployment, environmental protection, and enforcement of contractual obligations on stalled projects.

Responding, the Chairman of the House Committee on Customs, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, reaffirmed the Committee’s resolve to critically assess the operations, revenue performance and capital projects in line with the 2023 and 2024 budgetary approvals.

“We are here to check your books, operations, and ongoing projects to ensure alignment with appropriated funds and to determine areas for retention or removal in the 2025 budget,” Hon. Abejide stated.

He emphasized the need for the Command to provide data on revenue performance in relation to targets, impact of E-Customs and digital platforms and efforts made in suppressing smuggling and promoting Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.

Furthermore, Hon. Abejide assured that the welfare of Customs officers is of equal priority, encouraging the Command to use the opportunity to present actionable needs for inclusion in the 2025 budget.

The visit concluded with mutual assurances of continued collaboration in strengthening the Nigeria Customs Service as a key driver of economic development, regional integration, and national security.

The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has set a new benchmark in revenue generation, raking in a total of ₦347.9 billion in the first quarter of 2025. This impressive figure represents a 12.6 percent increase compared to the ₦304 billion recorded in the same period in 2024.

Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, who assumed leadership of the command on December 20, 2024, disclosed the revenue figures during a media briefing at the command’s conference room. The new Customs Area Controller (CAC), widely described as charismatic and result-oriented, credited the success to the strategic implementation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi’s policy of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation.

Breakdown of the quarterly earnings reveals that the command generated ₦116.4 billion in January 2025, marking a 24.06 percent increase from ₦88.4 billion in January 2024. February saw revenue of ₦103.2 billion, a 2.9 percent rise from ₦100.3 billion recorded in the same month last year. The upward trend continued in March, with the command generating ₦128.2 billion—10.3 percent higher than the ₦115.1 billion collected in March 2024.

While applauding the continued support of the Comptroller-General and the positive media coverage of the command’s activities, Comptroller Onyeka emphasized the importance of accurate declarations by stakeholders. He noted that honest documentation will ensure a more seamless operational environment and mutual benefits for all players in the port ecosystem.

He further pledged to maintain robust engagement with stakeholders to drive improvements across the board in port operations.

…As Customs Team Defeats Cameroonian Counterparts in Opening Match

The First Lady and wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday, 3 April 2025, graced the momentous occasion of the 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship, where she officially declared the tournament open.

This historic edition marks the first time Nigeria is hosting the African Women’s Volleyball Tournament, bringing together elite clubs from across the continent to compete at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium, Abuja.

Addressing the gathering, the First Lady welcomed the participating teams and commended the organisers for their dedication to promoting volleyball in Africa.

“This tournament reflects the strength, determination, and talent of African women in sports. I encourage all teams to compete with discipline, respect, and true sportsmanship. Let this championship be a platform for building friendships and inspiring future generations.” She said.

She also applauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its commitment to sports development, noting that such initiatives contribute to youth empowerment and national unity.

Earlier, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, in his welcome address, highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering bilateral relationships between the participating countries and showcasing Nigeria’s excellence in sports.

“Success is measured by the standards we uphold, the opportunities we create, and the inspiration we provide. To all the athletes competing today, this is more than a game. It is a stage where you inspire others and leave a legacy for the next generation. Play with passion, integrity, and the spirit of fair competition.” CGC Adeniyi said.

He further emphasised the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering support for sports, describing the tournament as a reflection of the Service’s commitment to youth engagement and national development.

“Sports has a unique way of uniting people beyond borders, fostering teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. As you take to the court, remember that your performance today will inspire many young girls across the continent who aspire to be where you are. Let this tournament serve as a reminder that through hard work and determination, excellence is achievable.” He added.

The CGC also expressed gratitude to the First Lady for her support, stating that her Renewed Hope Initiative has been instrumental in advancing youth and women’s development across various sectors, including sports in the country.

Also, in his remarks, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, commended Nigeria Customs Service for securing a right to host the tournament, describing it as a milestone in African volleyball.

“This championship serves as a platform for African teams to showcase their skills at the highest level. Hosting this event in Nigeria reflects the country’s rising status in global sports and the commitment of our institutions to developing talent across various disciplines.” He said.

He further acknowledged the First Lady’s presence, stating that her role as the Grand Patron of the championship signifies a new era of support for women’s sports.

“The presence of Her Excellency today is a testament to the government’s resolve to uplift women’s sports and provide opportunities for female athletes to excel on the global stage. Your leadership and advocacy have continued to inspire young athletes, and we are confident that this championship will leave a lasting impact on the future of African volleyball.” He added.

Dikko also urged corporate organisations and stakeholders to invest more in the growth of women’s volleyball in Africa, adding that “Sports development requires collaboration. We must seize this opportunity to foster stronger partnerships between government, private institutions, and sports federations to ensure the continuous progress of women’s volleyball in Africa.”

Similarly, the President of the African Volleyball Confederation, Bouchra Hajij, highlighted the importance of fair play and discipline among the competing teams.

“This tournament is more than just a competition; it is an avenue to promote unity, friendship, and the shared passion we have for volleyball. I urge all participating teams to respect the rules, uphold the spirit of the game, and demonstrate the highest level of sportsmanship throughout the competition.” She said.

She also praised Nigeria for hosting the championship and providing a world-class platform for female athletes to excel.

“The African Volleyball Confederation is proud to see Nigeria hosting this historic event. It is a reflection of the country’s growing influence in sports development and its commitment to promoting women’s participation in athletics. I encourage all teams to use this opportunity to showcase their best performances while also building relationships that will strengthen the volleyball community across Africa.” Hajij added.

She further encouraged young girls across the continent to see the championship as an inspiration to pursue sports. “Every spike, every serve, and every rally played in this tournament will inspire the next generation. Let us continue to push the boundaries and ensure that African women’s volleyball reaches even greater heights.” She concluded.

Following the grand opening, the tournament began with an electrifying match between the Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Team and their Cameroonian counterparts.

The Customs team delivered an outstanding performance, securing a straight-set victory, with the first round ending with Nigeria Customs scoring 25 points against Cameroon’s 18.

In the second round, the Customs team extended their lead with a 25-17 win, whereas the final round saw a determined effort from the Cameroonian side, but Nigeria Customs sealed their triumph with a 25-22 finish.

The competition, which commenced on Thursday, 3rd April 2025, is expected to conclude on 14 April 2025, when a new champion will emerge.