Category: Maritime Sector

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the successful issuance of the first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) under its new Unified Customs Management System, known as B’Odogwu. This marks a significant milestone in the agency’s drive towards implementing technology-driven trade reforms.

According to a press release issued on April 4, 2025, by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the development signals the beginning of a nationwide rollout of the B’Odogwu system, aimed at modernizing Customs operations and strengthening inter-agency collaboration.

The breakthrough comes shortly after a strategic meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso. During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to seamless trade processes, improved revenue collection, and stronger financial integration.

Developed as a homegrown replacement for the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II), the B’Odogwu platform is designed to enhance efficiency in trade documentation and customs processing. The pilot phase began at the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Customs Area Command, with active engagement from relevant government agencies and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.

The issuance of the first PAAR under the B’Odogwu system paves the way for a more streamlined customs procedure and increased trade facilitation across Nigeria’s ports and border stations. The Service also confirmed ongoing efforts to secure the necessary approvals and integrations with financial institutions, including Authorized Dealer Banks (ADBs), to support seamless foreign exchange transactions and trade-related payments.

The NCS leadership, under Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their support and urged the trading community to embrace the B’Odogwu platform as a step towards more transparent, efficient, and technology-driven Customs operations.

Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 81 Division have intercepted a consignment of 320 wraps of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa during a routine patrol in the Alamutu area of Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State.

The operation, carried out on April 2, 2025, followed actionable intelligence pointing to the movement of illicit drugs by a suspected transnational drug syndicate. The suspects, who were conveying the substances on two motorcycles, fled into a nearby bush upon sighting the troops.

According to a statement released by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the patrol is part of ongoing efforts by the Division to support relevant agencies in the fight against drug trafficking in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy.

The seized drugs and motorcycles have since been handed over to the Military Police Unit of the 35 Artillery Brigade for onward transfer to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun State Command, for further investigation.

Reacting to the development, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, commended the troops for their swift response and urged them to intensify efforts in the clampdown on criminal activities within their area of responsibility.

He further issued a stern warning to individuals engaged in criminal enterprises, particularly drug trafficking, to desist or be prepared to face the full consequences of the law.

The operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting inter-agency collaborations in ensuring a drug-free and safer society.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has refuted claims circulating about an alleged extension of the tenure of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. In a statement released on April 1, 2025, the NCS dismissed the report as false and misleading.

According to the statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the purported extension, allegedly announced by the State House, has no basis in fact. The NCS clarified that appointments and tenure extensions for the Comptroller-General are at the sole discretion of the President and Commander-in-Chief, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other relevant regulations. As of now, no such directive has been issued by the appropriate authorities.

The Service reassured the public that it remains committed to its statutory responsibilities, including trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security. Under the leadership of Adeniyi, the NCS continues to implement key reforms aimed at modernizing operations, improving inter-agency collaboration, and driving economic growth.

The NCS urged stakeholders and the general public to rely solely on official channels for accurate information regarding appointments and tenure decisions. It reiterated its dedication to transparency and professionalism while appreciating the continued support of stakeholders.

In a bid to foster unity and peaceful coexistence, the Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Port Command, Frank Onyeka, hosted a special Ramadan Dinner for stakeholders at the Command’s headquarters on Wednesday.

Speaking at the event, Comptroller Onyeka emphasized the significance of Ramadan as a period of reflection, self-discipline, and compassion. He noted that the dinner was not just about sharing meals but also about strengthening relationships and promoting mutual understanding. “This dinner is a way to show solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters during this sacred month. It is an opportunity to celebrate their devotion while embracing the shared values of community, kindness, and empathy,” he said.

The Chief Imam of Tincan Island Mosque, Imam Sadiq Mohammed, expressed gratitude to Comptroller Onyeka for the initiative. He described the gathering as a meaningful step towards bridging religious divides within the port community and offered prayers for the success of the Command.

Similarly, Alhaji Akeem Ayobiojo, Chairman of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics (APFFLON), Tincan Island Command Chapter, commended the event. He lauded the Customs Controller for fostering unity at the port, stating, “This dinner is a testament to the spirit of unity and mutual respect we strive to cultivate here at Tincan Island Port. Comptroller Onyeka has created an environment where our differences are celebrated, and our shared humanity is recognized.”

The event was attended by key figures, including members of the Armed Forces, Customs Licensed Agents, Terminal Operators, and Shipping Line Operators.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has intercepted 7 million CFA francs being smuggled out of the country and officially handed it over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, disclosed this during a media briefing on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Idiroko Headquarters of the Command.

According to Shuaibu, the seizure was made on March 20, 2025, when officers at the outward baggage hall of the border post in Idiroko detected a suspicious bag during routine checks on passengers traveling to Benin Republic. Upon thorough examination, the bag was found to contain freshly minted foreign currency notes amounting to 7 million CFA francs.

“The failure to declare cash of such magnitude contravenes the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995,” Shuaibu stated.

Recognizing the EFCC’s pivotal role in combating financial crimes, the NCS handed over the seized currency to the anti-graft agency in line with the directives of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. The move, Shuaibu explained, strengthens interagency collaboration between Customs, EFCC, and other relevant security agencies.

He further warned against smuggling activities, emphasizing that the Ogun I Command remains committed to enforcing federal fiscal policies and customs regulations.

“The current Customs administration under the leadership of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has zero tolerance for revenue leakages and violations of economic and fiscal policy measures. We will continue to send a strong signal to deter illegal activities at our borders,” he added.

Shuaibu urged border communities to refrain from engaging in smuggling, assuring that the Command will sustain its vigilance in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has intercepted and handed over 287 bags of foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as part of efforts to curb smuggling along the Badagry–Porto Novo creek and its surrounding areas.

In a statement released by Navy Captain BO Omotayo, the Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, the seizures were made in separate operations on March 4, March 8, and March 19, 2025. The intensified patrols and quick response efforts led to the confiscation of the contraband within the Base’s area of operation.

Following standard procedures, 71 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice were handed over to the NCS Seme Area Command on March 25, while another 216 bags were transferred to the NCS Western Marine Command.

The operation aligns with the strategic directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain and enhance economic stability. The Base reaffirmed its commitment to combating smuggling and other illegal activities while strengthening collaboration with security agencies and local communities.

The Nigerian Navy has announced significant achievements in its fight against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes through Operation Delta Sanity II, which was launched on December 30, 2024. During February 2025, naval personnel conducted multiple raids across the South South and Southwest regions, seizing more than 129,000 liters of stolen crude oil, intercepting smuggled fuel, and dismantling numerous illegal refinery sites.

In a statement released by Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Information, the Navy detailed the interception of wooden and fiber boats laden with stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Ondo States. Several major busts included the seizure of two wooden boats on February 1 and 5, both carrying drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) allegedly en route to the Republic of Cameroon, as well as the discovery and deactivation of multiple illicit refining sites in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Ondo States.

One of the largest operations took place on February 19 in Egbema West, Rivers State, where the Navy uncovered numerous illegal refinery installations, including approximately 70 ovens, 40 reservoirs, and 50 dug-out pits holding an estimated 50,000 liters of stolen crude oil and 5,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). In a separate raid on February 12, personnel dismantled another illegal refinery site with over 30,000 liters of stolen crude oil and multiple refining ovens in Bayelsa State’s Ekeremor Local Government Area.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, praised the dedication of naval personnel involved in Operation Delta Sanity II and reiterated the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain. He noted that these actions have contributed to the recent rise in the country’s daily crude oil output, which the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reports at around 1.75 million barrels per day.

Operation Delta Sanity II is part of the Navy’s broader strategy to curb oil theft, safeguard critical infrastructure, and maintain stability in the nation’s waterways. The Navy urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasizing that collaboration between security forces and local communities is essential for sustaining the fight against maritime crimes.

The Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating smuggling and ensuring national security, as it handed over a large cache of seized illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun State Command. The handover took place during a media briefing held in Abeokuta on Thursday, March 6, 2025, where the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, also presented the Command’s February 2025 scorecard.

During the briefing, Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in tackling smuggling and fostering compliance with trade laws. He noted that the Command has intensified its enforcement efforts, leading to the interception of various prohibited items, including smuggled foreign rice, second-hand clothing, used tires, and large quantities of illicit drugs.

In line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, we have deepened our collaboration with key stakeholders, including traditional institutions and security agencies. This approach enhances decision-making, improves communication, and strengthens national security, Shuaibu stated.

Highlighting the seizures made within the past month, the Customs boss disclosed that the Command intercepted:

– 2,145 bags of smuggled foreign rice (equivalent to over four trailer loads)
– 612 bales of second-hand clothing
– 843 pieces of used tires
– 6,625 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) (which was auctioned due to its combustible nature)
– 3,365 parcels and 75 sacks of cannabis sativa, weighing 3,103.3 kg
– 88 cartons of codeine cough syrup

The total duty paid value (DPV) of the seized items amounted to N279,595,038.00, while the Command also generated N9,694,072 in revenue from baggage assessment and auction sales of PMS.

Comptroller Shuaibu further emphasized the Command’s unwavering stance against smuggling and drug trafficking, stressing that criminals attempting to evade security measures would continue to face resistance.

We are resolute in our fight against economic saboteurs. Our intelligence network and operational mechanisms are robust, ensuring that illegal trade and trafficking will not thrive in our jurisdiction, he stated.

In a bid to enhance cross-border trade and security, the Command recently hosted a high-level stakeholder engagement on March 3, 2025. The meeting brought together Customs officers from Ogun 1 and Benin, security agencies, and clearing agents to discuss challenges affecting trade at the Benin Republic-Idiroko border corridor.

While handing over the seized drugs to the NDLEA, Shuaibu reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding the country of illicit substances that threaten public health and safety. He commended the media, security agencies, and host communities for their continued support in the fight against smuggling.

The Comptroller concluded by expressing gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for his leadership, as well as to traditional leaders, security agencies, and other stakeholders for their collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.