Category: Maritime Sector

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Idiroko Command and its counterpart from the Benin Republic have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade relations and combating trans-border smuggling along the Idiroko route.

At a strategic meeting held on Monday in Idiroko, Ogun State, officials from both nations pledged to implement practical solutions to address challenges hindering smooth trade between the two countries. The meeting was led by Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, the Area Commander of Ogun 1 Area Command, and Soglonou Jean-Paul, the Customs Area Controller of Benin Republic’s Igolo Command, alongside a six-man delegation.

Speaking after the closed-door session, Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized the importance of Nigeria-Benin trade relations, noting that both countries share a rich history of economic cooperation. He highlighted that the meeting provided an opportunity to identify barriers, engage with stakeholders—including representatives from the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA)—and develop actionable strategies to enhance legitimate trade.

“The economic relationship between Nigeria and Benin is vital not only to our bilateral ties but to the entire region. This session allowed us to hear firsthand from stakeholders, share insights, and engage in frank discussions that will lead to tangible outcomes,” Shuaibu stated.

He reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s guiding principles of consultation, collaboration, synergy, and transformation, as outlined by the Comptroller General of Customs. The focus, he said, remains on facilitating seamless and legitimate trade while enforcing government fiscal policies against smuggling activities.

Shuaibu further emphasized that the customs agencies of both countries operate under a shared global framework and that the cooperation between them is crucial in addressing trade-related challenges. He assured that despite the recent exit of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS, trade in the region remains unaffected due to agreements under the African Free Trade Association (AFTA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The renewed commitment by both customs administrations signals a continued effort to foster a secure and structured trade environment along the Nigeria-Benin border.

Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, PhD, the Customs Area Controller of the Seme Area Command, was a keynote speaker at the 5th Redeemer’s University International Model United Nations Conference (RUIMUN), held from March 3 to 6, 2025. The conference, themed “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations,” served as a platform for discussions on global development, nation-building, and security.

Speaking at the event, Oramalugo highlighted the critical role of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in driving national development. He underscored the agency’s responsibilities in trade facilitation, revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and national security. Stressing the importance of integrity and patriotism, he warned of the devastating economic and social impact of smuggling.

The Comptroller emphasized the need for Nigerians to support local industries, using the country’s rice production sector as an example. He noted that while Nigeria is a major producer of rice, the challenge lies in local patronage. “When we fail to buy local rice, we kill our factories,” he stated. He also warned about the dangers of smuggled goods such as counterfeit drugs, second-hand clothing, and used tyres, which pose serious health and safety risks.

Oramalugo further explained the three core mandates of the NCS: trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations. He highlighted the service’s efforts to simplify customs processes to enhance legitimate trade, noting that the NCS contributed over ₦6 trillion to national revenue in the past year. He also reiterated the agency’s role in preventing the entry of prohibited goods and collaborating with security agencies to protect Nigeria’s borders.

The Customs chief also spoke on global best practices, referencing the Arusha Declaration and other international conventions aimed at enhancing customs integrity, harmonizing procedures, and tackling illicit trade.

During an interview at the event, Oramalugo commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, describing him as *”the best CGC in Africa.”* He lauded Adeniyi’s numerous achievements, including the *Outstanding Revenue Collection* award from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and *The Sun Newspaper’s Best Public Servant of the Year* award.

Expressing his gratitude to Redeemer’s University for the opportunity to engage with young leaders, Oramalugo reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to fostering economic growth and national security. The event reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable development and securing Nigeria’s economic future.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), alongside key stakeholders, has underscored the importance of cross-border trade in economic growth and cultural integration at the 4th edition of the Festival of Art for Economic Development held in Idiroko, Ogun State, on February 12, 2025.

In his welcome address, Comptroller Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Area Command, emphasized that cross-border trade fosters economic expansion, cultural exchange, and business partnerships. He noted that beyond celebrating art, the festival serves as a platform to highlight the role of trade in shaping communities and sustainable development.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Bonny Abisogun Botoku, executive producer of the festival and secretary-general of the Inter-Border Forum, stressed the necessity of using art as a medium to educate border communities and security personnel on trade policies and cooperation. According to him, art plays a critical role in sensitizing people about economic integration, regional cooperation, and the role of Customs in facilitating trade, generating revenue, and ensuring security.

Dr. Botoku also pointed out the challenges of transborder communication and movement, particularly for communities divided by artificial boundaries. He noted that while ECOWAS protocols advocate for cross-border cooperation, there is a need for increased awareness among residents and security personnel to balance trade facilitation with national security concerns.

Also speaking at the event, Avoseh Johnson Akano, chairman of Ipokia Local Government, lauded the festival’s role in fostering new development visions for the younger generation. He highlighted Ogun State’s cultural heritage, particularly its globally recognized Adire fabric, which has been officially adopted as a symbol of local identity. Akano further stressed the importance of promoting indigenous cultural practices and ensuring that local talents and traditions gain national and international recognition.

According to hybridnewsng report, the festival, attended by traditional rulers, government officials, security agencies, and trade experts, featured exhibitions showcasing artistic expressions that reflect the economic and cultural dynamics of cross-border trade. Participants called for policies that enhance trade efficiency while preserving cultural identity and community integration.

With its growing influence, the Festival of Art for Economic Development continues to reinforce the role of creativity in economic transformation, trade facilitation, and regional cooperation.

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has intercepted a major smuggling operation in Lagos waters, confiscating 756kg of cannabis sativa worth ₦168 million along with illegal equipment. During the operation, security operatives arrested multiple suspects involved in the illicit trade, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to tackling maritime crimes.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Commodore Nimmyel detailed the Navy’s recent operations that led to multiple arrests and the confiscation of illegal goods. According to him, operations conducted between February 10 and 11, 2025, resulted in the interception of a large wooden boat attempting to flee towards Benin Republic.

The vessel, detected by the Western Regional Control Centre of Falcon Eye Alignment, was carrying seven suspects along with 408 empty drums, three pumping machines, and eight Yamaha 40HP outboard engines.

Additionally, the Base Quick Response Team (QRT), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended two suspects in the Topo, Badagry area while they were allegedly assisting smugglers. Their boat, which carried a 40HP Yamaha outboard engine, was seized, and intercepted communications confirmed their involvement in illicit activities. Furthermore, on February 11, 2025, 28 bags of cannabis sativa weighing over 756kg were discovered at Long Jetty, Ibeche Beach. The culprits fled upon sighting the QRT, leaving behind the contraband.

Commodore Nimmyel reiterated the Navy’s commitment to enforcing the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, in collaboration with other security agencies. He warned criminals engaged in illegal oil bunkering and drug trafficking to desist, as the Navy remains resolute in maintaining maritime security.

Dosa, one of the arrested suspects, claimed he was only transporting empty drums. “I went to buy the empty drums to take them to Badagry,” he said. When asked about the pumping machines found in the boat, he insisted, “I use them to pump water out of my boat, not for illegal activities.” However, his colleagues reportedly confessed to using the machines for pumping oil, a claim he denied.

On his part, Superintendent Amoo Kehinde, representing the Lagos State Commandant, Commandant Keshinro Adedokun, confirmed that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had taken custody of the suspects and exhibits. “Immediately after the handover, the exhibits will be taken to our Exhibit Yard at Ijora Jetty Marine, while the suspects will be transported to our state headquarters in Alausa for investigation and prosecution,” he stated.

The Acting Marine Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) disclosed that the seized 28 bags of cannabis sativa would be transferred to the agency’s Central Exhibit Store for safekeeping before destruction. “We will investigate further and arraign the suspects in court for prosecution,” he assured. The NDLEA estimated the market value of the seized cannabis to be around ₦6 million per bag.

The Nigerian Navy emphasized that its operations would continue with intensified efforts to ensure that economic activities in Lagos waters remain secure and uninterrupted. “Our role is to protect the maritime sector, and criminals should be aware that we will not relent in our pursuit to rid the waters of illicit activities,” Commodore Nimmyel concluded.

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has welcomed Comptroller Benedict Oramalugo, PhD, as its new Customs Area Controller, following the retirement of his predecessor. Comptroller Oramalugo officially assumed duty on February 11, 2025, bringing extensive experience in border management and trade facilitation.

A brief handing-over ceremony was held at the ECOWAS complex of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post, attended by journalists. Deputy Comptroller Enforcement, Istifanus D. Musa, who had been overseeing the command since the retirement of the former Area Controller, formally received Comptroller Oramalugo and assured him of the officers’ support and cooperation.

In his inaugural address, Comptroller Oramalugo commended the efforts of the command’s officers and pledged to consolidate on the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs for the seamless execution of the service’s mandate. He promised to maintain an open-door policy and encouraged officers to enhance their capacities to further improve the command’s efficiency.

The new Area Controller expressed his gratitude to Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the NCS management team for the opportunity to serve.

Before his new appointment, Comptroller Oramalugo was the Customs Area Controller for the Oyo/Osun Command. In December 2024, he was recognized for his outstanding service with multiple awards, including the “Strategic Community Engagement for the Year”, “Service Excellence Performance”, and “Outstanding Controller of the Year 2024” at the Comptroller General’s Awards. His tenure in Oyo/Osun was marked by significant achievements in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.

The handing and taking-over ceremony of the command of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT between Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo and Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel was held on Thursday, 6 February 2025, at NNS BEECROFT conference room following a send-forth parade held in honour of the out-going commander.

According to the Base Information Officer, Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim “Commodore Paul Ponfa has become the 58th Commander NNS BEECROFT. He hails from Plateau State and is a member of 43 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy. Prior to his appointment as the Commander NNS BEECROFT, he was the Maritime Component Commander Operation Hadin Kai (OPHD) Headquarters, Maiduguri.

He attended the following military courses: Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course, Officers’ Long Course, Junior Staff Course, Senior Staff Course and the National Defence College Course, Nigeria, among others.

Commodore Nimmyel has obtained the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Defence Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan, a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Kofi Annan University, and he is currently undergoing a Ph.D. programme at the University of Ibadan.

The Senior Officer has the following awards and decorations: Distinguished Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Forces Service Star, Passed Staff Course, Joint Task Force (North-East) Medal, ECOMOG Medal, Multinational Joint Task Force Operations Medal, among others.

The highlights of the ceremony included send-forth parade, singing of the Handing and Taking-over Note by both commanders and the Handing and Taking Over of the Command’s Flag.

Compelled by the exigency of bringing Nigerian Ports up to speed with those of its peers in terms of infrastructure and equipment, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has secured necessary approvals for an upward review in its tariffs which was last reviewed in the year 1993.

The 15% upward increase which is to cut across all NPA Rates and Dues is premised on the urgent need to address the undesirable reality of aged and weak infrastructure, obsolete equipment and slow Port capacity expansion which has continued to diminish the performance and indeed competitiveness of Nigerian Ports.

Globally, Port Authorities depend on revenue from operations to stay alive to their responsibilities which include construction and maintenance of Port infrastructure, dredging of channels, provision of aids for safe navigation, provision of modern marine crafts for efficient harbour services, automation and digitisation of port transactions, port security, energy efficiency and training and retraining of its employees.

The global index of Port rating and competitiveness which the international trade community relies on for its choice of countries to do business with, derives its data from how well the aforementioned responsibilities are addressed.

Coming at this period of global economic upheaval and scramble for markets, this belated tariff review borne out of necessity constitutes a critical success factor in Nigeria’s quest to win back cargo handling business and it’s accompanying benefits including job opportunities it had lost to it’s maritime neighbours.

Contrary to the popular but erroneous notion that attributes high Port costs to NPA relative to its peers, verifiable data shows NPA tariffs are amongst the lowest in the region.

The high incidence of unreceipted costs due to unduly high human interface, bureaucratic bottlenecks, functional overlaps resulting from absence of a Port Community System (PCS) and its corollary the National Single Window (NSW) are responsible for this contrived falsehood.

Although long overdue, a quick win benefits of the NPA Tariff review for stakeholders, is the immediate boost it gives to the Authority to fast track the commencement of actual works on its concluded Port reconstruction and modernisation plans.

Secondly, the Tariff review provides the necessary guarantees to fund the acquisition and urgent deployment of the Information Communications Technology (ICT) backbone of the PCS which is the precursor to the implementation of the NSW.

Furthermore, the increased revenue generation arising from the review buoys the Authority’s capacity for critical maintenance works to open up the Eastern Ports for increased vessel and cargo traffic such as the reconstruction of collapsed Escravos Breakwaters and challenged aspects of Rivers, Onne and Calabar Ports respectively.

At a stakeholders meeting in Lagos,Managing Director of NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho represented by Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director Marine and Operation said the management decision to meet stakeholders was borne out of desire to carry everyone along.

Speaking at the meeting, Joshua Asanga a stakeholder agreed with the increase adding that the value of NPA present tariff has since been suppressed Inflation which is at about 35% .

Asanga listed port management liabilities like wages, fuel and other areas of expenditure as having adjusted upwards without a commensurate rise in NPA charges for over thirty years

He added that NPA needs funds for improved port infrastructure, robust ICT for Port Community System, procurement of tug boats and other operational platforms to achieve efficiency

Another stakeholder, Damian Ukagu, who spoke at the event talked on the need to apply more NPA funding to outer port facilities and jetties like the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal and development of other critical port facilities across the country.

He added that NPA rates should be able to cover these cost that would guarantee minimum return on investment and promote sustainable trade.

The meeting agreed that existing tariffs were set devoid of capital cost, labour cost, consumables and overhead expenditures needed to run the ports

They feared that keeping the ports on the old tariff would promote consequences like poor service, inadequate infrastructure,poor remuneration, obsolete critical port facilities, equipment and infrastructure.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) commitment to enhancing collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to ensure environmental safety, trade efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Speaking on Tuesday, 4 February 2025, during a courtesy visit by NESREA’s management team to the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, Adeniyi described inter-agency synergy as crucial to achieving national economic and security goals.

“We recognise the importance of collaboration and partnership. Many of us have witnessed the golden era of synergy between Customs and NESREA, whether at seaports or border stations. Our commitment to this partnership remains unwavering,” CGC Adeniyi stated.

He noted that the World Customs Organization (WCO) consistently advocates active cooperation between regulatory agencies, highlighting how such partnerships drive trade facilitation, environmental enforcement and national security.

Adeniyi also outlined the NCS’s 2024 achievements, including surpassing its N5.1-trillion revenue target by November and exceeding N6 trillion by December – achievements attributed to improved efficiency and strategic collaborations.

“These successes are not just about revenue; they reflect our efforts to create a structured, technology-driven trade environment,” he explained.

He emphasised the Service’s commitment to digital transformation, intelligence gathering and strategic alliances, proposing deeper digital integration with NESREA to streamline regulatory enforcement. “If we can establish a digital handshake between our platforms – seamlessly sharing data, approvals and compliance information – we can significantly enhance environmental protection while improving trade efficiency,” Adeniyi added.

NESREA’s Director-General, Dr Innocent Barikor, commended Customs for its progressive reforms and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to stronger collaboration. He stressed the need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, particularly in restricting hazardous imports.

“Customs and NESREA share a common law enforcement responsibility, especially at the nation’s borders,” Dr Barikor stated. He outlined NESREA’s role in enforcing 35 environmental regulations covering air, land and sea pollution and waste management.

Dr Barikor also raised concerns over the increasing importation of end-of-life electronics and other environmentally harmful goods, warning that improper disposal poses severe risks. “Some organisations are importing goods that no longer align with environmental best practices, particularly electronic waste. Our inability to manage the resulting hazardous chemicals is already affecting our ecosystem,” he cautioned.

He emphasised the need for Customs to enforce import restrictions on environmentally unsafe goods and called for greater participation in environmental advocacy, regulatory policymaking and compliance monitoring. Dr Barikor also highlighted the importance of joint training and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen collaboration between both agencies.