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Tragedy struck on Tuesday night as Nigeria’s music legend, songwriter, actress, journalist and politician,  Onyeka Onwenu, slumped and died shortly after performing at a birthday party in Lagos. In a shocking turn of events, the music maestro affectionately known as the ‘Elegant Stallion,’ according to sources, died at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at a private function. According to reports, the music icon was attending a friend’s birthday party when she took to the stage to perform. Immediately after her performance, she returned to her seat and suddenly slumped. Emergency services were quickly called, and she was rushed to the hospital, in Victoria Island, where she was later pronounced dead. The cause of death is yet to be confirmed. The source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals this night and after performing, she slumped. She was taken to Redd

Following apprehensions about an impending nationwide protest, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu has reassured port users in Apapa that activities of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) would continue uninterrupted.  He gave this assurance during a meeting with stakeholders in Apapa on Tuesday, where he said it has become expedient to rebuild confidence in importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, haulage operators and other port users on the availability of Nigeria Customs Service officers in Apapa Port on all working days as usual. He reaffirmed that customs officers attached to the command at the port and all terminals under his watch shall be available to discharge their usual functions and support in facilitating all legitimate trade within their purview.  The CAC further advised that the office of the Customs Public Relations Officer and other offices assigned to function as help desks shall be available to

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in a press release said it made a remarkable performance within the first half of year (January 1st  -June 30th) 2024 by generating over N2.74 trillion into the government coffers. The figure, which represents a 127% increase over the Service’s revenue collection for half-year 2023 which stood at N1.39 trillion. With a half-year revenue target of N2.54 trillion for 2024, Customs has surpassed the target by 8%. The press release which was signed by Customs National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, said key initiatives contributing to this success included the e-auction platform, which generated over N1.34 billion, and the 90-day duty payment window for uncustomed vehicles, adding N4.37 billion to the revenue. “These measures have significantly enhanced transparency, compliance, and efficiency in customs processes, underscoring the NCS’s commitment to excellence.  The  statement also stated that the Service in

The newly appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has identified the speedy rehabilitation of dilapidated port infrastructure across the nation as his topmost priority. Dantosho, who assumed the role of the managing director with  over 25 years operational experience in the Authority, kick stated his duties with unscheduled visit to the Apapa and TinCan Island Port Complex where he  pledged to collaborate with port stakeholders in a bid to deliver efficient services at the nation’s seaports. According to the NPA helmsman, adequate port infrastructure and robust collaboration with stakeholders will enable the nation’s seaports attain improved revenue generation through efficiency and productivity. Speaking to journalists during the visit,  the new managing director reiterated on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the NPA to deliver efficient port services and improved industry outcomes, he added that his

i The Murtala Muhammed Area Command between January to June, 2024 has collected a total revenue of Eighty Billion, Three hundred and Fifty One Million, Two Hundred and Ninety Nine Thousand and Sixty Eight Naira Only (N80,351,299,068.00) on Customs duty and other charges.  This shows a progressive improvement  of Forty One Billion, Six Hundred and Forty Four Million, Two Hundred and Forty Six Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty One Naira, Fifty Six Kobo only (N41,644,246,851.56) depicting 107.5% increase when compared with revenue collected within the same period in 2023,  which stood at Thirty Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Seven Million, Fifty four Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixteen Naira, Forty Four Kobo only (N38,707,054,216.44)  The command, under the dynamic leadership of Comptroller Michael Toyin Awe, according to a press release from the command's Public Relations Officer, Victor Ogagbor said it has continued to build on the achievements of the previous year both in the area

The Customs Zonal Coordinator of Zone 'A'  ACG Saidu Yusuf on Wednesday visited the Tin Can Island customs command and expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Command’s officers. He commended  the high-level of seizures, ever-increasing revenue collection being witnessed in the command as well as the Command’s pilot status for Time Release Study (TRS) which, according to him, underscores the diligence of the officers and men of the command. The Zonal coordinator, who applauded the Command's Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, urged the officers not to relent in their efforts which  according to him, are in tandem with the expectations of the Customs management In his words: “Nnadi has been up and doing on his game especially in seizures of arms and ammunition, drugs and also in revenue. Don’t relent in ensuring that you follow the laid down processes". The visiting Zonal Coordinator noted that 18 officers at TCIP Command, including the Command’s Pub

The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has revealed that 90% of port processes and operations at Nigerian ports are now automated, reducing human interface and it's attendant negative attributes considerably. This was revealed by the Executive Secretary / Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Barr Pius Ukeyima Akutah in his goodwill message at a breakfast meeting organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) themed; Trade Facilitation and President Tinubu’s Economic Agenda: Matters Arising” in Lagos on Wednesday. The Shippers Council boss who was represented at the meeting by Mrs Ogbonnaya Austina, an Assistant Director, Consumer Affairs of the Council assured that efforts are being made towards the development of Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs) across the country to facilitate the safety and security of cargoes in transit. The executive Secretary also stated that, with the completion and operations of Inland Dry Ports of Dala, Funtua and Kaduna in Kano, Katsina an

Save Nigerian Freight Forwoarders' Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC) has applauded the appointment of a seasoned Maritime Technocrat in person of Abubakar Dantsoho as the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority to continue from where his predecessor stopped. The president of SNIFFIEC, Chief Osita Chukwu in his reaction to the appointment congratulated the newly appointed NPA MD and urged him to use the wealth of experience which  he has garnered over the years in the  Nigeria Maritime sector to revitalize and reposition Nigerian Ports for seamless operation and economic advancement of the country. He went further to state that his group, as partners in progress in making Nigeria Maritime industry compete favourablely with other maritime Nations of the world also urged the new MD to do all it takes to enhance the electronic call-up system to make sure the years of gridlocks that plaqued the Western ports corridors of Apapa and TinCan Ports for more than 14 years whic

The Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC) through it's National President, Chief sir Osita Chukwu has condemned the recent petition to the National Security Adviser by the National Co-ordinator of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwoarders' (NAGAFF) 100% Compliance Team, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko labeling such petition as misleading and baseless.  Chief Chukwu, in an interview emphasized that Alhaji Tanki who is a customs agent and freight forwarder, failed to understand the established protocols in place for managing government affairs, especially in the maritime sector. He accused Tanko of breaching protocol and undermining the efforts of the Nigerian maritime sector’s leadership. In his words, “This petition to the National Security Adviser is not just a breach of protocol; it’s an abuse and neglect of the systems we have put in place;  It gives a false impression to the world that there are problems in our port corridor

. ..As Agency Rescues Distressed Oil Drilling Platform The Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola has set up an Incident Command Center (ICC) in the office of the Agency’s Executive Director Operations. This is coming just as the Director General disclosed that NIMASA successfully rescued all the nineteen crew members onboard an ill-fated Britania U, drilling platform, that engulfed in flames at Ajakpa Field, (OML 90), 10.77 nautical miles South of Forcadoes terminal in Delta State, Nigeria. According to Dr. Mobereola, the command centre is to prepare an effective situation-based response plan against oil spillage or other incidents that may affect the marine environment and safety of navigation. He stated that his agency on Thursday, 18th July, 2024 had received signals from the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center (RMRCC) Lagos that Britania U, a drilling platform was under distress According to him, the Agency

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR on Thursday, July 18, 2024, took a significant step in strengthening global partnerships by participating in a bilateral meeting with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Washington, D.C.  The meeting, which focused on reviving the over-decade-old Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) to enhance service delivery through global collaborations and data-driven decision-making to improve national security and effectively combat cross-border crimes. Adeniyi emphasised that Customs officials have been actively addressing the challenges of cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering while ensuring national security.  While highlighting the successful interception of illegal items, such as drugs and weapons, at major ports and airports in Nigeria.Adeniyi added that  reviving the CMAA will bolster the Nigeria Customs Service's capacity to protect the nation's borders

The Nigeria customs Service said it intercepted seven containers of offending importations at the Apapa Area Command. The contents of the containers which  comprises of 12,000 pieces of cutlass and matchete, expired pharmaceutical, 4,129 packages of frozen hen and 368 jumbo bales of second hand clothings were intercepted at the Apapa port.  This was disclosed by the Customs Controller of the command ,Comptroller Babatunde Olomu on Friday during a press briefing in Lagos, he said the items which have a Duty Paid Value  (DPV) of N292million fall short of the import prohibition guidelines for entering the country. Giving account of the seizure, Olomu said, “On Thursday, 18 July 2024, the command seized 2x40ft containers carrying twelve thousand (12,000) pieces of cutlass and machete; 2x40ft carrying four thousand, one hundred and twenty-nine (4,129) packages of frozen hen; 1x40ft container carrying three hundred and sixty-eight (368) jumbo bales of used second hand clothing; and 1x40ft co

The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners- CONMMEP has commended the appointment of Abubakar Dantsoho as the new Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority. Dantsoho replaced Muhammed Bello-Koko who held sway as Managing Director of NPA for three years until his recent removal from office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. In a congratulatory message to the new MD, which signed on behalf of the President of the association, Alhaji Tunde Umar- Daniah by the Public Relations Officer ( PRO), Mcanthony Onuoha, the association urged the new NPA Boss to bring his wealth of experience to bear as he mounts the saddle as the Chief Gate Officer at the Gateway of Nigeria's Economy. The congratulatory message read in part: "We, members of Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners, CONMMEP wish to congratulate you on your appointment as Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority". CONMMEP is made up of seasoned Maritime Journalists who have consistently repor

T he Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B has announce the tragic demise of Inspector of Customs (IC) Hamza Abdullahi Elenwo in an unfortunate incident that occurred on Friday, 12 July 2024 at Achilafia along Daura-Kano Road in Jigawa State during a stop and search operation. The incident, according to a press release signed on behalf of the Customs Area Controller of the Zone, Compt. Ahmodu Shuaibu by the Public Relations Officer of the Unit, SC Isah Sulaiman occurred when a vehicle suspected to be smuggled into the country hit the operative while trying to evade arrest. The late Operative was rushed to the General Hospital Kazaure and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Katsina, where he was pronounced dead by the Doctor on duty. The deceased has been laid to rest in Katsina according to Islamic rites. The release also revealed that Inspector Hamza, an indigene of Port Harcourt, Rivers State was born on 15 April 1985. He joined the Nigeria Custo

The Chief of Air Staff, Nigerian Air Force, NAF, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar (left) presenting a souvenir to the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety  Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola during a courtesy visit by the NIMASA DG to the NAF headquarters in Abuja. T he Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola and the Chief of Air Staff, Nigerian Air Force, NAF, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar met in Abuja to deliberate on enhancing security in the Nigerian maritime domain with improved air surveillance and better information sharing between NIMASA and the Air Force.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi mfr on 10 July 2024 in Abuja, paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Deputy Comptroller Etop Essien, who tragically passed  on 25 June 2024 while making a presentation on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service before the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee .  At the visit, the  CGC expressed his deep sorrow and offered prayers for the repose of the deceased. "We pray that God will strengthen the family during this difficult time and give you the wisdom to understand that only He gives and takes, and we cannot question His will." The CGC further emphasised the remarkable dedication of the late Deputy Comptroller Essien, noting, "He was highly committed to his duties and knew exactly what he was doing. We pray that God will comfort you and stay with you through this time of grief." The CGC further stated that the loss of Deputy Comptroller Etop Essien is a reminder of the fragility of life and

A group of maritime practitioners under the auspices of  Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders Importers and Exporters Coalition  has threatened to take legal actions against the Nigeria Shippers' Councilor on what they termed 'Misuse of Budgetary Allocations'  as the annual seminar for Judges kicks off today the 9th of July in Abuja. The group, has queried why the council on annual basis since the last 17yeas  lavish funds that should have been used  for shippers development , protection and training of the on the judiciary since the  judicial council has one of the highest budgetary allocation under justice ministry. According to the National President  of the group, Chief Dr Osita Patrick Chukwu, the annual ritual has become a waste of fund and resources which needs to be stoped especially as the country is facing serious economic hardship.  In his words, "This is a waste of fund and resources because I don't know what prompted this and why it continues to repeat year

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Monday, 8 July 2024, performed a groundbreaking ceremony for a 30-bed ultra-modern reference hospital donated by Abdul Samad Rabiu (ASR) Initiative for Africa in Bauchi. Speaking at the event, CGC Adewale Adeniyi expressed profound gratitude to the ASR Initiative for their generous contribution, emphasising the project's significance in enhancing the welfare of customs officers and the local community. "We are happy to be a recipient of this great project. It will immensely help our officers and the entire community," he stated. Dr. Ubong Udoh, CEO of the ASR Initiative for Africa, extended his appreciation to CGC Adeniyi for honouring his commitment by attending the ceremony. He highlighted the enduring nature of the partnership between the ASR Initiative and the NCS, noting the limitless potential of their collaborative efforts. "I believe the potential of what we can achieve as partners is limitless,&

The flagship of the Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command yesterday said it has generated the sum of N1.023 trillion revenue during the first half of 2024, which represents a 143 percent increase when compared to the sum of N421.3billion recorded by the command within the Same period of 2023. The Controller of the command, Comptroller BA Olomu disclosed this while briefing the media on the command’s activities in the first half of 2024 at the command's headquarters in Apapa Lagos on Monday. Olomu, who said the revenue was generated despite a significant decline in volume of trade  attributed the success recorded to the command’s effort at promoting trade and the ingenuity of officers to block all forms of revenue leakages especially at the bonded terminals under the command.  In his word,  “Our efforts at promoting trade facilitation are yielding good results with attendant ease of doing business, prevention of revenue losses, and closer interactions with sister government ag

The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited Command of Nigeria Customs Service between January and June 2024 generated a total revenue  of N152,648,517,532.05 which represents 49.7% increase above the N101,981,098,502.07 collected within the same period of 2023. The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan in a press release signed on his behalf by the Public Relations Officer of the command, CSC Yakubu Muhammad,   disclosed that the 2024 half year collection is N50,667,419,029.98 higher than previous year's figures in the corresponding period.  Comptroller Daniyan, who expressed confidence that the command will generate more revenue in the second half of the year also charged officers to sustain the precedence of diligent cargo examination He urged examination and releasing officers to always apply diligence, responsibility and higher level of security consciousness in  the course of handling any import or export cargo passing through the command.  Reiterating

The House of Representatives has vowed to investigate the alleged misappropriation of over ₦2 trillion disbursed by the Central Bank of Nigeria through its Anchor Borrowers Scheme, under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure. The decision came after the adoption of a motion sponsored by a member representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency, Imo State,  Chike Okafor, who expressed concerns over the escalating food scarcity and malnutrition in Nigeria, amidst alleged mismanagement of agricultural funds.  He highlighted the importance of agricultural funds to ensure the sector’s development. The motion, which was titled “Alleged mismanagement of government’s agricultural initiatives and funding by Departments, Agencies, and Government programmes outside the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security" the honourable member said, “The House notes that the Federal Government, through various schemes and interventions in the last eight years have spent ove