Maritimegistplus

The notorious traffic gridlock that once crippled Apapa and its environs is gradually resurfacing, threatening to paralyze movement and port operations once again. Despite previous interventions, residents, commuters, and port workers are now facing renewed evening congestion as truckers and tankers swarm the port access roads daily. Investigations by the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) reveal that while Apapa roads remain relatively free during the day, a long trail of trucks begins forming by evening from both the Costain and Mile 2 entry points. From the Ijora-Olopa Bridge to Apapa and from Coconut Bus Stop to Tin Can Island’s gates, trucks line up in droves, allegedly paying between N30,000 and ₦50,000 to secure a spot in the queue. Sources alleged that some officials of key agencies—including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria P...

The Comptroller-General of the the Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi mfr has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s readiness to cement collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in combating human trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species. CGC Adeniyi made this commitment on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, when a delegation from NAPTIP paid him a courtesy visit at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja. The customs boss, who appreciated the visit, commended the delegation for their continued service to the country and assured them of Customs’ unwavering support, noting that Nigeria’s security challenges require joint action  He stressed that the Service does not view crimes solely through the lens of smuggling but through broader national security implications. “We believe in the power of collaboration. We can achieve more with less when we work together.” He said. The CGC revealed that the Service has...

The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind,  Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs,  ACG Kola Oladeji, on Tuesday, 28th October 2025,  at the Command Headquarters, Birnin Kebbi,  handed over a truck with registration number NSR26ZL, laden with 60,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The coordinator, according to a press release issued by the Assistant Public Relations Officer of the command,  Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, ASC1  Mubarak Mustapha, was ably represented at the occassion by the Customs Area Controller, Kebbi Command, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim fdc, In his remarks, Comptroller Matawalle stated that the exercise aligns with the vision and directive of the National Coordinator to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, promote transparency and accountability, and ensure proper handling, investigation and disposal of petroleum products s...

In view of the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc MNIPS PhD has ordered respective Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to intensify intelligence-driven operations and coordinated security raids across identified flashpoints in their respective Areas of jurisdiction in the State.  The strategic move according to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga is aimed at nipping in the bud any emerging threats of political thuggery, cult-related violence and the illegal possession of firearms, with the overall goal of ensuring a secure and peaceful electoral environment. The Commissioner noted that credible intelligence reports indicate that certain individuals and groups, acting on behalf of political interests, may be mobilizing youths for violent activities before and duri...

The Customs Area Controller of the Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Comptroller Joe Anani, has announced a revenue sum of ₦350,347,173,787.92 generated within the first 9 months of 2025 (January to September 2025) This figure, according to the CAC is 96.64% and almost equal to the ₦362,521,085,250.98 that was collected by the Command from January to December, 2024. Comptroller Anani also diclosed that the Command intercepted a 1X20FT container with marks and number GCNU1275880 falsely declared as supermarket items but upon 100% examination was found to contain pharmaceutical drugs. He also revealed that the command in the third quarter of  2025,  generated a total revenue of ₦116,243,603,670.58 revenue which is 34.3 percent higher than the ₦86,584,012,733.43 that was collected during the third quarter of 2024. A comparative analysis of the Command’s revenue performance in the last quarter shows that the command has mainta...

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)has announced that its operatives intercepted a substance suspected to be hard drugs along the Gbaji–Seme Road. The Comptroller of the unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, made the disclosure during a brief handing over that took place in his office on Wednesday, 22nd October 2025. According to a statement issued by the command Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, CSC Hussaini Abdullahi, the Comptroller stated that the interception took place at about 1700 hours on the 17th of October, 2025, when a patrol team, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Uduak Monday. The suspect was reportedly found in possession of a nylon bag tightly wrapped with sellotape. He stated that upon examination, the contents of the bag was discovered to be Ice Crystal Methamphetamine weighing 25 kilograms, with an estimated street value of ₦562,500,000. Shuaibu said that “the seizure underscores the un...

The TinCan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, on Friday, 24th October 2025 handed over seized illicit drugs worth over #5.3 billion recently intercepted by the command to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka at the brief handing over ceremony revealed that the drugs which were recovered in two 40ft containers were concealed in motor vehicles ladened in the containers, attributing the seizures as testaments to the Command’s resolve to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring compliance with international trade regulations. Giving account of the seizures,  the Area Controller said; "the first container, with number HLXU8500072 and Bill of Lading Number HLCUTOR2506000834, originating from Montreal, Canada, was intercepted on 4th of September 2025 through meticulous intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts. Upon 100% physical examination, jointly conducted with other relevant ...

The Customs Area Controller of Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu,  has commended the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) for its long-standing partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and its unwavering compliance with existing trade regulations. According to a press statement issued by the Command's Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC I) Abdulmalik Akintola, Comptroller Aliyu made the commendation during a familiarisation visit to the company’s facility recently, where he and his team were received by the Director of Operations, Hasnain Ishtiaq. Speaking during the visit, the CAC commended BATN’s operational standards and its significant contributions to the tobacco manufacturing sector in Nigeria and beyond. He highlighted the socio-economic impact of BATN’s activities, noting that the company’s operations significantly contribute to national revenue generation, job creation and industrial development. "The company’s ...

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, has commended Nigeria for strengthening its maritime administration and advancing the effective implementation of IMO instruments. In a letter dated October 9, 2025, and addressed to the NIMASA DG/CEO, Mr. Dominguez lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), particularly the impact of the Deep Blue Project in reducing piracy within Nigeria’s territorial waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea region. Parts of the letter reads, “I was particularly pleased to see first-hand the important work being undertaken by NIMASA to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime administration and to advance the effective implementation of IMO instruments,” the IMO Secretary-General stated. “Your Agency’s efforts to enhance maritime safety, security, and environmental protection clearly demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to upholding international standards and supporting the objectiv...

The Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has charged newly promoted Deputy and Assistant Comptrollers of Customs to embrace innovation, integrity, and continuous learning as they assume higher responsibilities within the Service. The training session, which is aimed at equiping the newly promoted officers with advanced knowledge and leadership skills essential for driving Customs modernization and effective trade facilitation was hosted on Wednesday 22nd October 2025 at the headquarters of the command in Apapa Lagos. According to a press release issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, SC JT Ayagbalo, the Area Controller of command, Comptroller Oshoba while speaking at the opening session had congratulated the participants on their career advancement, describing their promotions as both a reward for hard work and a call to greater service, emphasizing that the new ranks come with increased expectations ...

In a landmark meeting held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ headquarters in Lagos, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Customs Mohammed Babandede warmly hosted Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Festus Chinedu Oko (psc) of the Maritime Police Command, Lagos. This high-level courtesy visit according to the Public Relations Officer of Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service Chief Superintendent of Customs CSC Akaninyene Edeminam was a pivotal moment aimed at deepening inter-agency collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Police Force In his speech, AIG Festus Oko commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its unwavering dedication, professionalism in trade facilitation, and crucial role in protecting lives. He underscored that the service’s role in revenue collection and trade facilitation remains absolutely pivotal to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and stability. In his remarks during the visit, Z...

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...

The TinCan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),  has successfully concluded a comprehensive in-house training programme held between Monday, 13th October to Friday, 17th October 2025. The week long training, aimed at enhancing the capacity and professionalism of its senior officers.  brought together officers from various units and departments to strengthen core competencies and operational efficiency. Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka emphasized the importance of continuous learning and capacity development, encouraging officers to take full advantage of such opportunities to sharpen their skills and stay abreast of evolving operational demands. Comptroller Onyeka, in a statement released by the Public Relations Officer, (PRO) of the command, CSC Oscar Ivara, said the training is not just a routine exercise but an investment in the growth of the personnel of the Service, he stated. “...

In a visit that underscored unity of purpose and the power of collaboration, the Secretary-General of the IMO, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, engaged with Nigeria’s leadership to strengthen maritime partnerships, deepen capacity, and reaffirm the country’s rising influence in global maritime affairs. His engagements, from his courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to his tours of key maritime infrastructure and the Institute of Maritime Studies at the University of Lagos, among others; reflected a renewed momentum in Nigeria’s blue economy journey. Oluwafemi Kumuyi highlights the importance of this visit and its implications for the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector. “No man is an island,” goes the old saying; a reminder that progress, whether personal or institutional, is rarely achieved in isolation. Every thriving system is built on the strength of its partnerships, the alignment of shared visions, and the willingness to work together for common good. This principle sits at...

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 ...

The Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius MON, has called for sensitization of staff on the insurance scheme proposed by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).  This call was made during a courtesy visit by NSITF officials to the NSC Headquarters in Lagos recently. Dr. Akutah, represented by the Director of Human Resources Management, Alhaji Mustapha Zubairu, emphasized the NSC's commitment to prioritizing staff insurance and health, citing existing policies with positive impacts on employees' lives. He requested NSITF to strengthen its legal framework to enable the NSC to fully benefit from the scheme. NSITF's Head of  the team, Mr. Adegbite Oludotun explained that the organization provides compensation for insured government employees in case of injury, disability, or death during active service.  He appreciated the NSC for registering with the scheme and assured adequate compensation for employee claims and saf...