Maritimegistplus

In a strategic move to bolster surveillance and enhance revenue generation, the Surveillance Unit of the Shipping Development Department at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has been granted single-user access to the Windward tool of the C4i intelligence system.  This development extends the application of the C4i facility previously focused on safety and security into shipping development and revenue optimization. By leveraging advanced technology, NIMASA aims to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve maritime surveillance, and block revenue leakages, ensuring a more efficient and transparent system. The Management of NIMASA, under the leadership of Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reiterated its commitment to improving internal processes to achieve optimal performance across all operational areas. The C4i Centre, which stands for Command, Control, Communication, Computer, and Intelligence, is a critical component of the Deep Blue Project. It plays a key r...

The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in its resolve   resolve to keep re-strategizing its operational modalities especially in the area of anti-smuggling activities has continued to pay off, as this has led to the highest singular operational seizure of cannabis sativa under the leadership of Comptroller PK Bamisaiye. The command, in a press release issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Chief Superintendent of Customs CSC Lomba Benjamin disclose that the command on Thursday, 20th February made a seizure of 3,793kg loaves of cannabis sativa popularly know as Indian Hemp contained in 53 sacks weighting 1,958kg with a Duty paid value DPV of  N398,265,000. Commenting on the Seizure, Comptroller Bamisaiye said, his Officers, while acting  on credible intelligence earlier received were patrolling close to Ilase sea beach, at about 200 nautical miles from the Lagos anchorage when they sighted the smugglers. He further stated that the sm...

With the resolve to promptly respond to stakeholders’ feedback on the truck traffic situation along Apapa and Tin Can Island Port Complexes access roads, the Managing Director  Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho paid an unscheduled visit to the Lagos Ports access road, on Monday 17th February, 2025. Speaking during the spot check of critical operational arteries, Dantsoho said, “Such unscheduled visits, which will be frequent, are motivated by our continuous improvement paradigm” Although I have tasked the Port Managers to urgently resolve the areas of concerns raised by the trucking and freight forwarding community, I will continuously follow up directly to ensure compliance and measurable results. “Traffic Management efficiency is a deliverable that we take very seriously, which is why beyond optimizing the electronic call-up (eto), we are working assiduously towards multimodal means of evacuation through barges and the rail lines. Specifically, we will work wi...

...Harps on Professionalism in Their  Endeavours The Zonal Coordinator, Zone 'A', Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Charles Orbih, has commended the out-gone Command Public Relations Officers in the  Zone for their commitment to duty and contributions while serving in the unit  urging them to uphold the values of integrity and professionalism in their future assignments. ACG Orbih gave the commendation on Sunday, 16 February 2025, in Lagos, during a special send-off party organised by the Public Relations Unit, Zone 'A', to celebrate officers leaving the unit. The occasion, according to report by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, CSC Akaninyene Edeminam was marked by heartfelt tributes, commendations, and goodwill messages from senior officers and colleagues. The Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Service Training College, Ikeja, Deputy Comptroller Aminu Ahmed, expressed pride in the officers’ accomplishments. Having trained some of them, he highlighted...

  L-R: International Labour Organisation and Labour Attache, Essah Aniefiok; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Jibril Abba; Secretary General, Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, NMNOWTSSA, Comrade John A. Okpono and representative of the NPA, Captain Maku G. Yurkusi during a three-day Tripartite Technical Session to review 16 proposals for amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 in Lagos. The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is reviewing 16 proposals for amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, often referred to as the 'Seafarers’ Bill of Rights'. This was made public at a three-day Tripartite Technical session which brought together key stakeholders from government, employers, unions, and international maritime partners to review Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to improving maritime labour standards and the welfare of seafarers. The Director Gen...

The Apapa Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in preparation for the deployment of the B’Odogwu platform yesterday conducted a training section for clearing agents and importers operating at the command on the use of the platform.  The training, which was held at the Commands' headquarters is aimed at  equipping agents and importers with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the digital platform and expedite cargo clearance which the platform is deplored in the command. The trainees were taken through the platform’s features, functionalities, and operational procedures. Lead trainer of the B’Odogwu team, Assistant Controller C. Nwachkuwu took the agents on key aspects of the platform including the processing of Form ‘M’ and the Pre – Arrival Assessment Report ( PAAR), explaining that the agents must be onboarded on the B’Odogwu application and possess valid licenses to access the platform. She urged the agents to onboard the platform immediately to avoid de...

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR  has stressed on the importance of unity among maritime journalists showing concerned about the proliferation of different associations of journalists covering the beat saying  that if they should come under one umbrella it would be easy for industry operators to relate with and there would be more for them to benefit. Speaking at the occasion of the award dinner organised in his honour by Nigerian Maritime Journalists in Lagos on Thursday recognition of his excellent performance since he assumed office as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service 18 months ago. The CGC, who was accompanied to the occasion by three  Assistant Comptroller General (ACGs) including ACG in charge of Zone A, ACG Charles Orbih, all Customs Area Controllers in the Zone and their various Public Relations Officers, long time friends of the CGC appreciated the fact that the maritime journalists we...

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding Practice In Nigeria (CRFFN) have commenced a partnership deal that is designed for the growth and development of the country’s shipping sector. This collaboration is sequel to a visit of the Registrar/CEO of the CRFFN, Mr. Kingsley Onyekachi Igwe to the headquarters of NPA in Mariner Lagos. Leading other top management of the Authority, the Managing Director/CEO of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, accorded a warm reception to the visiting team. It was gathered that their discussions focused on strengthening partnerships and enhancing industry growth in the Nigeria maritime subsector.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has emphasised the importance of collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigerian ports. During a courtesy visit to the NPA on Thursday, 13 February 2025, the CGC noted that the success of the NCS is closely tied to the effectiveness of the ports, saying, "If we get it right in our ports, we will get it right in the Service".  He further stated: "We have a number of initiatives that we are pursuing, and we need the critical buy-in of a stakeholder like the NPA for those initiatives to succeed". The CGC commended the existing collaboration between the NCS and the NPA, highlighting the success achieved at the Export Processing Terminal. He expressed optimism about implementing similar initiatives in the eastern ports to boost export activities. "The Nigeria Customs Service is ready to work with our po...

Seme  Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has welcomed Comptroller Benedict Oramalugo, as its new Customs Area Controller, following the retirement of his predecessor, Compt Kayode Kolade. Comptroller Oramalugo, an accomplished and seasoned officer, officially assumed duty on Tuesday, 11th February 2025, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to effective border management and trade facilitation. The change of leadership was marked by a brief handing-over ceremony at the ECOWAS complex of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post (JBP) was attended by stakeholders and media men. During the ceremony, Deputy Comptroller Enforcement, DC Istifanus D. Musa, who had been overseeing the Command following the retirement of the former Area Controller, welcomed Comptroller Oramalugo assuring  him of the commitment, support, and cooperation of all officers and men of the Command. In his inaugural address, Comptroller Oramalugo expressed appreciation for the effor...

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has finally  handed over 1,599 assorted arms and 2,298 live cartridges to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) sized at the TinCan Island command since 2018. The arms, contained in three containers were formally handed over to the NCCSALW on Thursday, 13 February 2025, at the headquarters of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone 'A', Ikeja, Lagos. The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi MFR stated that the handover ceremony demonstrates the NCS’s commitment to protecting national borders and maintaining public safety. “We will spare no resource in hunting down, exposing, and prosecuting anyone who attempts to compromise our national security through arms trafficking,” he said. The CGC also commended the professionalism and courage of officers involved in the seizures and the Forensics Unit for their role in securing convictions. While assuring the public of the Service’s commitment to...

The newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Command, Comptroller Aliyu Mohammed Alkali has reaffirmed his commitment to facilitating trade and ensuring compliance within the Zone.   As part of his efforts to enhance collaboration and drive economic activities, Comptroller Alkali recently engaged with key stakeholders, including government agencies, enterprises, shipping companies, and industry associations operating within the Free Trade Zone. According to the statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASC ll PI GIMBA,  the Comptroller,  had during a strategic meeting with representatives from various government agencies and other stakeholders in the zone emphasized the importance of compliance with trade regulations, urging freight forwarders and enterprises to finalize their Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) on pre-release approval within 14 days of transaction completion.  He noted that adherence to these...

A former National President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and Chairman of Skelas Group, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, will be leading other maritime industry stakeholders as the Chairman to  the much-anticipated award dinner being organised by Nigerian Maritime Journalists to honour the excellent performance of the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, later today  The event, which will hold at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Awolowo Road, Ikeja, Lagos State, by 6pm, is expected to have the creme de la creme of the maritime industry from CEOs of government agencies to freight forwarding /customs brokers bigwigs, top ship owners, terminal operators, shipping lines, regulators, among others. Nigerian Maritime Journalists, comprising all the associations covering the maritime beat, have come together to honour the Customs CG as the “Iconic Maritime Personality of the year 2024" The need for the Nigerian maritime media practi...

The TinCan Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made an outstanding performance in the area of revenue generation as the command made a total of N116,412,735,766.23 in the month of January 2025 This, according to the Customs Area Comptroller of the command CAC,  Compt. Frank Onyeka represents  a significant increase of N27,982,609,643.47 when compared with the sum of  N88,430,126,122.76 generated by the command in same month of the preceding year 2024, this represents a 24.06% increase. Comptroller Frank while engaging critical stakeholders in the command recently, expressed optimism regarding the continued growth, stating that the Command is on track to surpass its 2025 annual target of N1,524,699,999,478.52, as he is taking adequate steps to maintain the momentum throughout the year. On some of his reforms introduced in the Command so far, Comptroller Onyeka said he is creating a more trade-friendly environment for all port activities to strive. He reite...

In a continued effort to improve on stakeholders engagement with a view to  facilitate trade and efficiency in Customs operations, the Customs Area Controller of the TinCan Island Port Command (TCIP) of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Frank Onyeka has called on stakeholders to always accurate declaration to avoid undue delay and penalties. Speaking at a stakeholders meeting with the Executives members of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Tincan Port Chapter on Wednesday, Comptroller Onyeka emphasised that full and accurate declarations are essential in enhancing the ease of doing business and facilitating smooth trade operations. The Controller noted that ensuring proper declaration of goods through customs processes does not only help in fostering transparency but also plays a critical role in combating illicit trade practices, reducing delays at the ports, and enhancing national revenue collection. "Proper declarations are the foundation of an e...

The Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) has announced an upward review of 15% of its tarriff after 32 years in operation, citing needs for competitiveness and infrastructuaral upgrade. The Managing Director of the Nigerian ports Authority Abubakar Dantsoho made this known during a stakeholders meeting held in Lagos, he said the authority was compelled by the exigency of bringing Nigerian ports up to speed with those of its peers in terms of infrastructure and equipment, to seek approval of the rates review, which has been approved by the Federal Government. The MD, who was represented by Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director Marine and Operation,  said the management decision to meet with stakeholders on the issue of rates increase was borne out of desire to carry everyone along. “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 e...

The Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR has acknowledged the immensed  contribution of Importers, Exporters Clearing agents and other stakeholders in actualising the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023. The service had expressed this in a press release issued on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs by the National Public rlRelations Officer of the service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada.  The statement reads in full, "The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that the Service proudly recognizes the invaluable contributions of stakeholders in shaping and actualising the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023 which replaces the long-standing Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) and other related laws is a product of extensive consultations, constructive dialogue, and collaborative efforts with key industry players, government agencies, and other stakeholders. Their insights, Expertise...

Following the recent reshufflement within the public relations unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Superintendent of Customs, Oscar Enya Ivara has resumed duties as the Public Relations Officer of the TinCan lsland Port Command of the service. Born on April 6, 1978 in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, South-South Nigeria, Ivara has a BSc in Business Administration from a South-West University in Ogun state and further proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria for his post graduate Diploma in Public Administration. He  also enrolled for his Masters Degree at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers state where he bagged an MSc in Customs Administration and Border Management Ivara, who is a public Relations expert and a Member Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Joined the Service in February 2009 as a cadet inspector, he has worked in the following Commands: Station Officer, Bauchi/Gombe Area Command, Patrol officer under the Enforcement Unit, Ogun 1 Are...