Skip to main content

Western Marine Customs Makes ₦582m Seizures, Expands Facilities, Decorates 36 Officers With New Ranks

By Anne Ejuka


The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service can rightly be said to be undergoing a quiet revolution in infrasctural development and operational excellence, as the command under the Leadership of Comptroller PN Ntadi recorded a seizures worth over ₦582 million, setting a new standard of preparedness in the fight against smuggling on the western waterways.


Underscoring the Nigeria Customs Service leadership commitment to motivating its workforce, the command the command also decorated 36 newly promoted officers and men of the command .



Since assuming office, Comptroller PN Ntadi has embarked on a mission to transform the Command into a model of discipline, efficiency and resilience. Speaking at a press briefing held at the command's headquarters in Ibafon Lagos, Ntadi unveiled a string of achievements that underscore the Command’s renewed momentum under his leadership.


One of the first challenges the Command tackled was the evacuation of hoodlums who had occupied land outside its perimeter fence for years. With the area reclaimed, a new security post now stands at the Command gate as a first line of defense. A redesigned Quarter Guard and a striking new marine symbol were also unveiled, reinforcing the Command’s identity as Nigeria’s premier maritime enforcement hub.



To boost water-borne patrols, the Command expanded its jetty to accommodate more boats, ensuring quicker response times to infractions. Outstations at Ere and Bar Beach, once neglected, have been fully rehabilitated, while renovation works at Igbokoda station are set to begin later this month.


Fleet efficiency has also improved, with four refurbished patrol boats and two upgraded operational vehicles added to logistics support. Officers now work with better welfare facilities, including a modern canteen and improved sanitary blocks.


On enforcement, the Command has recorded significant seizures that highlight its operational success. Between April and September, Western Marine Command intercepted the following;


1,827 bags of foreign parboiled rice (₦204.6m DPV)


174 sacks of ammonium sulphate and 86 sacks of polypropylene compounds (₦20.1m DPV)


1,312 loaves of imported cannabis variants—Arizona, Scottish, and Ghana Loud—worth over ₦232.8m


42 kegs of smuggled petrol (auctioned), 14 outboard engines, and multiple locally made boats

Altogether, these seizures carry a duty-paid value of over ₦582 million.



The highlight was the handover of the massive cannabis haul to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Where Assistant Commander-General of Narcotics, Apapa Strategic Command, ACGN OB Wakawa, praised Customs for intercepting the illicit drugs, warning that their potency due to genetic modification posed a grave threat to public health and national security.



Adding to the day’s milestones, Comptroller Ntadi decorated 36 officers and men who were recently promoted within the Command. He noted that boosting officers’ morale through recognition and welfare remains central to sustaining efficiency in maritime operations.


Comptroller Ntadi appreciated the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR  for the giving the Command the needed support in its infrastructural renewal drive.


While commending his officers and security partners, particularly NDLEA, for their unwavering collaboration, Ntadi said,  “These developments are not just structures; they are investments in security and efficiency;  “Together, we will continue to secure our maritime borders for the prosperity and safety of our nation.”



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NCS Medical Team Trains Apapa Area Command Officers On First Aid

By Anne Ejuka
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) medical team yesterday trained officers and men of the Apapa Area Command on basic first aid training. ‎ ‎The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba according to a press release issued by the public relations officer of the command, Superintendent of Customs SC JT Ayagbalo described the initiative as a crucial investment in workplace safety and operational readiness. ‎ ‎In his welcome address, Comptroller Oshoba emphasized that the programme reflects the priority placed on staff welfare by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. ‎ ‎He described first aid knowledge as a universal life skill that every adult should possess, especially officers as they are frequently exposed to high-risk operational environments. ‎ ‎ Oshoba noted that simple but timely interventions such as; CPR, bleeding control, choking relief and stroke recognition often determine whether a victim survives, fully recov...
Post a Comment
Read more

NIMASA Reshuffles Management Team For Enhanced Efficiency And Inter-departmental Collaboration

By Anne Ejuka
I n an exercise aimed  at strengthening  inter-departmental collaboration and inject new energy into the system to further improve performance and enhance efficiency across the maritime sector, The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced a strategic redeployment of its management staff as part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery in line with its core mandate.   Under the new structure, according to a press statement issued by Mr. Edward Osagie FNIPR,  Head, Public Relations Officer of the agency, a total of 56 management staff were affected in the exercise. Notable amongst those redeployed are; Hajia Moji Jimoh who becomes Director, Administration and Human Resources; Aishatu Jidda, Director, Planning, Research and Data Management Services; Barr. Heaky Dimowo, Director, Legal Services/Board Secretary; Isichei Osamgbi, Director, SERVICOM; and Mrs. Olubusola Obasanjo-Akande, Director, Western Zone. Othe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Comptroller Otunla Gives Insights On Strategies Adopted In Achieving Mandate At Ogun1 Command

By Anne Ejuka
Comptroller Godwin Aderounmu Otunla, who assumed duties as Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigerian Customs Service Idiroko, Ogun State on Thursday 24th of April 2025 has continued to build on existing successes, strengthening the fight against smuggling and emphasizing his commitment to professionalism and integrity in customs operations. The Comptroller, in an exclusive interview with a group of selected journalists at the command's headquarters in Idiroko last Friday in the presence of the Public Relations Officers of the Command, CSC Chado Zakari revealed strategies he has adopted in achieving his mandate of trade facilitation, anti smuggling and revenue generation not leaving out officers welfare at the command. Excerpts : Question : Sir, having served for upward of 34 years now and reaching the pinnacle rank of Comptroller of Customs, and Customs Area Controller, how would you describe the feelings sir?‎ Response: Yes, am very, very elated with good ...
Post a Comment
Read more