Maritimegistplus

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...

The Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to leadership continuity through its Succession Planning Programme held in Lagos recently. The initiative is designed to sustain excellence, preserve institutional memory and ensure uninterrupted leadership transition within the organization. In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary/CEO, of Nigerian Shipper’s Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, who was represented by the Director Strategic Planning and Research, Mr. Rotimi Anifowose emphasized that succession planning is crucial for the Council's resilience and future readiness.  He further noted that the initiative aligns with the Council’s vision of strengthening leadership capacity and ensure that the organization remains resilient, future-ready and capable of fulfilling its mandate as the nation’s port economic regulatory agency.  He encouraged participants to take the programme seriously, engage actively, and reflect on how they can contribute to buildin...

R esidents of Natufe Estate and surrounding communities in the Bode Thomas area of Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday defied heavy rainfall to protest the alleged construction of a cemetery within their neighbourhood. The protest, which drew large crowds from Natufe, Animashaun, and adjoining streets, took place at the disputed site, a wide expanse of land off Babs Animashaun Road, bordered by residential buildings, a school, and a church, just a few metres from the Bode Thomas junction traffic light. Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “No Cemetery Here”, “Our Health Matters”, and “Protect Our Children, Stop the Cemetery Project”, the demonstrators accused the developers of attempting to force the project on them without community consent. Health And Environmental Concerns Speaking during the protest, some residents said the proposed burial ground poses grave health risks due to potential groundwater contamination and environmental hazards. Mr. Seyi Oluwafolalu, a resident, war...

The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously conferred one of its highest international honours on the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the 23rd Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army, with his induction into the prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF). The distinguished recognition, which took place on Monday, 13 October 2025,  was conferred during the opening ceremony of the ongoing Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, Washington D.C., United States of America. In a solemn but yet colourful ceremony,  the Commandant of the USAWC, Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, presented the posthumous honour in acknowledgment of the late General Lagbaja’s sterling leadership, visionary service and exceptional contributions to the advancement of military professionalism and international peace and security.  The recognition, according to a statement from the Acting ...

  ...Seeks Monarchs’ Support Against Smuggling, Promotes Community Partnership The Customs Area Controller, in charge of Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, has paid courtesy visits to three prominent monarchs in Oyo State, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye; and the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, in a bid to strengthen community relations and deepen collaboration. In a statement signed by the command's Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Abdulmalik Akintola, the visits which took place on Tuesday, 8 October 2025, formed part of Comptroller Aliyu’s ongoing efforts to foster synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and host communities in promoting trade facilitation, revenue generation and the fight against smuggling. Speaking during the engagements, Comptroller Aliyu lauded the revered monarchs for their pivotal roles in maintaining peace, unity, and social cohes...